DML 6466: Sd.Kfz. 7 8 t Half-track Initial Production
1/35 injection plastic kit with decals and photo etch

The initial production Sd.Kfz 7 is probably the best known half-track prime mover of WWII. Well known as the tractor for the 88mm Flaks, it was also used to haul the 150mm sFH 18 field howitzer and was deployed by the German forces in all theatres where they fought.

Initial production Sd.Kfz 7 were designed and assembled to high standards which gave them a distinctive poise. This production version had three rows of bench seats for the crew, sheet metal for all body panels (often with complex curves or cut outs), and ammunition storage lockers at the rear. Late production vehicles had a significantly simplified body to save production costs.

This is Dragon first release of the early production version of the Sd.Kfz 7 and is a release many modellers have been looking forward to. The kit includes new tooling for the floor plan, crew seating, body panels and rear large stowage compartment. As expected the chassis and forward cabin parts are based on Dragon's Sd.kfz 7/1 release.

This model is in the popular Smart Kit format and includes Magic Tracks, a full engine and masks for the windscreen to make painting easier. Small detail such as the texture on the seats and intricacies of the chassis are captured, further ensuring this kit stands out from previous 1/35 releases of this subject.

Photo etch includes the flange on the sprocket wheels, anti-skid between the fenders, and windscreen wipers. The gatefold instructions have 15 steps of line drawings that are clearly laid out. As the parts are crisply cast and the few injection marks are hidden out of sight, clean up is very quick.

NEW SIDE PANELS, SEATING & STORAGE

The new side panels extend the full length of the body and are sharply detailed on both sides, while small parts are provided for the grab handles and side lamps. The crew seats have realistic folds in the fabric, detailed bases, and the rifle racks on the seat backs are crisply tooled single pieces to simplify assembly (no rifles included). A pair of spades is attached to the base of the second row of seats.

The storage lockers at the rear are thoughtfully designed to provide internal detail. Two parts provides the internal shelves and dividers and all doors can be modeled open. For the side doors alternative parts are provided for the open and closed door options to effectively capture the internal mechanisms and bracing, and external latches. The railing around the storage area on the roof of the storage compartment is crisply detailed with attention given to the shape of joints etc. The kit does not include any ammunition or a canvas tarpaulin.

The open driver's compartment is comprehensive with its multi-part dash, steering wheel, hand levers, and anti-skid floor. The windshield can be modelled up or down and has PE wipers (paint masks are provided and you may want to add the PE after painting to ensure clean results.

ENGINE BAY & CHASSIS

The engine compartment's body panels are the earlier design with the more complex vents and have detail on both faces including bolts and structural braces. The engine bay includes the Maybach 6-cylinder engine with separate parts for the sump, fan, fan belt, manifold, etc and can be modeled open to add interest.

The radiator cover has the manufacturer's name (Krauss-Maffeti) crisply cast and a separate filler cap. PE antiskid goes between the fenders, and fittings include width indicators on the fenders, a Notek light with PE mount, and front headlamps with clear plastic lenses.

The chassis is built around a single-piece ladder frame which is slide molded with considerable small detail such as bolt heads and ribbing cast on. Slide molding is also used for the sub-frame of the impressive muffler and exhaust-pipe assembly with numerous structural elements such as the lightening holes and angled plates. Other features include the transmission shaft, drive, steering mechanism, fuel tank, compressed-air tank and gearbox. The winch system includes the spool connecting rods, accentuator and the tow hook.

The front tires are Dragon Styrene to capture the tread pattern and ribbing on the sidewalls. A spare tyre is stored below the cargo/crew platform.

The rear suspension includes a PE flange around the drive sprockets which like the road wheels are detailed on both faces. The suspension arms and springs are separate, which combined with the Magic Tracks gives the option of displaying the kit on an uneven basis. The Magic Tracks come loose and have one part for the pad and another for the metal shoe.

DECALS

The painting guide profiles five halftracks each of which has 3 view profiles on the instruction sheet and is supported by a colour side profile on the box. The first three are solid grey and from the Eastern Front 1941-42 and come from 23 Panzer Division (Eiffel tower unit emblem), Das Reich and 24 Panzer Division (black figure eight on side and white name on bonnet). The fourth is from an unidentified Wehrmacht (regular army) unit on the Eastern Front 1943/44 and is dark yellow with brown and green camouflage. The last vehicle is from North Africa and is solid dark yellow with a DAK palm tree emblem.

Decals are from Cartograf and include unit emblems, tactical emblems and a set of generic registration marking to build your own number plate with prefixes for the Luftwaffe (WL), regular army (WH) and Waffen SS (two part runes).

RECOMMENDATION

Dragon's Sd.Kfz 7 Initial Production will certainly please the many modelers who have been awaiting its release and I am sure this kit will be very popular. The half-track is designed to Dragon's latest standards and with the inclusion of PE, paint masks and Magic Tracks will make an impressive kit out of the box. Highly recommended.

- Neville Lord