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REVIEW
Trumpeter Sd.Kfz. 7/1 (late war)
bill_c
Campaigns Administrator
Joined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 07:41 AM UTC
Bill Cross reviews Trumpeter's 2cm FlaK Vierling auf Selbstfahrlafette [Sd.Kfz.7/1 late version] with Sd.Anhänger 52 trailer.
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H_Ackermans
Joined: July 11, 2006
KitMaker: 2,229 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 03:08 PM UTC
At one point you say that there are glaring errors, like the 7 ammo bays, the mudguards being to high.
And later, you tell us that those are only for the expert or fanatic.
So what is it? Glaring errors or only noticable for the very keen eye?
And also, when did we in this hobby become indifferent to obvious errors like this? With the Panzer IV E from DML, everybody jumped up and down about the sprocket being too low, but now in the Trumpeter SdKfz 7, these continuing errors are supposed to be not that bad?
And it's clear Trumpeter has done NOTHING to correct these errors, which have been pointed out on various sites. Unlike DML who re-tooled the Pz IV E to correct the sprocket position.
And later, you tell us that those are only for the expert or fanatic.
So what is it? Glaring errors or only noticable for the very keen eye?
And also, when did we in this hobby become indifferent to obvious errors like this? With the Panzer IV E from DML, everybody jumped up and down about the sprocket being too low, but now in the Trumpeter SdKfz 7, these continuing errors are supposed to be not that bad?
And it's clear Trumpeter has done NOTHING to correct these errors, which have been pointed out on various sites. Unlike DML who re-tooled the Pz IV E to correct the sprocket position.
c5flies
Joined: October 21, 2007
KitMaker: 3,684 posts
Armorama: 2,938 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - 05:08 PM UTC
I don't believe we've become 'indifferent' to errors, and Bill points them out very clearly in the review, with the final rating being a fair indicator of what you can expect in the kit.
I do agree with you Herbert, that manufacturers should be listening to the modeler and reading reviews closely to improve their product. Many reviews are free research for these companies
I do agree with you Herbert, that manufacturers should be listening to the modeler and reading reviews closely to improve their product. Many reviews are free research for these companies
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 03:43 AM UTC
Quoted Text
... when did we in this hobby become indifferent to obvious errors like this? With the Panzer IV E from DML, everybody jumped up and down about the sprocket being too low, but now in the Trumpeter SdKfz 7, these continuing errors are supposed to be not that bad?
And it's clear Trumpeter has done NOTHING to correct these errors, which have been pointed out on various sites. Unlike DML who re-tooled the Pz IV E to correct the sprocket position.
What is, exactly, your point? That DML is a better company? That my review is deficient? If "this hobby" is indifferent to errors, then why do Armorama reviews point them out?
I wrote in my review:
... these accuracy issues have not yet been addressed in any Sd.Kfz.7 release, and are passed along as each new version appears. I had hoped the company would at least have fixed the gun’s problems by this time, but the same incorrect number of ammo bays and gun sight issues remain unresolved.
and--
I would not counsel against buying the kit because of these issues, but neither can I recommend it highly.
What would you have me do, Herr A? Fly over to China and punch-out the CEO of Trumpeter?
Tantrums are rarely useful in these kinds of discussions. Trumpeter should redo the gun and the sprocket at the very least, and I said so, explicitly. Redoing the mudguards would mean recasting the entire front end, something unlikely to happen, given the cost and ROI. That's regrettable, but the incorrect dimensions are not something that's obvious to the untrained eye, and so I find it not worth having a meltdown about it.
Do you want me to say "the DML kit is better"? Armorama's policy is not to do side-by-side reviews the way Terry does at PMMS. It's just a different editorial approach. Surely if accuracy issues matter to hobbyists, they'll see that Trumpeter's Sd.Kfz.7s (at least those reviewed by me) are not sufficiently accurate (a 75% score is about 15-20 points below what most reviewers give). If they care enough, they'll figure out the DML kits are more accurate.
If you read my previous review of the Early War 7/1, you will notice I took Trumpeter to task for the inaccuracies there as well, so I have been consistently critical of them. They had ample time to re-do the gun, especially since PMMS (who has been superb in identifying the errors in the Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7s) has had their reviews of these kits out much longer than we have here (I just received the sample kit last month, and went right to work on the review). They have had opportunity to fix the problems, and have clearly decided to ride them out and hope price differences will trump (pardon my pun) accuracy (which is, alas, likely true).
