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Kit,
DML 6541, Sd.Kfz.7/2 3.7cm FlaK36 Product Specifications. 6541, Sd.Kfz.7/2 3.7cm FlaK36. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia assembly kit. Contains 398 styrene parts (including six clear), two bags of Magic Tracks, one sheet of self-adhesive pre-cut masking material, one etched brass fret, three water-slide decal marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 17 steps. Introduction. DML has previously released kits of the Sd.Kfz.7/1 mounting the 2cm Flakvierling 38, as well as the Sd.Kfz.7/2, which mounted the 3.7cm FlaK36/37. The latter kit featured the lightly-armored cab and engine compartment and had options of wooden or steel drop sides. It also featured the entire field mount for the 3.7cm FlaK gun, while the former kit featured the simplified pedestal mount for the Flakvierling 38 and had no parts for the armored cab. This latest iteration combines some parts from both previous releases, plus an almost all-new 3.7cm FlaK36 (along with the previous, but not-for-use, parts for the FlaK36/37). It is un-armored and features the simplified pedestal mount for the 3.7cm FlaK. Thus, although seemingly just a combination of previously-released parts, it is in fact a rather distinct version of this work-horse self-propelled FlaK-track, with more than a few new parts. Like the previous kits, there is no extra ammunition or boxes for it. In addition, the often-seen ammunition trailer is not supplied either in the box or as a separate purchase. Tracks. Each Magic Track individual link consists of two parts: the metal core and the rubber pad. The parts themselves are in bags and are not attached to conventional sprues. This means that little clean-up is necessary; there are just some minor mold pips to remove. If the modeler wishes to go further, the very subtle ejector pin marks seen on each main link part can also be smoothed away. The tracks will articulate to some degree when completed. This considerably eases the attachment process and also allows for authentic track sag to be very easily achieved. Suspension System. The actual suspension system for the track-work is based on several leaf-spring bundles as well as separate swing-arms and idler wheel tensioning axle. Two-part final drive assemblies are topped-off by two-part drive sprockets that incorporate properly offset rollers. The step-ring on the drive sprocket hub is further embellished by an etched brass strip that wraps around the outside; in this way the non-skid texture can be properly represented. The road-wheels are conventionally-rendered as inner and outer halves, with superbly-crisp details. The conventional front wheels consist of a hard styrene hub as well as an inner tire segment. The major portion of the tire is produced using DS100 soft styrene. This material can be glued with standard styrene plastic cement, something actual vinyl will not allow. Furthermore, DS100 material, being flexible, can be pulled from a steel mold while still retaining detail that hard styrene will not allow. In this case, the tread detail on the tires contact surfaces can be rendered in almost precise detail; after-market tires are not necessary. The front wheels rest on a multi-part axle and leaf spring assembly, complimented by a separate part for the steering linkage. As designed, the wheels will not steer, but a clever modeler ought to be able to modify the parts to do so, if desired. Chassis Frame and Engine. The engine consists of multiple parts that represent the Maybach engine quite well; of course, wires, pipes and hoses can be added by the detail-oriented modeler. A pair of nicely-detailed firewall plates are provided, both of which are embellished by various accessory items including a horn and structural support members. An inner radiator face, air filters, some of the major hose segments and braces finish the area. The transmission is a four-part assembly, while the winch and the power take-off shaft consist of another five parts. There is no cable in the box to finish the unit, and the hook, although included, is not called out for use in the instructions. A two-part fuel tank, air cylinders, exhaust muffler and mounting frame, plus various other components complete the details in this area. The chassis frame itself is based on a slide-molded main part to which all of the above details are mounted. The rear face of the frame is a separate multi-part affair, which includes the articulating tow coupling, winch cable guide rollers and other detail parts. Above and behind this is the rack for the spare wheel and tire; this is attached to the underside of the guns platform. Superstructure, Drivers Compartment and Gun Platform. The nose section incorporates the front bumper and fenders in a single, well-detailed slide-molded part. A tow pintle, various fillets and width indicator stems are all separate parts, while the conventional head-lamps include clear parts for the lenses. The Tarnscheinwerfer-Notek black-out head-lamp is a two-part styrene assembly that gets fitted to an etched brass mounting bracket. Other etched brass parts are included to add non-skid plate details where appropriate. The final items are multi-part rifle racks for the pair of Gen2 Kar98k rifles. The