UM (UniModel) – 557 – Sturmpanzer IV “Brummbär” / 1944

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a German WWII self-propelled gun Sturmpanzer IV nicknamed “Brummbär” production model 1943.

The Brummbär used a Panzer IV chassis with upper hull and turret replaced by a new casemate-style armored superstructure housing a new gun, the 15cm Sturmhaubitze (StuH) 43 L/12 developed by Skoda able to fire same shells then the 15cm sIG 33 heavy infantry gun, developed to provide infantry with close direct fire support, specially in urban areas.

Brummbär was produced in four production batches, introducing successive improvements over the original design. By model 1944 UM means the last production batch, designed from early 1944, which introduced significant changes to the model. The superstructure underwent a redesign for the fourth series, utilizing the chassis and HL120 TRM112 engine of the Pz. IV Ausf. J model. Production spanned from June 1944 to March 1945. Notable changes included a redesigned gun collar and a general reduction in the superstructure’s height.

Furthermore, this overhaul introduced a ball mount in the front superstructure to accommodate an MG 34 machine gun with 600 rounds. The vehicle commander’s position saw modification to incorporate the cupola from the Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G, providing the capability to mount a machine gun for anti-aircraft defense.

Kit reuses parts from UM (UniModel) – 556 – Sturmpanzer IV “Brummbär” / 1943 and Pz. IV series by UM and introduce new parts to accommodate the differences of this 1944 variant. Include also PE parts, with parts for Schürzen and decal sheet include 3 different markings.