Quoted Text
... you tell us that those are only for the expert or fanatic.
No, I did not. I said they likely will not deter many from buying the kit. That's quite different. If accuracy were all, there would be few models built, since most kits are approximations of the real thing, often with inaccuracies from a variety of sources. And even the sainted DML, for example, did NOT retroactively fix the idler arm and leaf spring errors of its Pz. II, though they did make a running change in the next kit of the series. I asked them to sell me the sprues from that later kit, but they refused.
Let's keep things in perspective: the huge After Market in conversions, upgrades and "fixes" for the fanatics like myself sells handfuls of units in comparison to the hundreds or thousands of kits sold, telling us that some modelers want accuracy, but that many are prepared to build OOB and live with any problems.
That Italeri, for example, can continue in business is proof of that.
I prefer to address that reality in my reviews, rather than pontificate about what I think modelers should do. I would love to see 100% accuracy or even 90%, and will continue to point out errors where I find them. But that isn't going to change the fact that even well-researched kits are imperfect, and some very good kits are far from perfect. The Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 prime mover, for example, will build up into a very attractive kit if you modify the sprocket wheel per Terry's work-around I linked to in my review. It's engine detailing is better than DML's, as well as its gear box and winch, at least on the Sd.Kfz.7/1 I reviewed here.
Why don't you come down from throwing brickbats in the stands and get in the game? Review this kit-- Armorama welcomes multiple reviews of the same model, and I would be glad to see what you would write and how you would do a better job.
gremlinz
Joined: February 07, 2009
KitMaker: 795 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 08:06 AM UTC
Personally I thought the review was very well presented. It's well balanced and it states the facts without falling into the "I don't like it because of this or that" trap.
The simple fact of the matter is that different modellers want different things from their kit so it is nigh on impossible for a reviewer to accurately second guess the reader's needs.
Those who like accuracy need to know that there are issues, those who don't give a rat's puckered hole won't bother reading reviews, and those in the middle need to know that yes it may have issues but if you build it just as it is you won't spend your life with everyone who walks into your house pointing out that it's wrong.
That's what makes the reviews on PMMS of value, they are well balanced.
As is this one.
So I say keep up the good work Bill.
The simple fact of the matter is that different modellers want different things from their kit so it is nigh on impossible for a reviewer to accurately second guess the reader's needs.
Those who like accuracy need to know that there are issues, those who don't give a rat's puckered hole won't bother reading reviews, and those in the middle need to know that yes it may have issues but if you build it just as it is you won't spend your life with everyone who walks into your house pointing out that it's wrong.
That's what makes the reviews on PMMS of value, they are well balanced.
As is this one.
So I say keep up the good work Bill.
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 09:06 AM UTC
Thanks, Dean, that means a lot.
H_Ackermans
Joined: July 11, 2006
KitMaker: 2,229 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 09:21 AM UTC
Oow, I get it, if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all? It's like that?
And give me a break, I've done reviews for Armorama, but in MY opinion, your current review goes back and forth between saying the errors are bad and you can ignore them.
And for OOB builders, those can just do whatever they want, but when someone comes to a site like Armorama, they intend to do MORE with their kit, as building OOB doesn't neccesitate further research nor visiting ANY site and/or forum.
The people who read a review AT ALL, are more critical and interested of the kit they buy than the people who walk into a shop and buy a kit and build it.
But it seems throwing tantrums is something reserved only for Armorama staff, referring to Jim Rae absolutely disgusting reply in the PMMS review, and you calling me Herr. A.
That's plain childish, incredibly immature and indicative of someone who can't take critique and respond in a sophisiticated and civilised way.
I've not resorted to namecalling, why do you feel you have that right?
If you are civilised, you could at least appologise for that, but I'm not going to hold my breath for it.
And give me a break, I've done reviews for Armorama, but in MY opinion, your current review goes back and forth between saying the errors are bad and you can ignore them.
And for OOB builders, those can just do whatever they want, but when someone comes to a site like Armorama, they intend to do MORE with their kit, as building OOB doesn't neccesitate further research nor visiting ANY site and/or forum.
The people who read a review AT ALL, are more critical and interested of the kit they buy than the people who walk into a shop and buy a kit and build it.
But it seems throwing tantrums is something reserved only for Armorama staff, referring to Jim Rae absolutely disgusting reply in the PMMS review, and you calling me Herr. A.
That's plain childish, incredibly immature and indicative of someone who can't take critique and respond in a sophisiticated and civilised way.
