Dragon's Sd.Kfz.251/16 Ausf. C 'Flammpanzerwagen'
The art work always gets my attention, and Dragon never lets me down with either the art or the contents. 🙂
This is a most interesting 'scene'. Worthy of creating a diorama of it and 'calm' and restful. Cold and wind swept with all those long leather coats and maps and something to eat. 🙂
As always. Crisp and clean mouldings and LOT's of stuff that would fit all other Sd.Kfz's.
VINYL. !!! Yes. Soft and easy to 'position' if needed. 🙂
The 'tracks' are the link by link build I just love doing.
Here it says. x2. PLEASE. Note that there is a left and right unit to make here, so take a good long look at what it on offer and try not to stuff it up. :-/
NOTE. Here is the 'left and 'right' units.
Just a different 'angle', but L and R.
This is the 'right ' one in place and I do believe it is something with the 'dampening' effect on the travel of the wheels up and down.
I do believe this is the actual 'fuel' tank for the drive motor, and the tanks for the flame throwers are inside the rear compartment area.
The 'left' side unit it place.
As always with armoured vehicles, the correct 'alignment' of the road wheels is parramount.
The lines on the arms are from the 'casting' when dropped forged in real production, part of the mould seams when casting the sand .
The front end steering and spring mechanism before all the 'bleed' bits are removed.
Dont get confused with the way the drawing say to position the parts. C35 & C30 has two 'pivot' points, and they fit into C25 and C20. But C15 fits the 'upper' arm point.
Using "Minimal" glue, just try not to get the pivot areas when adding the glue.
The 'pressure pump' for the napalm fluid. Would you believe it has 28 parts in this little unit. ? !!! :-O
everything here is 'positionable'. Being careful NOT to get the pivit points effected by any glue.
This is a very complex piece of kit. So many parts, and then, all the feet have to locate in the holes you ned to drill in the floor of the cabin interior. TAKE YOUR TIME. !!!
The napalm fluid delivery system pipes all ready for assembly.
This is attached to the supply pump at one point only, so better get some support system to keep it all in perspective.
Where the pipe system is attached here at the left side of the pump, it is all that needs to be glued, so keep it off the body of the pump and let dry.
Once it has dried and remains fixed, it is then attached to the floor via six holes drilled to attach the feet to.
There is some careful attention given here, as the attachment points must all be alligned to get a perfect set up for the remainder of the piping.
These two ends to the pipes will fit directly into the tank as the side panels are attached. Be careful of the tank sitting up on it's small mount.
The 'pop out' mechanisim of the windows is extraordinary to say the least. AND, they work if you really nut it out as to how they operate in real life. 🙂
As this build is proceeding, I am becoming more and more intrigued by the whole thing, as it is complicated in a simple way, and I am having success in getting all the moving parts to actually operate, open and close. 🙂
The hinges of both rear doors work perfectly, allowing the viewing of all the napalm pump to be seen and all the plumbing.
A flush fit of both doors, leaving no untidy gaps anywhere.
As on the real thing, the doors 'sit' as they should.
I like the idea of having all the parts that can be moveable stay that way, as it offers so much in the way of options available in a diorama setting. 🙂
Provided you remove all excess plastic where the 'flow gate' and attachment points is concerned, as it will give you the flush fit.
Just like in the images Rui S has provided for me in the refference matterial he has provided, it is very accurate. 👍
The liquid transfer system is beautifically replicated in every way.
Now the mud guard/fender set up along with the storage boxes.
At this stage, it has the appearance of some sci-fi looking beast, looking for something to eat. LOL
I will be filling any 'obvious' ejector pin marks, just in case some one thinks of looking at the belly. 🙂
It is all lined up and looking good at this stage.
Now the Mg34 set up and it is something else here. Just stunning as to how much detail there allready is in just the basic kit.
All the required pieces with all the bits I need to clean off them before the assembly of the unit.
There are some huge chunks of excess plastic from the flow gates I need to remove. But with a new scalpel blade and gentle shaving, it will all be OK. 🙂
The tip of the new scalpel will help me replicate the famous nozzel the Mg-34 Spandau is famous for.
A deadly pair indeed, all cleaned up and looking mean. 🙂
WOW. There are some parts here that are SO delicate, it is easy to break them if not careful. All these parts have been cleand up ready for the final assembly of the actual flame thrower tube.
