Good Day to you all,

I am an experienced modeller, RC flying scale and static boats mainly but I should welcome advice or recommendations on sourcing some 1/35 scale Military kits for a diorama I am involved in.

Specifically I am looking at the DRAGON kit (8260) for the 88mm Flak 18/36/37 but also need a towing/crew tractor the 8-ton half-track Kfz. 7 Zgkw

I don’t think DRAGON do (or did) the latter. I see from searching that Tamiya did but understand that it was discontinued. Also, has DRAGON discontinued the 88 mm?

I’m looking for the best kits available, regardless of price. Can anyone recommend suitable models and suggest a source? (Edit: Larger scale kits are acceptable)

Thanks,

Peter

The Sd Kfz 7 was a Tamiya release that has been out for a couple of decades at least. However, It is not completely out of production. I picked one up the other day as a matter of fact.



I've just finished it and I am currently working on the FLAK 18 (DML) to tow behind it.


The Sprues in the FAMO kit showed a lot of flash which indicates that this one that I just purchased was molded recently off of very old tools (hence the flash). You can still find them around, they are available.

The problem with the Tamiya kit is the suspension. It is not to scale and the rubber band track is out of scale and is atrocious. I substituted Fruilmodel track and this required some modofication to the suspension to bring it back ti the correct footprint. The instructions for the modifications come with the fruil track.

Steve

The Dragon 88mm is a brand new kit. It is avaliable for $34 in the US. I can check with my suppliers and see if the Tamiya Halftrack is avaliable anywhere.
www.wingsntreads.com

Thanks
Winston

The Tamiya kit is the only game in town as far as I know for the 8-ton half-track Kfz. 7. It is oop. However, there are always some on Ebay. There are four up for bid now.

Link to one of them:

Ebay

Shaun

EDIT: It is worth mentioning that the new DML 88 kit simply rocks. I have been at this a while and I was stunned by this kit when I opened the box. Highly recommended.

A.F.V. club do a 88mm as well, not sure how it matches up against the DML kit.

Thanks to you and the other posters for the helpful comments. It's as i thought.

I will be ordering the DML 88 Flak kit from a UK supplier so I will approach one of the specialist kit companies to source a Tamiya semi-track.

You mention using 'FRUIL' track tp replace the inadequate Tamiya items. Are 'FRUIL' an after market company who provide kit extras?

regards

Fruil is Fruilmodel aftermarket metal replacement tracks. They have a set for the SdKfz 7.

Being in Thailand, why don't you consider either a Hong Kong, Japan or Australian based online hobby shop? Maybe easier and you can probably get all three items (DML 88, Tamiya Sdkfz 7 and Fruil tracks) from one place. Contact me if you want suggestioins.

Thanks Roy, that's an option but I shall be visiting UK soon so will buy and bring them back with me.

regards

Actually it is FRIUL - with "i" before "u".

Pawel

UK is one of the most expensive places on this planet to buy kits from. You should really order what you want from one of Asian retailers - even including shipping costs you will most likely still pay significantly less than what you would have to pay in UK.

Pawel

Thanks for the tip Vodnik.

I shall do some price comparisons. Indeed, some or all of what I want may be available locally but I haven't found a source yet. Also, i have to take into account customs duty which may be levied on imports.

I note that 'Friul' is so spelled after I found their website!

regards,