Sd.Kfz.7/1 2cm Flakvierling 38 auf Selbstfahrlafette
1:35 kit comparison
kit #6525 - kit #01523
Part 6: Rear Bed
As with most of the other kit parts the Cyberhobby/Dragon parts have finer moulding than the corresponding Trumpeter parts such as the bed tread plate pattern, the side frames and rear folding steps.
The most notable difference is with the round Flakvierling pedestal mounting with the Cyberhobby/Dragon kit correctly depicting the round pedestal with three small support "legs" that actually lift the pedestal slightly above the bed.
The Trumpeter pedestal on the other hand doesn't represent the actual pedestal apart from being round and resembles the incorrect pedestal mounting included in the 35 year old Tamiya Sd.Kfz.7/1 kit.
image below but are actually separate parts.
Rear bed parts underside view
The long side fenders are separate parts on the Trumpeter kit attached to the rear bed and you should these are aligned correctly with each other during assembly. On the Cyberhobby/Dragon kit the fenders are included with the large underside cab sections which does ensure they have the correct spacing and alignment.
Rear bed parts underside view
There are additional underside frames to be added to the Trumpeter bed which intermesh with each other and some minor trimming may be needed to get the best fit but other than that assembly is straightforward on both kits.
showing the incorrect style included in the Trumpeter kit.
Bed with gun pivot mounting fitted
The two side and one rear folding frames have separate etched "mesh" on both kits but there are some size issues with both kit frames. Firstly there is the additional 3mm length of the Trumpeter frames to correspond to the bed sizes and checking the frames against the 1:35 plans in the Panzer Tracts No.12 Flak Selbstfahrlafetten and Flakpanzer book the Cyberhobby/Dragon frames are the correct length but just over 1mm short in height.
Another issue is the Trumpeter frames have square sections at the top side corners while those sections on the Cyberhobby/Dragon frames have a triangular profile. The Trumpeter square profile is applicable to the later Sd.Kfz.7/2 unarmoured type while the triangular profile of the Cyberhobby/Dragon frames is correct for the earlier Sd.Kfz.7/1 unarmoured type.
The etched mesh supplied in both kits doesn't really represent the slatted style of the actual steel mesh used on the Sd.Kfz.7/1-2. The Trumpeter mesh has the horizontal slats double etched and the vertical slats recessed and this does give a better impression than the finer Cyberhobby/Dragon mesh. It should also be noted that the inside of the actual mesh has a flat profile which the Trumpeter mesh has more as a consequence of the etched process while the Cyberhobby/Dragon is embossed on both sides and while some may applaud this it is actually incorrect.
As it is virtually impossible to depict the slatted mesh style of the Sd.Kfz.7/1-2 correctly using the current etching technology we can't be too hard on the mesh supplied but as mentioned the Trumpeter mesh gives a better visual impression of the actual mesh due to the greater definition of the horizontal slats.
It should also be noted that what look like pin marks in the Trumpeter frames are actually the locating holes for the separate pioneer tools. These in both kits have their attachment clips and brackets moulded with the tools and would look better if replaced by etched clips.
Added to the rear frame as the folding steps and both kits give you alternate parts to show the steps stowed or extended when the sides frames are lowered during action and again these are more finely moulded in the Cyberhobby/Dragon kit.
better impression of the actual slatted mesh on the real Sd.Kfz.7/1-7/2 side panels.
Note; The white dotted lines equal the frame sizes shown in the Panzer Tracts plans.
Actual slatted style side "mesh", note the even slats on the inside faces.
|