ZVEZDA [ MORE REVIEWS ] [ WEBSITE ] [ NEW STORIES ]

First Look Review
Video Review included
135
Sd.Kfz 251/1 'Stuka Zu Fuss'
Sd.Kfz 251/1 Ausf.B 'Stuka Zu Fuss' - German Heavy Rocket Launcher
  • move

by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

SUMMARY
Highs: New molds with solid production value.
Lows: Lots of track links. Zvezda instructions.
Verdict: A variant update to a 2007 Sd.Kfz 251 release this kit fills a nice niche for rocket fans.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 3625
  PUBLISHED: Jan 22, 2015
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.57%

Our Thanks to Zvezda!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

View This Item  |  View Vendor Homepage  |  More Reviews  

Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I wonder how it stacks up against the Dragon and AFV Club kits?
JAN 22, 2015 - 09:29 PM
There was an Internet "battle" over which company got the SdKfz 251 hull dimensions right, AFV Club or Dragon, and the Panzer Tracts drawings suggest it was AFV Club. Dragon's kits were narrower by several scale inches. Zvezda's versions fall right in the middle, width-wise, so they're visually compatible with either. Zvezda had no photos or drawings of the interior of the Ausf. B, so they just duplicated the Ausf. C parts (which are wrong--the early halftracks did not have enclosed bins under the passenger seats). Surprisingly, Eduard's photo etch set for the Zvezda kit actually corrects this. Zvezda's upper body lines up exactly with the lower body sides, but actually should overhang them by a fraction of an inch (it casts a noticeable shadow on the real machine). If you're ambitious, you could gently scrape down the outer face of the lower hull with an X-acto knife to create this step (the plastic is thick).
JAN 24, 2015 - 02:03 PM
Very informative, Jim and Gerald. A note on the overhang. Could you add thin styrene sheet to the upper hull to correct it?
JAN 24, 2015 - 02:53 PM
Remember, it's an open-topped vehicle, so the upper edge of the body is exposed--you'd have a light infantry carrier with armor seemingly two inches thick, if you added plastic sheet to the top faces. Beveling the lower half is easier to conceal, once you've added fenders and stowage boxes.
JAN 25, 2015 - 09:47 AM
A word of caution though... The Zvezda kit is not for beginners. It does have fit-issues, like upper/lower hull and tracks. That being said I'd build another any day, simply because it is the only Ausf.B on the market.
JAN 25, 2015 - 11:48 AM
Other than fit issues, is it comparable to the Tamiya kit? I know the AFV Club is the most accurate, but the price difference is great enough to consider some extra work.
JAN 25, 2015 - 03:57 PM
Hi Jim, very nice kit and good informations, with many details. Noted the decals of instruments for the dashboard. It could be useful, instead of painting. Cheers Giovanni
JAN 25, 2015 - 04:11 PM
What are the price ranges for the Zvezda halftracks?
JAN 25, 2015 - 08:59 PM
It is not Tamiya quality, not even remotely, but for a B version, it is the only game in town, and if you have a Dragon or AFV Club kit lying around, you might want to pirate some of the better parts, like the road wheels. There is a very detailed review on the Perth Military Modelling Site: LINK
JAN 26, 2015 - 09:11 AM
   
ADVERTISEMENT


Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
ADVERTISEMENT