I've not resorted to namecalling, why do you feel you have that right?
If you are civilised, you could at least appologise for that, but I'm not going to hold my breath for it.
Spiff
Joined: September 07, 2002
KitMaker: 807 posts
Armorama: 671 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 09:28 AM UTC
Good review Bill, thanks for taking the time to do it! I think you did a good job approaching the issues with the kit.
The behavior I'm seeing exhibited above is the exact same behavior that seems to becoming the norm on modeling forums. What is up with all the attacks and bickering lately?
Anytime we post something on a public forum, remember there is a human being on the other end. Would you speak to them the same way if we were all sitting around having a beer after meeting at a model contest? I think not.
The behavior I'm seeing exhibited above is the exact same behavior that seems to becoming the norm on modeling forums. What is up with all the attacks and bickering lately?
Anytime we post something on a public forum, remember there is a human being on the other end. Would you speak to them the same way if we were all sitting around having a beer after meeting at a model contest? I think not.
lespauljames
Joined: January 06, 2007
KitMaker: 3,661 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:06 AM UTC
i like to build oob, i add detail, MAINLY if there is an interior, wires really entertain me, to the point of wire orgies. jokes aside (or was it a joke) i like to researc and visit forums, EVEN if, im gonna build out of the box, and i still read reviews, and am interested in accuracy of the kit, im just not that interested in changing it and possibly ruing th e£40 i have just spent,
and reviews liek this REALLY help me in my purchases, so thanks Bill, its a really good review, and i understand it ( and im an idiot!!) and i would buy it if i had a little more munneh
Thanks again Bill!!
and reviews liek this REALLY help me in my purchases, so thanks Bill, its a really good review, and i understand it ( and im an idiot!!) and i would buy it if i had a little more munneh
Thanks again Bill!!
CMOT
Editor-in-Chief
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:08 AM UTC
Bill your comment on the vinyl tires, is that because they are poor or because of another reason? You have said they have the correct tread pattern, so I appear to be missing something. Thanks in advance.
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:19 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Oow, I get it, if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all? It's like that?
Herbert, I am not the first person to say you contribute little but negativity with many of your posts. I don't mind it if you have something constructive to say, but you didn't in this case.
Quoted Text
And give me a break, I've done reviews for Armorama, but in MY opinion, your current review goes back and forth between saying the errors are bad and you can ignore them.
That is your interpretation and you're entitled to it, but I did not say one can ignore the errors, so your interpretation is not based on what I wrote.
Quoted Text
And for OOB builders, those can just do whatever they want, but when someone comes to a site like Armorama, they intend to do MORE with their kit, as building OOB doesn't neccesitate further research nor visiting ANY site and/or forum.
You are not an editor here, so yours is just another opinion about what form reviews should take; feel free to volunteer and perhaps you can change that. I write my reviews to reach a broad spectrum of modelers, and don't assume the members here are one thing (OOBers) or another (rivet counters, of which I include myself). Frankly, your attitude about OOB builders is condescending in the worst way.
Quoted Text
The people who read a review AT ALL, are more critical and interested of the kit they buy than the people who walk into a shop and buy a kit and build it.
You may be right, which is why I try to identify the critical issues with the kits, books and accessories I review. And did in this case. You have yet to suggest what I should have done differently. "The people who read a review AT ALL" (your sarcasm is apparent) can, I'm sure, tell that this kit is not sufficiently accurate to rate a high score, and therefore I have done my job. Those who don't read the review, well, they're on their own.
Quoted Text
But it seems throwing tantrums is something reserved only for Armorama staff, referring to Jim Rae absolutely disgusting reply in the PMMS review, and you calling me Herr. A.
Again, you are entitled to your opinion, in this case about Jim. But what does that have to do with me and my review? Calling you Herr A. was meant tongue-in-cheek, since you come over in a very dour and humorless fashion (tantrums are like that). If it offended you, I retract it and apologize.
Quoted Text
That's plain childish, incredibly immature and indicative of someone who can't take critique and respond in a sophisiticated and civilised way.
When you have a critique to offer that's more than a rant about the "standards of the hobby," one that accurately addresses the points I've raised, and critiques me for the shortcomings of what I wrote (not some straw man version you have cooked up), then I would be happy to see it. Again, I ask, what is it you would have me do differently? Lower the score? Rip Trumpeter for their inaccuracies?
Oh, yeah, I did that.
Quoted Text
I've not resorted to namecalling, why do you feel you have that right?
What name have I called you?
