I am new to this site, this is my second or third post. I got back into the hobby after being out for for 20 years and have a question.
I have been building my own Afrika Korp and have a question regarding Zvezda kits. Most of the pictures I have seen in my reference books of Sd. Kfz 251's have been Ausf. B. There is a shortage of Sd. Kfz 251 Ausf. B kits. I have only been able to find two kitmakers that have Ausf B's. Revell and Zvezda. The Revell kit, a 251/3 Ausf B is not very good, for instance the dash is devoid of any detail what so ever.
Zvezda makes the 251/1 and 251/3. Before I invest in another kit, I would like to know if the thing is any better than the Revell. Any help would be appreciated.. Thank you.
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Quality of Zvezda kits?
spearhead21pz
Joined: May 11, 2009
KitMaker: 128 posts
Armorama: 127 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 04:34 AM UTC
Petition2God
Joined: February 06, 2002
KitMaker: 1,526 posts
Armorama: 1,294 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 04:44 AM UTC
I do not know the quality of particular kit you're talking about but Zvezda kits are generally bad and need a lot of work for accuracy. I have been disappointed by every Zvezda kit I've bought so far. There may even be a chance that Revell and Zvezda kits are the same reboxed kit. Anyway, good luck.
meaty_hellhound
Joined: July 23, 2010
KitMaker: 786 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 04:48 AM UTC
hi Ralph,
Zvezda isn't the best of model manufacturers but they usually offer a good start for some hard-to-find subjects. here are some links to reviews and build blogs on armorama:
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/141212
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/141458&page=1
there are great reviews and build step-by-steps on this site, just type in the model in the search bar and you usually find something. hope this helps. cheers, bd.
Zvezda isn't the best of model manufacturers but they usually offer a good start for some hard-to-find subjects. here are some links to reviews and build blogs on armorama:
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/141212
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/141458&page=1
there are great reviews and build step-by-steps on this site, just type in the model in the search bar and you usually find something. hope this helps. cheers, bd.
cacciacarri
Joined: March 18, 2007
KitMaker: 91 posts
Armorama: 88 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 05:35 AM UTC
Hi Ralph,
I agree with James.Zvezda is an Italeri company and their products are more or less the same.I have two zvezda kits,italian medium tank M13/40 and semovente M40 75/18 nothing by comparison with Tamiya or Dragon quality but lately I wached some improvement about their new product especially in 1/35 figures range.
cheer
Antonio
I agree with James.Zvezda is an Italeri company and their products are more or less the same.I have two zvezda kits,italian medium tank M13/40 and semovente M40 75/18 nothing by comparison with Tamiya or Dragon quality but lately I wached some improvement about their new product especially in 1/35 figures range.
cheer
Antonio
fussball
Joined: June 30, 2008
KitMaker: 50 posts
Armorama: 48 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 07:24 AM UTC
Zvezda's and Revell's Sd.Kfz. 251's are the same kits, just in a different box.
spearhead21pz
Joined: May 11, 2009
KitMaker: 128 posts
Armorama: 127 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 07:30 AM UTC
I want to thank you for the responses.
James and Antonio, I agree that they my be the same or at least very similar. The Revell decals did not have the instruments, would have been nice but no.
Bruce, the review and build logs were very usefull, I remember having similar issues with the build. The Revell kit I built went together OK, some issues but looks OK except for the accuracy issues, "C" interior. I was hoping the Zvezda kit would be a little better.
I may go ahead and buy one and try to make it a little more accurate, address the interior. The exterior looks OK if you are not a rivet or bolt counter.
Ralph
James and Antonio, I agree that they my be the same or at least very similar. The Revell decals did not have the instruments, would have been nice but no.
Bruce, the review and build logs were very usefull, I remember having similar issues with the build. The Revell kit I built went together OK, some issues but looks OK except for the accuracy issues, "C" interior. I was hoping the Zvezda kit would be a little better.
I may go ahead and buy one and try to make it a little more accurate, address the interior. The exterior looks OK if you are not a rivet or bolt counter.
Ralph
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
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KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 07:59 AM UTC
Just a heads up, but as mentioned, Zvezda is a major reboxer of OTHER companies' models. Inside a Zvezda box you can find Italeri, Dragon and occasionally an original Zvezda kit. Through Italeri, you can find 50 year old Peerless Max kits (M3 White Scout Car) in Zvezda boxes as well.
Their BMD is a rather nice kit, but most of their modern former Soviet armor are ex-Dragon kits and virtually all of their WW2 German armor are either Italeri of Dragon kits as well.
