Any modeler who has built/researched the Sdkfz 234 knows the Italeri kit tires are a bit lacking in detail and authentic tread pattern. Well TMD has come to the rescue with a very nice set of tires and wheels.
The set contains 27 very nicely made pieces. The pieces consist of 9 tires, 9 brake drums(1with exposed hub detail) and 9 wheel faces ( one intended for use as a spare). All the parts are molded in grey resin that sands and cuts reasonably well. Removal of casting carriers is fairly easily done with a bit of sand paper and a good sharp #11 X Acto. The only area I ran into trouble with as far as casting goes is "blobs" of excess resin on a couple of spots. It almost looks as if the mold leaked or had a air bubble. But on a better note there were absolutely no air bubbles present on the parts. After a little clean up the parts go together very well and make for a beautiful set of tires.
This particular set is marked as a "civilian tread pattern" however, this particular tread pattern is documented on both the Sdkfz 234 and the SWS halftrack. So I tend to believe it was a military tread pattern. I think the most readily available picture in print is a Sdkfz 234 during the Battle of the Bulge" with a number of German Paratroopers loaded on to the engine deck. The treads on this set's tires are very nicely done with very crisp detail regardless of whether they are civilian or military. The wheels in this particular set are marked as "late pattern" hubs. Which means they have 5 cooling holes located around the circumference of the wheel. These are very nicely done and do require a bit of clean up. However when done these pieces look most impressive installed . Next up in the assembly is the brake drums. These pieces are very nicely done with good detail on their faces. They fit on the exsisting kit axles so there is no fuss installing them. There is also a brake drum with the hub attached so that the modeler can have a missing tire from his model. Just that one part gives the modeler different vehicle and diorama possiblities. I think the whole idea of having seperate brake drums from the wheels gives a very good appearance on the finished product.
With all these things in mind if you are looking for a well engineered, accurate set of Sdkfz 234 look no further then Tiger Model Designs. I think Fritz Swanson the gentleman who mastered this set did a fine job and gave Sdkfz 234 fans a great set of tires.