Quoted Text
If you are civilised, you could at least appologise for that, but I'm not going to hold my breath for it.
You won't have to turn blue, Mr. A. My intent was not to insult you but to be playful, and I apologize if you took umbrage.
I make no claim this review is perfect, and that's why I suggested you write one for this kit as well. I was serious when I suggested it. Come on, spend a few guilder and buy the kit!
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:41 AM UTC
Scott, thank you, I have great respect for you both as a modeler and a reviewer, so your words are much appreciated.
James, I am sure there are many OOBers here, though not all of them take the time to speak up. Thanks for your encouragement.
Darren, vinyl tires can't be painted (unlike DML's flexible styrene), so weathering them is uncertain; I would hate to put $40 in the kit, plus any paint costs, then have the tires start shedding their paint/weathering (as happened to me recently with some Italeri vinyl tracks on my A-4 Amtrak). Terry at PMMS also pointed out in his review that they don't "sit" properly on the wheels, but I have not built the kit and can't say. Nevertheless, that comment was in the back of my head when I wrote the review.
The first Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 had a post-war tread, so at least it's correct.
James, I am sure there are many OOBers here, though not all of them take the time to speak up. Thanks for your encouragement.
Darren, vinyl tires can't be painted (unlike DML's flexible styrene), so weathering them is uncertain; I would hate to put $40 in the kit, plus any paint costs, then have the tires start shedding their paint/weathering (as happened to me recently with some Italeri vinyl tracks on my A-4 Amtrak). Terry at PMMS also pointed out in his review that they don't "sit" properly on the wheels, but I have not built the kit and can't say. Nevertheless, that comment was in the back of my head when I wrote the review.
The first Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 had a post-war tread, so at least it's correct.
CMOT
Editor-in-ChiefJoined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 10:51 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Trumpeter has mixed up the details of each one, producing a hybrid with a 52 chassis and a 56 body.
Thanks for your answer to my earlier question. In addition ref the above, how hard would it be to adjust the trailer to a 56 trailer or the body to a 52 version? I ask as I have no knowledge of the above.
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 11:01 AM UTC
Quoted Text
... how hard would it be to adjust the trailer to a 56 trailer or the body to a 52 version? I ask as I have no knowledge of the above.
The 56 body is longer than the 52 body, so the trailer's butt hangs over and makes the center of gravity out-of-whack. I have not been able to come up with clear photos of the 52 and 56. The kick-ass trailer site click here has the best information on Wehrmacht trailers. The trick will be to either shorten the storage compartment or come up with a scratch-built 56 chassis. I would guess the former is the easier way to go.
The other would be to purchase the Wiener Modelbau Manufaktur Sd.Ah.57 kit. The site above shows the 56 and 57 as identical. It's quite expensive (€ 48.00, 40 if exported outside the EU), but should satisfy the demands of the most-exacting rivet counter (to read my review of the trailer, click here).
Extruder
Joined: September 10, 2008
KitMaker: 24 posts
Armorama: 15 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 11:06 AM UTC
[ That Italeri, for example, can continue in business is proof of that.
Hi Bill,
Is Italeri so bad? It's a pity because they can make some interesting subjects. I never got one from them and at this point, if you confirm Italery is not worth, I will keep not buying their models.
Thanks,
Riccardo
Hi Bill,
Is Italeri so bad? It's a pity because they can make some interesting subjects. I never got one from them and at this point, if you confirm Italery is not worth, I will keep not buying their models.
Thanks,
Riccardo
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 11:24 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Is Italeri so bad? It's a pity because they can make some interesting subjects. I never got one from them and at this point, if you confirm Italery is not worth, I will keep not buying their models.
Thanks,
Riccardo
Riccardo, I have purchased several of their kits.
1.) The Demag 10 needs major kitbashing (DML Greif chassis, new gun, PE); I like the vehicle, so I accept the challenge of kitbashing it.
2.) The Alligator A-4 Amtrak has vinyl tracks that broke in two places and shed their paint; their American distributor kindly sent me replacements, but I have no idea whether they will work any better; some of the roller wheels broke off in the interim
3.) Their Horch staff car is OK, but needs resin wheels (the vinyl tires are poor).
4.) The Mercedes 3000 has an incorrect chassis (Opel Blitz I'm told) that can't be fixed, so I will just build the damn thing and live with the inaccuracy because I can't do anything else. Oh, it also needs resin wheels and tires.
