introduction

The Sd.Kfz. 10 was one of the more-interesting German halftracks for several reasons, including its use of a body "tub" instead of a chassis, as well as ots widespread employment in a variety of roles: light gun prime mover, chemical decontamination van, and as a platform for the 2cm FlaK 30 and FlaK 38. Often mistakenly called the Demag 10 after the Patentfirma that held the patent and did the design and testing, 14,000 of the Ten were produced by a broad range of firms besides Demag: Adlerwerke, Büssing-NAG, MWC, MNH, MIAG, and Saurerwerke. And in an interesting twist, auto makers in occupied France were were press-ganged into making these vehicles, among them Peugeot, Renault, Panhard and others.

Dragon Models has already released the 10/5 variant mounting the FlaK 38 (reviewed here on Armorama). Now they've released a limited-edition version of the Sd.Kfz. 10 "vanilla" focused on the 1940 production run, or what they call "Ausführung A" through their Cyberhobby division.

The differences between the early version of the vehicle and its final "Ausführung B" configuration are mostly subtle, including a strengthened rear-end/pintle to allow for towing heavier guns like the 7.5cm PaK 40 and 150mm sIG 33, as well as adding an air compressor to handle artillery pieces with air brakes. These changes were implemented in 1940, after which the vehicle was given the Ausf. B designation.

what you get

The usual white Cyberhobby box contains

12 sprues of gray styrene
1 gray styrene hull tub
1 sprue of clear plastic windshield panes and headlight lamps
2 bags of two-piece Magic Tracks (workable), one containing the track links, the other the "rubber" track pads
1 small fret of PE
1 set of vinyl masks for the windshield
1 small sheet of instrument dials, markings, placards and license plates
6-page instruction booklet with painting guide

the review

As noted above, the differences between the early and late versions are relatively minor. Heavier artillery required air brakes to keep from overtaking the towing vehicle on a down slope or a curve. To feed the brakes, prime movers had compressors linked to the power-plant, and 1-2 reservoir tanks, usually located under the body. This kit lacks the air reservoir, so it would not be accurate to show it towing anything heavier than a 5cm PaK 38, with most of the photos I've seen showing the 3.7cm PaK 36. This kit lacks the air reservoir from what I can tell, and its tow pintle isn't reinforced as in later models.

While some of the parts derive from the kit released earlier, there are differences, especially a separate sprue for the front mud guards that are slightly different from the later version. For one thing, Pre-war and Early War German vehicles lacked the Notek blackout front light (the one that looks like a refugee from "War of the Worlds"). This kit also sports the metal "flag" mounted on the left front mud guard that Dragon has rendered nicely in PE.

The molding is exceptionally crisp, perhaps because this is a limited edition issue. The Magic Tracks are workable, a nice feature for a halftrack, though they are tiny and will drive the "fiddly bits" haters nuts. The torsion bar suspension is workable, though the bars are thin and fragile, so exercise caution when assembling the final model.

The front wheels are just two-piece halves, so some after-market resin wheels are recommended. There also is no canvas tarp for the vehicle, either extended or folded up, nor even brackets for one. Again, look for one of the AM companies to rectify the oversight, as period photos show the top deployed in both Summer and Winter environments.

instructions, painting guide & decals

The usual exploded-view Dragon instructions are included. The painting guide shows two schemes from that famous, storied armored cadre,"Unidentified Unit":

Unidentified Unit - Eastern Front 1941 in all-gray
Unidentified Unit - North Africa 1941 in Dunkelgelb.

While Dragon has been getting its painting instructions in-line with current research on early war duo-color paint schemes such as those for Poland and the Campaign in France, I'm surprised to see these suggesting Dunkelgelb for the 1941 North African scheme. The correct colors for this period are a base of RAL 8000 Gelbbraun with 1/3 disruptive overspray pattern of 7008 Graugrün (Khakibraun). These colors are readily available in both enamel and acrylic, so it's unfortunate they aren't indicated in the painting guide.

The decals have instrument dials and placards, an improvement over Dragon's earlier habit of leaving them off their halftracks. Included as well are license plates and the white reflective markings applied to front mud guards to prevent collisions.

In one of the nicer touches, Dragon has included Gen 2-level Kar98k's for use in the vehicle's rifle rack that have separately-molded bolts. If only they'd put some PE slings onto that fret....

Speaking of PE, there is a small fret with anti-skid plates and hubs for the bogeys.

conclusion

As a lover of Wehrmacht softskins, I am delighted to have this kit in my stash, and plan on building it either pulling a small PAK gun or perhaps hauling Panzergrenadiers. In any case, I applaud Dragon for making good use of its molds for the 10/5 in this way.

References:
Toadman's Sd.Kfz. 10 CD-ROM

Halfracked Vehicles of the German Army 1909-1945 by Walter J. Spielberger (Schiffer)..

Review sample provided by Dragon USA. Please be sure to mention you saw it reviewed here on Armorama when ordering.