Sd.Kfz. 140/1

This is a model of the small reckon vehicle developed on the Panzer 38(t) chassis. Around 100 units were built, armed with the 2cm KwK38 gun mounted on a Hängelafette 38 turret, also used in the SdKfz 250/9, 251/23, and 234/1. The model was released by the Russian brand VM, but I think now this company has been absorbed by Maquette. Some photoetched parts are included in the box for the engine deck grille and turret hatches protection. Two sets of tracks are provided, one of the link by link type (which I used), and other of the rubber band kind (two pieces for each track). A basic interior is also included, but this is barely visible when the turret is in place.

I found quite difficult to build this model. I did not manage to fit many of the parts, specially those of the superstructure, and an generous amount of filling was required. The track must be fitted before you glue the fenders, since after there is not enough room for the links.

I painted the model with Tamiya acrylics and oil washes. After, I drybrushed the model very slightly and finally I sprayed a coat of matt varnish overall. The tracks were painted with a base of matt black, a enamel brown wash, and drybrushed several times with a mixture of black and silver, progressively richer in the silver color. The final touch was to apply some ochre pastel chalks, specially in the lower parts.