I have no plans to buy other Italeri kits anytime soon. None of these were provided to me for review, but were purchased with my own $$$$.
alanmac
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
Armorama: 2,953 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 11:42 AM UTC
Quoted Text
[ That Italeri, for example, can continue in business is proof of that.
Hi Bill,
Is Italeri so bad? It's a pity because they can make some interesting subjects. I never got one from them and at this point, if you confirm Italery is not worth, I will keep not buying their models.
Thanks,
Riccardo
Hi Riccardo
well, each to their own as they say. I like Italeri and they were more than a match for Tamiya when I was modelling first time round in the seventies. Sure I know they have faults, but as been said recently what kit hasn't. Maybe they are a bit dated in that they require some old fashioned modelling skills to get the best out of them but I think you'll find they do many kits that are not done by other manufacturers. Read some of the reviews over on PMMS, but be quick as Terry is closing the site for a while to take a well earned rest and get back to full health.
Be quick
Alan
Extruder
Joined: September 10, 2008
KitMaker: 24 posts
Armorama: 15 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 12:28 PM UTC
Bill, thanks!
I'm just trying to re-enter in the models world after decades, there are so many changes from my days building up those Airfix kits that came in plastic bags! I feel like a "cultural shock" to be honest. And a sort of fear too
I am reading some reviews of Italeri models written by this guy Terry at PMMS. I'm surprised he wants to close the site but I'm even more surprised of the numbers of reviews he wrote!
I guess it's his job, right? Otherwise I'm going to hire him as a Time Management Trainer, where does he find time and energy to prepare and write all that work and build the models too?
I'm just trying to re-enter in the models world after decades, there are so many changes from my days building up those Airfix kits that came in plastic bags! I feel like a "cultural shock" to be honest. And a sort of fear too
I am reading some reviews of Italeri models written by this guy Terry at PMMS. I'm surprised he wants to close the site but I'm even more surprised of the numbers of reviews he wrote!
I guess it's his job, right? Otherwise I'm going to hire him as a Time Management Trainer, where does he find time and energy to prepare and write all that work and build the models too?
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 12:31 PM UTC
You're right, Riccardo-- so many kits, so little time.
I'm going to go model now and leave the world of reviewing to the rest of y'all for this evening.
I'm going to go model now and leave the world of reviewing to the rest of y'all for this evening.
Extruder
Joined: September 10, 2008
KitMaker: 24 posts
Armorama: 15 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 12:33 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text[ That Italeri, for example, can continue in business is proof of that.
Hi Bill,
Is Italeri so bad? It's a pity because they can make some interesting subjects. I never got one from them and at this point, if you confirm Italery is not worth, I will keep not buying their models.
Thanks,
Riccardo
Hi Riccardo
well, each to their own as they say. I like Italeri and they were more than a match for Tamiya when I was modelling first time round in the seventies. Sure I know they have faults, but as been said recently what kit hasn't. Maybe they are a bit dated in that they require some old fashioned modelling skills to get the best out of them but I think you'll find they do many kits that are not done by other manufacturers. Read some of the reviews over on PMMS, but be quick as Terry is closing the site for a while to take a well earned rest and get back to full health.
Be quick
Alan
Hi Alan,
Thanks for addressing me to that site, it's a gold mine! I could spend some days reading all those reviews for every manufacturer...and get totally confused about how to spend my money! Oh well, one step at a time, wish me a good reading
and thanks again!
Damraska
Joined: October 06, 2006
KitMaker: 580 posts
Armorama: 499 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 04:10 PM UTC
Hi Bill,
I found your review very useful and, as Scott said, you did a good job covering the issues with the kit. Your earlier reviews and comments actually convinced me to buy one of the Trumpeter kits, warts and all, though I have yet to receive it.
Thank you for taking the time to photograph and review the kit.
-Doug
I found your review very useful and, as Scott said, you did a good job covering the issues with the kit. Your earlier reviews and comments actually convinced me to buy one of the Trumpeter kits, warts and all, though I have yet to receive it.
Thank you for taking the time to photograph and review the kit.
-Doug
Damraska
Joined: October 06, 2006
KitMaker: 580 posts
Armorama: 499 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 04:21 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Is Italeri so bad? It's a pity because they can make some interesting subjects. I never got one from them and at this point, if you confirm Italery is not worth, I will keep not buying their models.
