Rare German Self-Propelled Howitzer Prototype

The 10.5 cm leFH 18/1 auf Geschützwagen IVb was an advanced German self-propelled artillery design created to provide armoured formations with mobile, protected fire support.

Also known as the Sd.Kfz. 165/1, it combined a specially modified Panzer IV-derived chassis with an open-topped fighting turret carrying the 10.5 cm leFH 18/1 field howitzer.

Its unusual six-road-wheel suspension, prominent muzzle brake and angular fighting compartment give the vehicle a distinctive appearance. Only a small experimental batch was constructed, making it an excellent choice for collectors of rare prototypes and unusual German armour.

The Story Behind the Vehicle

A Geschützwagen IVb takes position behind a ruined village during an Eastern Front field trial. The crew removes the protective cover and begins preparing the howitzer while an observer relays target coordinates.

Unlike many self-propelled guns, the weapon can traverse through a wide arc without requiring the driver to turn the entire vehicle. The crew quickly adjusts its aim and loads a heavy high-explosive shell.

The design performs well, but German commanders want a weapon with complete turret rotation and the ability to operate independently from its chassis. The IVb’s development ends, leaving it as a rare glimpse of an alternative path for German mobile artillery.

Historical Background

Krupp developed the Geschützwagen IVb as a purpose-built self-propelled howitzer rather than a simple conversion of an obsolete tank.

Its chassis was derived from the Panzer IV but substantially redesigned and shortened. Six enlarged road wheels replaced the Panzer IV’s usual eight smaller wheels, while lighter armour reduced weight and improved mobility.

The open-topped fighting turret carried the 10.5 cm leFH 18/1 L/28 howitzer. Its large muzzle brake helped control recoil, and the mounting provided approximately 70 degrees of total traverse.

A small number of vehicles were completed, with several reportedly sent to the Eastern Front for operational trials. However, the design did not enter mass production. German requirements shifted toward fully traversable and removable-gun systems, while the simpler Wespe became the practical production solution for mobile 10.5 cm artillery.

Perfect for Dioramas Featuring

Eastern Front artillery positions
German prototype field trials
Armoured artillery supporting an advance
Ammunition loading and resupply
Artillery observers directing fire
Factory inspection and acceptance scenes
Railway transportation of rare vehicles
Field maintenance and track repairs
Winter camouflage and snow conditions
Alternative-history German formations

Interesting Fact

The gun mounting could traverse approximately 35 degrees to either side. This allowed the crew to engage targets across a wide arc without constantly repositioning the entire vehicle.

Fun Fact

The Geschützwagen IVb could swing its howitzer through a generous arc—but not far enough for the crew to call its open fighting compartment a proper turret!

Model Features

Rare Geschützwagen IVb prototype configuration
Detailed 10.5 cm leFH 18/1 howitzer
Prominent double-baffle muzzle brake
Open-topped fighting turret
Modified Panzer IV-derived chassis
Six enlarged road wheels on each side
Detailed suspension and tracks
Ammunition storage and fighting-compartment details
Tools, hatches and external hull fittings
Ideal for prototype and artillery dioramas
Detailed resin scale model
Made in Australia

Available Scales

1:87 – HO: Model railways and compact scenes
1:76 – OO: Railway layouts and military collections
1:72: Small-scale military displays
1:48: Detailed tabletop and diorama scenes
1:35: Large, highly detailed displays
Custom scaling available on request

Choose Your Finish

Unpainted and CleanedSupplied in natural grey resin, cleaned and ready for final preparation, priming and painting.

Grey PrimedSupplied with an even grey primer coat, providing a clean surface ready for your chosen colours, markings and weathering.

Historical Base ColourSupplied with a German Panzer Grey base coat suitable for its 1942 testing period. Complete the tracks, tools and markings before adding mud, dust and paint wear.

Painting and Weathering Ideas

Finish the vehicle in dark Panzer Grey with dusty highlights, dark steel tracks and polished wear on frequently handled surfaces. Add earth tones around the suspension and soot around the gun and engine deck.

For an Eastern Front winter vehicle, apply an uneven temporary whitewash over the grey. Worn edges, streaking and patches of exposed base colour will create a convincing field-applied appearance.

Please Note

This vehicle was an experimental design produced only in very limited numbers. It should not be confused with the later Heuschrecke removable-gun prototype or the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis used for the Hummel and Nashorn.

This detailed resin model is intended for adult collectors and diorama builders. Figures, ammunition, scenery, decals and accessories shown in promotional scenes are not included unless specifically listed in the selected product package.

