After a fairly long hiatus (6 months) I decided it was time to go back to the bench. Instead of continuing with the builds I have resting there I decided to do something new. If I'm restarting I can't do it with something that already began. It has to be new out of the box.

These manufacturers are putting out so many quality kits that is impossible to resist. What can I say..

I started to build this one and found out that two sprues were from the other Dingo variant that Miniart produces. I emailed Miniart and the following day they were asking for my address to send the correct sprues.

They arrived 11 days after my first email (Ukraine to Portugal) and I have to say this is one of the best examples I can give of a good Customer Service. 10 out of 10 for Miniart!

The Kit

Price
Accuracy/Detail
Build
Extras
Instructions

The plastic is excellent with a surface detail worthy (if not better) of the best brands on the market. The detail is delicate and precise and it shines on a model of this size.

From the suspension to the body everything is near perfect.

Only the cabin and lower chassis is glued but the parts fit can already be considered as very good

A tiny little model with lots of potential

The fit of parts is quite good, but I'll have to wait till the final assemble to see if putty is needed to form a definite opinion on the subject.

The wheels are one piece items with the rear hub part as an insert. No need for resin wheels here. They are awesome and they convey that flimsy look that the Dingo wheels usually have.

The 5 page instructions are very good and they leave nothing to guess. The steps are clearly defined and the parts well identified.

Being a very small model the parts are also small. The suspension consists of a high parts count and they are all small and delicate. I wondered how could they support the model till I completed the 4 suspension assemblies. With all the braces and suspension arms it ends up being quite strong and perfectly able to withstand the vehicle. If care is taken on gluing the suspension parts, the wheels can move. Nonetheless I decided to glue the rear wheels and allow the from wheels to move. I prefer to have them turned because I think it gives a more dynamic stance to the vehicle.

The interior is very complete (a must for an open top vehicle) and it's a kit within a kit.

Only the "radio" is below par. EDIT: And that's because it's not a radio. It's a stowage box. Not all the Dingo's had one radio and Miniart decided to make the kit without the radio.

However there's always a strategy. I'll just put the pivoting chair in front of it. Most of the radio will be covered.

In the mean time I went on an expedition to find a good ws19 radio. It's always good to have a source if I need one for another Allied (Commonwealth) vehicle. And I found a recent company that makes one besides Resicast. This company is called Inside the Armour and also makes a beautiful Churchill interior for those of you, that unlike me, still have to finish the excellent AFV Club Churchill.

If there is one vehicle that one could be modeling forever, it’s the 250 and it’s variants.

This small half track that resulted from a request made in 1939 for a troop transport with an armored body that could carry a half platoon, was produced in a huge number of variants.

You could just build SdKfz 250 and 251 and still you would run out of time to complete all of the variants.

But I was really only interested in one of them – The 250/3 command version that Rommel used in the North Africa campaign.

It’s a relevant vehicle because the connaisseur looks at the 250/3 GREIF and immediately knows that it was Rommel’s command vehicle.

The Kit

I knew that someone made that model and started to look. I only found Tamiya but really didn’t want to spend that amount of cash and still need some decent PE to go with it. I found the Dragon kit (issued in 2000) for a very decent price (it was on sale at Azimut) and I bought it.

It’s not up the the level of Dragon kits of the last 3 or 4 years, but it’s remarkably good.

Not over complicated nor over engineered. A small and simple model with adequate detail.

This is the type of model where a go

od paint job and weathering skills make it shine. And it’s an iconic vehicle used by an iconic man.

Building

Building this kit is very straight forward. However some test fitting is in order because the precision of recent Dragon kits has nothing to do with this one, already with 8 years since it’s release.

The chassis "tub" consists of 3 pieces that need some attention in order to glue them right. Especially because the side panels are going to be glued to them and finally the top section to these panels. Everything has to be leveled so that you don’t end up with big gaps between the parts. The side panels stand a little bit higher tan the rear part of the tub but just a little filling took care of this.

The inside is "simple". The transmission, front seats a lot of details have to be refined. The Aber set will take care of that, by providing a huge number of small pieces for the job.

The most radical intervention is the transmission that needs to be "replaced" with PE and some bits and pieces of plastic. This area included two of the most intricate PE parts I’ve done in my life. I managed to solder everything and they are now ready. But when I looked at the instructions from Aber my first reaction was – "NO WAY, I’ll never do that.."

