PMMS
Blast ModelsBlast Models
Update set for
39(H) 10.5cm leFH18(Sf) auf Geschutzwagen
Blast Models Set BL35066K

Update set for
Panzerjäger 39(H) mit 7.5cm PaK40/1 Marder I
Blast Models Set BL35067K
1:35 Scale

Reviews by Terry Ashley


TrumpeterTrumpeter
Blast Models have released these two update sets for the Trumpeter kits #00353 German 39(H) 10.5cm leFH18(Sf) auf Geschutzwagen and #00354 German Panzerjäger 39(H) mit 7.5cm PaK40/1 Marder I. As there are common parts in each set for both kits with other parts applicable to the individual kits we will look at both update sets together here.

Set #00353 has seventy nine parts and set #00354 seventy parts in light cream resin with the standard a casting being superb with many finely cast parts with crisp well defined details which are all blemish free without any warping or air holes present. The most noteworthy thing which is in common with other recent Blast Models sets is the very small casting gates which make the cleanup process very easy.

These small casting gates and some minor resin film make cleaning up even the smallest parts very easy and reduce the likelihood of the parts being damaged during cleanup very small.

The common parts to both sets include on the inside the lower fighting compartment floor, drive train and forward transmission plus the radio arrays which also include a wiring diagram in the instructions to add the correct wiring. The side MG mount and ammo racks for the MG drum magazines are provided plus a set of binocular sights and some personal equipment.

On the outside are new front bogie outer sections with the reinforcing, all the pioneer tools which have very finely cast tool clips that will negate the need for etched clips, new rear exhaust panels and exhaust pipe as well as other small fittings on the rear hull.

At the front is a new NOTEK light and headlight with mounting brackets and a spare track section for the front fender plus new towing shackles front and back.

Individual parts for kit #00353 include four racks of 105mm rounds and separate charge shells with separate racks and a new two piece muzzle brake which is very finely cast as well as a new breech with separate breech block to improve the kit parts.

For kit #00354 there is again a new one piece muzzle brake and breech with separate breech block and ammo bin with 75mm rounds included. An additional radio is included along with the wiring diagram as with the other set and there are also a few additional small junction boxes for the side walls applicable to this vehicle.

The instructions are in the form of black and white photographs of the parts in place on the models and are called out by number making fitting them quite easy. This is made easier as most of the resin parts simply replace the kit parts without the need for any surgery apart from removing the locating lugs on the inside of the plastic sidewalls which is all very easy. There is some other minor surgery required such as cutting off the plastic breech to fit the new resin parts but again nothing very difficult.

Also included is an additional small sheet showing some other alterations that can be done to the kits to correct some kit errors? This is are up to the modeller to use as they don’t effect using the resin update sets but is handy for those wanting to correct these features.

Conclusion:
Two very well cast and detailed update sets for the Trumpeter kits to add additional details and the easy cleanup of the parts is noteworthy as it removes one of the most tedious jobs with resin sets, removing the casting blocks.

The additional radio wiring diagram and correction notes for the two kits are also a nice bonus and the update sets will improve the kits considerably.

Highly recommended.

Resin Parts
Click for larger view
Blast ModelsBlast Models
Close new window to return to review


References:
Marder III

Kagero Photosniper 13
George Parada, Wojciech Styrna, Stanislaw Jablonski. ISBN 83-89088-03-7
book

Thanks to Gilles from Blast Models for the review kit.
The kit can be purchased direct from Blast Models website with confidence.



Page created 26 June 2005

Click Browsers BACK button to return to list
Home / Reviews / Vehicle Reviews / Blast