Introduction

This self propelled gun was an early war effort on the part of Germany for a bunker busting gun that could engage and destroy hard fortifications from beyond effective counter fire. Only two of the vehicle were produced and sent to the Eastern Front for combat trials. One of these vehicles was destroyed by fire without firing a shot in anger so far as I can tell, but the other served well into 1942. The weapons system seems to have been effective in combat but the mechanicals of the Panzer IV hull did not perform as well, suffering various issues with brakes and turning and I suspect that by the time consideration was given to further development alternative vehicles were in the works.

Review

This offering from Hobby Boss arrives in a robust cardboard tray and separate lid. The contents are well packaged in a number of plastic bags with additional protection in the form of foam where Hobby Boss feels it benefits. An examination of the contents reveals no moulding issues of concern and the gates are of a reasonable size and not excessive in number. The parts count looks about right for a 1/48th scale model of this size and incorporates some nice detail.

The lower hull of this release is a single piece with a separate rear panel. Inside is a surprising amount of detail for a kit of this scale due to the steering and drive tunnel being provided, it is a single moulding but does the job well of convincing the eye. The firewall is present as is a large box hiding the engine bay and creating the floor of the weapons station.

The wheels are all individual as are the suspension units; detail in this area is reasonable and should not generate complaints. The wheel stations set the wheels in a neutral position with the tracks being provided in the link and length method; this provides you with superior detail to rubber band style tracks and not being vinyl means they will not break down as you weather the model and at the same time are not as difficult to tackle as all individual track links.

The upper surface of the model has a lot of nicely moulded on detail in addition to added parts; the result of this is a logical layout with good detail and even the drivers’ hatches can be depicted open. There are a number of small parts present that may prove to be taxing but there is no photo etch and so it’s not all bad news on that front. There is one negative in the form of the infamous Hobby Boss copper wire for the tow cable and I strongly advice an alternate material is used.

The fighting compartment has very nice detail on both the inside and out including the roof section which surprised me. Ammunition bins are also replicated and the way they have been tackled means having an open one with a shell being extracted is possible. The breach of the gun has a pleasing level of detail as you would expect and with careful painting and weathering should be eye catching. The gun barrel has been moulded in one piece with the addition of a separate muzzle brake which makes life easier for the modeller.

Two finishing options have been included and in typical Hobby Boss style not provided any details. Luckily in the case of this model only two were built and tested on the Eastern Front with  Panzerjäger Abteilung 521 and so at least its easy to find the information.

Conclusion

I have not been impressed with many 1/48th scale model releases as they are often over simplified, but in this case there is a decent level of detail provided. I was surprised to find the drivers’ area tackled as well as it is and it is a very nice touch. We have the usual issue of Hobby Boss not providing details on the finishes covered but that is not a big issue with this release with only two produced.