10.5 cm leFH 18/1 auf Geschützwagen IVb

Name: 10.5 cm leFH 18/1 auf Geschützwagen IVb
Price: 9.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

$9.95

Scale

Finish

Quantity

Model Accuracy & Variations
Every effort is made to produce accurate, highly detailed scale models. However, the level of visible detail will vary depending on the scale selected.
When a model is reduced to smaller scales, some very fine features may need to be thickened, simplified or removed to ensure the model prints reliably and remains durable.
Extremely small details such as aerials, thin handrails, mirrors, weapon barrels, cables and other delicate components may not reproduce reliably at smaller scales and may not be included in the finished model.
Minor variations in surface finish, support marks, colour tone or part fit may also occur as part of the resin 3D-printing process.
Product images are representative. The final appearance may vary slightly depending on the selected scale and finish.
Orders are shipped throughout Australia using Australia Post.
Customers may choose from available shipping options at checkout, including regular post or tracked Parcel Post, where available.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout, or confirmed as part of a custom quote, depending on package size, weight and destination.
For tracked services, tracking details will be provided once the order has been dispatched. Regular post may not include tracking.
Additional shipping cover may be applied to higher-value orders where appropriate.
As most products are printed to order, dispatch occurs once production and final preparation are complete.
Customer pickup is not currently available.
All standard base-colour finishes are airbrushed using SMS – The Scale Modellers Supply Premium paints, an Australian model-paint range formulated specifically for airbrushing.
Our standard WWII base colours include:
US – SMS US Olive Drab FS33070
German – SMS Dunkelgelb RAL 7028
British – SMS Olive Drab SCC No.15
Australian – SMS Khaki Green G3
SMS Premium paints are supplied ready for airbrushing and are used to provide a consistent, high-quality base coat.
Custom base colours: Because our models are printed and finished to order, customers may request a different SMS colour or provide a HEX, RGB, RAL, Federal Standard or other colour reference. We will select or mix the closest practical SMS paint match.
Digital colour references such as HEX codes are used as a colour guide only. Screen colours and physical paint finishes can vary, so an exact digital-to-paint match cannot be guaranteed.
Models are produced using high-detail resin 3D printing. Resin models may contain small, delicate components and should be handled with care.
Minor support marks or light surface preparation may be visible on unpainted models. Before painting, gently clean the model if required and use a suitable hobby primer.
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, direct sunlight or excessive force, as thin or delicate parts may warp, bend or break.
For long-term display, keep models in a cool, dry location away from strong direct sunlight.
Each listing includes the model or model set shown and described in the product listing, supplied in the selected scale and finish.
Unless specifically stated, scenery, figures, vehicles, display bases and other background items shown in product images are not included.
Some larger or more complex models may be supplied in multiple parts to achieve the best print quality, reduce the risk of damage during shipping and allow easier assembly.
Minor assembly, sanding or cleanup may be required depending on the model and selected scale.
Clean Unpainted Resin – cleaned and ready for preparation, priming and painting.
Grey Primed – supplied with an even grey primer coat, ready for painting.
Historical Base Color – supplied in a single historically appropriate base colour selected for the vehicle or equipment:
US – Olive Drab
German – Dunkelgelb
British – SCC 15 Olive Drab
Australian – Khaki Green
Historical base colours are intended as an appropriate starting colour rather than a fully painted or weathered finish. Exact shades varied during WWII due to paint batches, manufacturers, operational theatre, weathering and fading.

Print-to-order colour requests: Because models are produced to order, customers may request a specific base colour or provide a HEX colour reference. We will match the requested colour as closely as practical. Custom colour requests should be noted at checkout or confirmed before ordering. Additional charges may apply for specialised colours or finishes.
Production time: Standard production time is generally 7–10 business days, depending on model, scale, quantity and finish selected.
Please inspect your order as soon as it arrives. If a model is damaged during delivery, incorrect, or has a manufacturing fault, please contact us promptly with your order number and clear photographs of the item and packaging so we can review the issue.
Because most models are printed to order and may be produced in a customer-selected scale or finish, change-of-mind returns may not be available.
This does not affect any rights or remedies available under Australian Consumer Law.

Rare German Self-Propelled Howitzer Prototype

The Story Behind the Vehicle

Historical Background

Perfect for Dioramas Featuring

Interesting Fact

Fun Fact

Model Features

Available Scales

Choose Your Finish

Painting and Weathering Ideas

Please Note

10.5 cm leFH 18/1 auf Geschützwagen IVb

Model Accuracy & Variations

Shipping Info

Paints & Base Colours

Material & Care

What’s Included

Production & Finish Options

Returns & Damaged Orders