Sd.Kfz.7/1 2cm Flakvierling 38 auf Selbstfahrlafette
1:35 kit comparison
kit #6525 - kit #01523
Part 3: Engine/Gearbox

---

Both kits provide the gearbox with the Cyberhobby/Dragon item consisting of just 4 parts and is quite a basic representation of the actual gearbox while the Trumpeter gearbox has 23 parts (3 etched) and builds into far more detailed gearbox with extensive bolt head and other details. The gear levers actually attach to the gearbox as in real life but this does make fitting the cab floor a little bit of a challenge but the end result is far more accurate.

As the gearbox is hard to see after assembly much of the detail may be a little wasted unless in a diorama scene of vehicle maintenance or a destroyed vehicle? Assembly is fairly straightforward on both even but obviously takes a bit more time on the Trumpeter gearbox due to the additional parts.

Gear box parts

Gearbox parts

Assembled gear box

Assembled gearbox

Gear box installed in kit chassis

Again both kits provide the full Maybach HL62TUK 6 cylinder engine and this follows the same formula of the gearbox where the Cyberhobby/Dragon engine has less parts than the Trumpeter engine and while including all basic items and builds into a nice looking engine assembly the Trumpeter engine is better detailed overall as the images below indicate.

The Cyberhobby/Dragon engine assembly is straightforward due to the cleanly moulded parts while there is a little cleanup of seam lines and minor flash on some of the Trumpeter parts requiring a little extra work and the Cyberhobby/Dragon engine includes the fan belts while you have to add these from tape or similar on the Trumpeter engine. This may be extra work but the moulded belts on the Cyberhobby/Dragon engine are overly thick and very difficult to remove from the pulleys if you wanted to replace these while adding the Trumpeter belts from scratch means the pulleys have good detail to begin with.

Engine parts

Engine parts

Assembled engine


Assembled engine

Both engines fit neatly into the chassis with the Cyberhobby/Dragon engine clippings into small locating pins on the chassis at the back while the Trumpeter engine sits on locating tabs on the chassis, basically different approaches for the same result. There is additional parts to be added to both after the firewall has been added as well as scope for additional plumbing and wiring on both to improve the appearance if showing the engine compartment panels open.

Engine installed in kit chassis

Part 1: Chassis Part 2: Running Gear Part 3: Engine/Gearbox (This page) Part 4: Fenders/Engine Compartment/Firewall Part 5: Cab Part 6: Rear Bed Part 7: 2cm Flakvierling 38 Part 8: Decals/Extras/Conclusion