Kit, Cyberhobby 6310, Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) mit 7.5cm KwK

CYBERHOBBY


Product Specifications.

6310, Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) mit 7.5cm KwK. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 499 styrene parts (including 14 clear), one bag of Magic Tracks, two photo-etched brass frets, one water-slide decal/marking scheme and eight pages of instructions in 21 steps.


Introduction.

Realizing that certain variations of some of their kits may have only a limited appeal, DML spun-off a subsidiary company, Cyberhobby, which offers modelers the option to create replicas of rare AFV prototypes, very limited production types, and some unique modifications, for those who have an interest in such things. In the case of this particular subject, the manufacturer has chosen a rare pilot vehicle that mounted the 7.5cm KwK L/24 on a Pz.Kpfw.38(t) chassis, in an open-topped enclosure. This model uses components from Cyberhobby/DML’s Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F1, as well as parts from DML’s Sd.Kfz.234/3 and Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) mit 2cm KwK, as well as new parts, markings and instructions, to make the conversion.


Tracks.

These are the usual “Magic Tracks” and therefore come as individual links packed loosely in a bag. Each link has an extremely tiny pour pip between the guide horns as well as two very subtle ejector pin marks on the inner face. The fit is very good, but they will not stay together unless they are glued. The guide horns are properly hollow, and the links have a very delicate cast texture. Furthermore, they all have extremely faint casting numbers where appropriate.


Suspension System.

The suspension system is broken down much like most renditions from other manufacturers; this means that the road-wheels can be depicted in an articulated fashion to conform to terrain on a modeler’s display base. Planning will be needed since getting the bogies properly positioned and then getting the tracks to look right will be a bit of a challenge. The road-wheels are completely and properly detailed on both their inner and outer faces, while the return rollers have separate mounts and include manufacturer’s name on the rubber tire rims. The idler wheel can be mounted in various positions due to a separate “cranked” axle; this will ease using individual link tracks and therefore it should not be fixed in place until the modeler is satisfied with the fit of the tracks. The new set of drive sprockets are very nicely-detailed to include the ribs and bolt patterns seen between their inner and outer halves. The inner ribs on the new drive sprocket parts, A24 and A25, are more pronounced than those on the previous parts, A3 and A4.


Hull.

The hull is the usual slide-molded pan that includes the side walls molded in place together with the belly plate. There is proper rivet and panel details on the three outer sides, as well as suspension mount details on the side walls. What’s unique here is that there is also molded-on detail on the inner faces of the side walls, in the driver’s and fighting compartment. There is also molded-on detail on the inner surfaces around the area of the drive sprockets. All this makes for a more simplified assembly process with absolutely no compromise in the detail department.


Separate inner and outer bow plates are provided as is a separate rear plate with separate circular access panel. The bow plate receives tow hooks, mounting plates, spare track links and mounting bracket. The rear plate receives more hooks and mounts as well as track tension adjustment housings (in two styles), and other details.


Superstructure.

From the bow, the glacis plate features a separate transmission access hatch lid, a Notek lamp with etched brass parts, and a styrene driver’s rough sight. The superstructure front plate features detailed inner and outer faces, with separate view-port lids; both have clear styrene inserts for vision blocks. The opening for the MG37(t) is covered with a welded-on circular plate, common for this type of vehicle.


The engine deck panel is a separate part that features separate access hatch lids and separate grills. The access hatch lids feature separate end parts with rivet detail as well as etched brass frames and screens for their undersides. The grill gets nicely done etched brass parts for the screens and the blanking plate that slid into place for cold-weather starting or to provide heated air to the fighting compartment. This vehicle was to be powered by the same engine as that seen in the Jagdpanzer 38, so the exhaust pipe has an extension that runs up to the top of the engine deck and there is a blanking plate for the standard opening on the hull’s rear plate.


The fenders are separate and feature stamped rib details on the upper and lower faces. All brackets are separate and are made up of a combination of styrene and etched brass parts. Tools are all separate and also feature etched brass brackets and straps. One small and two large multi-part stowage boxes are fitted to the fenders; these are from the previous Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) mit 2cm KwK. The perforated grouser box is provided as a styrene or etched brass assembly as is a multi-part vehicle jack that also has etched brass mounting brackets. A jack block and various tools (complimented by etched brass parts) finish the OVM.