I’m going to do some photos of the individual steps s

o that you can have an idea of how tricky and detailed these steps are. I need to glue 4 strips of back seat spring for each seat. And they are tiny I assure you.

	Photos taken with Canon EOS 1D Mark III TrueVision lighting products

More building

Nov 3, 2008

Like in many other builds, I didn’t follow the instruction sheet at all.

Because this kit has a lot of interior detail I decided to build it in two phases. The lower hull and interior and the upper hull.

I expected the upper hull to fit perfectly, but I decided to dry fit the whole thing. And I found that it was not at all a good idea to follow the instructions.

The upper hull needs to be completely built and all the seams correct

ed (and there are many). From the sides to the front there’s an absolute need to fill all the joints between parts. This Dragon kit is does not have the precision of newer releases. A lot of work needs to be done or you’ll end up with a model completely plagued with join lines and some of them really deep.

I expect to end the kit for painting in a couple of days, but I still need to do all those incredibly tiny parts from the Aber set. The visors, the gun rack, boxes, radios and all that goes inside the very visible compartment has to be complete before painting begins.

Now I have the complete lower and upper hull (antenna and all) ready, but the interior parts still need to be completed. I wonder how many hours with the soldering iron on hand I’ll have to spend for ending this one.

A simple model, I thought… I could no be more farther from the truth. Let’s hope the result matches the expectations.

More…

Nov 17, 2008

The kit is moving really slowly because of the many refinements I’m doing. The Aber set has so much detailing that every little one of them takes ages to finalize. But without that Aber set the kit would end up much worse than it could. There are many refinements to the original plastic parts (the rifle support is one of them) and some that are not even included on the kit.

On the back right side (behind the radio) a spare machine gun is stored on a support that is included on the Aber set and has no corresponding part on the Kit. However, the MG is on the kit. This support in very intricate and on top of it all I decided to solder the PE to make it stronger. This small detail took me 4 hours to finish.

Inside the compartment there are two glass box holders. I had to make the glass boxes with pieces of clear sprue. However after sanding they look everything but glass. The set of sanding songes I bought from Cammet took care of it. The last one is so fine that restores the glassy polished look to any piece of clear plastic. Outstanding. The problem is to hold the tiny piece of plastic on order to polish it. Phew…

I’m completing all the small sub assemblies of photo etched parts so that when the time comes is just a matter of gluing them in the appropriate places. This kit is really tricky.

What will be used in this kit

Lifecolor Paints
Aber Photo Etch set
Mig washes and pigments
Adler’s Nest 2m antenna

Related sites

Dragon
Lifecolor
MIG Products

History

In 1939, after successful trials of the light semi-track troop carrier, the Army indicated their requirement of a similar vehicle capable of transporting a Halbgruppe (half platoon), thereby increasing the flexibility of reconnaissance units. Bussing-NAG were entrusted with the development of the armored body, and Demag, with the chassis, which was to be based on their existing Zgkw It (Sd Kfz 10). Prototypes were already available, powered by the Maybach NL38 motor. Because of delays, the production series was not started until June 1941 when the first thirty-nine vehicles were completed. Up to October 1943, only minor· modifications were incorporated in the production vehicles, but twelve official sub-variants existed, each having a special-purpose configuration. After October 1943, this version of the Ie SPW was known as ‘Alte’ (old).

Specific features

The Sd Kfz 250 consisted of a modified Demag 07 tractor chassis, mounting an armoured body. In order to maintain the performance of this limited payload vehicle when fitted with the armoured superstructure, Demag shortened the chassis and removed the forward wheel and torsion bar., The lubricated tracks provided some of the steering, though for normal road use, the front wheels were sufficient.

Combat service

The bulk of the sub-variants were issued to Panzer Aufklarungs detachments of Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions. The light reconnaissance company which used these vehicles was normally issued with twenty-eight when attached to a Panzer division, or eighteen when with a Panzergrenadier division. The ammunition carriers and observation vehicles were attached to Sturmgeschutz units.

Variants

Sd Kfz 250/1 leichter Schutzenpanzerwagen Gerat 891

Weight: 5.38 tons
Crew: 6
Built continuously from 1941 to 1945, the main purpose of this version was to transport the Halbgruppe of 4. The armament was two MG34. The height of this vehicle including the MG shield was 1.98m. Ammunition: 2,010.