All the track links cut from sprus and ready for clean up and wasn't I in for a big pleasant surprise. 🙂
THE, most simple and easy way to build these was the big surprise. Just a simple matter of attach the link and then glue the 'rubber block' in the slot with MINIMAL glue in the hole you see here, making sure the 3 luggs on the rubber block matched.
The "Rubber blocks" and NOTE. there are 3 luggs and the centre is 'off set' compared with the 2 smaller ones, as this is the key to swift assembly, making sure these luggs match the openings provided.
Here is the place the rubber block is placed. NOTE, the largest hole is off set and where the link drops into the other link is where the 2 smaller luggs go.
Just te right ammount of 'track sag'.
It seems that the images of the magazine in the instructions are WRONG and the magazine has the small side facing forward, not like I have it.
I have now corrected the mistake I made by reinstalling the magazines as they should be as pointed out by my friend Urban. 🙂 👍
The 'touching' of the tracks on top of the road wheels as pointed out by Rui has been made happen, all to the use of a small amount of glue and a bit of patience. 🙂
Even with the 'extra' link on one side, the difference is not different that I can see, as the tracks, both sides, sit comfortably on the tops of all road wheels. 👍 🙂
There are some small brass brackets yet to be added to 'finish off' the build. The Painting will be done in stages as I mask off the areas in preperation.
The breast plate with the Mg-34 is removable, giving me access to the interior areas that need the paints and decals required.
The gun rack. 🙂
Plenty of room for all kinds of crazy stuff, other than the flame throwing crews.
YES. 1/35 scale Enigma machines and assorted equipment used in the command Sd.Kfz's 251
More ideas for my diorama, seeing the Enigma machine being used while General Gudarian looks on. 🙂
Comentarii
3 March 2017, 12:22
Kerry COXG'day Rui. 🙂 I tackled the Stug III Ausf. G some time back with the metal 'skirts', but put that to rest until I felt more confident with the paint job it's going to need.. 🙂
3 March 2017, 12:44
Kerry COXI was actually looking for the Sd.Kfz. 251 'C' command vehicle as I have an image that should produce a really great diorama, not of the usual 'combat' scene, but all the crew are 'at rest'. I will post it here for you to see what I mean. 👍 🙂
3 March 2017, 12:47
Urban GardiniInteresting! Be nice to see what you do with this beauty, I've got it as well and some extra figures that I hope will be useful for it. But the big question now is Riveted or welded?
3 March 2017, 12:50
Rui SHi Mate.
I think I know the one you'r talking about.
I'll see what I have from the /16 and post in the MT4 album later on.
Yes that is one off I was thinking about. But there is a similar one in the Afrika Korps do you know that one?
3 March 2017, 12:50
Kerry COXUrban, I totally agree with the ability to chose witch is more 'appealing', the rivets seem to give it that 'chunky' look and feel and I will be going with the brute force look. 🙂
3 March 2017, 12:55
Kerry COXRui. 🙂 As always, I will be totally blown away with what you have to show us mate. 🙂
3 March 2017, 13:00
Urban GardiniYeah, it sticks out more with the rivets and I plan to do mine with the riveted hull as well.
3 March 2017, 13:11
Kerry COXCheers Bryn. The internal 'plumbing' for carrying all the liquid is extensive and beautifully detailed. Worth every penny. 🙂
3 March 2017, 13:13
Kerry COXRui S 🙂 You have never let me down mate, and your always spot on with what you manage to find. 👍
3 March 2017, 13:21
Rui SHi Kezza.
You can check out the MT4, now: scalemates.com/profi..&album=30983#130
I hope it will help in some way and that you find it interesting. 😉
3 March 2017, 18:51
Ed BartzKerry - got this one in theeee stash and do like the look of it. Definitely a 251 fan. I've read that the AFV Club kits are more accurate on the interiors, so have a couple of those as well, but to be frank, does it really matter, nah - just enjoy them!! Like the progress so far. Ed
5 March 2017, 06:15
Kerry COXEd. 🙂 Cheers mate. ! 👍. You mention the AFV club version. 👍. I have one on order as we speak, as the fun and understanding of just how well thought out these vehicles were for their day has got me wanting more of them as well 🙂 But for now, the Dragon beast has stuff that other manufacturers would have had in the 'too hard' basket when it comes to detail. ! I am a convert now. LOL 🙂
5 March 2017, 06:48
Rui SHi Kezza,
Amazing fast progress, Mate,
In photo 77, when you say "Just te right ammount of 'track sag'." you are not going to leave the tracks set as shown, are you? 😎
6 March 2017, 11:06
Urban GardiniLooking good. But the tracks look to be one link to short and you've managed to mount the 75 round drum magazines the wrong way on the MG34's.
