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Dragon’s release of the Sdkfz 251 “3 in 1” half-tracks has proved popular among modelers. The first of release of the Ausf D (kit 6233) has the option of being made as either of two versions of the 251/1, namely the standard troop carrier with a MG42 mounted on the front of the fighting compartment or the “falke” which had an infra red light mounted coaxially with the forward MG42, while also providing the option of building the kit as the 251/9 with the short 75mm cannon.
Contents
This detail set from Voyager Model contains a mix of photo etch and resin parts to enhance Dragon’s 251/1 Ausf D. The overall level of detail and number of parts in high and the set is aimed more at the experienced modeler. The Dragon kit (6233) is suitable for building out of the box, but has varying shortcomings. This set contains parts which address a several shortcomings commented on in reviews and internet discussion groups, as well as those items typically found in PE sets.
The set includes 4 large and 2 small PE frets, 2 x 100mm lengths of 0.5mm ABS rod, plastic film for the dashboard, and 6 cream coloured resin pieces intended to replace or enhance existing kit parts. A double-sided A4 instruction sheet with clear diagrams is provided and the set is packed in a sturdy two part.
Key features of the Voyager set are:
- Photo etch tread plate for the floor of the crew compartment. This tread plate has raised pattern and is noticeably more consistent with the pattern seen in photos than that in the Dragon kit (the pattern is recessed in kit 6233). The Voyager parts cover the entire floor of the vehicle including the area around the transmission and under the front seats. This will require the modeler to remove the kit’s raised plastic mounting pads for the front seats (I did this using a mini razor saw in about 5 minutes) and the driver’s foot pedals. Unfortunately the set lacks replacement foot pedals. The Voyager set also includes new “C” shaped brackets to fit the kit’s seat squabs to the floor, which are more accurate (to photos) than the solid mounting pad included in the Dragon kit. One benefit of the Voyager approach to the anti-skid flooring is that if the Dragon kit is being assembled as a 251/9 Stummel, it allows modelers to delete the commander’s seat and have antiskid.
- Exterior photo etch detail such as tie downs, clamps for the tools, replacement for the vertical plate onto which the forward MG42 was mounted. The petite replacement padlocks for the side lockers include chains and angled plates with holes that the “U” of the padlock went through.
- Considerable interior PE detail. This includes assorted mounting brackets for the numerous weapons and small fittings stowed inside the 251, replacements for the stowage bins behind the bench seats (PE works well for these bins which were made from thin sheet metal), floor mounted bins, radio and mountings and dashboard (with plastic film for the dials).
- Resin spade and pickaxe which are free of brackets. These tools are designed for use with the PE brackets, thus avoiding the need to rework the kits parts. However the head of my pickaxe had noticeable pitting.
- Resin front wheels. These resin wheels have an air valve and improved detail around the hub (compared to Dragon kit 6233), which is similar to, but softer in detail than the hub in the Tamiya 251 D series. Unfortunately one of my wheels had excess resin in the hole where it joins the axle. The pour plugs did not have an undercut to facilitate clean removal, which resulted in a 1cm sq bald patch on the tread after I removed the plugs. I found the resin wheels were a loose fit on the Dragon kit.
- Resin MG42. The MG42 included in the Dragon kit is average (Dragon does have some nice MG42 in other kits), and the Voyager set includes one replacement machine gun with improved detail on the top of the barrel, featuring perforations missing in the DML gun. While it was common for front line 251/1 to only have a MG mounted on the front, it would have been nice to have a second MG42 for the rear. There were no casting plugs to remove.
- Photo etch painting templates for the shipping stencils for a 251/1 D, 251/9D ‘Stummel’ and 251/20 (for a Falke based on a chassis marked as being for the Uhu) which correspond to the three options included in the kit. Being reusable these templates would also be useful for completing the markings on older Tamiya kits.
Summary
This set is suited for experienced modelers wishing to enhance the Dragon 251/1 Ausf D. With the inclusion of not only the typical PE parts, but also the shipping stencils and the flooring plate, the PE parts on their own are an attractive offering which I am using on my own kit; however I felt that the resin parts did not live up to their potential.
Footnote
Voyager have released a related add on set which contains parts unique to the Dragon 251/9 Stummel such as the upper armour and ammunition bin, which is intended to be used in conjunction with the above set for the Dragon 251/1 Ausf D.
Several of Dragon other 251 D series releases can also be built as a 251/1 and have the benefit of improved detail including improved front wheels.
Voyager Model PE is available from Puma Models, the Irish and UK distributor.
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