racks can hold a total of six rifles, but only two are included; the modeler will have to raid the spares bin to have completely-filled racks. The outer radiator grill has the manufacturers logo (Krauss-Maffei) molded in place while the water filler cap is separate. The hood panel is separate as are the two side access panels; the latter includes crisp cooling slot details molded in place on the outside. Tiny, separate lift handles finish off the panels, which do not have any cooling slot details on their inner sides. Working further aft, there are three panels that make up the outside of the drivers compartment; one top and two sides. The side panels have the hand-grips cut out of them; these can be filled in and replaced with the rod-style handles provided (but marked as not for use), to make another variation. Running lights and a small search-light dress up the sides. The insides of the body panels have frames molded in place and no visible ejector pin marks. The floor panel has four out of the six items seen in reference photos (one lever and one pedal is missing). Fortunately, these are very easy to add. The windshield frame and glass panel is one clear part that is complimented by etched brass wiper blades. It is not movable, but can be fixed in the up or down position. Pre-cut, self-adhesive masking material is provided to ease painting this part, which is a rather nice touch and shows concern for ease of construction and finishing. Several other panels make up the remainder of the compartment and these are complimented by nicely-textured seat cushions. The dashboard consists of two main panels and is mounted onto the rear face of the engine firewall panel. Braces, an auxiliary fuel tank, steering column and wheel complete the section. No decals are provided for the instrument panel dial faces. Heading further aft is the main load-bed. It features separate supports underneath it; it in turn is mounted on a single-piece track-guard unit. Separate frames are provided for the hinged side platforms; they are not workable and must be fixed either raised or lowered. These are embellished with etched brass mesh, which, due to limitations in the process are necessarily flat. Separate tools, various steps (with optional parts for travel or combat modes) and braces complete this area. 3.7cm FlaK36. 27 all-new parts are provided to model the FlaK36; they are combined with a number of parts for the previously-issued FlaK36/37. Foremost among these is a new gun tube, which now has cooling slots at its base; the original one, without these slots is also still included. A separate, slide-molded muzzle flash suppressor includes the open slots on the rear section and tiny perforations on the flared end. The latter do not go all-the-way through, but can be easily opened with a tiny drill bit in a pin vise. The remainder of the receiver group is composed of a relatively large number of parts. The gun can elevate on the mount, which itself can be rotated through a full 360-degrees. The mount can be configured for travel or combat by the use of two sets of splinter shield parts. One set is folded along-side the gun for travel, while the second has the shields fully extended for combat. The shields are molded in near scale thickness, have proper and delicate details throughout and are completely devoid of ejector pin marks. Auxiliary shields for the gunner are provided as are new parts for the Flakvisier 35/36 sight. The remaining parts consist of the hand-wheels, various linkages and structural members, foot pedals, bins and numerous other indescribable detail items. The layout of the FlaK36 included three seats for the gun crew, as opposed to only one for the FlaK37; these are now included. A couple of clips of 3.7cm ammunition can be fitted into the loading tray, but thats all in the way of ammo that is in the kits box. A multi-part pedestal mount for the gun is provided, which includes a gun tube travel lock. All of the parts for the later FlaK37 are still in the box, to include the standard ground mount. This will allow the modeler to produce a variation, by using the extra parts being marked as not-for-use. Molding, Fit and Engineering. I have reported on several of DMLs Sd.Kfz.7-based kits here at ToT. Based on this experience, I anticipate no major fit problems. Molding is simply excellent with no visible ejector pin marks on any easily-viewed surface. Although a fairly complex kit, it is quite well-engineered for relatively easy assembly. Accuracy and Details. References indicate that there are no major accuracy issues. A semi-minor issue is the inner side of the conventional wheel hubs, which are molded semi-solid, but should be hollow; some black paint in the inner recesses will help the illusion here. Other items in the same category are the missing pedal and lever in the drivers compartment. Some small details can be added to certain parts such as the drive sprocket and the chassis frame simply by employing various sized drill bits. The continued omission of the cable for the winch is still vexing; the hook is still given, yet still ignored in the instructions. Also mentioned above is the lack of all six Kar98k rifles to fill the racks for them; only two are given. No 3.7cm FlaK ammunition boxes are given, and some