An introduction to modelling the Sd.Kfz.7 can be found here
The pics below were taken before the Trumpeter kit was painted so we can compare them side by side. The most striking difference is the height of the canvas tilt frame! The Trumpeter one looks far too low, and this seems to be confirmed in period images.
The next thing to notice is how soft the Trumpeter kit’s details look. The radiator housing fins being a prime example. The front fender profile difference is also clear to see here. The Dragon kit has the correct one. The Trumpeter model's running gear and front wheels also sit a little lower on the chassis.
Re-working some Dragon kit inaccuracies.
Although it would now be tricky to re-work my load bed platform without damaging existing fittings, I did want to address the most visual inaccuracy.
This Dragon kit does not provide the late style full width instrument panel and unfortunately, unaware and the time, I had already fixed the older style one in place. Trumpeter do include the late style panel but it would still required extending as the Dragon cab is a few millimetres wider. I didn’t have one spare anyway so building one from scratch was the only alternative.
Carefully removing the old panel and framework the first thing to remedy was the inclusion of the priming fuel tank to the firewall. Luckily, although not highlighted to be fitted, this part can be found in the kit. It looked very different to the Trumpeter part but as only the lower portion would be visible it could be added.
Using the Panzer Tracts book as reference the new panel was constructed from plastic card, photo-etch, and scraped off switches from the old panel. It wasn’t perfect but under paint and with dial decals it will be presentable.
As my kit has been built up with displaying the engine in mind, the trumpet style ‘early’ horn was replaced with the correct style circular Bosch item, taken from the Trumpeter kit.
The bonnet/hood photo-etch tool clasps were replaced with 3D resin ones and again the headlights were replaced with a smaller ‘later’ style set. Although the radiator housing manufacturers logo would have been absent on a vehicle this late in the war, the fact that I have already attached it makes removing it difficult so that will also have to remain.
The cab canvas metal hoop frame should not be attached to the rear of the cab side panels. The kit illustrations bear this out but strangely the instructions have you attach it to the cargo wooden frame! I had already draped some green stuff tarps over it before I realised this issue so until I can figure a work around, it will remain.
Other
inaccuracies include the under-seat metalwork. This seat base part should sit further back on
the floor and not sit flush with the cab side panels. As in the Trumpeter kit there is no driver’s
seat cut out for the deeper cushion. But, unlike the Trumpeter kit they have got the split cushion layout correct. Another visible anomaly are the cargo frame hinges. Looking at period images they appear to be far too chunky. They also have no detail on the
inner face. The wheel hubs for the track wheels are also of an earlier design but already mentioned many of the final built vehicles were fitted with earlier running gear.
Build progress so far.
A step by step build of the Trumpeter kit can be found here
A step by step of the Dragon kit can be found here
| Chapter 6 | |||||||
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