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AFV Club’s Sdkfz 251/9 Ausf D with the late style mounting for the short barrel 75mm KwK37 L/24 cannon (kit 35068) is well regarded for its accuracy. This Voyager photo etch set is designed for experienced modelers wishing to add an extra degree of finesse to the AFV Club kit.
This set contains 2 large, 1 medium and 3 small PE frets, plus plastic film and a small resin part for the dashboard. A double-sided A4 instruction sheet with clear diagrams is provided and the set comes in the fold out Voyager cardboard folder.
Key features of the Voyager set are:
- Internal storage bins including the wall mounted bin for the ready ammunition (this is well designed with most of the bin on one large piece which only needs folding), replacements for the stowage bins on the side armour (PE works well for these bins which were made from thin sheet metal), and the floor mounted stowage bin (underneath the rear seat).
- Considerable general interior PE detail. This includes assorted mounting brackets for the numerous weapons, fire extinguisher and small fittings stowed inside the 251, latches and handle for kit’s floor mounted ammunition bin, extra detailed for the gunner’s periscope (bolt heads on angled plate missing from kit), dashboard (with plastic film for the dials) and handles for the rear doors.
- Photo etch tread plate for the floor of the crew compartment. This tread plate has the raised dot pattern as per photos of the 251 series. The pattern is finely reproduced and perforated fold marks are included as required. The Voyager parts cover the entire floor of the vehicle including the area around the transmission and under the front seats. Due to the way the AFV Club kit is designed there is no need to remove any seat mounting pads and the kit’s seats will sit on the PE floor.
- Exterior photo etch detail such as “D” shaped tie downs, rear mud flaps, front tow hooks, aerial mounting bracket and clamps and clasps for the axe and pickaxe.
- Petite replacement padlocks for the side lockers include chains and angled plates with holes that the “U” of the padlock went through.
Summary
This set provides plenty of parts to add that extra detail and realism to AFV Club’s 251/9 including the ready ammunition rack and open stowage bins which will both noticeably benefit from the use of PE. Well recommended.
Voyager Model PE is available from Puma Models, the Irish and UK distributor.
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