Bronco ModelsTrumpeter
Sd.Kfz.6/2 3.7cm FlaK36
auf Fahrgestell Zugkraftwagen 5t

1:35 kit comparison
Bronco Models Kit No. CB-35043 - Trumpeter Kit #05532

Chapter 3: Engine/Gearbox
Chapter 3: Engine/Gearbox:
The actual Sd.Kfz.6/2 as mentioned was built on the BN 9 chassis and powered by the Maybach HL 54 TUKRM 115HP engine, earlier versions prior to the BN 9 were powered by the Maybach NL 38 TUK/TUKRM 100HP engine which differed in a number of areas from the later HL 54, most notably the large magneto on top of the valve cover with the NL 38 TUKRM engine.

BroncoBronco: Basically the Bronco kit has the earlier Maybach NL 38 TUKRM engine which was not used on the Sd.Kfz.6/2 with BN 9 chassis but only on earlier versions of the Sd.Kfz.6 but has the correct type gearbox although this is devoid of detail such as the many large bolt heads and other details.

Assembled Maybach NL 38 TUKRM engine not correct for the Sd.Kfz.6/2 with BN 9 chassis
with images of the actual Maybach HL 54 TUKRM engine for comparison.

Bronco Models
Sd.Kfz.6/2

While the engine is the wrong type it is a nice representation of the NL 38 TUKRM engine with all the main features included, the main block is in two halves with separate head and sump covers, the exhaust inlet and outlet manifolds with the two exchange pipes as well as the smaller items such as the oil filter, magneto etc.

The large two part air cleaner is nicely done along with the front mounted fan belts, 6 bladed fan and the front engine bearer mounting. This bearer has to be perfectly aligned horizontally for the engine to sit correctly in the chassis and it may be an idea to temporarily fit the engine into the chassis while fitting the bearer (part F49) to get the correct alignment.

The radiator is in three parts with textured ‘mesh’ on the radiator panels (front and rear) with a separate top cover and rear shroud with the assembled radiator fitting precisely to the front of the chassis.


TrumpeterTrumpeter have simply used the later Maybach HL 62TUK 140HP engine and gearbox from their previous Sd.Kfz.7 8-ton half-track kits with a few modifications and is simply not correct for the 5-ton Sd.Kfz.6 series. The HL 62 is closer in appearance to the HL 54 engine than the NL 38 but there are some notable differences but the gearbox doesn’t resemble the actual gearbox at all other than being a box shape unfortunately.

Images of the Trumpeter engine and gearbox with those of the Maybach HL 62TUK 140HP engine
and gearbox from their previous Sd.Kfz.7 8-ton half-track kits with minor modifications but incorrect for the for the Sd.Kfz.6/2 with BN 9 chassis
with images of the actual Maybach HL 54 TUKRM engine and gearbox for comparison.

TrumpeterTrumpeter
Sd.Kfz.6/2 Sd.Kfz.6/2

The use of the larger Sd.Kfz.7 HL 62 engine/gearbox leads to other issues as the chassis is slightly wider than it should be to fit the larger engine/gearbox and there isn’t enough room for the engine air cleaner so Trumpeter just leave it out.

Detail on the parts is good but with the usual mould seams to remove as well as some minor flash with the fit fairly good overall but some trimming is needed to get an even fit on some and there are a few traps to look out for. While the engine is quite detailed there are no pulley belts supplied and you should add these from thin paper or tape to finish off the front fan/pulley assembly. There is no radiator as such supplied; only an etched disc that is attached to the rear of the radiator housing but if building with the compartment panels closed this won’t be seen in any case.

I am not going to spend a lot more time on the engines/gearboxes as neither kit is correct for the Sd.Kfz.6 BN 9 unfortunately. It’s best to build the kits with the engine compartments closed and not spend time on the engines unless of course accuracy is of no concern then you can do whatever takes your fancy really. Thankfully you don’t see lot of the gearbox inside the chassis after assembly so the incorrect engine/gearboxes won’t be that noticeable.

Views of assembled engines fitted to the chassis, note the absence of the air cleaner or any actual radiator in the Trumpeter kit.
Bronco ModelsTrumpeter
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Page created July 12, 2011



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