Voyager have released this set of replacement resin wheels for the Sd.Kfz.7 series of vehicles and represents one of the rim and tyre styles used. There were a number of variations on the rim detail and the tyre tread used throughout the series and this set represents the type used in both the DML and Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 kits.

The set consists of just the two front wheels cast in a light cream resin for any of the available Sd.Kfz.7 kits.

The standard of casting is very good without any noticeable blemishes such as air holes with very minor flash as well as small casting plug scars to be cleaned up.

Resin wheels with shot of the small casting scar to be removed

As with numerous aftermarket replacement resin wheels these days, these wheels are based on the kit wheels but are a little different in that they combine both the DML and Trumpeter kit wheels.

The DML spoke hub and rims have been combined with the Trumpeter vinyl tyres to arrive at the final resin wheels and this unfortunately means you still have the solid backs to the hub spokes and not open as they should be. The hub grease nipple and the tyre valve stem are still missing meaning you have as much work to do to correct the resin hubs/rims as you do with the DML kit parts.

The Trumpeter vinyl tires have okay tread pattern and the tread does come further around the shoulder but the fit to the DML rims is not as snug as you would like meaning the resin wheels have a distinct “step” where the rim/tyres join. This could be smoothed out for a better appearance with just a bit of work made easier with the wheels being resin should you wish to do this?

Fitting to any of the available kits shouldn’t be a problem as both kit wheels fit to the axle stubs in a similar manner.

Voyager resin wheels with images of the Dragon and Trumpeter kit wheels used as masters
also image of real wheels showing the details missing due to the use of the poorly detailed Dragon wheel rims.

Basing the resin hubs/rims on the poorly detailed DML kit parts doesn’t do this set any favours and the fit of the Trumpeter tyres to the rims is also not the best. This leaves you with a set of wheels that really don’t offer much at all over the kit wheels other than being in resin and easier to work with than the kit plastic/vinyl combination.

Recommended only if you must have resin wheels for your Sd.Kfz.7.

Halbketten Zugkraftwagen 8t Sd.Kfz.7/1/2 AFV Super Detail Photo Vol.9 Published by Model Art Co.Ltd.	Sd.Kfz.7 in detail Special Museum Line No.36 Wings & Wheels Publications ISBN 80-86416-60-7
Halftrack Vehicles of the German Army 1395-1945 Schiffer Military History ISBN: 0-88740-758-7	Allied & Axis No.21 Ampersand Publishing Sd.Kfz.7, 8-ton KM m 11 halftrack

Thanks to Voyager Models for the review set.