Pz.Kpfw. IV. Ausf. H Early Production Sd.Kfz.161/2

Plastic model kit for an Sd.Kfz. 161/2 Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. H (early production)

• 1:35 scale
• All hatches can be displayed open or closed
• Various front armor options
• Various muzzle brake options
• Various spare wheel mount options
• Various towing cable connector options
• With or without smoke candle dischargers
• Commander's hatch vision slits optional (open or closed)
• Aluminum gun barrel
• Segmented tracks
• Various spare track link mounting options
• Engine vents optional (open or closed)
• Clear parts and photo-etched parts included
• Four marking options
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. H (Sd.Kfz. 161/2) early production model entered service in 1943 as an evolution of the Panzer IV. It was armed with the 7.5 cm KwK 40 L/48 and featured hull front armor reinforced to 80 mm. On early vehicles, this thickness was initially achieved by adding a 30 mm plate over the base 50 mm armor, before standardized 80 mm plates were adopted later. Combat weight rose to approximately 25 tons, while the ZF SSG 77 transmission and drivetrain modifications were designed to handle the increased load. Characteristic features also included side skirts (*Schürzen*) on the hull and turret, as well as reinforced turret roof armor. Early Ausf. H vehicles predominantly featured rubber-tired road wheels and retained numerous design characteristics from the preceding Ausf. G. Factory application of Zimmerit paste did not begin until September 1943, meaning early vehicles typically lacked this coating. As changes were continuously introduced during production, early Panzer IV H tanks can differ significantly from one another in appearance.