|
|
Forums - Modelling / Construction |
The construction forum is for the discussion of techniques on the construction phase of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1894 |
| Messages | 8734 |
|
|
| Subject: | Re: Alan 1/35 Gepard Flakpanzer 38t (ALA-018) - Reccomend??? |  |
| Date: | Jan 10, 2004 |
| From: | Steve Fayers | |
Hi Bill,
I've recently bought this kit myself. I haven't had much time to work on it as yet, so I can't give you a detailed run-down as such. However, I would say by the looks of it, the kit is far superior to the resin / white metal kit produced by Elite, which is as far as I'm aware the only other Flakpanzer 38t kit currently available(?) (usually when buying a kit I'd expect more resin than air bubbles - but that's another story).
First impressions of the Alan kit is that on the whole it's fine for a general 'out of the box' model, though the fighting compartment walls will require v. careful assembly to fit properly. For details, on the whole it's fine, but certain things could be improved such as the radio transmitter / receiver, and attachments for various items such as gas mask cases and MP-40 pouches. There are two MP-40's included moulded in their brackets which could be replaced with crisper examples. Brackets for, and some of the tools on the fenders could also be replaced. The 20mm gun is perhaps a bit simple in it's casting, so personally I'd replace the gun with the Tamiya example together with Eduard photoetch.
The only other thing that imediately struck me was the edges of the driver's cupola and the extensions of the hull that flank the engine compartment and partially cover the fenders. In the kit the anterior portion of the latter and the driver's cupola are angular, whereas in all photographs I've seen of the original vehicle these are distinctly rounded. However, this is something that can easily be corrected. Although perhaps not essential, I'd also recommend replacing the tracks and drive sprockets with those of the Panzer 38(t)from Friulmodel.
Finally, with regards to the kit decals, these are supposed to represent vehicles of the 12th SS, 9th SS and 10th SS panzer regiments c. 1945. Although there were almost certainly a few flakpanzer 38t's still in service in 1945, the shield of the 12th SS divisional symbol is infilled with black (I've never seen that before), and at least as far as I'm aware the 9th and 10th SS panzer regiments were not equiped with these vehicles (though I may be wrong!). For unit markings I would raid the spares box! Units that I'm aware were supplied with flakpanzer 38t's were: 1st SS, 2nd SS, 12th SS, 2nd, 21st, 116th Panzer Divisions, Panzer Lehr Division, Panzer Regiment Hermann Goring, Fuhrer-Begleit Brigade, and 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division.
In conclusion I would say if you're after a flakpanzer 38t kit buy the Alan one (+ a few modifications), otherwise your looking at an extensive conversion of Panzer 38t or Marder III kit. Phew!
Hope this helps
Steve |
| |
|
|
|
