Sd.Kfz.6/2 (BN9b) 3.7cm FlaK36
auf Fahrgestell Zugkraftwagen 5t Early/Late Production
Bronco Models 1:35 Scale Kit No. CB-35043
Kit Preview by Terry Ashley

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Following on from their previous kit of the 7.62cm FK36(r)auf PzJgr Selbstfahrlafette Zugkraftwagen 5t 'Diana' (Sd.Kfz.6) (kit #CB-35038) Bronco Models have now released this kit of the Sd.Kfz.6/2 (BN9b) 3.7cm FlaK36 auf Fahrgestell Zugkraftwagen 5t Early/Late Production. The kit designation has had the 'b' added to the BN9b designation as identified in the recent Panzer Tracts book Sd.Kfz.6 & sWS listed below but the same book indicates the 3.7cm FlaK36 variant was only produced on the BN9 chassis. The differences between the two is only minor and mostly interior so this is basically academic, the kit also gives alternate parts for the early and late production 3.7cm FlaK36 vehicles offering some choice.

The kit has 676 parts in light beige plastic plus another 224 for the individual working track links, 7 in clear plastic, 88 etched brass parts, a short length of twine and fine chain plus the usual decal sheet and instructions. There are also 58 parts indicated as not being used as these are from the previous 'Diana' kit with the standard of moulding being excellent with just the odd bit of fine flash here and there and virtually no pin marks in places that will be seen after assembly. The moulding seams are very fine on most parts making for easy cleanup as well as the usual plastic nodes used to keep pin marks on the parts to a minimum with the etched parts cleanly done with engraved bending lines and embossing on some parts.

Etched parts

Clear and other parts

3.7cm Flash Suppressors

As you would expect the running gear/suspension is from the previous 'Diana' kit with new parts for the upper hull, rear flat bed and folding sides plus the 3.7cm FlaK 36 from the previous kit #CB-35042 combined for this new kit. There are alternate parts for an early or late production 3.7cm FlaK 36 as well as alternate parts for similar early or late production BN9 hull plus an extensive array of ammo boxes to load up the rear bed ammo bays. Also included is the full engine and driver's compartment with the individual link track plus two spare 3.7cm barrels in their storage box and an R36 range finder and storage box with the ability to build the kit in travel or firing modes.

Since posting the review of the first Sd.Kfz.6 kit additional reference information has become available such as the Panzer Tracts book and other sources with the kit matching the available data quite well but there are some areas not so that will need attention, these will be covered in detail in the full review to follow.

This preview is give an overview of the kit parts and stay tuned for the full review as well as full comparison with the similar Trumpeter kit when that becomes available.

Click on thumbnails for larger view


Sprue detail images

mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 5t (Sd.Kfz.6) and Schwerer Wehrmachtsschlepper Panzer Tracks No.22-3 `	mZgkw 5t Sd.Hfz.6 Tank Power Vol.LVIII Wydawnictwo Militaria No.287 ISBN: 9788372192875	Halftrack Vehicles of the German Army 1395-1945 Schiffer Military History ISBN: 0-88740-758-7
Flak at War Trojca Publications Waldemar Trojca, Karlheinz Münch ISBN: 83-60041-15-6	Sd.Kfz.7 in detail Special Museum Line No.36 Wings & Wheels Publications ISBN 80-86416-60-7	Halbketten Zugkraftwagen 8t Sd.Kfz.7/1/2 AFV Super Detail Photo Vol.9 Published by Model Art Co.Ltd.

Thanks to my credit card and for the review kit.