Introduction

The Daimler-Benz 170VK was a special built car for the Werhmacht, based on the Mercedes-Benz 170 V series. The vehicle was given a longer wheel base and higher ground clearance for military use. With more then 19,000 made between 1938 and 1942, the German military put them to use, as transport, mobile repair shops, scouts, and, yes, a radio car.

The Kit

Master Box has continued on with the Type 170, after the first two successes with the Sd.Kfz.2 Military Radio Car. Right off the top, I am not sure where Master Box came up with the designation of Sd.Kfz.2, but some research shows that designation belongs to the Kettendraftrad. The closet designation I could find, all be it for a small armored radio car, was Sd.Kfz.260 or 261, which I beleive is incorrect as well.

Ok with that out of the way, onto the model. The model kit comes in a card stock box, that opens on the ends, with the sprues inside a single plastic bag. The decals and clear parts are in a small plastic bag on their own for protection. In the main bag you will find 4 sprues of grey plastic. The parts look very well molded, and include some very fine pieces. I found only a small amount of flash, and a few ejector marks that look like they will need to be cleaned up.

The detail is well molded, including the front grill, which does come with the covered winter option. As mentioned there are quite a few very small parts, and real care will need to be taken when removing these from the sprue. The driver dashboard looks good, all be it sparse, and includes decal to replicate the indicators. I did notice that the face of the radio is not all that well detail, but would suffice. This is where maybe an aftermarket resin or even better, PE radio would greatly improve the build.

The kit comes with a well detailed engine compartment, and I was impressed with the molding of the parts. With a little wire detail, not included in the kit, the modeler could build an engine compartment that screams leave the hood (or bonnet for you on the other side of the pond) open. Even the hood parts are molded thin, not scale thin, but would suffice for this build.

As for the other parts, 5 small rubber tires are included in the set, with well detailed tread. The clear parts are well done, molded thin with no visible marks in the clear plastic. The small decal sheet includes markings for six different vehicles.

The Instructions

The instructions are provided on a 12 page, 83 step novel(just kidding about the novel). They start out with a good parts map of the sprues, the proceed with 83 building steps broken down into sub assemblies. The large number of steps, for some not familiar, is a nice organization of the build and components, unlike some companies that lumps several sub-assemblies and installation into 1 or 2 steps. The instructions are clear in their presentation in the construction of the kit.

Assembly Sections:

Engine - includes 9 steps, with a reminder not to glue the fan belt assembly on until it is attached to the frame.

Frame - 23 steps, includes all frame work, including detailed steering assembly, suspension, and mounting of motor.

Auto body - 51 steps, including building what looks to be a fantastic interior right up to attaching to the frame.

There are a couple of variants, so carefully watch the assembly process. There are no paint call outs during the assembly, so a little research will need to be done during construction.

Paint schemes are presented on the rear of the box, and listed paints include Vallejo and Lifecolor.

As for accuracy of the kit, I found very few pictures of the Radio Car, but found a few pictures of the Type 170, and compared them to the parts of the kits, and I did not see any real discrepancies.

Overall this looks to be a great kit, and I know I am looking forward to the build. I would highly recommend this kit.

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