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Blast Models
German 21 Pz.Div. Kleiner Funk/Beobachtungspanzer
Blast Models 1:35 Set #BL35119K
Review by Terry Ashley

TamiyaThis is another simple conversion designed for the Tamiya Renault UE (kit #35284) with parts to build one of the unusual conversion the 21 Pz.Div was noted for, is this case the Kleiner Funk/Beobachtungspanzer (Small radio/observation tank).

The set consists of 7 parts in light cream resin with the quality of the castings being excellent with well defined crisp details and just the small casting blocks to be removed before fitting to the kit.

Detail on the parts is very good without any blemishes such as air holes etc. on any of the parts and the large casemate box is cast perfectly square.

The set provides the rear mounted observation casement with open top but the opening is only partially hollowed out and you may want to deepen this to stand a figure inside. There is a set of binocular periscopes as well as the separate hatch to show closed if you wish, added to this are the two side fenders and an aerial mounting with minimal assembly required.

After trimming the casting blocks from the bottom of the casemate this is fitted to the kit by simply omitting the rear fender assembly (parts B37, B5) and fit the casemate to the rear hull, the fit was very food requiring only some minor trimming at the attachment to the hull side extensions but you should also cut off the rivets on the rear hull where the casemate meets for a better fit. The resin fenders can be before or after fitting the casemate to the hull whichever is your choice.

It should be noted that there were a number of variations of this conversion seen in photos of 21 Pz.Div equipment as they were manufactured in unit workshops in france and this set provides parts for one such conversion.

You can also use the Blast Models Renault UE Update set (#BL35117K) to add additional exterior detail as well as the Azimut Renault UE Update set (#35373) to add the full interior if you wish?

Conclusion:
This is a simple update with nicely cast parts, little assembly and easy fit to the Tamiya UE for the simplest conversion for and unusual UE use by the 21 Pz.Div in German service.

Highly recommended 8/10.



See the Renault UE Subject page for additonal UE item reviews
Resin parts
Blast Models
Views of the resin casemate
Blast Models
Underside views after minor cleanup of excess resin
Blast Models
Casemate sssembly dry fitted to UE rear hull
Blast Models
References:
Renault UE
Focus No.1
Editions DU Barbotin
Book
French Military Vehicles
of WWII

Ground Power Special 12/03
Book

Thanks to Gilles from Blast Models for the review sets.
The set can be purchased direct from Blast Models or from AFV Modeller Shop in the UK.



Page created December 17, 2007