1:72 scale diecast tank from Forces of Valor. Alkett Sd.Kfz.124 Wespe German Army, Eastern Front.

Length 3 inches
Width 2 inches

German for "wasp", the Wespe was a self-propelled artillery vehicle based on the Panzer II tank. In 1940, it became apparent that the Panzer IIs were undergunned and too lightly armored to be effective. The Wespe was born out of converted Panzers pulled from front-line service--an economical use of scarce resources.

Produced by Alkett, the Wespe had a 105mm gun and armor shield installed where the Ausf F's turret would have been. The Wespe first saw combat in 1943 and was extremely successful, so much so, that other projects like the Marder II were dropped. Production ceased in mid-1944 with about 700 units produced.