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Divisional Artillery with Improved Muzzle Brake

The 10.5 cm leFH 18M was an improved version of Germany’s standard WWII light field howitzer. Combining a powerful 105 mm weapon with a stable split-trail carriage, it provided German divisions with reliable artillery support across almost every major theatre of the war.

The distinctive muzzle brake identifies the improved “M” model. It allowed the gun to use a stronger propellant charge and fire a long-range shell considerably farther than the original leFH 18.

With its detailed gun shield, recoil mechanism, spoked wheels and extended trails, this model is ideal for artillery batteries, ammunition-resupply scenes and vehicles being towed toward the front.

The Story Behind the Gun

A leFH 18M stands concealed beside a damaged farmhouse while its crew prepares another fire mission. The towing half-track has moved away, leaving ammunition crates stacked safely behind the position.

A radio operator receives new target coordinates as the gunner adjusts the sight and the loaders carry forward another heavy shell. The commander checks the elevation and orders the crew to stand ready.

Several kilometres away, enemy movement has been reported along a road. The artillery crew may never see its target, but their carefully calculated fire will shape the battle unfolding beyond the horizon.

Historical Background

The original 10.5 cm leFH 18 was developed by Rheinmetall and became the standard light howitzer of German divisional artillery. Despite being officially described as “light,” it weighed almost two tonnes in firing position.

The improved leFH 18M entered service during WWII. The letter “M” referred to its muzzle brake, which reduced recoil and allowed the use of a more powerful propellant charge.

With specialised long-range ammunition, the improved gun could reach approximately 12.3 kilometres. Its standard high-explosive projectile weighed nearly 15 kilograms and required separate handling of the shell and propellant charge.

The howitzer could be moved by horse teams, trucks or artillery tractors such as the Sd.Kfz. 11 half-track. It served on the Eastern and Western Fronts, in North Africa, Italy and other major German campaigns.

Perfect for Dioramas Featuring

  • German artillery batteries

  • Eastern Front firing positions

  • North African desert operations

  • Normandy defensive positions

  • Ammunition loading and resupply

  • Sd.Kfz. 11 artillery tractors

  • Horse-drawn artillery columns

  • Gun crews receiving target coordinates

  • Winter camouflage and snow scenes

  • Abandoned or captured German weapons

Interesting Fact

The “M” in leFH 18M came from the German word Mündungsbremse, meaning muzzle brake. This modification allowed the howitzer to use stronger charges and fire farther than the original leFH 18.

Fun Fact

Although the Germans called it a “light” field howitzer, its nearly two-tonne weight probably made that description rather unpopular with any crew ordered to move it by hand!

Model Features

  • Improved leFH 18M configuration

  • Detailed 105 mm L/28 barrel

  • Distinctive muzzle brake

  • Detailed hydro-pneumatic recoil system

  • Reinforced gun shield and sighting position

  • Split-trail field carriage

  • Large spoked wheels and wheel hubs

  • Elevation and traverse mechanisms

  • Equipment boxes and carriage fittings

  • Ideal for towing or firing-position 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 early and mid-war service. Complete the wheels, barrel and fittings before adding mud, dust and paint wear.

Painting and Weathering Ideas

Finish an early-war gun in dark Panzer Grey with dusty highlights, polished wear around the controls and dark residue around the muzzle brake. Add mud to the wheels and trails for an Eastern Front position.

Later-war guns can be painted Dunkelgelb with olive-green and red-brown camouflage. Desert vehicles suit a faded sand finish, while winter guns can receive an uneven temporary whitewash over the original base colour.

Please Note

The muzzle brake identifies this model as the improved leFH 18M. It should not be confused with the original muzzle-brake-free leFH 18 or the later leFH 18/40 mounted on a different carriage.

This detailed resin model is intended for adult collectors and diorama builders. Minor preparation or assembly may be required, and small components should be handled carefully.

Crew figures, towing vehicles, ammunition, scenery, decals and accessories shown in promotional scenes are not included unless specifically listed in the selected product package.

10.5 cm leFH 18M German Light Field Howitzer

$9.95Price
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