6298, Sd.Kfz.234/1 schwerer Panzerspahwagen (2cm). 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 506 styrene parts (including 12 clear), two photo-etched brass frets, four turned brass parts, two decal marking schemes and ten pages of instructions in 28 steps.

This new kit continues the modular approach first seen in the previously-released Sd.Kfz.234/4. So, for instance, sprue "A" carries the (new) upper hull/superstructure part as well as the two side fender/storage locker units; the types given in this kit have four access doors, all hinged at the bottom. Sprue "C" carries some new parts for the interior as well as the external tool box; sprues "H", "J" and "K" carry parts for the turret, mount and armament, while sprues "g" and "WC" carry the Sternantenne and new "Gen2" MG34 and 42, respectively. The remaining parts deal with the wheels and suspension (about half of the kits total parts are used here), interior details and the various external tools and fittings common to all vehicles in the series.

From the ground up, two-piece tires get wrapped around one of two different styles of wheel hubs; one has two cut-outs around the rim, the other has five cut-outs around the rim. The suspension system is beautifully-rendered, and can be modified by the modeler to show the wheels steering, but it is not expressly designed with that feature as an option. The modeler can simply remove the small square alignment stub attached to the round protrusion on parts D-15, D-23 and D-24 during step eight, and then fix the arms in the chosen position. Consult with references to determine the peculiar way in which these wheels "tracked" each other during a turn and your model will have its own unique look.

The lower hull/chassis assembly consists of two main parts, both of which are the products of a slide-mold. This allows for maximum detail, while reducing the number of parts needed. The hatch lids on either side of the lower hull are molded in place, which is rather odd considering the internal detail given, and DML's penchant for supplying separate hatch lids for almost any opening imaginable on most of their recent kits. The hull part also includes quite a bit of molded-on detail on its innards, including hatch coamings and floor tread plate. There are a variety of well-detailed and fairly complete subassemblies that are fitted into the lower hull, including: two complete driver's stations with all controls, seats and instrument panel; various small items such as gas masks and MP40; engine compartment firewall, transmission cover, various frames, door handles and other details. There are no ammunition storage racks for the 2cm (250 rounds in ten-shot magazines) or the 7.92mm weapons (2,400 rounds), nor is the long-range Fu.12 radio set and its accessories included (which should be there if the modeler fits the provided Sternantenne). I would imagine that this is because there was no information regarding the precise nature and location of these items, although the Tech Intell book states, "There is stowage space for twenty-four 20 round magazines along the vehicle left side." This conflicts with information in the Panzer Tracts book, which states the gun was fed from 10-round magazines. DML certainly has the radio and (probably) the ammo racks in its "logistics system". In fact the kit includes two 2cm ammo racks (marked as "not for use") from their previous kits such as the Sd.Kfz.251/17 and Sd.Kfz.251/23; the proper radio set is included in the '251/23 as well.

The upper hull part is new and will probably be used in the upcoming Sd.Kfz.234/2 "Puma"; it features a nicely detailed, integrally-molded roof plate with the opening for the turret. The opening itself does not feature "bayonet"-style notches to hold the turret in place. While I personally prefer this method because it is more true-to-life, some modelers may not like it because it means the kit's turret will fall out if the model is turned over or otherwise roughly-handled. Features of this assembly include: a driver's hatch that can be modeled opened or closed; view-port flaps that can be modeled opened or closed and which also include clear parts for the vision blocks; the cooling flaps for the engine deck are separate parts for added detail when opened and when closed, there are separate parts to depict that. Internally, the upper hull has nice frame details, bolt heads that correspond with those seen on the outer surface of the roof plate and raised panel details. There are several knock-out pin marks in the area surrounding the turret race ring, which the modeler may wish to remove, although they will not be seen on the finished model, unless the entire upper hull part is left loose. The marks are restrained and raised above the surface; most will be easy to remove, while some are quite close to molded-on details; proceed with caution.

The fender parts are made from a slide-mold and therefore there is a subtle mold seam along the edge that will need to be carefully removed. The lids for the stowage lockers are nicely detailed but are molded in place. Again, some other recent DML kits ('251 Ausf.C and Ausf.D) feature separate lids, so this is a curious omission of an option that DML often embraces. Again, all major details are comprised of separate parts including: two different vehicle jacks as well as extra tools without straps or clamps to aid those who may wish to add (not included) etched brass parts to them; nine jerry cans are provided in styrene, but only six can be used, since that's how many etched brass seam inserts are provided. They have separate mounting brackets and straps, but are curiously devoid of any form of the embossed inscriptions thought to be common on these items. The vehicle width indicator poles are provided as styrene or turned brass parts, with the latter being accompanied by a bending guide on sprue "TF". There is a rack and spare tire for the vehicle's rear-end and the exhaust mufflers now feature pipes that both face to the port side (as viewed from the rear), as well as the original starboard side configuration that had that pipe facing the opposite way. Photo-etched brass or styrene parts are provided for the small access port cover for the lower rear plate and the lift hooks on the superstructure edges.

