DRAGON MODELS LIMITED

Product Specifications.

7308, Sd.Kfz.251/2 Ausf.C Riveted Version mit Granatwerfer. 1/72nd-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 141 styrene parts, 15 photo-etched brass parts, two DS100 track lengths, one metal rod, three decal/marking schemes and six pages of instructions in seven steps.

Introduction.

DML continues to bring out variations on the Sd.Kfz.251 chassis, the latest being the mittlerer Schutzenpanzerwagen Grenatwerfer (8cm GrW34) Sd.Kfz.251/2. This was basically the standard armored personnel carrier with 8cm mortar based on the Ausf.C production model, in this case with a riveted hull. This vehicle was designed to give close support to Panzer-Grenadier units in the assault and carried 66 rounds for the mortar.

This latest effort is based upon the previously released Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.C with welded hull/superstructure, and is essentially that kit plus two new sprues; one for the 8cm mortar, the other with parts to represent the riveted version. A new etched fret contains panels with rivets that are laminated over the lower part of the superstructure, as well as some small fittings and 8cm ammunition box rack. New water-slide decals are provided for three specific vehicles.

Tracks.

The tracks are presented in the now standard DS-100 flexible styrene material, which can be assembled using standard styrene cement. They can be glued down over the suspension system to depict their typical sag.

Suspension System.

The suspension system includes an essentially fool-proof method of assembly, starting with the two inner sets of road-wheels molded as a single part each. The first outer set of road-wheels is also a single part and is attached to the inner set, followed by the four outer-most road-wheels, which are all separate parts for proper definition. These are all fixed to a one-piece lower chassis tub (with integrally-molded torsion bar arms) ensuring proper alignment and spacing of a relatively complex suspension system. This is very convenient, since any misalignment will be easily noticed, especially in this scale. On the other hand, articulating the suspension in order to fit it to rough terrain in a diorama will be rather difficult. Personally, I think the kit's designers chose wisely.

The conventional front wheels are well-rendered; they include some nice details on the inner and outer faces of the hubs, as well as decent tread detail on the tires. The multi-part front spring/axle unit includes separate steering linkages and with some extra work, can be made to depict a turning vehicle.

Hull.

This is a one-piece affair with all torsion bar swing arms, bump stops, and rear shock absorber (dropped in 1942, see reference 2) molded in place. Separate final drive housings are added, as well as a tow pintle for the rear end. There is some fine rivet, panel and access port details molded on to the belly plate.

Superstructure.

Although not shown as an "option", this kit includes all the parts needed to make a welded hull/superstructure Ausf.C. So despite what the instructions say (the parts are marked in blue as "not for use"), the modeler can certainly go that route if chosen. The forward gun shield for the MG34 is included as a styrene part (but it's not used on this version), while there are tiny snail-drum magazines for the (rather plain) rear-mounted MG34. So, in effect this is a "four-in-one" kit since the modeler can make a welded or riveted "/1" or "/2".

The upper superstructure has the handrail seen along its inside edge molded integrally with it; the instructions indicate it is to be removed, which according to references 1 and 2 is incorrect. It also features separate engine access hatch lids. There are two nicely-rendered jerry cans (using slide molds) and their racks, which are designed to be fitted to each of the rear doors; I suppose they could be mounted elsewhere as well. View-port flaps are detailed inside and out and can be depicted opened or closed.

All tools are separate parts as are all head- and tail-lamps, as well as turn signal indicators; there's an optional etched brass license plate for the front. The fenders are nicely detailed with delicate bolt patterns and seams, while the stowage lockers are simply designed but exhibit maximum details.

Interior.

The interior of such a vehicle is always the center of attention, and here, as in the previous '251 kits, DML has pulled out the stops. The driver's compartment has separate controls (shift levers, steering wheel and column; the foot pedals are molded on the floor plate) as well as nicely-rendered seats and a radio on its rack. The internal braces that attached the front body section to the rear are provided as are various stowage bins; the MP40s also have etched brass stowage brackets. The bench seats are provided with separate underside locker front parts for enhanced detail. Further back, there are rifle racks (a total of four Kar98ks are provided), bench seats, fire extinguishers and internal door hinges. The troop compartment doors can be depicted opened or closed. The internal superstructure wall equipment mounting plates (which were not "spaced armor") are also represented in relief where appropriate.

The 8cm mortar is a six-part assembly that includes a pre-bored muzzle; the base plate provided is only suitable for the vehicle floor mount, not for ground use. An etched brass ammunition rack and a new styrene part for the bench seat that it replaces is complimented by four ammunition boxes (two made of metal and two made of wood). References 1 and 2 indicate that 66 rounds were carried, so some additional work will be required to depict a full load.

Molding, Fit and Engineering.

These are all up to current standards and the modeler should have no problems…at least as far as I can tell!

Accuracy and Details.

Overall accuracy is very good, visually, according to photographs; I do not have any drawings in 1/72nd-scale to compare the parts to. The one main glitch is the drive sprocket rollers, which are not properly offset. Although one would hope that all features are "spot on", in this scale I don't believe that's a huge issue. In the area of omissions, there is simply not enough ammunition stowage. Again, in this scale, I don't think it will be too much of a problem to scratch-build more ammo boxes to fill out the compliment. It would also have been nice if DML included a few individual Wgr38 or 39 rounds for the mortar.

Did you know that these Granaten were designed to "bounce" on impact with the ground and burst in the air? See reference 12 for details.

Instructions.

The instructions are in the customary "drawn" style and are clearly broken down into eight steps; these are further broken down into "sub-steps" that show such things as items that repeat, items that are options or items that are replaced with etched brass parts.

Decals and Markings Information.

The waterslide decals from Cartograf are very nicely printed; there are two separate sheets. The first has blank white license plates (with and without fine black borders) with separate individual numbers, plus SS- and WH- prefixes; this will allow the modeler to depict any vehicle for which there are references and will also provide for plenty of spares. The second sheet has markings for three specific vehicles, but they are rather generic and all are from "unidentified units".

However, the first vehicle given has markings for the DAK's 21.Panzer-Division as shown by the "D" with a horizontal division within, over a Tac sign for a motorized infantry unit. A photo of a "/1" m.SPW similarly marked appears in reference 5.

There are also a number of very useful items on the sheets such as various styles of Balkenkreuze national insignia and tactical markings. Bonus divisional insignia are provided for the following: Panzer-Grenadier-Division Grosdeutschland, 1. through 14.Panzer-Divisionen as well as the 24.Panzer-Division. These tiny items are in perfect register and will also extend the possibilities for the modeler who has a good range of references.

Conclusion.

This is another fine addition to the growing range of '251 halftracks in 1/72nd-scale. It is a nicely-molded kit with very few vices and ought to appeal to fans of this type of vehicle.

Highly recommended.

Frank V. De Sisto

- Frank De Sisto