Rare German Self-Propelled Howitzer Prototype
The 10.5 cm leFH 18/40/2 auf Geschützwagen III/IV was an experimental German self-propelled artillery vehicle designed to give field units a weapon that could operate both from an armoured chassis and as a conventional ground-mounted howitzer.
Built using the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis later associated with vehicles such as the Hummel and Nashorn, it carried a modified 10.5 cm light field howitzer inside an open-topped armoured fighting compartment.
Only one prototype was completed, making this unusual vehicle an outstanding addition to rare-armour collections, factory scenes and alternative-history dioramas.
The Story Behind the Vehicle
At a German testing ground, engineers prepare to remove the howitzer from its armoured carrier. The gun’s wheels and carriage components have been unloaded from the rear while a crew checks the lifting equipment.
Within minutes, the weapon can be positioned on the ground as conventional field artillery. The empty vehicle can then travel back to an ammunition point and return carrying additional shells and propellant charges.
The design promises impressive flexibility, but its mechanical complexity, specialised equipment and production demands work against it. The prototype demonstrates what is possible, yet the factory order never proceeds.
Historical Background
Alkett developed the vehicle as a mobile weapon carrier using the combined Panzer III/IV-derived Geschützwagen chassis. Its main armament was the 10.5 cm leFH 18/40/2 L/28 light field howitzer.
The weapon could be fired directly from the vehicle’s open-topped armoured compartment. It could also be removed and fitted to a conventional wheeled carriage for use as ground-based artillery.
This allowed the tracked chassis to serve as an ammunition carrier while the gun remained in position. Gun-carriage wheels and associated equipment were transported on the rear of the vehicle.
A production run was proposed, but delays and changing German priorities prevented it from proceeding. The order was cancelled before any production vehicles were completed, leaving the original prototype as the only finished example.
Perfect for Dioramas Featuring
German prototype testing grounds
Factory inspection and development scenes
Artillery crews dismounting the howitzer
Ammunition loading and resupply
Field workshops and maintenance areas
Railway transport of experimental vehicles
Late-war weapons-development facilities
Officers examining a new prototype
Alternative-history artillery units
Rare German vehicle collections
Interesting Fact
The complete howitzer could be removed and placed on a wheeled field carriage. The tracked chassis could then operate as an ammunition carrier before returning to collect the gun.
Fun Fact
This vehicle did not merely carry its own gun—it also brought the wheels so the howitzer could get out and work independently!
Model Features
Rare one-off German prototype configuration
Detailed 10.5 cm leFH 18/40/2 howitzer
Open-topped armoured fighting compartment
Geschützwagen III/IV tracked chassis
Eight road wheels on each side
Detailed gun mounting and muzzle brake
Rear-mounted field-gun equipment
Engine-deck grilles, tools and hull fittings
Ideal for factory or experimental 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 Dunkelgelb dark-yellow base coat. Complete the tracks, tools and markings before adding dust, mud, paint wear and camouflage.
Painting and Weathering Ideas
Finish the vehicle in German Dunkelgelb with dark steel tracks and polished wear across the raised track surfaces. Add restrained scratches, workshop grime and chalk markings for a prototype undergoing evaluation.
For an alternative combat vehicle, add red-brown and olive-green camouflage, heavier mud, fuel stains and tactical markings. Engineers, lifting equipment, ammunition crates and the dismounted howitzer would create an especially unusual display.
Please Note
This vehicle remained an experimental prototype and did not enter series production. It should not be confused with the earlier 10.5 cm leFH 18/1 auf Geschützwagen IVb or the 15 cm-armed Hummel.
This detailed resin model is intended for adult collectors and diorama builders. Figures, tools, scenery, decals and accessories shown in promotional scenes are not included unless specifically listed in the selected product package.
