V-2 Super Value Pack
German V-2 Missile Bonus Communication Center
Item: 9140
Scale: 1/35

Cyber-Hobby have released another Value-Pack featuring the unstoppable V2 rocket with a communications center crew in 1/35. These value packs are a good deal with popular models combined together.

Cyber-Hobby Orange Box Super Value Pack

Cyber-Hobby is a division of Dragon and markets a series of value-packs including the Orange Box class: ”Orange Box - value-priced, entry level kit with previous tooling and upgraded with combination of bonus parts such as figures, new OVM, or new tracks.”

This review of the Cyber-Hobby Orange Box Super Value Pack features the 1/35 V2 missile and a five-figure communications center.

German V-2 Missile Bonus Communication Center

The history of the Vergeltungswaffe 2 ("V2", technical name A4) is well known so I won’t recount it here. Instead I’ll recount that Dragon thrilled generations of modelers in the 1990s with the release of this 1/35 V2. The model is packed in a conventional top–bottom box. Inside are 14 sprues securely contained in several plastic bags, a baggie of photo-etch, and an instruction sheet. A few parts were loose from sprue C. There are no decals.

Inside the box are three models: the V2; a launch Abschussplattform; and the communication center set. One hundred ninety parts are advertises on the box top. Many parts are shaded in the ‘not for this kit’ manner on the instruction sheet, including four of the included figures. Seven full figures and two legs/torsos are included.

V2 and Abschussplattform

The molds have held up well over the past 15 or so years. The parts are crisply molded in light gray styrene. I noticed some slight flash on some smaller pieces. I did not see any ejector marks or sink holes where they will be visible on the built models. Several parts have slight seam lines.

The A4 rocket is a hefty model, the body molded with thick plastic. Despite that, I don’t think the connectors are oversized. Some of the connectors on other sprues are so be careful removing smaller parts. Two identical sprues and a single sprue of 25 total parts build the rocket. Very slight texturing on the surface does not distract from the fine detail of recessed panels and rivets. Each of the four fins are separate and they seem slightly over scale.

Thirty-four parts on sprues C & D erect the Abschussplattform. It has a mix of big parts and small pieces. Part C-1, the bottom level, has extended levers molded from it so watch your fingers!

Command Center

This set features five signals soldier models and a Hell-Feld system. I don’t know when the set was originally kitted yet the detail and molding is good. There is a slight amount of flash around some necks and collars, and some random molding lines. The Kar 98 rifles, a pistol holster, map case, ammo pouches, and other Wehrmacht kit is included although most is marked as not used. The figures sport a mix of pre- and post-1943 uniforms: pockets with and without box pleats, angled and straight pocket flaps; different collars; with and without shirt and tie. One has a laced camouflage tunic although I am not certain if this figure is meant to be used with this set but I probably will -- hey, it’s my model! The figures have separate heads, torsos, arms, and legs. The tunics show depth in that button holes and harnesses are slightly depressed. I grew up with stiffly posed Tamiya and Italeri figures so I am happy to see these have a more human slouch, and the faces show life. You can see that the national eagle on the right breasts have detail. Badges and awards are molded onto some: at least one arm is molded with the badge of a qualified signaler (funker); another figure has what appears to be a Verwundetenabzeichen (Wound Badge). One of the figures sports braided officer shoulder boards, an Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross), Nahkampfspange (Close Combat Clasp ), and Verwundetenabzeichen. It also appears that one collar has NCO tresse braid molded along the collar edges. Although most collars have a raised areas for litzen, I did not see any litzen molded onto the collar patches except for the decorated officer. These rank and award items have appreciable detail, although it tends to be “soft“. Equipment harness detail includes straps, adjustment holes, and D-rings.

Sprues F-H start the comm center with two sprues of tables and chairs; two seated figures; and a bank of radios, batteries, and accessories. The radios appear to be a Spez 976 Bs (Tornisterempfänger E.b und Spez.445 Bs) portable battery radio receiver, and a Fu.H.E.c DF receiver; sprue E holds a Torn.Fu.d2 portable transceiver. I believe that words with "Tornister” refers to man-portable equipment, the backpack cabinet the comm devices were ported in. Sprue L holds a Hell Feldfernschreiber Tbs 24a-32 teletype machine with a separate character drum (Geberwalze), a 100WS transmitter, “bicycle” generator, plus a trio of figures. Other comm center apparatus such as field telephones round out the C3 set.

instructions, paint and decals

Decals are easy to describe: none. This is a shame as the prototype radio contraptions had a lot of stenciling.

Dragon / Cyber-Hobby instructions are a single accordion fold sheet. The cover displays the sprues and any loose parts, with parts unintended for the kit shaded in blue. Each step is line art and well organized. The illustrations are sharp and clear. Some illustrations, such as the figures, are filled with color. Paint guidance is indicated with small boxes of numbers corresponding to the particular color. Paint brands referenced are Gunze Sangyo Aqueous, Mr. Color, and Model Master. There is no guidance for painting the radio equipment.

Only one color scheme is offered, a three-color splinter scheme. No information is given about the missile unit, date, or area. This camouflage is close to the scheme on the V2 displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which was captured on a train after being damaged in an air attack.

Ready for launch!

Cyber-Hobby have given us another nice combo set. Modelers are excited that the popular 1/35 V2 is available again.

What about the models? The A4 / V2 has held up well over the years. It features crisp molding and detailing with recessed rivets and panel lines. Some slight flash is on some smaller pieces. I did not see any ejector marks or sink holes where they will be visible on the built model. Several parts have slight seam lines. I have read that the separate fins are over scale but I can’t tell.

The command center is a wealth of interesting radio and telephone-telegraph equipment, tables and chairs, and nicely sculpted figures. These parts are also nicely molded. The figures are well detailed but some of the uniform detail – badges, clasps, medals, etc. – is a bit soft. I appreciate the separate heads. While they are not used with this combo set, you will inherit several well-done guns and personal kit.

The instructions are good but lack any history or information about the subject. Lack of any stenciling and markings is disappointing. I understand the relationship of a C3 set with the rocket. However, this is more a concept combination as it will be difficult to create a plausible diorama with a ready-to-fire rocket near a bunch of Kommunikationsnetzbetreibern unless you create a bunker or a Feuerleitzugmaschine Sd.Kfz.7/3.

Overall this is a good set featuring a good V2 and above average figures.

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