6 March 2017, 12:00
Kerry COXRui and Urban. As I have NO adjustment ability with the tracks, the length each side was the exact same number of links, and by the looks of most of the images I have seen so far, the track sag is quite a bit. Urban, It just goes to show how much I trust the images on the assembly instructions. If you take a close look at what I have posted just now, you will see that the drawings say that it was meant to be that way. !!! But I WILL correct the magazines now.
6 March 2017, 12:44
Kerry COXI have now corrected the mistake I made, reinstalling the magazines as they should be, as pointed out by my friend Urban. 🙂 👍
6 March 2017, 12:59
Rui SKezza, What I meant is that the under side of the tracks above the road wheels must touch the upper side of the road wheels, and in the photos that is not happening.
I tend to agree with Urban.
6 March 2017, 14:38
Kerry COXRui, all that you mentioned is now been taken care of, and I have glued the tracks in position where the wheel and tracks come in contact. 👍. Thanks for pointing that out mate, as now, all is good. 🙂
6 March 2017, 20:50
Urban GardiniSo no more "Magic tracks" that defies Newton's Laws, that's good! It's an relief as well that you were able to correct the drum magazines.
6 March 2017, 21:39
Urban GardiniIn the real world the tracks isn't the same length at all with 55 links on the left side and 56 links on the right side.
6 March 2017, 21:43
Kerry COXWell, as this IS my first attempt at one of these, I was bound to make some mistakes and it would have been terrible if my mates had not said something about my efforts. 👍 🙂
All the points mentioned about where I was making these mistakes have been taken care of and I hope the last series of images show how I have made those corrections. 🙂
6 March 2017, 22:49
Urban GardiniMuch better now mate! I do believe that you find the Dragon kit fun to build with overall good fit on the parts. As your next Dragon kit I think you should try one of their new Pz.III kits, I'm in a slow progress building this kit and the fit on the parts with one exception is marvelous. It's a fun build even if I've temporarily halted it in favor for other builds. scalemates.com/kits/..4-pz-kpfw-iii-ausf-n
6 March 2017, 23:08
Urban GardiniYou'll find my build thread on it here so you can see for yourself if the kit is to your liking or not. scalemates.com/profi..bums&album=26855
6 March 2017, 23:09
Kerry COXUrban, I am pleased to inform you that I have the Stug III 'G' kit, (The 'pigs head' gun mantle) almost completed, and with all the etched brass goodies as well, and what a stunner of a kit. 🙂
I was wanting to depict it as the little 'street fighter', very little dirt, just dust and bits of rubble all over it, but well used and in need of some skirt replacements. 🙂
I am well impressed by all that Dragon has on the market, but AFV is fast filling up spots that have been wanting from other manufacturers. 👍
7 March 2017, 01:18
Kerry COXI have just found THIS for sale. 🙂
Sd.Kfz.251/6 Ausf.B mittlere Funkpanzerwagen (Kommandopanzerwagen), the personal vehicle of General Guderian, France, June 1940. 🙂 👍
I do believe that the second image I have posted here of all the crew surrounded by sheaves of grain is the same one. 🙂
scalemates.com/profi..ms&album=33107#2
7 March 2017, 05:11
Urban GardiniI'm not aware of an Ausf. B from Dragon. I've got their /6 Ausf. C in my stash and I know that Zvezda have an /1 Ausf. B but I've not seen that one so I can't comment upon it.
7 March 2017, 10:43
Urban GardiniYes, their StuG III's is just as excellent as their ordinary III's. But do avoid the red boxes and the Imperial series oof boxes from Dragon. They're not at all near the same class as their kits from the last 15 years or so...
7 March 2017, 10:46
Kerry COX1/35 Dragon 6206 2004 Sd.Kfz.251/6 Ausf.C Command Vehicle Is the one from Dragon that has the extendable aerial and winch and the different stowage boxes on the side.
