Full Product Description

Tamiya 1/35 Wespe "Italian Front"

The Sd.Kfz. 124 Wespe ("Wasp") was developed to provide German Panzer divisions with mobile artillery capable of keeping pace with advancing armored units. Built on a modified Panzer II chassis, the vehicle mounted the highly effective 10.5cm leFH 18 howitzer in an open-topped fighting compartment.

First entering combat in 1943, the Wespe served on both the Eastern and Western Fronts and played a significant role during the Italian Campaign. Its mobility and firepower made it one of the Wehrmacht's most valuable artillery systems.

Tamiya's modern tooling faithfully reproduces the vehicle with a fully detailed fighting compartment, realistic ammunition racks, radio equipment, crew stations, and highly detailed figures. The open fighting compartment allows builders to showcase the excellent interior detail that makes this kit particularly appealing.

Kit Features

✔ Scale: 1/35

✔ Kit Number: 35358

✔ Sd.Kfz. 124 Wespe

✔ Detailed Open Fighting Compartment

✔ Accurate 10.5cm leFH 18 Howitzer

✔ Interior Radio Equipment

✔ Ammunition Storage Racks

✔ Four Crew Figures Included

✔ Link-and-Length Style Tracks

✔ One-Piece Straight Track Sections

✔ Two Italian Front Marking Options

✔ Excellent Surface Detail

✔ Outstanding Tamiya Fit and Engineering

Historical Background

The Wespe entered service in 1943 after German commanders recognized the need for self-propelled artillery capable of operating alongside fast-moving armored units.

Approximately 680 Wespes were produced and assigned to artillery batteries within Panzer divisions. The vehicle proved highly successful due to its combination of mobility, reliability, and firepower.

During the Italian Campaign, Wespes provided critical artillery support against Allied forces operating in mountainous terrain where mobility and rapid deployment were essential.

The Wespe remained in service until the end of the war and is widely regarded as one of Germany's most effective self-propelled artillery vehicles.

Review Summary

What Modelers Like

• Outstanding fit and engineering

• Excellent fighting compartment detail

• Highly detailed ammunition storage

• Superb crew figures

• Easy track assembly

• Excellent value

• Ideal weathering opportunities

Reviews from the Modeling Community

IPMS/USA praised the kit's interior detail, especially the fighting compartment and ammunition storage arrangements. Reviewers noted that the model captures the appearance of the real vehicle exceptionally well.

Armorama highlighted the outstanding fit, realistic gun assembly, and highly detailed crew figures. The review noted that the open compartment provides an excellent canvas for painting and weathering.

Missing-Lynx builders praised the kit's engineering and considered it one of the finest Wespe kits available directly from the box.

Many modelers appreciate that the kit combines excellent detail with a relatively straightforward build process, making it suitable for both intermediate and experienced armor builders.

Things to Consider

• Open fighting compartment requires detailed painting

• Interior components remain visible after completion

• Ammunition racks benefit from careful weathering

• Advanced builders may wish to add aftermarket brass shells or photo-etch details

Working Title Models Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5

One of Tamiya's best self-propelled artillery kits. Excellent detail, superb figures, and an interesting historical subject make the Wespe an outstanding addition to any World War II armor collection.