The "Hangelafette" (suspended mount) turret is the later six-sided type and is a multi-media affair based on all-new styrene parts. It is far more complete and detailed than any previously seen in styrene from any manufacturer. To begin with there are combinations of options for the 2cm gun. It is represented by an all-styrene part that includes tiny perforations and larger slits on the muzzle flash suppressor, with variations in receiver group covers. There are actually two complete styrene gun tubes given: a shorter KwK (Kampfwagenkanone, or, tank cannon) and a longer FlaK (Fliegerabwehrkanone, or, anti-aircraft cannon). Only one is called out in the instructions, part J-10, the longer FlaK version. The cited references indicate that the shorter 2cm KwK should be used, part J-1; however, it's a bit too short compared to Doyle's drawings. Finally, there are optional etched brass or styrene parts to depict the small shield through which the 2cm cannon protrudes.

The interior of the turret has a complete mount that will elevate, styrene telescopic and etched brass "ring-and-bead" sights, balance springs, 2cm ammo magazine (of the proper ten-round capacity type), radio and transformer, hand-wheel (it had a dual function as a traverse and elevation device), two seats and co-axial machine-gun. For the latter there is a choice of either an MG34 or an MG42 (use the '42); both are from the new "Gen2" figure sets and have pre-bored muzzles and excellent cooling jacket details (but no ammo drum; check your spares box). Externally there are two stowage lockers with separate lids (in styrene or etched brass) and an etched brass and styrene anti-grenade screen. This can be fixed in the opened or closed position and includes support rods that can be mounted in two different positions. Strangely, although the turret has its own radio there is no antenna mount or rod designated for it in the instructions. It should be mounted on the provided "L"-shaped plate, just above the radio, which is integral with part H-11, the lower turret race. There are extra parts in the kit that will enable the modeler to add it if desired; it fits in the conveniently placed hole on the afore-mentioned part H-11. I believe this must be fitted regardless of weather or not the modeler adds the Fu.12 radio and/or uses the kit-provided Sternantenne (star antenna), base and armored guard.

I compared the main moldings to the scale drawings in Jentz and Doyle's Panzer Tracts No. 13, "Panzerspahwagen" and could not find any discrepancies of note, except the afore-mentioned length issue of the 2cm KwK. The main parts matched well and the location, size and positions of details also matched quite well. Photos also show the interior to be accurate (but this information is extremely limited), as are the different types of wheel hubs and fender/stowage locker units. Molding is up to DML's current very high standards, which means that details are crisp and sharp; the use of small auxiliary "pips" means that many parts that would traditionally have knock-out pin marks are devoid of them. Fit overall is very good or excellent, but I am still not in love with the way the upper hull/superstructure mates with the lower hull/chassis unit; however most of the resulting gap is hidden behind the fender/stowage locker units.

The instructions are in the drawn style and are really very well-rendered. The drawing in step 28 in particular, is as clear an image of this vehicle as one is likely to see anywhere and is a credit to the artist/designer of this sheet. Some other steps are very, very busy, especially those detailing the suspension system. The modeler is urged to take it "a little at a time".

Decals by Cartograf are provided to mark one specific vehicle, while there is a second scheme detailed on the painting guide. The markings given will allow the modeler depict a vehicle from "6.Panzer-Division", as seen in Austria during 1945. The second depicts an all-white (and totally un-marked) vehicle of the 25.Panzer-Division in Germany during 1945. The insignia given for the "6.PD" vehicle, is in fact, that of 20.Panzer-Division. There are two sheets of water-slide designs, both crisply printed and featuring excellent registration. One sheet contains generic SS- and WH- registration plates in different styles with separate numerals; the other contains the vehicle-specific markings as well as a railroad shipping label, instrument panel dial faces and stencil data of an unknown meaning. I was unable to confirm any of these markings using various reference sources.

As DML typically works their way through a series of vehicles, they often introduce improved features or different options. This kit is no exception to that rule, although the options and/or improvements are rather modest. And, in the case of this particular version, there are some relatively major omissions, such as the Fu.12 radio set and ammunition storage racks. But, for those who like these uniquely-German heavy reconnaissance cars, have a well-stocked spares box and are willing to do a bit of extra research, this kit is sure to please.

Highly recommended.

- Frank De Sisto