introduction

The 251 series from Dragon continued with kit #6233 3-in1 which offered as it's three possible versions that could be constructed, the 251/1 Armoured Personnel Carrier, the 251/9 with 7.5cm KwK37, or the 251/1 with Infra red 'night vision; or "Falke". The latter being the subject of this photo etch set from Eduard.

included....

The set comes in the usual transparent plastic packet from Eduard, inside of which there are 5 sides of nicely printed colour instructions, one large fret of photo etch, and one smaller fret. Also included, as with all the 251 sets from Eduard is a small rectangle of paper providing instrument dials, the value of which I'm not convinced of since there are adequate decals included in the kit itself?

The first and largest fret contains items such as a new dash, another replacement I'm not convinced of since it's necessarily 'flat' being photo etch, I'm not sure this is an improvement over the kit part supplied by Dragon. What are improvements over the kit parts are the foot pedals Eduard supply, the Gas Mask cylinder bracket, gearshift lever housing and assorted brackets and floor panels with pull handles. Also on this fret are new mudguards, and the gear stowagepanels that go on the inside of the upper hull. There is a really nice radio housing, MP40 brackets, various 'boxes' for the inside of the hull, and brackets for holding the 4 rifles inside one of the long containers on the upper hull wall.
All the hinges for the storage boxes under the bench seats are provided, along with brackets for holding all the tools and fire extiguisher. The vision slots are provided for too, in some cases, Eduard providing complete replacements. There are additions to the rear convoy light, engine hood latches, a sight for the MG42 and small photo etch chains to replace those on the padlocks on the fender stowage boxes.
There is also the option to replace the handrails on the top of the superstructure sides, although you will have to provide your own wire or rod of the correct diameter (0.5mm).

Conclusion

For anybody setting out to build this version, I have no doubt that this set from Eduard will provide you with a finished model a 'notch' above the one you would have produced without it. The most useful things are assorted brackets, which can of course be used on all 251/D kits from Dragon. In fact, there is nothing at all specific to the 'Falke' in this photo etch set, and therefore no matter which 'D' you choose to build, there'll be something in it for you.
A useful set, perhaps a tad overpriced....but there's not much you won't use.

Further information is available here
Eduard


My Thanks to Eduard for the review sample.