Based upon experience reports from units that deployed with the 15cm s.IG33 mounted on the Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B, a roomier chassis was requested upon which to mount the heavy infantry gun. Eventually, a widened and lengthened chassis using the engine and drive train, as well the suspension system from the Pz.Kpfw.II was developed. A total of 12 15cm s.IG33 (Sfl.) auf Pz.Kpfw.IIs were eventually built and all were shipped to North Africa for use by Rommels legendary Deutsches Afrika Korps. While the gun itself was well-appreciated for its power, the chassis was grossly underpowered. In addition, poor engine ventilation caused numerous break-downs, resulting in extremely poor serviceability. That the DAK was at the far end of a tenuous supply chain and Hitler considered Africa a side-show, spare parts were at a premium. Thus, when Rommel was sent reeling west after El Alamein in 1942, several 15cm s.IG33 (Sfl.) auf Pz.Kpfw.IIs were found in a disassembled state in German repair parks.

That the 15cm s.IG33 (Sfl.) auf Pz.Kpfw.II was considered to be a tactical failure by its users has not lessoned its appeal to modelers. Back in the 1990s, Alan, from Russia kitted this vehicle in 1/35th scale. It had all the attributes of an Eastern European kit of the era, to include overly thick moldings and less than optimum detail; but it was all there was. In a not unanticipated move, earlier this year DML announced the impending release of this kit. It is now available and as expected, it combines parts from two previous offerings with new ones to create one of Rommels Funnies.