Gun Compartment.

This is where the new parts enter the picture; sprue “T” contains a main part for the new upper superstructure, based on a single slide-molded core. It features fine bolt details on the outer surfaces, but there is no corresponding framework in the inner faces. A separate rear plate and lower pannier sides complete this assembly. Details such as a Sternantenna, its base, insulator and armored cover are attached to the port rear corner of the superstructure and a new outer mantlet is fitted over the gun. Internally, a radio and an ammunition rack (with separate 7.5cm KwK rounds) are placed on the port and starboard sides, respectively. Through the use of standard Gen-2 German troops’ equipment and etched brass straps and brackets, the following items are given as stowage for the inner superstructure walls: helmets, gas mask containers, water bottles and mess tins. Two pairs of the so-called “snail drum” magazines, and their carrying racks (for the pintle-mounted Gen-2 MG 34) are provided as are standard ammunition boxes and belted ammo.


The 7.5cm KwK L/24 is created using a combination or parts first seen in the Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F1 “Vorpanzer” kit along with others from the Sd.Kfz.234/3. The cradle, gun tube, breech, breech guard and spent shell catching basket comes from these sources, while there is also a clear part for the gunner’s sight. Hand-wheels and the gun mount finish this area.


Interior.

Since this chassis is the basis of many other kits, some that are open-topped, there is considerable interior detail provided for all of DMLs Pz.Kpfw.38(t)-based kits. This includes a very nice transmission (including driver’s controls and drive shaft), driver’s and radio operator’s seats, instrument panel (in etched brass), floor panel and bulkhead/engine compartment firewall. There are also some new parts for folding wooden seats, one on each side.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Based on past experience with the base parts of this kit, I don’t believe the modeler will encounter any problems with the fit of any major components. As always, the modeler is urged to clean parts properly and check the fit as he proceeds. No sink marks were found; in every case except for the above-mentioned individual link tracks, there were no visible ejector pin marks.


Accuracy.

Within my reference library, there is a single side-view drawing in reference 7; I have only one photograph, as seen in reference 5 and repeated in reference 7. So, unless the manufacturer found additional new information on it, it is probable that areas in this kit, especially the internal stowage and fittings, are “conjectural”. The main difference between this kit and the photograph (which, BTW, depicts a sheet-metal mock-up) is the superstructure front plate. The one in the photograph has no view-port flaps and is also devoid of the circular blanking plate for the MG37(t); these items are present on the kit part. It would appear that the mock-up was also constructed on a re-built chassis, which is missing most assemblies from the fender line, down.


Instructions.

These are in the typical, and busy, line drawing style.


Decals and Markings Information.

DML’s usual sub-contractor, Italy’s Cartograf, has provided water-slide decals; they are in excellent register, have sharp detail and fine color saturation. The markings are quite generic in nature and only include four variations of the Balkenkreuz national insignia. Colors are keyed to Gunze and Testors paints.


Conclusion.

This kit will allow the modeler to produce a German “Paper Panzer”, if only in a conjectural form. I suppose it will have a limited appeal generally, but it will also be desirable to those modelers who wish to construct “Paper Panzers” built on the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) chassis.


Recommended.


Frank V. “Curley Stooge” De Sisto


References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:

1. “Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition”, by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.
2. “Praga, LT vz.38 Pz.Kpfw.38(t)”, MBI Publications, by C. Kliment & V. Francev.
3. “Pz.Kpfw.38(t)”, Squadron in Action 19, by C. Kliment and H. Doyle.
4. “Czechoslovak Armoured Fighting Vehicles 1918-1945”, Bellona, by H. Doyle & C. Kliment.
5. “Czechoslovak Armored Fighting Vehicles 1918-1948”, Schiffer Publications, by V. Francev & C. Kliment.
6. “Panzekampfwagen 38(t)”, Panzer Tracts No.18, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
7. “Aufklärungspanzerwagen”, Panzer Tracts 11-2, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
8. “Pz.Kpfw.38(t), Ausf.A-D in Detail”, Wings & Wheel Publications Special Museum Line No.38, by F. Koran & V. Francev.



Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML and Cyberhobby. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.


Cyberhobby kits are available exclusively from them at their web site: www.cyber-hobby.com.


Delete abwehrabwehr from email.