Sd.Kfz. 251/6 Ausf. C
Command Vehicle
Dragon Kit No. 6206
1:35th Scale
First Look Review by Terry Ashley
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.
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:
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.
Click on thumbnails for larger view
Common Parts
New 251/6 Parts
Detail images
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References:
 SdKfz251 Ground Power Special GALILEO Publishing Co.,Ltd |
 Schutzenpanzer (Armored Personnel Carrier) Ryton Publications ISBN: 1930571291 |
 Sd.Kfz.251 1939 to 1942 Panzer Tracts No.15-2 Covers /1 to /10 |
 Sd Kfz 251 Tank Power Vol.VI Wydawnictwo Militaria No.215 ISBN: 83-7219-215-4 |
 Sdkfz251 Osprey New Vanguard 25 |
 German Halftracks 1909-1945 Spielberger Book 6 |
 SdKfz251 Wydawnictwo Militaria No.12 ISBN: 83-86209-06-2 |
 SdKfz251 in action Squadron Signal #2021 |
 SdKfz 251 Militaria in Detail 001 ISBN: 83-7219-061-5 |
Page created 15 July 2004