Trumpeter's U.S. importer has just sent us the initial details of two new kits from the company.

The first will be somewhat overshadowed by the second, but an interesting release nevertheless:

374 - German Geschutzwagen IVb Sdkfz 165/1 Armored Tank with 10.5 cm leFH 18/1(Sf) Gun

Kit consists of 590 parts on 16 sprues. Features: One-piece slide-molded lower chassis hull w/ authentic details, final drive housing w/ clasp bolt detail on both sides, metal towing cable, towing eye brackets in extreme detail w/separate parts, slide-molded upper hull rendered in fine details, accurately molded sprocket wheel, detailed idler wheels w/numerous separate parts, hatch can be assembled open or closed, side fenders w/pattern detail on both top and bottom surface, armor for front hull Interior, full fighting compartment interior, converted signal pistol, ammo box for signal pistol and grenades and interior detail, newly tooled 10.5cm LeFH 18/1 gun, gun cradle for gun, gun mount w/extreme detail, 256 individual track links in light grey plastic or a set of full length vinyl track can be selected (included). The photo-etched fret contains grills for the engine deck, bracket for the spare road wheel and fender support brackets.

However, inevitably, the BIG news is with the second announcement:

1514 - German Sdkfz.7 8-Ton Halftrack, (Early Version) Finally, something (modern) to tow all these 88s we've been getting in the last year or two. As this vehicle was also used for most of the heavy German artillery pieces it will have a multitude of uses.

The kit will contain 848 parts on 17 sprues. Features: New tooled slide-molded one-piece mudguard, both sides panels and top panel of the engine hood can be open to show the full detailed engine, the front radiator grill tooled in fine detail, the windscreen can be assembled open or closed, upper and lower foot-board are made from photo-etched parts w/non-slip pattern, headlight w/clear shade, sprocket wheels w/ multiple delicate parts, operable front suspension and steering, the road wheels have excellent detail with differing patterns on the inside and outside wheels. Interior details include a row of rifle clips behind the front seat, fully detailed
engine, accurately designed transmission, the gearbox is slide molded w/authentic detail, seat and canvas details, tool box w/interior detail, 3 rubber tires with excellent tread pattern, 384 individual track links in light grey plastic on 8 sprues, & a winch. Photo-etch parts included for footboard.

Our thanks to Stevens International for this very welcome announcement.