The Tamiya 1:35 Wespe Italian Front (35358) is a detailed model kit that represents the German Wespe (Wasp). A self-propelled howitzer used during World War II. The Wespe was a lightly armored, highly mobile artillery piece mounted on a panzer chassis. It was primarily used to provide close artillery support to infantry units on the battlefield. The version offered by Tamiya, labeled “Italian Front,” focuses on the vehicle’s role during the Italian Campaign of WWII.

Set Overview

The Tamiya 1:35 Wespe Italian Front kit represents the German Wespe (Sd.Kfz. 124), a self-propelled howitzer used by the Luftwaffe and Heer (German Army) during WWII. The vehicle was equipped with a 105mm howitzer, allowing it to support infantry by delivering effective fire against enemy positions, tanks, and other targets.

The Wespe was used in Italy, where it contributed to artillery fire in difficult terrain, including mountainous regions, and in various other theaters of the war. The model kit focuses on the Italian Front, where this type of vehicle was crucial during intense battles.

Contents

• Vehicle Model: The kit includes parts to assemble the self-propelled howitzer with all its main components, including the 105mm howitzer, vehicle chassis, suspension system, and track links.

  • The chassis is based on the Panzer II tank chassis, and it is accurately reproduced in the model with the suspension, wheels, and track links. The 105mm howitzer is mounted in the open-topped fighting compartment at the back of the vehicle. The howitzer and its associated gunnery details are highly detailed, with a movable gun barrel, allowing for realistic positioning.

  • The open-topped crew compartment is another feature of the model, and it is faithfully represented, including the seats, gun controls, and other interior details.

• Decals and Markings: The kit features decals for different units that served in Italy, showcasing the typical German camouflage schemes of the period. The model could feature three-color camouflage or panzer gray, typical of the vehicles used by the Germans in Italy.

• Figures: While this kit mainly focuses on the vehicle itself, you can also purchase figure sets separately to accompany the model. Tamiya and other manufacturers offer German crew figures that can be added to the diorama to create a more realistic scene.

Detailing and Quality

• Molding and Precision: As is typical with Tamiya kits, the molding is precise, with fine details throughout. The vehicle’s features—such as the 105mm howitzer, suspension, engine deck, and open-topped fighting compartment—are sharply molded and easy to assemble.

• Howitzer Detailing: The 105mm howitzer is particularly well represented, with all the key components, such as the gun barrel, elevation mechanism, and ammo storage. The gun itself is movable, allowing the modeler to adjust its angle for display.

• Chassis and Tracks: The model features an accurate Panzer II chassis, which is clearly visible underneath the open-topped fighting compartment. The tracks are molded as individual link parts, providing a realistic, flexible feel when assembling and attaching them. The suspension system is also faithfully recreated with details like leaf springs and road wheels.

• Interior Details: While the model is primarily an exterior vehicle, Tamiya has included some details inside the vehicle, such as seats and the gunner’s controls for the howitzer. These finer points add realism to the vehicle, especially when you choose to show the open compartments.

• Camouflage and Weathering: The Wespe was often painted in German camouflage patterns, such as the three-color camouflage (dark yellow, red-brown, and dark green), making it a great candidate for detailed painting and weathering. Modelers can use dry-brushing, washes, and dust effects to make the vehicle look battle-worn, typical of the terrain in Italy.

Assembly and Painting

• Assembly: The kit is designed with easy assembly in mind, typical of Tamiya’s reputation for fit and ease of construction. The parts are neatly arranged on sprues, and the assembly instructions are clear.

  • The howitzer mount and track assembly are critical parts of the build. Tamiya’s inclusion of individual track links adds an element of realism, allowing the builder to articulate the tracks around the suspension system for a more flexible and realistic appearance.

  • Some minor parts, such as small details on the gun, hatches, and crew equipment, will require careful handling. The overall build is straightforward for those familiar with Tamiya kits.

• Painting: The model comes unpainted, and you will need to paint the Wespe using the appropriate color schemes. For vehicles in Italy, the three-colour camouflage is an excellent option. While other vehicles used on different fronts may have been painted in panzer gray or dark yellow.

  • The weathering process is key for creating an authentic look. This could include:
    • Dirt and mud on the wheels and lower parts of the vehicle to simulate the conditions of the battlefield.
    • Chipping on the edges of the vehicle to show signs of wear.
    • Dust or sand effects, particularly for the Italian Front, where vehicles often operated in dry, dusty conditions.
    • Gunmetal for the howitzer’s barrel, with a little wear or soot buildup to replicate the effect of repeated firing.

Diorama and Display Use

• Versatility: The Tamiya 1:35 Wespe Italian Front is ideal for any World War II diorama focused on the Italian Campaign, where the vehicle played a significant role. You can use this vehicle in settings such as:

  • Artillery support during mountainous combat.
  • Reconnaissance or supply operations, as the Wespe was mobile and could support infantry in tough terrain.
  • Ambush or firefight scenarios, where German forces were entrenched against Allied troops.

• Scale Compatibility: This vehicle fits well with other Tamiya 1:35 scale WWII German kits, such as infantry or other German vehicles like tanks and armored cars. Pairing it with figures from German artillery units or infantry crews will add realism to the diorama.

• Open-Topped Design: The open-topped design of the vehicle allows for easy viewing of the interior details, making it an ideal model for displaying on a shelf or as part of a larger, more complex diorama.

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THIS PRODUCT CAN BE DELIVERED ANYWHERE WITHIN AUSTRALIA.

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