Royal Models 326 Sd.Kfz.222 (part 2)

Sd.Kfz.222 (part 2)
1/35th set No 326
Review by Terry Ashley

This is the second set for the Tamiya Sd.Kfz.222 kits and provides a very complete interior with two etched frets, fret A (153mm x 65mm), fret B (75mm x 34mm) plus four lengths of different thickness wire (0.9mm, 0.6mm, 0.4mm and 0.3mm), 53 clearly cast resin pieces and a small sheet of photo film for the vision visors and driver’s instruments. The etched parts are the usual high standard from Royal Models with clean etching and nice relief and details on the parts.

To fit the new interior parts requires you to remove some parts from the Tamiya kit lower hull such as the central gun pedestal and raised mounding on the right side to leave the sides and bottom smooth.

A new floor with nice treadplate pattern is provided with a central raised floor section and replacement resin pedestal although the instructions are rather vague as to the positioning of the raised floor section and it would be best to line this up by dry fitting the top hull. The rear engine bulkhead is also provided with separate central screen panels but the bulkhead is also a little vague in location and again some test fitting will be needed to ensure it is in the correct position.

Additional thin plastic card panels are indicated in the instructions to be added to the lower hull side walls to accept numerous tool clips, racks and small boxes and while the size of these panels is not given it shouldn’t be a problem to work this out?

The driver’s station is very well detailed with seat, foot pedals, gear levers as well as the two large batteries on the right side floor and under the top hull is the steering wheel and instrument panel with photo film dials. There is also a very detailed driver’s visor with approximately 25 parts for the visor and hinge assembly.

Additional detail parts are provided for inside the turret which can be added to the kit turret or the new etched turret from set #325 for even more detail.

The instructions are the usual double sided letter sized sheet with exploded view drawings and a couple of photos of the assembled parts to help with their location.

Conclusion:
This set builds a very completer interior for the 222 with the only drawback being the instructions which are a little vague side in parts and care will be needed fitting the parts.
When used in conjunction with the exterior set #325 and Stowage set #344 you have one very detailed model.

Highly recommended:

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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