17cm Cannone 18 Matterhorn
Recreate one of the Wehrmacht’s imposing long-range artillery pieces with the 17cm Cannone 18 Matterhorn. This finely detailed model represents the uncommon heavy-artillery Matterhorn drawing variant, earning it our RARE FIND badge and making it an especially distinctive choice for specialist artillery collections.
Historical Role
The 17 cm Kanone 18 was a German heavy field gun employed during the Second World War. Operated by schwere Artillerie units, it was intended for long-range bombardment, counter-battery fire and the engagement of fortified positions or important targets behind enemy lines. Its range and powerful shell made it a valuable corps-level artillery weapon, although its considerable size required careful positioning and transport.
Distinctive Appearance
The gun is immediately recognisable by its exceptionally long barrel, substantial box-section carriage and large road wheels. Its mounting was related to the carriage used by the 21 cm Mörser 18 and incorporated a firing platform that enabled wide traverse once deployed. The Matterhorn interpretation is based on an uncommon heavy-artillery drawing variant, giving collectors an unusual alternative to more familiar representations of the standard weapon without implying separate production or operational history.
Modelling Uses
This model suits late-war Wehrmacht artillery positions, counter-battery scenes, transport columns and carefully prepared firing emplacements. It can provide an impressive focal point for military dioramas, period model railways, wargaming displays and collections devoted to German heavy artillery. Smaller scales work well for broader battlefield layouts, while larger versions offer greater presence and painting potential for collectors.
Fun Fact
The 17 cm Kanone 18 used an unusual double-recoil arrangement: the barrel recoiled in its cradle while the upper carriage also moved against the lower mounting. This helped manage the forces generated when firing such a powerful long-range weapon.
Available Scales
1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.
Finish Options
Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
