PMMS
Royal Models
Sd.Kfz.222 (part 1)

1/35th set No 325
Review by Terry Ashley
TamiyaTamiya

Royal Models have gone all out with no less than three update sets to provide just about every detail you might want and in some cases virtually rebuild parts of the Tamiya Sd.Kfz.222 Leichter Panzerspähwagen kits, either for the original kit (#35051) or the recent re-issued kit (#35270) with one set for the exterior (set #325), one for the interior (set #326) and one with a selection of Stowage (set #344).

This set #325 is an extensive update set for the exterior of the 222 and consists of four frets of etched metal, fret A (153mm x 93mm), fret B (100mm x 70mm), fret C (83mm x 60mm) and fret D (55 x 15mm) as well as 18 clearly cast resin pieces with three lengths of different thickness wire (0.9mm, 0.4mm and 0.3mm) plus the instruction sheet. The etched parts are the usual high standard from Royal Models with clean etching and nice relief and details on the parts.

The major parts of the set is the complete top hull deck with two parts layered together to achieve a perception of depth through the open grillwork on the rear section and a complete new turret that uses only the lower turret ring and 20cm gun and mounting for the Tamiya kits. The hinged top screens have excellent weave effect on the grills as well as the bracing from the wire included. The etched turret walls also include the inner bracing flanges and gun trough supports as well as separate vision port covers to build a very intricate and detailed turret.
The large storage boxes on each side of the hull are also completely replaced with etched items with separate hinges and latches.

Other details for the hull include the vision port visors with etched rain channels, new resin NOTEK and head lights with etched screen inserts plus etched grills for the rear engine intake as well as etched armoured cover while the centre wheel hub covers are also in thicker etched metal.

There are many smaller detail items for around the hull to add additional details such as side indicators, jerry can racks, and side steering mechanisms, tool clips and fire extinguisher mountings as well as additional detail for the 20cm gun.

The instructions:
These are in the form of a double sided letter sized page with exploded view drawings showing the construction sequences as well as a couple of images of the completed model which show where many of the parts are located. The only drawback is some of the construction is not that clear and you will need to carefully study the drawings before proceeding.

Conclusion:
In all this is a superb detail set that when used in its entirety will certainly make your 222 stand out and you can combine this with set #326 for the interior for a real stunner.

Highly recommended:

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Instruction Sheets
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Thanks to Bill from CMD for the review set, the full Royal Model range is available in the US and worldwide from Chesapeake Model Design.



Page created 8 May 2004

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