Introduction
The Sd.Kfz.7 is a Second World War German half-track used by the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS. Development started back in 1934 and in 1938 the first production vehicle came out. It was to be used primarily for towing heavy artillery pieces, such as 88mm Flak gun and sFH 18 150 mm howitzer. A number of vehicles were mounted with anti-aircraft guns, first by request of Luftwaffe, and then used also by the SS. Two variants are made: Sd.Kfz. 7/1-with 2cm quadruple Flak 38 cannon, and Sd.Kfz.7/2 with 3.7 cm Flak 36. On some of the vehicles the Germans added an armored cab for crew protection.
Contents
The kit comes in the standard
Dragon Models box, with nice box art and the main features on the sides and bottom. All sprues and other parts come in clear bags. The kit contains:
- 11 sprues of grey styrene
- 1 separate piece representing the chassis
- 1 clear sprue
- 1 photo etched fret
- 3 DS tyres
- 2 bags with Magic tracks parts
- 1 small decal sheet
- Instruction booklet
Review
Construction of the model is straight forward, starting of course with the chassis and suspension. Here we have a very detailed one piece chassis and transmission, there are number of small parts that need attention and carefully studying the instructions. There's a well detailed winch, consisting of four parts, but no cable. The engine is also well represented, with many details and will look nice if the hood is left open. The front wheels are made of DS(Dragon Styrene) material and look good to me. Another one is provided for the spare wheel, mounted on the back of the vehicle. The road wheels are very well done with nice details.
The next area is the armored cabin, which includes a good interior, but no decals for the instrument panel. There's no mention of the rear seat (behind the cabin) in the instructions, which is also missing in the sprues. One other thing that is clearly not there is one of the options for the armored plates. Only one is included-that with the bent plates and closed doors. If you want the doors to be left open, a bit of surgery is needed. The radiator grill is moulded solid without the ability to see between the fillets through the radiator; but if you use the armored shield this will not visible. The side panels of the engine are also moulded solid, they should be vented and provide a minimal view of the engine bay. The rear deck is one large part with a moulded non-skid pattern, two options are included-with angular rear fender and with curved ones. The side panels are two type-wooden and mesh. The latter are not shown in the instructions, but are there.
The system of the Flakvierling 38 is the most complicated part of the kit. It will be a nice representation of the real thing once built, but maybe replacement metal barrels will look better. We have two options for the gun shield-in action and transport mode. The tracks are individual links "Magic track"-they are very nice, but small and patience is needed. One clear sprue is included for the headlights; there is also the front window which will not be used.
Dragon Models have also provided photo etched parts for the mesh of the side panels and other small details.
The decal sheet is printed by Cartograf and is of high quality. Six variants are possible representing, with separate numbers on the plates. NOTE! The 2nd Pz.Div. vehicle is actually 2nd SS pz.Div. "Das Reich"-the emblem is clearly recognizable.
- Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943
- Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943
- Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943
- Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943
- 2nd Panzer Division, France 1944
- Unidentified Unit, Normandy 1944
Conclusion
I like the kit, it is very well detailed, but the omitted parts for the rear seat and the other armored cabin option is a let-down. These parts are included on sprue G in kit 6542 Sd.Kfz.7/2, but for unknown reason are not here, although are clearly shown on the kit box and description. An ammunition trailer would be a nice addition along with some figures, but this is my preference. Instruction may be confusing in places.
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