The SF14z was a binocular set of periscopes that the German military employed during WW2. They are quite common in photographs showing command units. They where also issued to armoured vehicle crews, and are particularly noticeable protruding from the commander's hatches of StuG and Pz.Jg. type vehicles. The are less common on tanks, but can still be found. The Rk31 Aiming Scope was a small telescope, much like a spotter's telescope. Tristar have now issued an accessory kit containing several SF14z and Rk31, tripods and carrying cases.

The Kit

Moulding is excellent with sharp detail, no flash or warping is evident, (see photo. #3 and #4). There are two identical sprues, each sprues contains parts to make to following (so the kit includes two of what is listed below):

1. SF14z binocular periscopes. There are parts included to make three complete sets of SF14z. One of these has the extended sun shield. There are three types of eye pieces included to depict the periscope pair in differing angles. Each pair also includes a base. One eye cup is included.
2. Rk31. One single spotting scope is also included. This can also be fitted to a tripod.
3. Tripods. Four sets of tripods are included, each with legs in varying degrees of extension.
   1. Fully extended.
   2. Half extended.
   3. ¼ extended.
   4. Fully collapsed.
   There is a jig included to help align the legs while the glue is setting. Both the SF14z binoculars and the Rk31 spotting scope can be fitted to each of these tripods.
4. Auger base. There is one auger mount included for mounting either the SF14z or Rk31. This type of mount was screwed into the ground.
5. Wooden box carrying case. This is illustrated on the box top as being carried on the back of a soldier. There are photo-etched straps included too. The figure is not included. If anyone recognizes this figure then please post it in the forum, it could be "test" figure that Tristar is planning.
6. Tripod in shoulder sling. This would be carried by a second soldier along with the first carrying the box (in 5).

The kit is packed in a sturdy box with photographs of the assembled and painted scopes on the front (photo. #1). The parts layouts and assembly instructions are printed on the reverse of the box bottom (photo. #2). Painting information is given for Tamiya Color and GSI Mr. Color and Aqueous Hobby Color.

Conclusions

This is a rather complex kit with a lot of tiny, fiddly little parts. Much like the real thing. It did take some focus to assemble one example SF14z on my part. I think that a lot of the SF14z will be useful in StuG or Hetzer projects. The carrying box and tripods will also make good stowage items for field cars. Overall the detail is good and as far as I can tell the accuracy is very good too.

Tristar supplied this kit to Track-Link as a review sample.

References

In addition to the occasional close up photograph in various German WW2 picture books there are a few excellent photographs to be found on the Internet. Searching for "SF14z" for example yielded a few of useful ones. I've listed one example link below. Save these images as soon as possible since they might disappear.

1. http://www.germanmilitaria.com/Kriegsmarine/photos/K18055full.jpg

User Contributed Notes