Hi Riccardo,
Adding to what Bill and Alan already wrote, Italeri kits are a bit old school. They tend to have some sink marks, some difficult to fill ejector pin marks, include very hard vinyl tracks, and lag on molding finesse. On the other hand, they make many unusual subjects, generally score well on fundamental accuracy, and build up into nice models. Many Italeri kits are 20 or 30 years old so they look long in the tooth when compared to new tool offerings from other companies. However, with some basic modeling muscle they often turn out very well because they have good bones. I do recommend replacing Italeri tracks whenever possible. They just suck.
Good luck on your journey! Perth Military Modeling is a great place to start.
-Doug
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 04:17 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I found your review very useful and, as Scott said, you did a good job covering the issues with the kit. Your earlier reviews and comments actually convinced me to buy one of the Trumpeter kits, warts and all, though I have yet to receive it.
Thank you for taking the time to photograph and review the kit.
Thank you, Doug, that's really appreciated.
ON A RELATED NOTE:
My favorite PE maker, Griffon Model, have just released several upgrade sets for the 7/1 that are truly outstanding. They range from a basic upgrade of the gun that corrects the ammo bay and site issues, adds PE shields (missing in the DML kits), and allows you to have the gun in deployed or travel mode, all the way to the "ultimate tread head's delight" that includes a grille, Kraus-Maffei nameplate (molded-on in the kit), hood louvers, and extra gear lockers mounted in the rear under the platform.
They also have issued new FlaKvisier sites to correct that glaring error with the Trumpeter kit, which can be purchased separately in the later FlaKvisier 40 version (the upgrades come with the earlier 20 model).
In terms of "value for money," the price of the gun upgrade (about $16) puts the Trumpeter kit at about the same cost as the more-expensive, but more-accurate DML. The Dragon kit has has styrene gun shields, so that's a minus IMO. Both kits will profit from barrel upgrades, so that's a wash cash-wise. You end up with the better, more-detailed Trumpeter engine and transmission, decals for the instrument panels (missing from the DML kit but available from Archer Dry Transfer for about $10), an ammo trailer (a bit incorrect, but you get NO TRAILER from DML), and workable tracks (the Dragon Magic Tracks are not workable from what I can tell).
You'll still have to correct the drive sprockets, but Terry has a work-around posted on his review (I link to it in mine). Suddenly the Trumpeter kit compares very well to the DML, minus the issue of the mudguards, which, as I stated, are not enormously out-of-whack and won't be apparent to anyone but the expert. Not perfect, but you now have choices.
Extruder
Joined: September 10, 2008
KitMaker: 24 posts
Armorama: 15 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 08:24 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Scott, thank you, I have great respect for you both as a modeler and a reviewer, so your words are much appreciated.
James, I am sure there are many OOBers here, though not all of them take the time to speak up. Thanks for your encouragement.
Darren, vinyl tires can't be painted (unlike DML's flexible styrene), so weathering them is uncertain; I would hate to put $40 in the kit, plus any paint costs, then have the tires start shedding their paint/weathering (as happened to me recently with some Italeri vinyl tracks on my A-4 Amtrak). Terry at PMMS also pointed out in his review that they don't "sit" properly on the wheels, but I have not built the kit and can't say. Nevertheless, that comment was in the back of my head when I wrote the review.
The first Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 had a post-war tread, so at least it's correct.
Hi Bill,
please accept my congratulations for your review, I'm not even a returned-modeller yet (I still have to decide where to start) so my point of view has little value compared to the others, but I really appreciate the accuracy you put in the description of the Sd.Kfz.7
On the other side I think it is well over my head, I was reading on another thread that for re-entering in the armor model world the best choice would be a Tamiya kit in 1/35 scale. So Dragon or AFV Club kits are "too much", right? Do you have in mind...let's say three kits from Tamiya in 1/35 that are good as warm-ups? I have a preference for tanks and any nationality will do given that the crucial point is to begin again
Thanks for your time,
Riccardo
russamotto
Joined: December 14, 2007
KitMaker: 3,389 posts
Armorama: 2,054 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 11:46 AM UTC
Bill, I liked the review. Everything you said made sense to me. I keep thinking about the Trumpeter kits as I haven't built one yet, and I wanted to do one with the trailer. I build for myself, OOB mostly, with some basic scratch building. I just cant decide between this variant and the 3.7 cm flak. That, and I suck at painting German camo.
Riccardo, check the reviews section here and at PMMS for Academy, Tamiya, AFV Club, and anything else that appeals to you. All make nice kits that are easy to build.
Riccardo, check the reviews section here and at PMMS for Academy, Tamiya, AFV Club, and anything else that appeals to you. All make nice kits that are easy to build.
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