Their BMD is a rather nice kit, but most of their modern former Soviet armor are ex-Dragon kits and virtually all of their WW2 German armor are either Italeri of Dragon kits as well.
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
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Posted: Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 08:52 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Just a heads up, but as mentioned, Zvezda is a major reboxer of OTHER companies' models. Inside a Zvezda box you can find Italeri, Dragon and occasionally an original Zvezda kit. Through Italeri, you can find 50 year old Peerless Max kits (M3 White Scout Car) in Zvezda boxes as well.
Their BMD is a rather nice kit, but most of their modern former Soviet armor are ex-Dragon kits and virtually all of their WW2 German armor are either Italeri of Dragon kits as well.
Hang on, the Peerless Max kits came out in 1977, not 1960! And I should mention that the Zvezda Panzer III F is not a Dragon kit, it's a bad copy of a Dragon kit. The tooling is Zvezda's, however. Their new Mercedes truck is an all-new effort, however, and has been well-reviewed.
As for the SdKfz 251 Ausf. B, yes, it is exactly the same kit as the Revell /Germany offering, though Revell is also offering theirs with interior parts from Dragon's SdKfz 251/3 Ausf. C radio vehicle. But Eduard has a photoetch set for the Zvezda 251/1 Ausf. B troop carrier that actually corrects the interior, rather than duplicating the kit's errors in metal.
Broadly speaking, because of the wide variety of source molds, a buyer should seek out individual reviews of any Zvezda kit before purchasing.
spearhead21pz
Joined: May 11, 2009
KitMaker: 128 posts
Armorama: 127 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 09:07 AM UTC
Gerald;
Thank you for the heads up on the Eduard PE set for a 251/1 Ausf. B. I might be able to come up with something that better resembles the DAK version I was trying to acheive.
Thank you for the heads up on the Eduard PE set for a 251/1 Ausf. B. I might be able to come up with something that better resembles the DAK version I was trying to acheive.
Jmarles
Joined: November 02, 2008
KitMaker: 1,138 posts
Armorama: 953 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 12:25 PM UTC
As others have stated, Zvezda is a smattering of reboxes and a few of their own kits. Their figures are their own molds, plus some Italeri ones, easy to spot due to the poses of the figures. They have reboxed DML, Italeri, Revell and even Eastern Express as well as more obscure defunct eastern European manufacturers... Ironically their 251's are actually Zvezda molds that Revell has reboxed. I would say their best kit so far is the Merc truck/Maultier. 
Often their kits are cheaper in the stores so if you are looing for say a White M1 scout car rebox, it is a good option compared to Italeri/Revell retail prices.
Often their kits are cheaper in the stores so if you are looing for say a White M1 scout car rebox, it is a good option compared to Italeri/Revell retail prices.
Grumpyoldman
ConsigliereJoined: October 17, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 04:19 PM UTC
Their R-12 motorcycle is a lovely kit. Much better than the IBG/Revell offering.
Pak_40
Joined: August 12, 2003
KitMaker: 392 posts
Armorama: 281 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 04:43 PM UTC
Hey all,
For a long time Zvezda re-boxed other peoples kits and figures(Dragon, Italeri and Heller). Lately though they have been making their own kits and some are quite nice. Sure some of the figure sets are a bit rough, but they are a lot better than the old Heller crap.
I own both the Zvezda 4500A and 4500R(Mercedes-Benz), and except for the dashboards, they are great kits.
Zvezda, as well as other Eastern European kit makers, have come a long way and soon may be able to rival their Oriental brethren. Plus they are constantly upgrading their tooling to make a better product.
Chris
For a long time Zvezda re-boxed other peoples kits and figures(Dragon, Italeri and Heller). Lately though they have been making their own kits and some are quite nice. Sure some of the figure sets are a bit rough, but they are a lot better than the old Heller crap.
I own both the Zvezda 4500A and 4500R(Mercedes-Benz), and except for the dashboards, they are great kits.
Zvezda, as well as other Eastern European kit makers, have come a long way and soon may be able to rival their Oriental brethren. Plus they are constantly upgrading their tooling to make a better product.
Chris
Fitz
Joined: July 11, 2006
KitMaker: 439 posts
Armorama: 331 posts
Posted: Friday, October 15, 2010 - 01:29 AM UTC
The Zvezda Sdkfz 251 kits are home-grown. Revell sells them under license. Not the worlds greatest kits but not bad either and you can hardly argue the price as they can be had for under $20 if you shop carefully. Here are some reviews.
