PMMS
Dragon
Sd.Kfz. 251/6 Ausf. C
Command Vehicle

Dragon Kit No. 6206
1:35th Scale
First Look Review by Terry Ashley

The Vehicle:
The Sd.Kfz.251/6 Command Vehicle was based on the Sd.Kfz.251/3 Command Vehicle and included additional radio equipment as well as a combination of the earlier Fu-1, Fu-5, Fu-7, Fu-11 or Fu-12 radio transmitters plus Cryptographic decoding equipment (Enigma machine) and extra radio operators.

Both the 251/3 and 251/6 were also fitted in later years with a collapsible nine-metre rod antenna with star antenna (with Fu-11 set) and depending on the radio fit additional whip antenna on the hull sides.

The 251/6 was often unarmed and carried command pennants and markings as they were often used by senior Commanders.

One minor point is that my references indicate the 251/6 variant was based on the Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.A/B chassis and I couldn’t find any photos of the 251/6 on the Ausf.C chassis but I stand to be corrected on that one. This is distinct from the 251/3 where there is many shots of these types on the Ausf.C chassis.

The kit:
As you would expect this new kit is based on the earlier Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.C (kit#6187) and has the same major sprues unaltered except for locating marks on the upper hull for the frame and rod antenna.

There are two new sprues F and G with the parts for the 251/6 as well as a couple of new radio operator figures while the bonus figures from set #6124 and the vinyl clothing are no longer included as with the 251/1, there is also two new decal sheets and good sized etched metal fret with the star antenna fitted to the top of the collapsible antenna.

All my comments from the first review of the Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.C apply here so I will just cover the new parts in this kit.

The new sprues are moulded in the same light grey plastic to the usual high standard from Dragon and include the large radio racks for the rear of the fighting compartment plus the frame antenna with separate support legs as well and the collapsible nine-metre rod antenna in both retracted and extended form to give you a choice and includes the etched star antenna to use when showing the rod antenna fully extended.

The detail on the various radios is crisp and well represented and conforms to the photos I have of the different types as well as being in multiple part for good detail definition on the sides/backs/tops of the radios. The radio racks are also multi-part for good definition and you leave out the right rear crew seat to fit the main racks as indicated in the instructions.

Thankfully the instructions leave out the central water tank from the centre consol and there are additional smaller equipments racks for the hull walls as well as the two radio operator figures that are in a hard vinyl material with nice crisp uniform and facial features.

The Tracks:
These are the same as with the 251/1 kit and sssembly was straightforward with the now standard method for this type track with each shoe fitting together and being held in place by the pad stuck on top, but watch the orientation of the three pins on the back of the pad as they only fit one way around.

Dragon
Dragon Dragon

The instructions:
These are of the traditional line drawing exploded view type as with the first 251 kit with easy to follow construction sequences but as with any kit careful study of the instructions before gluing is advisable.

Decals:
There are two decal sheets included in the kit, one with markings for six vehicles and the other with additional licence plates and large selection of numbers and letters to virtually model any vehicle you wish.
The main sheet has four different style national insignia plus the licence plates and divisional markings for the six vehicles as well as a couple of command pennants.

The vehicles included are:

Dragon
Dragon
Dragon

Conclusion:
Basically the same kit as before with crisp details plus the addition of the radio equipment and both types of antenna used will allow some choice in configuration and adds to the growing list of 251 variants in kit form despite the question of chassis variants.

The Sprues:

Click on thumbnails for larger view
Common Parts

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DragonDragon
New 251/6 Parts
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Detail images
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References:

Sd.Kfz.251
SdKfz251

Ground Power Special
GALILEO Publishing Co.,Ltd
Sd.Kfz.251
Schutzenpanzer (Armored Personnel Carrier)
Ryton Publications
ISBN: 1930571291
Book
Sd.Kfz.251 1939 to 1942

Panzer Tracts No.15-2
Covers /1 to /10
Book
Sd Kfz 251

Tank Power Vol.VI
Wydawnictwo Militaria No.215
ISBN: 83-7219-215-4
Book
Sdkfz251

Osprey New Vanguard 25
Book
German Halftracks 1909-1945

Spielberger Book 6
Book
SdKfz251

Wydawnictwo Militaria No.12
ISBN: 83-86209-06-2
Book
SdKfz251 in action
Squadron Signal #2021
Sd.Kfz.251
SdKfz 251
Militaria in Detail 001
ISBN: 83-7219-061-5

Thanks again to the guys at Rainbow Ten for their excellent service.


Page created 15 July 2004

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