7 March 2017, 12:47
Kerry COXThis will only be my second, as I only want the second for the dio. And I have no more room as it is. :-/
7 March 2017, 13:22
Urban GardiniOuch, but armour do take less place than planes when they're built...
7 March 2017, 17:28
Kerry COX🙂 That may well be Urban, but over the years (I am 70), I have embraced every type of model kit that you could imagine, and, I have a collection that I will be donating to many organizations and clubs when I meet my maker that has filled to overflowing, 4 huge display cases. 👍 But, as always, when I think I have had enough, there is always something that comes along, I "must have", and now, !! IKEA now have stunning display cases now that I just cant ignore, and at less than a $100 a unit, I think I will manage just a couple more before I really say enough is enough. LOL.
7 March 2017, 20:21
Kerry COX🙂 Thank you Miro. It is a lot of fun when all the detail is so good. 🙂 👍
8 March 2017, 06:49
Kerry COXAll I have to do now is paint it. Simple really. (I think. ) But masking it will be fun. hehehehe 🙂
8 March 2017, 11:19
Stanley Carrierkerry when you can, please share with me a link to thiose display cases.
8 March 2017, 13:15
Kerry COXStanley. IKEA sell these all over the world, and no matter where you live, they will be dirt cheap. google.com.au/url?sa..ust=1489065577669468
8 March 2017, 13:20
Kerry COXThanks Robert. 🙂
This is only the second German 'armour' kit I have built by Dragon and I am always pleasantly surprised by just how good all the detail is and how much of it there is. 🙂
With SO much on the market now of pieces one only imagined would look good in adding extra depth to our builds, the end result is so worth every penny and minute one spends on this amazing hobby.👍
It sure beats the hell out of needle point. LOL 🙂
10 March 2017, 21:03
Bigglesof266Kerry thanks for the link. IKEA's DETOLF display cases have been around for an aeon. My brother in law actually buys them as display cases for his small business shop. Way cheaper than commercial cases and do the job.
Just a tip guys.
Ikea regularly change colours of those DETOLFs to accommodate fashion trends, and when they do they drop the price of the colour which isn't selling or is being deleted to move them. I picked up a couple four or five years ago in natural birch wood when it was in vogue when they slashed them to $79. Then, they offered them in three colours. Now it's two. Appears the inner frame is still 'one colour suits all silver', which incidentally looked great with natural birch, and probably does with white too. The fit a lot of 1/72 or 1/76 vehicle models, but be aware that effectively they are only 4 shelves, and the bottom one is a neck craner. You'll understand why this is important when you hit your mid-50's if you haven't already.
We pay far more for IKEA kit here in AU than in EU or the US. Currently, the white is cheaper at AUD$99, which is very good for AU. The white looks great too. Will really look the business with most contemporary houses where walls are uniform neutrals. Be aware that those suggested top mounted IKEA LEDs are spotlights, and additionally require the purchase of a drop down transformer if you want to fit them. You can buy three down spots at IKEA for $18 and a transformer which accepts three pins for $25 inc the power lead/switch sold seperately. They've recently changed the recommended lighting unit for the DETOLFS so now they're even cheaper and run cooler.
I have my model train kit in mine in my layout room. At a guess, each DETOLF would accommodate 4 or 5 typical single engine 1/48 WW II fighters per shelf which while looking busy, would still present display worthy. You could possibly cram more like one does in a hanger, but then it'd just be low dust safe storage, and less a display.
11 March 2017, 03:24
Kerry COXBiggles. 🙂 A great review and handy tips on the display cases mate. 👍
With mine, I also got more shelving in by using height adjustable slide frames with glass to suite from Pilkington glass.🙂
As you pointed out, they are mostly good for the smaller models, of what ever scale that will fit, and with the larger cases for my I/32 aircraft now serving a real clear view of by 'Big Birds", with the IKEA really easing the storage problem very well indeed. 🙂
Yup, 70 and it is getting a wee bit harder to be on my knees admiring my handy work. 🙂 (Something I will never tire of). LOL 🙂 🙂 🙂
11 March 2017, 05:42
Album info
Having never known this particular type of vehicle existed, I was pleasantly surprised to 'discover' it on a deep back shelf of a hobby shop way out western New South Wales, Bourke to be exact. So, As I am now finding more of these older kits, I had better put my fingers to good use.