First To Fight Kits 1/72 8 cm Schwerer Granatwerfer 34 auf Panzerspahwagen AMR 35(f) # 124

The 8 cm Schwerer Granatwerfer 34 auf Panzerspähwagen AMR 35(f) represents one of the many improvised armoured fighting vehicles created by Germany after the fall of France in 1940.

Captured French equipment was frequently converted for German use, and the light French reconnaissance tank AMR 35 became the basis for several field modifications.

In this variant, the turret was removed and replaced with a superstructure designed to mount the German 8 cm Schwerer Granatwerfer 34 (s.Gr.W. 34), the standard heavy mortar used by Wehrmacht infantry units throughout the Second World War.

The result was a compact, lightly armoured mobile mortar carrier capable of delivering indirect fire support while retaining the mobility of a tracked vehicle.

Historical Background
After the 1940 campaign in France, large numbers of AMR 35 tanks fell into German hands. Rather than scrapping them, German engineers converted many into support vehicles — including artillery tractors, ammunition carriers, and mortar platforms.

Vehicles converted from French origin were designated with “(f)” for französisch (French), hence AMR 35(f).

The mounted 8 cm mortar provided effective high-angle fire against infantry positions, defensive strongpoints, and light fortifications.

With a maximum range of approximately 2,400 metres, the s.Gr.W. 34 was highly valued for its accuracy and reliability.

Design & Features
- Open-topped fighting compartment replacing the original turret
- 8 cm s.Gr.W. 34 mortar mounted internally
- Light armour protection suitable against small arms
- Compact tracked chassis offering good cross-country mobility
- Likely operated by a small mortar crew (typically 3–4 men)

Operational Use
These conversions were typically used in rear-area security, occupation duties, and secondary theatres where captured equipment was common.

While not heavily armoured or intended for front-line tank combat, the vehicle provided mobile indirect fire support in situations where towing a mortar might have been impractical.

This unusual hybrid of French chassis and German firepower makes the 8 cm Schwerer Granatwerfer 34 auf Panzerspähwagen AMR 35(f) an interesting subject for modellers — especially those interested in captured equipment, field conversions, or lesser-known Wehrmacht vehicles of WWII.