Sd.Kfz.234/4
Panzerspähwagen
Voyager 1:35 Set # PE 35103
(for Dragon #6221)
Review by Terry Ashley
The standard of etching is again excellent with crisp relief on the details and the usual engraved bending lines with the thin stainless steel used to produce extremely fine mesh which is possible as this metal is harder than brass with the resulting mesh almost invisible to the eye.
The resin muzzle brake cover is cleanly cast in light cream resin with just a small casting block to be removed and this is simply attached to the kit barrel in place of the normal muzzle brake for a travel mode vehicle.
The 7.5cm PaK has the gun shields in two thin etched parts joined with the small brass bolts provided but you will need to take care with these as they are very small and slippery but the final effect is very good. Additional parts are provided with the smaller central shield and the sliding sight aperture covers with the inner ribbing and equipment mounting brackets.
Details added to the 7.5cm gun include the breech block base plate and small details on the side of the cradle plus small ammo boxes with separate latches and the large ammo rack mounted under the gun which has the face plate in finely etched brass with half the racks empty and the others having the base of the rounds included as well as a separate cover with separate hinges if you wish to show this closed up.
Other details on the inside include the large ammo box/rack on the right side of the hull with again the inner open round brackets and separate outer covers to show this open or closed as you required. There are the fine springs for the back of the crew sets plus an etched driver’s instrument panel with the photo film dials provided as well as the driver’s foot pedal details, gas mask canister and MP40 mounting brackets and the radio mounting rack.
The rear engine deck intake louvers are in thin etched panels with small pins that fit into fine holes in the louver mounting brackets allowing these to be positioned at any angle you wish with the fine mesh added under the louvers for a nice effect.
Other external parts include the various tool clips and brackets with the three brass rods used for the barrel cleaning rods with etched brackets plus the fender mounted jerry can holders and a couple of finely etched wrenches.
The headlight brackets and tail light details are included plus the rear view mirror in three parts and finally the rear mounted spare wheel bracket with the retaining bolts from the thin rod provided.
The instructions are the usual exploded view drawings of the assembly sequences and while quite easy to follow you should study these carefully before bending any parts to avoid any slip-ups.
Conclusion:
Another nice set from Voyager Models with most of the finer updates as well
as the gun shields to replace the thicker kit items and the inclusion of
the resin muzzle brake cover a little bonus.
One thing to note is the box top image shows etched brass fenders on the model but these are not included but available as separate sets and this is a little misleading if you are not aware of the contents.
Highly recommended.
Voyager also has three other sets for the Sd.Kfz.234/4, set #PE35116 Suspension, set #PE35119 Early Fenders and set #PE35120 Late Fenders with reviews of these sets to follow shortly
Thanks to Voyager Models for the review set.
Page Created September 13, 2006