2 cm Flak 38 auf SPW (Sd.Kfz. 251)

[Dario Risso]

I started this kit days ago; it's the AFV Club 35118 kit. Yoy can see the review at PMMS and the comparison with the Dragon kit

So is today:

The only detail I've added was the MP clamps

I will let the visors open...unfortunately, they are molded in green plastic and not in clear :S

Of course I could not resist to add some weld; it need more when the red lines are

Here you can see the welding

That's all for today. As always, suggestions are wellcomed

Darío
Sources
Books
Sd.Kfz.251 in Action - Squadron Signal 2021
Sd.Kfz.251 vol. I-II - Wydawnictwo Militaria 286 (or 224)
Schutzenpanzer (2) - Tornado - Tank on the Battlefield 4
Sd.Kfz.251 Hanomag (2) - Kirov? - Military Machines 103
Sd.Kfz. 251 - Editions du Barbotin - Centurytracks 2

Websites
A lot of info: http://www.pietvanhees.nl/251/index.htm
Interior details: http://www.track48.com/shop/xnews.php?newsid=587
Kommand version pics: http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1236116036/TH+++251-17+++Command+version...+pix+---
Pics: http://en.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/10473

 

[AndyFettes]

Im really looking forward to htis build Dario !

 

[panzerace007]

I second that Emotion ANDY !! Now this gets a little confusing ... It's labeled a 251/17 Luftwaffe version, because the "real" 251/17 is a totally different beast correct ? I have th Cyberhobby/Dragon Command version of this ( #6413). I'll be keeping a keen Eye on this one.

Thanx for th links. These Rock ...

ERIK

 

[Iron Mike]

Cool stuff, Dario! I'll follow along!!

 

[Sherman 18]

Looking forward to watching this build.

 

[jknaus]

This will be cool. I have one started. Not sure why its shelved. But this might get me going again. Looks good Dario.
James

 

[jose luis lopez]

May be one of the nicest Sdkfz 251 versions!

Good work!

 

[Dario Risso]

Thanks guys!
Eric, apparently the 251/17 was developed in 1944 using an Ausf.D chasis. This LW conversion was made in 1942

A good fact when we build open vehicles is thet we can add some color soon during building.

Seen from behind, with the gun platform in place:

Without the roof:

And now is when I say: Ok, Houston, we've had a problem here
I'm ready to detail the radio with the adition of wires for headset, power and...antenna....wait....where is the antenna? :S
I can't see it on the pics of the actual vehicle, so....any idea?

Darío

 

[Iron Mike]

Very nice, Dario! Antenna? Who needs one!

 

[jknaus]

I've been looking for a clear pic of the antenna mount and cant find one. In the one picture you show it is clearly seen on the right hand side. I have seen where they are on a small plate welded to the right or left side of the roof hanging over the side with the antenna wire looping down and into a hole on the side under the plate. I will keep looking to see if I can find something a bit clearer.

Here is a D with the mount just aft of the roof.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bjNbKdzw0I

James

 

[Dario Risso]

Thanks guys. I've thinking hmy: and my conclusions was:

1) Most of the pics of the gray painted vehicles seems taken in training, not in combat, during 1942.
2) There are at least 2 kommand vehicles, with radios, that must be used to receive orders from HQ and impart the orders to ...the gunned vehicles, of course
3) The vehicles, or some of them, was sent to Tunisia in february 43. There is stated this pic is in Tunisia (look the aerial)

So...the aerial must be used only occasionaly and when was not in use, antenna and base must be stored ...somewhere

Well after my mental delirium, let's go back to the model

Convinced of the existence of the radio, I repaint it and add the headphones:

And now it start to look as a 251:

Dude...the gun has so many parts, some of them so tiny and/or fragile :huh: Anyway, the kit is a great pleasure

Darío

 

[MrT]

I love the interior!!!

Terry

 

[Yago Alonso]

Wow wow wow!
Is awesome this building!
You have surgeon's hands, Dario. Do you know it?
The interior work is more interesting. I imagine that the rest of build process will be same...
I'm waiting new steps.

See you!

Yago.

 

[Gator]

Beautiful work on the interior Dario.

 

[moon puppy]

Dario, wonderful work! The headset, radio all looks real. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Dario, did you note that I answered you on your question about the magazines to use?
https://www.modelersalliance.com/forum/Help-Me!-/57557-Wich-ammo-box-for-FlaK-38#57560

Regards,

 

[Dario Risso]

Thanks guys!
Sorry, Saul, I was sure that I answered and I thanked

I've added some details to the FlaK: a couple of wires and chains made with copper wire twisted and flattened with pliers (the kit bring us PE chain, but I think they look ...to wide)

Last pic before painting; details added was:

* Tow cable hook (I need to get a fishing cable called "leader" to make the tow cable)
* Head ligth wires added (copper wire) and supports (copper sheet)
* Lifting eyelets replaces for PE parts from Tamiya's Sd.Kfz. 232
* Width indicator rod replaces by insulin needles
* Added fire extinguisher
* Boxes locks added (I added the padlocks and chains later)
* Rear handles replaced by telephone wire

Painted with car paint: dark gray, with some white added for the lights
The tracks are from Dragon kit 6233 (that kit has 2 sets). They are movables, but are not the "Magic" type; they are fixed to the sprue with a total o 5 points for each links and rubber pad

Padlocks and chains

Ausfwiedersbye

Darío

 

[AndyFettes]

Nice !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[panzerace007]

Good Lookin' Stuff DARIO !!

 

[Dario Risso]

Thanks, guys!
Final stages with this one:
I srachtbuilt the ammo boxes, with 2 mm plasticard and some copper wire:

Dusting with pigment applied dry and some adds: a couple of Kar 98, a zeltbahn, 2 ammo boxes, a bag (under the FlaK) and a helmet that needs some paint

Some dried mud left by the troop boots

Darío