The 10.5 cm leFH 18 (German: leichte Feld Haubitze "light field howitzer") was the standard Heer ( Army ) divisional field howitzer used by the Wehrmacht ( German Armed forces ) during the Second World War. It was designed and developed by Rheinmetall in 1929-30 and entered service with the Wehrmacht in 1935, remaining in service until 1945. Before 1938 the leFH 18 was exported to Hungary and Spain; 53 units were also exported to Finland, where they were known as 105 H 33.
It had a heavy, simple breech mechanism with a hydro-pneumatic recoil system. The 10.5 cm leFH 18 was mounted on a towed chassis, with large metal or wood wheels rimmed with rubber. Initially, it was not fitted with a muzzle brake. In 1941 a muzzle brake was fitted to allow longer range charges to be fired. This increased the range by about 1,800 yards and was known as the leFH 18M. In March 1942 a requirement was issued for a lighter howitzer. This led to a second modification, known as the leFH 18/40. This modification consisted of mounting the barrel of an leFH 18M on the carriage for a 7.5 cm PaK 40 antitank gun. The new carriage increased the rate of fire as well as making the howitzer lighter. Additionally, a more efficient muzzle brake was added, decreasing the recoil. Ballistically, the 10.5 cm leFH 18M and the leFH 18/40 are identical.
The Model
...totals 117 pieces. The leFH 18 is built with 26 parts. Three choices of muzzles: with a brake, a covered break, or no muzzle brake. You get 59 parts for the ammo and crates. The 8 crew figures are of 32 pieces, including 12 separate heads!
Molding
...is exceptional. The elevation and traversing hand-wheels are open one-piece parts. Very little flash. The only seam lines I found are on the top and bottom of the cradle, and around a muzzle brake and the covered muzzle brake.
The only blemish is a circular mold mark on the barrel near the muzzle. Impressive for a scale 20% smaller than 1/72!
Summary
This is a gem of a kit! Like any quality gem, however, it is pricey.
Highs: Exceptional molding, impressive detail, 32 pieces for 8 figures.Lows: Minor mold marks.Verdict: This is a gem of a kit! Like any quality gem, however, it is pricey.
About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR) FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES
I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art.
My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling!
My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...
Hi Nick,
I concur, but there are contenders out there. Roco's MiniTanks run the gammut from very lame (those out when I was a kid) to 1/87 models with detail rivaling 1/35--see the models with article numbers of 600+, like:
Trident Models puts out some beauties, too:
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