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/zvezda/zvezda3572.html
http://www.ipmsusa2.org/reviews2/mil-veh/kits/zvezda_35_sdkfz251-37flak/zvezda_35_sdkfz251-37flak.htm
http://www.modelingmadness.com/scotts/misc/military/previews/zvezda/3604.htm
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/zvezda/zvezda3572.html
http://www.ipmsusa2.org/reviews2/mil-veh/kits/zvezda_35_sdkfz251-37flak/zvezda_35_sdkfz251-37flak.htm
http://www.modelingmadness.com/scotts/misc/military/previews/zvezda/3604.htm
alanmac
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
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Posted: Friday, October 15, 2010 - 02:08 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Their R-12 motorcycle is a lovely kit. Much better than the IBG/Revell offering.
Dave
Actually the Revell R-12 is the Zvezda kit reboxed and has nothing to do with IBG.
You'll also see that Revell is reboxing and selling the Merc truck, Maultier version. Apparently with better transfers/decals than the ones in the Zvezda kit.
Alan
Bluestab
Joined: December 03, 2009
KitMaker: 2,160 posts
Armorama: 1,906 posts
Posted: Friday, October 15, 2010 - 04:27 AM UTC
The Zvezda Sdkfz. 251/Bs are slated as being new tool kits. It has some serious fit issues with the running gear, the hull, sides, etc. The interior has some accuracy issues. However, it is the only game in town and from the outside does look like a 251/B. I have one basically built, though I added a 2cm gun from Italeri's old Bergpanther mainly so I could obscure the interior with gear and ammo cases. If you absolutely have to have a 251/b then go for it. But having been there and done that, I probably won't be buying another one any time soon.
lukiftian
Joined: March 12, 2010
KitMaker: 791 posts
Armorama: 592 posts
Posted: Friday, October 15, 2010 - 06:55 AM UTC
I'm building their 251B right now, and within its limitations I believe it's excellent and almost the equal of the Dragon offering. It includes a good engine, a definite bonus, and the kit is inexpensive.
There are two issues worth mentioning, the instrument panel is a decal and the tracks are problematic to fit, although they're workable. AFV Club's and Zvezda's 251 tracks apparently fit each others kits, this may be a solution.
Yes the interior is inaccurate as is but not unfixable if you're willing to either do the work or compromise.
the Revell Germany kit is the Zvezda kit.
There are two issues worth mentioning, the instrument panel is a decal and the tracks are problematic to fit, although they're workable. AFV Club's and Zvezda's 251 tracks apparently fit each others kits, this may be a solution.
Yes the interior is inaccurate as is but not unfixable if you're willing to either do the work or compromise.
the Revell Germany kit is the Zvezda kit.
Jmarles
Joined: November 02, 2008
KitMaker: 1,138 posts
Armorama: 953 posts
Posted: Friday, October 15, 2010 - 10:26 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm building their 251B right now, and within its limitations I believe it's excellent and almost the equal of the Dragon offering. It includes a good engine, a definite bonus, and the kit is inexpensive.
There are two issues worth mentioning, the instrument panel is a decal and the tracks are problematic to fit, although they're workable. AFV Club's and Zvezda's 251 tracks apparently fit each others kits, this may be a solution.
Yes the interior is inaccurate as is but not unfixable if you're willing to either do the work or compromise.
the Revell Germany kit is the Zvezda kit.
I agree. I have numerous extra 251 tracks and the fact this is the only early 251 on the market (ignoring the pathetic Nitto offering), easily outweighs the cons. The interior can be corrected fairly easily, or can be covered with a tarp!
spearhead21pz
Joined: May 11, 2009
KitMaker: 128 posts
Armorama: 127 posts
Posted: Friday, October 15, 2010 - 11:21 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm building their 251B right now, and within its limitations I believe it's excellent and almost the equal of the Dragon offering. It includes a good engine, a definite bonus, and the kit is inexpensive.
There are two issues worth mentioning, the instrument panel is a decal and the tracks are problematic to fit, although they're workable. AFV Club's and Zvezda's 251 tracks apparently fit each others kits, this may be a solution.
Yes the interior is inaccurate as is but not unfixable if you're willing to either do the work or compromise.
the Revell Germany kit is the Zvezda kit.
I want to thank everybody for the responses. I am going to use the information provided; Eduard 35955 Sd. Kfz.. 251/1 Ausf. B Zve and AFV-35043 Sd. kfz. 251 wheels and tracks and go ahead a build Ausf B using the Zvezda kit. Wish me luck.
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