PMMS
AFV Club
Sd.Kfz.251 Track
Latest model
AFV Club Kit No. AF 35070
First Look Review by Terry Ashley

This set of individual link workable track represents the pressed pattern track links with metal pads and is for the Sd.Kfz.251 or Sd.Kfz.11 halftracks and follows the previous release of the Sd.Kfz.251 early model track (set AF 35044) and Sd.Kfz.251 late track (set AF 35069) from AFV Club.

This set of tracks is the pressed pattern type which was fitted with metal pads with two small raised chevrons added the pad but were only used for about five months from late February to July '44 when they was discontinued as the metal pads created excessive vibrations on paved roads damaging the suspension components.

The plastic track links again have excellent detail with the subtle details on the link and the bolt head detail on the pad which includes a small bolt head located centrally on the link, but the detail is marred a little by the presence of a small sink mark in the middle of each track pad, this will be difficult to remove as it is between the raised chevrons. The inner face of each link also has two sizable pin marks that need removing, but these are slightly raised so they just need shaving smooth.

To fit of each link is better than the other sets but you should still slightly trim the plastic from the link pin in the same manner as the others to get really free movement when assembled. Again the instructions show to glue the pad to the link before removing from the sprues but you should remove each link and assemble each link separately as with set AF 35069.

AFV Club

The fit of the tracks around the kit drive sprockets was much tighter with this set than the others and some minor trimming of the drive sprocket teeth width may help but the tracks look good after assembly and again will give a different look to your model but remember these are very late war tracks only.

Recommended

Tracks around kit drive sprocket, note the sink mark in each track pad
and the pin marks on inside of each link

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Also see review of set AF35069 Sd.Kfz.251 Track Late model.

References:
On the WWW:
AFV Interiors
SdKfz251
Ground Power Special
Sd.Kfz.251
Sdkfz251
Osprey New Vanguard 25
Book
SdKfz251 in action
Squadron Signal #2021
Book
SdKfz 251
Militaria in Detail 001
ISBN: 83-7219-061-5
Sd.Kfz.251
German Halftracks 1909-1945
Spielberger Book 6
Book
SdKfz251
Wydawnictwo Militaria No.12
ISBN: 83-86209-06-2
Book

Kit courtesy of my Credit Card and the excellent service from Rainbow Ten.



Page Created 19 June 2004

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