1/35 10.5cm leFH 16(Sf) auf Geschutzwagen FCM36(f), WWII German self-propelled howitzer

This self-propelled howitzer was created as an artillery support vehicle. It was based on the captured French FCM 36 tank and armed with the German 105 mm leFH 16 howitzer. The design came from German engineer and artilleryman Alfred Becker, working with Alkett. The powertrain and much of the FCM 36 hull were left unchanged, the howitzer sat in an open-topped armoured superstructure, and an MG 34 machine gun served as secondary armament.

The howitzers were intended to operate together with 75 mm self-propelled anti-tank guns within a single unit and could fire both directly and from concealed positions. Both types served with the Schnelle Brigade West, whose units were later transferred to the 21st Panzer Division.

The ICM kit in 1/35 scale has 295 parts, and the finished model measures approximately 161 × 69 mm. The decals cover three options from 1943: Brigade West, the 931st assault gun battalion in France, and the Brigade West training camp in summer 1943. The open superstructure with its howitzer invites detailed work on the fighting compartment. Paints and glues required for assembly are not included.

Nationality: Germany. Period: World War II.