will bemoan the lack of a dedicated ammunition trailer either within the box or as a separate purchase. Instructions. These are in the conventional line drawing style and are quite complex. Thus far, I have noted no major glitches. One must also remember that this model is essentially two kits (the gun and the vehicle), so there is bound to be more to do. Modelers familiar with DMLs instructions will plan ahead and pay close attention to whats going on. Decals and Markings Information. The decal sheet is produced by DMLs usual source, Italys Cartograf. In typical fashion, this means that the printing is crisp with fine details and excellent registration. Color saturation is also outstanding, while the carrier film is clear, matte and cut close to the individual designs. Markings for three vehicles are provided; all but one depicts types from unidentified units. The one known set is for a vehicle of the Grosdeutschland Division on the Ostfront. Conclusion. This kit is different enough from both previous DML FlaK-tracks to warrant a closer look by modelers who may have both of those kits. For those modelers new to this series from DML, this latest iteration of the work-horse mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8-ton Sd.Kfz.7 may come as a rather pleasant surprise. - Frank V. De Sisto Sd.Kfz.7/2
3.7cm FlaK 36
It's well over a year now since Dragon released their Sd.Kfz.7/2 FlaK 37 kit with an armoured cab. The kit was well received at the time, the only exceptions being those modellers that preferred the unarmoured version. Well, now they have it. Sort of. This kit represents the unarmoured version, but armed with the slightly earlier FlaK36 gun. Kit Contents As anybody who knows me will attest to....I have a 'thing' about halftracks. To me, they combine the everything I enjoy about armour modelling into one entire package. They're open, offering the opportunity to dress them up with various accessories, and these days they usually arrive with working tracks. Well, at least from Dragon and Bronco. They also seem to offer a higher than average parts count, and this one is no different, there being plenty to look at in the box! Seven large sprues of grey styrene, plus one medium and one small, a transparent sprue, two bags of Magic Tracks, three vinyl tyres (the review sample arrived with four for some reason), a set of vinyl masks for the windscreen, decal sheet, photo-etched fret, separate ladder chassis and cab floor with fenders. The included instructions run to eight sides. Anybody familiar with the new series of Dragon 8-ton halftacks will know what to expect in terms of detail, but if you're not familiar with them, you're in for a treat. Not only do you get a modern, superbly engineered kit, but included is a fully detailed engine, transmission, under-bed winch, fuel tank. When Dragon describe this kit as 'fully detailed', they mean it. I've built several of them now, and everything goes together as it should. It can be tricky at times, and there are reports from some modellers that engine hoods don't fit etc. Take that with a pinch of salt and ascribe it more to the modeller's skill than the kit. The parts do fit, and therein lies the problem. The built in tolerances can be small so good clean up of each of the parts and test fitting is essential. If that's done, the kits are a dream to build. Most of the parts are of course, from previously released version of the 8-ton halftrack, this time including the new body panels essential for this version, whilst omitting the armoured cab parts of course. There is a new sprue however, so that the FlaK36 version of the gun can be built instead of the FlaK37 included in that kit. The differences being centred around new moulded wiring on the gun mount sides to allow for the different site, plus new smaller detail parts. Most of these could have been sorted by just a couple of parts. Putting them on a completely new sprue along with parts that are identical and supplied already in the kit on another sprue, probably indicates that Dragon have other releases planned for this one. Standout things in the kit, are as mentioned, the fully detailed engine and gearbox, removable engine side panels and hood, fully detailed cab, chassis plus winch, fuel tank etc., photo-etched panels for the load bed, workable Magic Tracks, incredibly thin armoured gun shield, the list just goes on. The gun itself can be modelled in any position, unlike older kits that sometimes you had to decided on which elevation you wanted the gun to present. In addition it can be modelled in towing or firing mode, referring to whether or not various seats were stowed or deployed, etc. Construction begins with the assembly of various components onto the one-piece slide-moulded chassis. As mentioned, the tracks in these kits are fully workable, as in the original series of Dragon 251 kits, so it's best to leave these off completely for separate painting. The drive sprockets are provided in two halves for greater detail, and because of the tracks, the entire running gear assembly can be built but left separate for ease of painting. Once all the running gear has been taken care of, the engine and gearbox can be dealt with. Superbly detailed, that just painted would look good enough, however, with