40/43.M "Zrinyi II" – the Hungarian self-propelled howitzer

40/43.M "Zrinyi II" – the Hungarian self-propelled howitzer of the Second World War. The first prototypes of the combat vehicle were produced in 1942, serial production began in 1943-1944, a total of about 60-70 units were produced. "Zrinyi II" is equipped with one 260 h. p. engine "Manfred Weiss" V-8 H. The machine is armed with a 105 mm caliber howitzer "MAVAG" 40/43 M and an 8 mm caliber machine gun "MAVAG" 40/43 M. The Hungarian army, after the experience of the battles on the Eastern Front in 1941-1942, realized, that it was necessary to start producing these self-propelled howitzers. In order to save time, required for design and analysis work, a slightly modified chassis of the 40. M “Turan I” tank and the proven 105 mm MAVAG howitzer was used. The tests of the new weapons of the Hungarian army were successful, and in 1943 the “Zrinyi II” began serial production. The “Zrinyi II” proved to be a successful weapon - it rarely failed, it was low, which made it easier to camouflage, and the 105 mm howitzer was sufficient to support its infantry with fire. The “Zrinyi II” combat vehicle was adopted in September 1943, and received its baptism of fire in the 1944 battle in Ukraine. Later these howitzers fought mainly in Slovakia and Hungary in the Balaton region and in the Battle of Budapest. A certain number of these machines were taken over by the Red Army and used until 1945.

A not very complicated, well-designed and moderately detailed (there is no interior and engine compartment detailization) self-propelled howitzer model for modelers of any experience. Only beginners and those with little experience, should work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, not rush and use all  reserves of diligence, attentiveness and patience. There is a considerable supply of colors, colorful camouflage, the tracks can be made either strip or from separate tracks, and a movable gun barrel can be made. The text instruction is medium in size, but detailed, the graphic one is the same.