Dragon 1/35 SdKfz 250/1 Neu

The SdKfz 250 was a light armoured half track, similar in appearance to the larger Hanomag-designed Sdkfz 251, and built by the DEMAG firm, for use by Nazi Germany in World War II. The "250" had 4 roadwheel axles, compared to 6 for the 251. The SdKfz-251 had a three-ton cargo capacity, compared to one ton for the smaller and lighter SdKfz-250. Viewed from the front, the two vehicles appear very similar.

Compared to US halftracks, the SdKfz 250 series was less mobile, with unpowered front wheels. However, its tracks made it far more mobile than the armoured cars it replaced, and it was a popular vehicle. Most variants were open-topped and had a single access door in the rear. The subject of this kit was the basic troop carrier version.

Thanks to the latest in molding technology, Dragon is able to go back and upgrade a number of their kits. I think this is probably one of them as you are given a bunch of additional sprues and there are considerable options, with the latest bits generally being developed from a number of parts.

There really is little need to go into detail on the quality of Dragon's moldings as they are amongst the best there is. This kit includes Dragon's FastTrak individual link track links. Part of the new kit includes a new and upgraded hull as well. Other highlights of this boxing are newly tooled suspension pieces, a nice photo etch set that includes equipment brackets and a bunch of new equipment to help fill the interior. There is also a new movable machine gun bracket and thinner gun shield, a full engine, new multiple piece front wheels, newly tooled road wheels and sprockets, and metal width indicator poles for the front fenders.. There is also a new top made of the same material that Dragon uses for its one-piece tracks.

Dragon's instructions look to be superb as always with well drawn construction sequences and Gunze or Model Master paint references. Two nicely done decal sheets are included and there are seven markings options, all from 1944 or later and based on the panzer yellow paint.

All in all, just about everything you could ask for in a new kit. It seems to me that there will be little need for aftermarket on this one as most of what you need is already in the kit.

http://en.wikipedia.org

My thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the review kit. Get yours today at your reseller or ask them to order one for you.