Romfell Panzerwagen

Copper State Models, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

Introduction

The Romfell Panzerwagen was a unique Austro Hungarian armoured car with a distinctive inward-sloping body. Even today it looks futuristic.

The sole Romfell Panzerwagen was designed by Hauptmann Romanic and Oberleutenant Fellner. Their names were combined to give the name to this car.

The Romfell was equipped with an air-cooled Schwarzlose M07/12 machine gun protected by gun shields, with a supply of 3,000 rounds.*

FirstLook

Copper State Models' brand new 1/35 scale Romfell Panzerwagen comprises 135 parts in grey plastic, three parts in clear plastic, decals for one vehicle at two different times and a full colour 18 page instruction booklet.

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The model is packed under an attractive cover and inside a stout cardboard box.

In common with the previous WWI aircraft releases, moulding quality is world class and sprue attachment points are narrow. The only issue that I found were a few sink lines on the fuel tank cover (Part C1), which is inside the vehicle anyway.

Surface textures look fantastic, with a very effective combination of raised rivets; hatches, hinges and access points in relief and recessed panel lines.

The hull and turret are made up from separate panels - sides, front, rear and several upper panels for the hull, and three side pieces and a roof for the turret. You'll want to test fit and carefully align these important elements before committing to glue.

Despite the modest parts count a full engine and fighting compartment interior is included. The turret hatch, hull side doors and driver's visors are all separate parts that may be posed open, so you'll be able to display the interior.

The kit supplies a searchlight that may be extended vertically or retracted into the vehicle.

The chassis is moulded with the transmission, drive shaft and lower engine / sump in place.

Side and top engine access hatches are separate parts. Engine detail is very good, although you may simply omit this if you are closing up the engine hatches.

The distinctive louvred cooling vents at the front of the vehicle are moulded as one piece. Optional armour plate is supplied for below the radiator.

The Schwarzloze machine gun is well detailed. It incorporates a vertical mount and a saddle seat.

The front running gear assembly features separate axle ends that will permit the wheels to be offset. I particularly like the spoke and chain drives for the rear wheels.

Clear parts are supplied for the headlight and searchlight lenses.

Two marking options are offered of the same vehicle at two different times.

Decals are well printed and in register.

CSM has also supplied stencil drawings in the intructions if you would prefer to paint the big Iron Crosses.

The instructions are presented using clear, concise colour keyed illustrations broken down into steps of assembly and painting in the form of an 18 page booklet.

Colour callouts are made throughout.

Conclusion

CSM's 1/35 scale Romfell Panzerwagen maintains the high plastic standard, quality presentation and luxurious packaging of its WWI aircraft and Lanchester predecessors.

I built CSM's Lanchester soon after its release and it was a pleasure to work on. I have no reason to expect that this kit will be any less enjoyable.

I'll be building this one soon too!

Thanks to Copper State Models for the sample.

Historical information adapted from Copper State Models' website