some good references and lead wire can be made even better...do yourself a favour though if you decided to super detail this are, source some decals to act as the various data plates etc., that were found on these engines. Underneath the rear load bed a full winch assembly is offered, along with fuel tank above and drive train. Moving to the front of the vehicle, one thing I really don't like about these kits and can't really understand is Dragon's insistence on moulding the radiator cover solid? They've shown on other kits that it's possible to mould them properly with see-through slats. When constructing these, it's essential to cement the radiator cover to the front fender assembly and yet only cement it to the radiator housing - part D22 - at the bottom. If this is done it allows you to adjust the size of the engine compartment later in the construction so that the engine hood actually fits properly. Moving onto the driver's cab area, it's nicely detailed, but sadly for some reason we're not supplied with either an acetate, decals, or even a paper insert to represent the dashboard dials...a major omission in an open vehicle. The entire windscreen assembly is as usual supplied as a transparent part. This is something I initially disliked about these kits, but I'm coming around to them now, simply as a result of their ease of use. Dragon supply a set of masks for painting them, which makes life a little easier. Construction then moves onto the rear load bed. There's a frame plus spare wheel provided for beneath it, the spare wheel being constructed in exactly the same way as the two front road wheels, i.e. a central injection moulded hub with vinyl tyre. The tyre is asymmetrical, so that any seam is placed on the inside out of view. The construction of the gun is straightforward, if at times fiddly. There are a lot of very small parts here! The flash suppressor for the barrel is amongst the best I've ever seen in plastic, although the tiny holes are again moulded solid. A 0.2mm drill bit should be able to take care of them as long as you're careful, although there are plenty of superb aftermarket ones available should you wish to obtain one. The receiver comes with a fully loaded tray, but unfortunately there are no spare magazines included in the kit, so again you'll have to resort to the aftermarket sector should you wish to dress the kit up a little. Of course the options of building the gun in either firing or towing mode are both described on the instructions. Although if you decide to build the gun in firing mode, then as described earlier you no longer have to choose one of four elevations, instead it can be built at any elevation you wish. Moving on, the final steps in construction describe how to build and install the rear body panels. These are provided as photo-etch, and Dragon have gone back to providing these with etched detail on both sides thankfully, so you can display the detail whether or not the panels are raised or lowered. Conclusion What's
to say? For fans of German halftracks it's an absolute must have. I
like this one much more than the armoured cab version...it just looks
right. Beautiful engineering too....very highly recommended! -
Vinnie Branigan DML 6541:
Sd.Kfz 7/2 3.7cm Flak 36
The first Sd.Kfz 7/2 anti-aircraft half-tracks had an unarmored driver's cabin and were armed with the 3.7cm Flak 36. On these early to mid war Sd.Kfz 7/2 the Flak 36 was mounted on a small round based anchored to the open fighting platform. This new release from Dragon expands their recent series of the 8 ton Sd.Kfz 7 series by adding the early war version of the Sd.Kfz 7/2 with the Flak 36. Specifically this kit compliments the previous 1943-44 production Sd.Kfz 7/2 which had the armored cab and later Flak 37. As before, the kit offers options of depicting the side mesh frames and gun shield either in action or transit. It also follows the Smart Kit format and includes crisp tooling, well chosen photo etch, and Magic Tracks.
Photo etch is provided for the mesh on the side frames (double etched to replicated the woven effect), flange on the sprocket wheels, anti-skid, mounting for the Notek light and windscreen wipers. The gatefold instructions have 17 steps of line drawings that are clearly laid out. The inclusion of masks for both sides of the windscreen will make painting easier.
As the parts are crisply cast and the few injection marks are hidden out of sight, clean up should be very quick. Experience with past related kits and test fitting indicates that part fit and assembly is favourable. Dragonˇ¦s Sd.Kfz 7 series kit particularly benefit from the Smart Kit format which makes what are quite comprehensive and complex kits, very rewarding for modellers across a broad range of experience levels. This kit can be easily broken down into three or four subassemblies to pace construction and allow easier painting of details such as the engine bay and transmission.
FLAK 36 & FIGHTING PLATFORM
This kit has new parts unique to the Flak 36 and its round base for anchoring it onto the platform. The base has separate parts for the anchoring bolts with small detail for the bolt heads on the side of the base. The later production Sd.Kfz 7/2 had a different approach where the Flak retained its normal larger field base.
