Introduction

The Sd.KFz.10 half-track was a widely used and varied vehicle by the Wehrmacht during World War 2. The half-track had many uses; people carrier, tow vehicle, and mounted different weapons. The Sd.Kfz.10/4 mounted the German 2cm FlaK 30. The rear deck was specifically designed for the FlaK 30 to included fold down sides to provide more surface for the gun crew. The variant of the Sd.Kfz.10/4 built in 1940 included ramps that would accommodate the quick dismount of the gun onto the Sd.Ah.51 trailer. Starting in 1941, the Sd.Kfz.10/4 was changed to mount the FlaK 38, and eventually had the platform widened.

One of the latest kits from Dragon Models covers the 1940 variant of the Sd.Kfz.10/4.

Contents

Inside the standard Dragon Models box you will find:
12 plastic sprues
1 clear plastic sprues
1 fret of photo-etched
96 individual Magic Track pieces
1 sheet of decals
1 set of instruction

Review

This new kit from Dragon Models is not their first Sd.Kfz.10, but a continuation in the line. Thus the base kit is not new, but looking over the parts, it does look good. The moldings are very well done, clean and crisp. There are a lot of small molded parts in plastic that should add to the overall detail when built, but can be a bit of a nuisance for novice builders. Just remember patience and care when working with fine plastic pieces.

The set of parts that really caught my eye when I first starting looking at the kit was the engine hood, the slats on the side are open. And even the front grill is very well done with open slats. Under the hood is a full engine and transmission that is crying out to be detailed. Moving a little further back, the crew compartment is also well detailed, with decals for the instrument panel, and nicely textured seats.

The new parts for this kit include the gun deck and ramps to represent the 1940 production of the Sd.Kfz.10/4. The gun deck is very well done with gun mounting detail, and there is also photo-etched details for the fold down sides.

From the looks of the gun itself, it does look like the previous FlaK 30 I have built from Dragon Models, and I must say it is a nice kit, well detailed. I only wish it came with a turned metal barrel, but that is easily rectified with an after-market part.

The construction of the kit starts with the lower chassis hull. Again there are some fine parts, so care will be needed. This assembly also includes the engine and transmission, and with a few bits of wire it could make for something to show off. With the engine, transmission and firewall in place, assembly moves to the driver compartment, and being open, don’t worry, it contains some nice details.

To complete the front end, the grill and hoods are added, and this can be assembled open or closed. A clear plastic front windshield is included, with molded on wipers. A very nice touch from Dragon Models is the inclusion of mask for the windshield, both inside and out.

Construction now moves to the newly tooled gun deck. Again some good looking details. The fold down sides include photo-etched screening, and can be built up or down. It then moved on the gun itself starting with the cradle, then onto the gun. The barrel is molded in one piece, and is slide molded for a hollow business end.

After mounting the gun onto the deck, you then start the trailer. Again there are some nice details, including the interior of the door. Unfortunately the kit does not provide the ammunition cases to fill the trailer. You can go after-market or just close it.

Another new part is the ramps, these can be constructed for loading/unloading or stowed on the front of the vehicle. Dragon Models has been nice enough to include the stowage racks for the front.

For tracks, the kit does include Dragon Models Magic Track. There are good and bad opinions when it comes to Magic Track, but I must say they look good. The parts are small, and will require some care, but unfortunately cleaning as there are ejector marks on the parts.

The kit does include marking for two “unidentified” vehicles. The markings are mostly license plates, but one offering includes the anti-aircraft tactical mark.

As for the instructions, one word “Dragon Models”. Their instructions have been known to be lacking in places, so review the parts and dry fit often.

Conclusion

I must say this is one of the few Dragon Models kits that in the past has really impressed me. The kit looks to be very well done and nicely detailed. There are some great looking parts like the open grills on the engine hood, newly tooled rear deck, etc. With only some real minor issues like ejector marks on the track parts, this should build into a great looking model. After looking over this kit, I want to get it on my bench and start, it is a great looking kit, and I highly recommend it.