introduction

This set from Eduard is aimed at the AFV Club 251/21 Drilling, kit number AF35082, but most of it can be used with any 251 Ausf.D, and a lot could even be used with the Dragon 251's.

the set

The set includes two frets of photo etch, one large, one small, and a small paper insert for the dashboard dials.

The instructions included run to five sides, and are up to the usual Eduard standard, clearly explaining which parts need to be removed from the original kit, which parts need replacing etc.

This is a fairly extensive set, looking to contain much more detail than the Eduard sets for the Dragon 251's. Installation begins by removing various locating marks from the inside walls of the crew compartment, and continues with how to install various parts withing the driver's compartment and crew compartment. Two brackets on the heating duct are replaced, gay mask cylinder bracket, and a complicated seat replacement that looks quite difficult to install, but will look stunning once done, that is until you've built the rest of the kit when little will be visible!

The same hold true for the rest of the Driver's compartment. There is a great deal to install from the set here, as mentioned, the two seat base replacements, a new dashboard, various gear levers and handbrake lever, floor panels, foot pedals. As mentioned, there is also a paper insert for behind the dash that looks quite effective once installed. I have installed one of these Eduard sets before on a 251, although not this one, and whilst I agree that it does indeed look good when complete, I stress again, that very little was actually visible on the completed model.

For the walls, there are new MG40 brackets, spare vision block holders, ammunition pouches, spare optical battery brackets, and a new radio housing. I'm glad to see that that Eduard have dropped the etched radio from these sets, since they have never really looked convincing, being far too flat.

The basic vehicle is finished off with new brackets to hold the seat-back stowage lockers, which require some plastic surgery, but doesn't look too difficult to install. The set then moves on to improvements for the outside of the vehicle, beginning with handles for the rear door, and then new latches for the engine hood, with lifting brackets for either side of the hood.

As you would expect there are new etched clamps for all the tools on the outside of the vehicle, these being in one piece, and amongst the easiest of tool clamps to assemble...... they look good too! For the rear of the vehicle there is a new rear Notek convoy light, and rear fenders, plus a T-handle for the outside of the rear doors.

Parts specifically for the gun mount are included in the form of new brackets for the ammunition cases, which necessitate the removal of the moulded ones. These will require a little skill to install properly, since they're required to bent in a coiled fashion and with a small piece of wire (not included) they form hinges for the brackets holding the spare ammunition cases to the sidewalls. There is also a new sight for the Drilling which looks good, and replaces the mere 'bump' provided in the kit! This sight and the brackets are the only parts specific to the Drilling. Lastly we have an AA sight for the MG34, along with an ammunition belt, which being PE looks a little flat, new bracket for the fire extinguisher, and four small lifting brackets for the hull walls.

in conclusion

I would have liked to have seen more parts specifically for the drilling and mount, in particular perhaps a 251 Ausf.D set, and then minor 'cheaper' sets for the version specific parts? Having said that, if you're building the AFV Club Drilling then I'd recommend this set, as it will indeed improve the look of the finished model considerably!