The launcher itself is identical, but the vehicles are totally different. The sWS version has a longer rear body to accommodate more rocket storage than the Maultier. The sWS chassis was a completely new design, to be used as both a weapons platform and as a general purpose towing/cargo vehicle. No one seems to know just exactly how many sWS Panzerwerfers were made, as photos only exist of a single vehicle and production records are sketchy. Some sources state only the single vehicle was made, others state upwards of 150 were made.

that's another one Dragon needs to give us (right along with that Ontos).

gary

I don't mean to pry, but would the sWS then be used as Vielfachwerfer / Reihenwerfer ?? And of course the next questions would be has anyboody every seen a model of one ??

 

 

The launchers would be used in a similar manner, yes.

Early in March of 1942 the Germans attempted to imitate the Russian Katyushka with an 8cm multiple laucher with 24 double rails, mounted on captured French Somua halftracks. One of Major Alfred Becker's "Funnies", the design was very successful, but it was not put into production in place of the 15cm Nebelwerfer because of production factors. The SS Launcher Battery 521, later SS launcher Unit 506, used ten of these Vielfachwerfers, starting in March of 1943.

I don't know if a model exists of this launcher...

squeakie wrote:

that's another one Dragon needs to give us (right along with that Ontos). gary

Italeri already made one--harder than heck to find, though!

the doog wrote:

squeakie wrote: that's another one Dragon needs to give us (right along with that Ontos). gary Italeri already made one--harder than heck to find, though!

I've tried to buy at least a half dozen off Ebay, and always seem to get sniped. One of these days I'll get my hands on one.

gary

Surely it's about time that one of the big players has to bring a version out. I put this forward in another thread, it's a shame the Italeri one is OOP.

Mark 

In reference to the sWS Panzerwerfer '42, yes Italeri made one, I don't know if they are still making one or not.  They are available from Squadron and are currently in stock.  I would recomend the Royal Mode PE&R set for it, very hard to find and depending on which Royal Model update set you choose, very $$$.  If you are unable to find this, I would suggest the Eduard PE set. 

In reference to the Opel Maultier Panzerwerfer '42, yes Italeri made one and they are no longer produced.  They are posted on eBay on a regular basis, about one every 2 weeks and sell for about $30.00. Again, I would suggest the Royal Mode PE&R set for it or the Eduard.

For those who are looking for better quality, try the Opel Maultier resin upgrade by AirModel.  This is also hard to find.

Azimut is also has reported that they will be coming out with a Nebelwerfer turret.  Mayby they will come out with the whole kit...  To me, they make the best sWS on the market !!

 

From my knowledge (Which May or may not be right)

To clear things up a bit, the Nebelwerfer had 6 tubes using rocket propelled projectiles (mortars) either 150mm (1941) and later up to 210mm (1942).  Originally designed as a towed artillery piece.  Later to be mounted on tracked vehicle (Sd.Kfz 4 Opel Maultier) and upgraded to 10 tubes 150mm tubes, and later installed on an sWS.  I am not positive that they ever installed a 210mm Nebelwerfer on a vehicle. Lion Roar makes a good standalone model of both versions of the Nebelwerfer. 

BTW:  The Opel Maultier (Sd.Kfz 4) only carried 20 shells, so these were often seen paired together with muntions carrier's

The Reihenwerfer had 16 rails using 80mm rocket propelled projectiles (mortars). Originally designed as a infantry support vehicle in close support combat on half-track vehicles against infantry.

The Vielfachtwerfer had 24 rails using 80mm rocket propelled projectiles (mortars). Originally designed as a infantry support vehicle in close support combat on half-track vehicles against infantry.

I don't exactly remember where, but do somehow remember seeing a picture of Rommel on inspection of a Reihenwerfer/Vielfachtwerfer doing test firing.

 

I have also seen a picture of an American T-34 Calliope, 60 tube rocket launcher mounted on a Sd.Kfz 251  Another model that might be of interest.

 

Since there is a Luft '46, maybe we should make a SS '46

 

 

 

 

DA70Judge455 wrote:

I have also seen a picture of an American T-34 Calliope, 60 tube rocket launcher mounted on a Sd.Kfz 251  Another model that might be of interest.

Panzerwrecks 6 features quite a few photos showing how this conversion was done by a US Army field maintenance crew with welding/cutting torches. It was a 251/22 that they converted to do the job but was never a mobile platform, the thing had to be dragged into position for firing. Fascinating to see how they did it. A one-off for sure that would be cool to see in kit form.

OK here's some images to help out more. Ok first the OpelMaultier started life off as the Opel-Blitz{Image g1}Then the need for a tracked version came-up and the chassis was rebuilt for the added track set{Image g3} {Image g2}the then a need for a rockit unit came up., but only using the Chassis of the OpelMaultier was used an then the body was built an added to the chassis and it's new name is the Panzerwerfer 42. {image g3}

g1

g2

g3

g4

As for the sWs Cargo Halftracks an then the rebuild of it into an sWs w/Panzerwerfer 42, and an sWs w/Flak.

From my point of view they don't look anything a like! I my self plan to build the two at the top of my post the OpelMaultier, Maultier-Panzerwerfer 42 from scratch. An I know I could buy one of them on evil-bay or from a resin kit but that would not be any fun for me an to easy I like to scratch build. I have two Opel-Blitz cargo trucks that I will start with., but that is a long was off for now.

 

 

Bronco has a model 1:35 15cm Panzerwerfer 42 ( Zehnling) auf SWS. I built one - it comes with a full interior - motor, drivers compartment, and storage racks. This was one of the hardest builds I’ve ever done. Many of the parts didn’t fit and it was simply incredibly, overly complex. italeri does produce the Opel Maultier version, which I’ve heard is a simpler build.

I did the Italeri numerous years ago, here it is (not my best work, but you can get an idea of the kit):

Ben

You know that's funny. I picked up and built the Italeri kit years ago, probably about the same time as the original post. Wonder what happened to it? It's in a box somewhere in the basement. 

I was very happy with how she came out- she didn't look anywhere near as good as yours Ben though. Very nice work there!!! 

kiowhatta

Bronco has a model 1:35 15cm Panzerwerfer 42 ( Zehnling) auf SWS. I built one - it comes with a full interior - motor, drivers compartment, and storage racks. This was one of the hardest builds I’ve ever done. Many of the parts didn’t fit and it was simply incredibly, overly complex. italeri does produce the Opel Maultier version, which I’ve heard is a simpler build.

You're answering a question asked over 11 years ago.