The 3.7cm Flak 36 shares most of its tooling with the related 3.7cm Flak 37 with differences relating to the gunners seat and that it had the Flakvisier 35 or 36 sight. The Flak has up to date tooling with approximately 90 parts making it a kit in its own right. It can traverse 360 degrees and offers the full range of elevation.
The 3.7cm barrel is a single piece with a separate slide-molded hollow muzzle that has the open vents for the elongated flash suppressors on the side and recessed indentations for the smaller round vents. The kit barrel is crisper than many one-piece metal flak barrels and far easier to build than some aftermarket alternatives.
Two sets of the outer gun shields are provided, one open for combat and the other folded inwards for travel. Both sets of injection plastic gun shields have a thin in scale appearance, considerable integrated detail (e.g. angled plates and nut heads) and are free of injection pin marks.
Other features for the Flak such as the crew seats, gun cradle, hand wheels, ammunition feeder and optics are all to Dragon's current high standard. Three ammunition clips are provided, however there are no ammunition cases for dioramas.
The gun is mounted on a flat platform which has the WWII German diamond pattern anti-skid.. The rear crew bench seat can be assembled either down for travel or folded up for combat and the cushions have realistic creases. The side screens are made from single piece plastic frames and single piece PE mesh which are double etched to give the woven effect on both. Varying small fittings such as spades and axes (with cast on clasps), locking mechanisms and a step ladder are attached to the frames.
CHASSIS
& CAB This release draws on the Sd.Kfz 7/1 for the early style cab and chassis parts. As before these subassemblies have considerable detail on all areas including the underside. This kit includes the option of having the Notek light position on either the left front fender or lower down near the radiator.
The chassis is based on 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 for the muffler and exhaust-pipe assembly with numerous structural elements such as the lightening holes and angled plates. Other features include the transmission shaft, steering mechanism, fuel tank, and gearbox. The winch system includes the spool, connecting rods, accentuator and the tow hook.
The engine bay includes the Maybach 6-cylinder engine with separate parts for the sump, fan, fan belt, manifold, gasket heads, bonnet support etc and will look impressive displayed open. The radiator cover has the manufacturerˇ¦s name (Krauss-Maffeti) crisply cast and a separate filler cap.
The front tires are made from Dragon Styrene to capture the tread pattern and ribbing on the sidewalls. A spare tyre is stored below the fighting platform.
The detailed 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 diorama basis. The Magic Tracks have one part for the rubber pad and another for the cast metal shoe. Detail, such as the reinforcing ribs, is crisp and the tracks can be assembled quickly without cleanup.
The front fenders look very realistic and are part of slide molded frame that supports the engine bay and front body panels. The comprehensive cabin includes a multi-part dash and a seat with creases on the leather. PE is used for the antiskid between the fenders, while the headlamps have clear plastic lenses.
The windshield can be modelled up or down. Four paint masks (2 per side) are provided for the windscreen, and you may choose to add the PE wipers after painting to ensure clean results.
DECALS
The instruction sheet profiles three Sd.Kfz 7/2 with front, side and rear profiles, and there is a color side profile of each on the box.
The half-track in the box art is from the Wehrmacht's GrossDeutschland Panzer Grenadier Division in the Ukraine 1942 and is solid dark grey with the white visibility markings on the rear. The Cartograf decal sheet includes targeted white unit and tactical insignia for this halftrack.
The other two vehicles are from unidentified units one on the Eastern Front 1943 and the other the Western Front 1944. The one from the Eastern Front has green mottling over a dark yellow base, and the other is from a Luftwaffe unit and has a three colour scheme. Both vehicles have markings limited to registration plates which are built from generic decals. The decal sheet includes 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 This new Sd.Kfz 7/2 provides a much wanted addition to Dragon's range of WWII half-tracks. Like other kits in Dragonˇ¦s Sd.Kfz 7 series, it demonstrates the Smart Kit format's strength in allowing modelers to make impressive kits with a comprehensive range of features out of the box. Highly recommended. - Neville Lord Kit Review:
Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6541; Sd.Kfz.
7/2 3.7 cm Flak 36 - Smart Kit; 635 parts (400 in grey styrene, 216
"Magic Track" two-piece links, 13 etched brass, 6 clear styrene,
3 DS plastic tires); pre-order price US$59.95 via Dragon USA Online
- Cookie Sewell
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