Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12T (Trumpeter 1/35 kit #01584) Chapter 6: Completing the interior

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Before the upper and lower body sub-assemblies could be fixed permanently together, the interior required a few parts to be painted and added. The largest items being the kit supplied wooden benches. Along with the steering wheel these were kept separate for painting. I had long since removed the kit fire extinguisher from the driver’s side wall as it was pointed out to me that it was of an early design. In its place now sits a 3D printed late style empty bracket. Two other features that look peculiarly placed are the MG ammo box and its leather pouch. As these were already fixed in the vehicle as per the instructions, and well bonded, they were left to avoid damage. They have yet to be detail painted.

 

Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12T (Trumpeter 1/35 kit #01584) Chapter 5: Painting the re-worked sprockets and solid wheels

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The sprockets and solid tyred wheel sets have now received paint. They still require a very light application of dust to match the tones used on the track wheels. Some work is still required with oils to replicate the leaking wheel bearing hubs as seen on the restored vehicle. 

Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12T (Trumpeter 1/35 kit #01584) Chapter 4: Re-worked sprockets complete

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Larger faced kit sprockets ready for primer with large kit PE step ring, and some 0.7mm bolt heads added to replicate the track pads retaining bolts. 

 

The reworked handed sprockets. 

 

    Left (Port sided) and right (starboard side) sprocket

 

 

Sd.Kfz 184 Ferdinand (Dragon 6495) Chapter 2: Paint

Continuing on from the build in Chapter 1 way back in 2020, it has since been primed with Tamiya’s rattle can red oxide fine surfacer. It's a perfect foundation for German armour, especially if you fancy employing the hairspray technique. 

 

After carefully washing the finished model in soapy water, then rinsing and letting it dry overnight, it took about three light passes of primer to get a good coverage over the entire model. This was then left for 24hrs to cure.

  

Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz (KHD) S3000 Truck (ICM kit 35451)

 

This is the first ICM kit of the KHD truck. Released in 2015 this is the S3000 rear wheel drive version. ICM KHD S3000  Subsequent releases include a civilian, a maultier, and 4WD versions

 

Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12T (Trumpeter 1/35 kit #01584) Chapter 3: The kit vs the restored vehicle and FIXING the sprocket issue

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Now I have had time to examine my twelve-year old build in detail there are some issues I see with the kit compared to the actual restored vehicle. There are three main areas that I felt needed addressing. One is making good an original build mishap, the second is a very prominent inaccuracy issue with the bodywork, and the third concerns the fitment of the body to the chassis. Then there will be some additional detail to add here and there.

 

For sale

Dragon Panther A Normandy 1944 kit #6168  Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Type

Fully boxed unopened kit

For sale to UK mainland buyers only £50 including postage

 

Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12T (Trumpeter 1/35 kit #01584) Chapter 2: Resurrection time

Continuing on from Chapter 1 let's begin with a brief recap of this extremely rare vehicle.

The restored vehicle was recovered from the Pilica River in Poland. It is believed that only a handfull (period images show just three) of these were ever manufactured, making this surviving example pretty unique indeed! This armoured variant of the Sd.Kfz 8 was all but forgotten until it was recovered and then restored to running condition. Having a full lightly armoured hull around the chassis and drive train, it is believed that this was a prototype of an armoured artillery tractor.

Since commencing my build the below three period images are the only ones to be currently found online. The first one appears to show a vehicle fitted with pneumatic tyred front wheels and a four door rear panel.

Both the lower front panel shape and design, and the large upper panel overhang are very different on this example compared to what is offered in the Trumpeter kit.

 

Unlike the kit this vehicle has just two rear doors.

Sd.Kfz.7/2. 3.7cm Flak 43. Trumpeter 1/35 kit#01527. Chapter 8: Completion

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Flakpanzer IV Ausf G "Wirbelwind" Dragon #6342

Here we have Dragon's 2011 Wirbelwind kit #6342. This features an Ausf G early hull without zimmerit.