Hi all,what would the best version of an Sd.Kfz.7 for towing a 88 in North Africa,its for a mate ,as I know very little about arty and prime movers
cheers chums
Andy

Hi Andy,

I think the basic version of Sd.Kfz.7 with three rolls of seats would be used mostly for towing an 88. The other versions would have anti-aircraft gun mounted on it.



Paul

Hi Andy: Since "it's for a mate" then I would go the route of least resistance. Get the Tamiya versions of the SdKfz 7 Prime mover (35148) and its 8.8cm Flak 36/37 (35017) -- (do not get 35283, the North Africa version as it does not include the transport bogies).

While there are other companies that make newer iterations of these kits, you should go with simple and easily available. Your mate won't notice and you should do something that you can crush out rather quickly (versus a super detailed, months long uber- project).

Both kits include N Africa decals. When you build the Flak, know that the Flak 36 version seems more commonplace in contemporary photos of the 8.8cm guns in Africa. Use those parts whenever an option is put forth. Good luck! Your mate is lucky to have you as a friend!

For kit version, I would suggest a pair from Dragon,

6545 Sd.Kfz. 7 8t Half-Track Early Production w/Crew.


6287 88mm FLAK 37


They are very nice kits.

Paul

Thanks guys,he has the tamiya kit with the bogies,but wants a decent prime mover as the tamiya (crap one )is discontinued,he has no interweb ,just need to know what version would be more appropriate for the North Africa campaign,early,mid or late production

Early is better. Both Trumpeter and DML make the Sdkfz 7 if you choose not to get Tamiya.

Frankly, I think you should trawl Ebay for a cheap Tamiya one -- the complexity of DML and Trumpeter could be a deal breaker.

While I agree with Paul above that the two DML kits are great (and what I would choose if I were building it for my own collection), my experience in building kits for friends and as gifts is -- build the easiest kit extant. THEY WON'T CARE FOR THE ULTRA DETAILED AND SUPER ACCURATE latest version one iota.

Thanks for your help guys,gone for the trumpy one,picked a cheap one up flea bay