Sd Kfz 250/1 leichter Schutzenpanzerwagen (s MG)

Crew: 6
This version carried the support Halbgruppe with two MG34 in heavy field mountings.

Sd Kfz 250/2 leichter Fernsprechpanzerwagen Gerat 892

Weight: 5.44 tons
Crew: 4
Used for cable-laying by communications troops in the creation of telephone networks. The crew was 4 and armament was one MG34.

Sd Kfz 250/3 leichter Funkpanzerwagen Gerat 893

Weight: 5.35 tons
Crew: 4
For control of motorized formations, and was equipped with the FuG12 radio which used the 2 metre rod and, later, the 2 metre star aerial. The armament of all Funkpanzer versions was one MG34.

Sd Kfz 250/3 leichter Funkpanzerwagen

Weight: 5.35 tons
Crew: 4
Issued to Luftwaffe ground units for air support control. FuG7 with 2 metre rod.

Sd Kfz 250/3 leichter Funkpanzerwagen

Weight: 5.35 tons
Crew: 4
Luftwaffe ground-to-air communications post, fitted with FuG7, and the FuG8 for main divisional command link-up. The antenna for the FuG8 was frame in the early vehicles, and 8 metre star mast later.

Sd Kfz 250/3 leichter Funkpanzerwagen

Weight 5.35 tons
Crew 4
General-purpose radio vehicle with radios to suit use.

Sd Kfz 250/4 leichter Truppenluftschutzpanzerwagen. Gerat 894

Originally envisaged as a light anti-aircraft vehicle armed with ZwilIingslafette (dual mount) 36 (2 x MG34), but this version was not put into production.

Sd Kfz 250/4 leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen

Weight: 5.7 tons
Crew: 4
In 1943, this version was introduced to act as an observation vehicle for the Sturmgeschutz detachment. Radio equipment was the FuG15 and FuG16. Armament was one MG34 or 42.

Sd Kfz 250/5 leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen Gerat 895

Weight: 5.35 tons
Crew: 4
Armored observation post equipped with FuG4 and FuG8. Early vehicles had the frame antenna, later, the 2 metre star, for the FuG8.

Sd Kfz 250/5 leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen

Weight: 5.35 tons
Crew: 4
FuG12 replaced the earlier radio. In 1944, this version was redesignated Leichter Aufklarungspanzerwagen to differentiate from the Sd Kfz 250/4.

Sd Kfz 250/6 leichter Munitionspanzerwagen Ausf A fur Sturmgeschutz Gerat 896

One 7.5cm Kanone (Kurz) Ausf A bis E
Weight: 5.95 tons
Crew: 2
Armament: one 7.92mm MG34 Ammunition: 1,100
Issued to Sturmgeschutz Abt after the Sd Kfz 252 went out of production in September 1941. These Munitionspanzerwagen carried 70 rounds of 7.5cm ammunition for the StuK (L/24). An ammunition trailer was normally attached. The radio was FuG16.

Sd Kfz 250/6 leichter Munitionspanzerwagen Ausf B fur Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F and G

Weight: 6.09 tons
Crew: 2
Carried 60 rounds of 7.5cm StuK40 (L/48) ammunition. The armament of these vehicles was one MG34 or 42.

Sd Kfz 250/7 leichter Schutzenpanzerwagen (schwerer Granatwerfer) Gerat 897

Height: 1.8m
Weight: 5.61 tons
Crew: 5
Issued to the fourth platoon of Leichter Panzer Aufklarungs companies. The 8cm GrW34 was used to support the other platoons in action with fire from its mortar. An MG34 or 42 completed the armament. Forty-two rounds of mortar ammunition were stored.

Sd Kfz 250/7 leichter Schutzenpanzerwagen (Munitionsfahrzeug)

Armament: two 7.92mm MG34
Weight: 5.38 tons
Crew: 4
Ammunition: 2,010 Carrying 66 rounds of mortar ammunition
These vehicles were issued to section leaders or platoon commanders and frequently carried additional radio equipment.

