Sd.Kfz. 251/16 Ausf. D Flammpanzerwagenby Cookie Sewell
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Stock Number and Description | Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6247; Sd.Kfz. 251/16 Ausf. D Flammpanzerwagen |
Scale: | 1/35 |
Media and Contents: | 1,004 parts (666 parts in grey styrene, 264 "EZ Track" link sections, 41 etched brass, 17 in tan DS plastic, 8 in clear styrene, 4 silver paper stickers, 2 pre-bent steel wire, 2 turned brass, 1 section woven nylon cord |
Price: | retail price estimated at US $41.98 |
Review Type: | First Look |
Advantages: | The Flammpanzer now available in on the D model chassis; includes EZ Track |
Disadvantages: | Crew made from vinyl may not be popular |
Recommendation: | Highly Recommended to all German WWII fans |
FirstLook
DML continues their production of Sd.Kfz. 251 variants by now
offering the "Stroke 16" flamethrower vehicle on the D model
chassis, with some minor changes from the earlier C model (Kit No.
6202). While they retain the three man crew made of DS plastic (two
gunners with a choice of heads with our without asbestos hoods and a
driver) a total of 161 parts are now provided for the flame guns and
other kit on board the vehicle.
The kit shows how the 251 series has evolved, for they now offer
such niceties as doors for the side stowage bins over the fenders
and the usual positionable hood flaps, rear doors and viewers. Two
different track sets are offered, either the early-model original on
the parts trees or the late-model style as presented in the popular
"EZ Track" which is pre-trimmed and ready for installation.
The three crew figures are the new cementable vinyl, and according
to Freddie Leung of DML are designed to be used with liquid cement
like Testors or Tamiya Orange. He also noted that to trim them up
simply "paint" mold seams with the liquid cement and the seam should
vanish if not touched while the cement evaporates.
This kit does not come with a dismount weapon as the C model did,
and seems to reflect the concept changes made between the
introduction of the C model "Stroke 16" and the D model. The mirror
mounts/fender guides are turned brass, and a bending jig is included
to set the correct angle on them for use on the model. The model
also comes with two pre-bent steel wire sections for use to
replicate folding external limiters/guards to prevent the flame
weapons from snagging on any obstacle near the vehicle.
Two finishing options are provided, one with the 5th Panzer Division
in Warsaw during 1944 and one unidentified vehicle on the Eastern
Front in 1944. Both are basically Panzerbraun with camouflage
applied to them. The kit comes with a "number jungle" license plate
set of decals and a "targeted" set for the two options given.
Overall this is a very nice kit, but I still worry that the "volley
fire" of 251 kits (and those from their competitors) may be
overwhelming the market.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.