Panzerwrecker
Beginner
Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12T
This 1/35 Trumpeter kit represents the one and only survivor (to date) of a very rare late war axis armoured prime mover.I started this in 2012 and like many of my projects it got shelved. After developing a nasty and unhealthy allergy to modelling cements in 2024 the building side of the hobby is off limits for now, so all those abandoned builds have now become a lifeline to keep me creative at the bench.
The restored vehicle was recovered from the Pilica River in Poland. It is believed that only a handful (there are only three period images) of these were ever manufactured, making this surviving example pretty unique indeed! This armoured variant of the Sd.Kfz 8 was all but forgotten until it was recovered and then restored to running condition. Having a full lightly armoured hull around the chassis and drive train, it is believed that this particular vehicle was a prototype of an armoured artillery tractor.
As recovered
As restored
The manufacturer only had this restoration to go off so there is no telling how accurate many of the replacement parts are. The kit engineering is generally very good, however, Trumpeter did make a mess of the sprocket teeth layout (as with all their 12T kits) which makes track fitment sloppy if not remedied. It's a simple fix once you know about it. Other areas that could do with improvement are extending the upper sloped armour and adding your own welding. The kit only provides the late DB10 pneumatic tyred wheels that the restored vehicle runs on when running, so the wheels it was fitted with when rescued will need to be sourced from either MR Moodellbau or Panzerart.
I figured the restored plain paint job, although likely accurate could be spiced up so went with my own 'Spongebob' camo.
Resurrection begins in 2024
After a fair amount of re-work I primed with Tamiya red oxide and base coats and camo were with Tamiya lacquers.
Decals on and weathering begins with a filter and pin washes
Followed by general weathering with enamels and oil paints
Dust, and general muck
Final stage weathering
Completed
I hope you like it
Los
