FirstLook

German Heuschrecke (Grasshopper) IVb SPG - Trumpeter Kit No 00373

Trumpeter reently released this excellent 1/35 scale kit based on the Panzer IVb and converted into a SPG mobile pill box/Artillery piece. This vehicle was developed between 1943-44 and three prototypes were made but never made it into full production. They were painted in Dark Yellow or German Grey.

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The actual kit is quite detailed and consists of several sprues containing a total of 672 parts in grey plastic.

Included in the parts layout are 256 individual track links, a set of vinyl tracks and a photo etched fret containing grills and clamps.

The instructions are well drawn and there is also the glossy color profile sheet.

The instructions show that the turret has a fairly detailed interior, thuogh there is nothing under this in the main hull which then leaves a big empty space, especially if you were to build it with the turret not attached to the vehicle.

This is a very nice model. My only gripe is the lack of lower hull internal detail.

Voyager Heuschrecke Detail Sets

Now also, if you are not happy with the detail provided out of the box and you are a bit of a detail freak, then this will keep you happy.

The people at Voyager have now released two sets for this kit, the first being a general detail set Part No PE 35259, which has six sheets of etch a brass gun round and 12 resin parts. These parts will detail up areas like tool clamps, turret interior,winch and pullys for the turret removal, engine grills and much more. There is a detailed seven page instruction manual included to show you where all these parts go. This is a very nice detail set and would be a great addition to the model.

The second set availiable is part No PE35261, which is a fender set, which consits of a single sheet of etch, to replace all the plastic parts in the kit, with a very detailed set of fenders with all the mounts, brackets and bolts included, WOW. There is also a detailed set of instructions to go with this set. Again an excellent addition to a great model.

Overall these two set as mentioned already are a very nice addition to this kit, though not for beginners or anyone who wants a quick build.

I recommend all three products.

Thanks to J.B. Wholesalers for the kit review sample
Thanks to Voyager for the Photo-Etched samples