Hi, i was given the DML sd kfz 251ausf d for christmas and it is the 3 in 1 version. i am aware of the normal machine gun version and the 75mm gun but am not sure about the version with night vision equipment on. did these really exist in active service and are the soldiers to go with this realistic. i have never seen german soldiers using this sort of stuff and just want to choose the best version.

thanx, Danny

Absolutely real and it worked quite well for the time. This is where the infra-red nightvision started.
The man portable version was not well liked as the battery pack was very heavy.
Check the gallery and you will find some excellent examples to help you.

The night fighting 251s existed and were used towards the end of the war. I'm assuming that the figures you're talking about are Dragon's Nachtjager? This equipment, MP-44 with IR gear and backpack, was developed and saw some limited use in 45. I didn't care for those figures myself, the backpacks and IR gear went in the spare box to be used with something else.

I also got a hold of this kit and I think Im probably going to build the "Falke" version as well since I dont think its been done to death like the other versions of the 251/D that are out there. Is there another set of figures that might compliment the Dragon kit better than the included ones? Thanks.

Stuck

Danny, Please see previous post on Infra Red Panthers, essentially German Infra-Red Equipment was featured in Tankette Volumes 13/6 & 14/1

Back Issues (if available) from: President Gary Williams on [email protected]

Present Internet Page: http://www.mafva.org.uk .
Membership Page:- http://www.mafva.org/Membership.asp

Regards, John-B
MAFVA Info Officer

I believe but am not sure that the night vision equipment was used mostly around the time of the defense of Berlin. In other words I don't believe it ever saw combat outside of Germany. As referred to above there are some great pictures of a panther with IR gear installed to give you an idea of what it all looks like. I've heard rumors that Dragon or AFV Club may be coming out with a 251 version that had the huge IR spotlight that basically lit up large areas for the troops and vehicles.

Danny, I've built the 251 'Falke' version, it's a nice kit. If you need any references for the wiring, drop me a line.

Falke

Eduard Falke PE set

Vinnie

Vinnie, that is an outstanding job. I just recently bought the same kit from Dragon and I intend to build the same version as exampled in your work. I know you also wrote the review for the PE kit and in your opinion, how much of an improvement does it give the vehicle? To me, it looks like it would add an awful lot.

On a side note, this is the first model Im building after a 25+ year break from this hobby Im working on some detailing that I plan to do (real wood slat benches for the back as an example). I really want to make this kit a good one. Thanks in advance for your information and have a great New Year.

Those Nachtjager figs are pretty poor, but the packs and weapons are useable. Try using them with any other late war figs, especially the Gen 2 'Korsun Pocket' set. A photo of an abandoned IR Panther is claimed to be taken during the BOB, and von Rundstedt substantiated that claim (after the war) by stating that these Panthers were used then. IR devices were fitted with a self-destruct charge of stick grenades to prevent capture by the Allies. Maybe this is why more were not seen. IR equipment was used effectively later in Germany, during local counter-attacks, but as usual with German technology, it was too little, way too late.

I wasnt sure if I was going to use the figures or not as they are pretty 'blah'. I havent really checked to see if they have specific clothing or attached equipment that is specific to the IR units. I know in real life, the soldat carrying the MP44 with the IR attachment also carried a battery pack. If I were to employ any figures, I would probably try to find some from Alpine or another company that would probably compliment the 250 better. That said, Im going to construct the figures as if I were going to use them. I desperately need the practice of doing the figures and painting!

Thanks for the info and Happy New Year!