FirstLook

I was very excited when I first heard that Trumpeter was going to release a 1/35 scale Sd.Kfz.7/1. This was the very first 1/35 scale kit that I built as a 12 year old boy when Tamiya’s venerable version was still fresh.

How times have changed. The comparison between the old Tamiya kit and this new offering from Trumpeter is quite dramatic. .

Trumpeter’s new 1/35 scale Sd.Kfz.7/1 comprises 531 parts in grey plastic plus seven sprues of individual track links and blocks in industry-standard, “Model Kasten” brown, five sheets of photo-etch (102 parts), three vinyl tyres, decals, a length of rope and wire.

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Thumbnail panels:

The basic vehicle is the same as the original Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 kit with full chassis detail, engine, transmission, winch, suspension, steering and more. The upper rear deck is all-new with all the cross bracing underneath and authentic texture on the upper surface. The side and rear gates are finished with photo-etched mesh.

The quad Flak gun is a kit in itself. The majority is provided in plastic, though there is a fair amount of photo-etch to add detail. The highlight here is the scale-thickness photo-etched shields.

The windshield glass and headlight lenses are supplied as clear plastic parts.

The ammunition trailer is also included in the kit. Detail has not been forgotten here either, with interior parts and a supply of ammo cans so that you will have the option of opening the trailer for display.

The instruction booklet is 28 pages, containing well laid out diagrams. Some areas are very complex and will require care during construction to ensure correct placement.

Markings are provided for four vehicles - two Luftwaffe, one Wehrmacht and one SS. Decals are also supplied for instruments and cabin placards.

There are a number of concerns, however, with seam lines and moulding plugs being present in some prominent places. There are also problems with certain dimensions, the barrel lengths and the guards. These issues will be addressed in the forthcoming build article.

Despite these challenges, Trumpeter’s 1/35 scale Sd.Kfz.7/1 should build into a stunning replica. You certainly get a lot for your money!

Thanks to J.B. Wholesalers for the kit review sample