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 4: Fenders
Chapter 4: Fenders:
The front fenders on the Sd.Kfz.6/2 are quite complicated affairs with some complex curves and both kits have designed these is a similar manner with the fenders and front hull section in the one piece connected by the lower front section but both have a few issues regarding the correct contours.

BroncoBronco: The fenders are moulded commendably thin with the support bars included inside the fenders. There are fine mould seams to be removed from the front section and care is needed not to remove the actual panel joins that should be there.

The contours are quite well done but the most noticeable issue is when looking from head on the lower outward curve is good but the outside fender shoulder curve is too sharp and should have a more rounded curve profile, this effects to position of the width indicators as you have to fit these slightly inboard from where they should actually be. Looking from the side the front curve profile should protrude further forward but this is something that isn’t that noticeable and may not be an issue for most?

Front view of the fenders showing the lower curve profile, both fenders should have more rounded shoulder curve.
Sd.Kfz.6/2

The instructions indicate to drill out the width indicator holes but these are in the wrong place as mentioned and you should position the etched indicator brackets slightly inwards on the flat surface of the fenders, you can then drill small holes for the indicator pins. Also note there is no rear view mirror normally fitted to the left hand indicator stalk and this can be added from a small plastic card disc.

Other items added to the fenders include the rear crew steps in two parts with tread plate texturing, the front head lights with a choice of clear lens or blackout slit covers plus the Notek light with separate mounting post and etched mounting bracket. The number plate is in plastic and fits to the front panel in front of the radiator housing, there is also a small etched bracket added to the front of the radiator housing that has to be carefully bent to shape as it’s quite thick requiring care.

On the front section the tow shackle mountings are located centrally and should be slightly higher towards the top requiring a bit of work cutting away the brackets and repositioning higher if you deem this a problem?

Added between the front and rear fenders are the rifle racks for 3 Kar98 rifles each side with the kit giving you a full complement of 6 rifles to fill the racks, each rifle is superbly done with separate breech bolt for good definition, there is also an alternate bolt extended back in the loading position which you obviously wouldn’t use with the rifles in the rack. The detail on the muzzle is also very well done with excellent definition as is the definition of the trigger and guard; the only thing needed is to add the slings from whatever medium you prefer.

Kar98 rifles included in the kits, better details on the Bronco rifles.
Sd.Kfz.6/2

Each rack has the front mountings finely done but take care to fit these the right way around and also to position so the rifles miss the width indicator added earlier. The rear mounting should actually be located a little further up the fender than the instructions indicate but the rifle butts should still fit okay.


TrumpeterTrumpeter: The fenders are moulded a little thicker than the Bronco fenders and don’t have the inner supports included and there are also quite substantial mould seams to be removed from the front section, these form a ridge next to the actual panel joins and you will need to take care smoothing out the mould seams to not damage the panel joins that should be there.

The contours have a few issues, when looking from head on the outward curve is too square and the outside shoulder curve is too sharp and should have a more rounded curve profile, this effects the position of the width indicators as you have to fit these slightly inboard from where they should actually be. Looking from the side the front curve profile should protrude further forward but this is something that isn’t that noticeable and may not be an issue for most?

Other items added to the fenders include the rear crew steps in etched brass with tread plate texturing, you need to bend these at right angles to fit the side of the fenders but unfortunately no indication is given where to bend and care is needed to get the bend at the right spot. Added to this the steps are too narrow and should be about 2mm wider. The front head lights with a choice of clear lens or blackout slit covers plus the Notek light with separate mounting post and etched mounting bracket, the light itself is a little oversized not that you can anything about that other than replace the light.

On the front section the tow shackle mountings while a little on the thick side are located correctly towards the top of the panel plus the number plate in etched brass, this again needs the legs bent to fit but no engraved bending lines are provided and you have to make sure to bend these evenly on both sides for the number plate to sit level on the panel.

Central tow shackle positioned too low on the Bronco part.
Sd.Kfz.6/2

Added between the front and rear fenders are the rifle racks for 3 Kar98 rifles each side with the kit giving you a full complement of 6 rifles to fill the racks, each rifle is moulded in one piece and the detail while okay is not as well defined as on the Bronco rifles. The only thing needed is to add the slings from whatever medium you prefer.

Each rack has the front mountings that are supposed to fit into holes you drilled earlier into the fenders but due to the slight repositioning of the width indicator stalks mentioned above you shouldn’t drill the holes where indicated or the outside rifle will foul on the indicator stalk, instead you should position the forward rack slightly inboard to the rifle clear the indicator stalk.

Overall views of the assembled fenders/engine compartment showing the details.
Note the crew steps too narrow on the Trumpeter kit and more refined details overall on the Bronco kit.

Bronco ModelsTrumpeter
Close-up of the rifles fitted to the fender racks with better detailed Bronco rifles, both need the slings added.
Bronco ModelsTrumpeter
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Page created July 12, 2011



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