German Sd.Kfz.138 Hetzer 38D Jagdpanzer Tank Destroyer

Award-winner built and painted 38D Hetzer with realistic weathering. Skoda’s tank hunter with German Late Ambush camo color scheme and accurate unit markings. Top building quality with outstanding details throughout the whole model and very high standard accuracy on every individual part. Add on brass photo-etched parts. Track links with road wheel detail. Gun with detail and elevation. On vehicle tools and more add-on details.

* Top building quality.
* Very high standard molding with sublime details overall.
* Add on brass parts on the grill; PE gun shield; tool mount clasps and more.
* The upper hull with plenty of fine detail including weld marks and more.
* Roof machine gun is better detailed with gun shield and hatch.
* The highly detailed main gun barrel gets a superbly detailed mantlet.
* Vision block and other on the vehicle equipment and open hatch with detail.
* The lower hull realistically reproduced features some nice details such as suspension; axles; rollers separate for good detail definition.
* Finely detailed deck surface and engine grille reproducing.
* Side skirts are also separate with nice details.
* The road/idler wheels and drive sprockets have detail on both sides with great tooth ring details.
* Lifelike track links with crisp details and right sagging finish.
* Hull roof spare tracks and muffler with sharp detail.
* Exterior details add on including; lights; jack; shackle; muffler; toolbox and more.
* Adding on-vehicle tools; tow cable and more accessories.

Buffing and polishing to remove mold seam. Base color with primer and putty for better surface detail. Airbrushed and painted with multicolor. Add clear paint for good finishing on decal applying. Washing to enhance the surface detail increase the appearance of depth including panels; doors; hatches; rivets; bolt head and more. Dry brushing to emphasize and highlight texture with an edge for good wear; tear and fading. Multi-color filters for blend color effects. Add nonglossy paint for better finishing. Great detail paint job on rust and paint chips off with scratches; worn and bare metal realistic simulating; flow rust and rain streaks effects; grease with staining appearing; engine smoking and muffler burned representing. Also smear and dirt with dust and real mud and more on real-life weathering. Final protective layer for long-term collection.

38D only; diorama base just fir sample photos not included; check our store or contact us for detail if you would like to add on.

Discontinued high priced kit; the price may higher or lower when you order; switch to other kits or check or store and contact us for detail if you want have cost lower.

The Jagdpanzer 38 D is a German design for a tank destroyer.
Development
Oberkommando des Heeres announced on the 26th of September 1944 that a new model of the Jagdpanzer 38 with a Tatra diesel engine was to produced by Alkett at a maximum rate of 1;000 each month.

On 4 October 1944; the Panzerkommission decided to limit future production to only three types of Panzer chassis; based on the 38; Panther; and Tiger.

On 19 October 1944; Wa Prüf 6 announced that due to insufficient part deliveries; BMM and Škoda had fallen behind in production goals which made supplying chassis for other uses problematic. The 38 was unsuitable to produce within the German industry; as it required different machines and tools to produce various parts. The 38 was to be completely redesigned for Germany. The Panzerjäger 38(t) Ausf. Reich contract was given to Alkett with Chef-Ing. Michaels as project lead.

On 20 November 1944; the General der Artillerie under Gen.St.d.H. recorded that the new vehicle was to be named Jagdpanzer 38 “d”. At this time design of the chassis was almost complete; and the design of the superstructure and interior was to start shortly.

On 23 January 1945 at a meeting of the Entwicklungskommission Panzer; Michaels explained that the redesign of the J.Pz. 38 chassis was necessary to install the Tatra diesel engine; and to create a design that was worth mass producing.

Contracts for two trial vehicles were awarded to Alkett; with five completed models in March 1945. Mass production was to start then and increase from five per month to 800 per month by December 1945. VOMAG was to complete five vehicles in July; then increase their output to 300 per month by December 1945.

On 14 March 1945; the Generelinspekteur der Panzertruppen announced that the first Jagdpanzer 38 D were to be completed with diesel engines in June 1945; as planned. This model was to start production with the 7;5cm PaK 42 L/70. It was planned to demonstrate the first trial vehicles with the 7;5cm PaK 42 L/70 starr on 20 April 1945 for Hitler.

On 23 March 1945; ZF Friedrichshafen reported that the assembly of the first two trial vehicles would be completed within 8 days. These vehicles had to be ready for delivery on 15 April 1945. To meet this quota; two transmissions were send by truck on 5 April to arrive at Alkett for delivery to Michaels on 9 April 1945.

It is unknown whether the two trial vehicles were completed; and in post-war interrogations the Alkett management stated their records had been burned.