Sd Kfz 250/8 leichter SchGtzenpanzerwagen (7.5cm) Gerat 898

Height: 2.07m
Weight: 6.30 tons
Crew: 3/4
Armament: one 7.5cm KwK37 L/24, later, one 7.5cm K51 (Sf)
Ammunition: 20
A small number of Sd Kfz 250/8 using the Alte chassis were issued in the spring of 1943. In October 1944, the Sd Kfz 250/8 was re-introduced with the gun mounted in the new unified mount 7.5cm K51 (Sf). These vehicles were issued to the 4th Platoon of the Leichter Panzer Aufklarungs companies.

Sd Kfz 250/9 leichter SchGtzenpanzerwagen (2cm) Gerat 883

Weight: 6.02 tons
Crew: 3
Height: 2.16m
Armament: one 2cm KwK38
Sight: TZF3a
Ammunition: 100 One 7.92mm MG34 or 42
Elevation: -10°+85°
The order for 30 of these semi-tracked armored cars was issued in March 1942. In the same year, three prototypes were· sent to Russia to see if the cross-country performance were better than that of the wheeled armoured cars, and as a result, the Sd Kfz 222 was discontinued and replaced by the Sd Kfz 250/9 which began mass-production in May 1943. Early versions used the complete turret assembly of the Sd Kfz 222, and later models, the Hangelafette (swinging mount) 38. The radio equipment was the FuG12.

Sd Kfz 250/10 leichter SchGtzenpanzerwagen (3.7cm PaK) Gerat 881

Weight: 5.67 tons
Crew: 4
Height: 1.97m
Armament: one 3.7cm PaK 35/36
Sight: ZF2 x 16°
Ammunition: 216 One 7.92mm MG34
Ammunition: 1,100
Elevation: -8° +25°
Traverse: 30° left 30° right
The Sd Kfz 250/10 was issued to platoon leaders to provide heavy support. Various configurations of gun shield were used with the 3.7cm PaK.

Sd Kfz 250/11 leichter SchGtzenpanzerwagen (schwere PanzerbGchse 41) Gerat 882

Height: 2.13m
Weight: 5.53 tons
Crew: 6
Armament: one 2.8cm sPz841
Ammunition: 168 One 7.92mm MG34 or 42
Ammunition 1,100
The SdKfz 250/11 was an alternative to the Sd Kfz 250/10 and was issued to platoon leaders. The spz841 was a high-velocity cone-bore weapon. A light-weight field carriage designed for airborne troops was carried on the vehicle so that the spzB41 could be dismounted.

Sd Kfz 250/12 leichter Messtruppanzerwagen. Gerat 899

Weight: 5.80 tons
Crew: 3/5
Armament: one 7.92mm MG34 or 42
Ammunition: 1,100
This was a survey and range-plotting vehicle used by artillery troops. The radio equipment consisted of a FuG8 in the early versions; the FuG12 became standard in later models.

Sd Kfz 250/-

There existed both Alte and Neu versions mounting the 2cm FlaK, although no official record exists.

Sd Kfz 250/-

A Sfl 5cm PaK38 L/60 is still on display in Yugoslavia. It used the (Neu Ausf) chassis which was lengthened to accommodate the PaK38.

Sd Kfz 250/- Lastkraftwagen

A number of armoured vehicles were modified by removing the rear armoured body to provide a load carrier.

The Fiat-Ansaldo M13/40 was an Italian medium tank ("M" for Medio (medium) according to the Italian tank weight standards at the time: 13 tonnes was the scheduled weight and 1940 the initial year of production), designed to replace the Fiat L3, the Fiat L6/40 and the Fiat M11/39 in the Italian Army at the start of World War II.

The design was influenced by the British Vickers 6-Ton and was based on the modified chassis of the earlier Fiat M11/39. Indeed, M11/39 production was cut short in order to get the M13/40 into production. Although designated a medium tank, the M13/40 was close to contemporary light tanks in armor but not in firepower.

The kit

It’s a recent release from Italeri under the form of a limited edition kit. It’s quite cheap compared with the recent Tamiya or Dragon releases and upon the first look, it’s quite good.

The only thing I really dislike are the vinyl tracks. They have good detail and are very close to the real thing, but I prefer "the real thing". That’s why I got a set of Friul tracks for it.

The only detailing kit I found for this tank was from Eduard and dedicated to the Tamiya model. I prefer aber sets over the Eduard offers, so I didn’t order the PE set yet (I say yet because I know how the process works in my mind and I never say never).