Introduction:
2020 was the 40th anniversary year for the TransportPanzer (TPz) Fuchs. Series production began in 1979, and the first vehicle entered the Bundeswehr service in late 1980. Since then, over 1,400 vehicles were built and used in a variety of ways, with the vehicle involved in all of the Bundeswehr international missions, from Afghanistan to Mali.
DEF Model offers two different sets of resin replacement wheel sets designed for Revell’s TPz-1 Fuchs. The first set was previously reviewed for Armorama (link) and features Michelin XL tires, while the second set offers Continental HCS tires instead: German TPz-1 Fuchs ABC Sagged Wheel Set (2) (DW35129).
Review:
The set is packed in a hard cardboard box. The box displays an image showing contents the resin wheels installed on Revell kit, stating the set consists of 6 resin pieces and Easy wheel mask.
The box contains a zip-lock bag with resin pieces, masking sheets and instruction leaflet.
The resin pieces looks amazing. The wheels are superbly detailed, the details sharp and perfectly delivered. There are no issues with the cast whatsoever, no air-bubbles or seam lines to clean. Located on the bottom side of the tire, the casting blocks should prove easy to remove.
The tire depicted in the set is Continental HCS 14.00R20. The dimensions of the tire are 1268 x 377 mm (49.9 x 14.8 in) and the approved rim width 254 mm (10 in). There are number of really good on-line reference images of Fuchs fitted with Continental HCS tire, as well as detailed images of the tire itself.
I was impressed comparing these reference images with the DEF Model 1/35 scale version of Continental HCS. The complex tread pattern is accurately delivered and the sidewall details reproduced to perfection… it is not just the inscriptions Continental, HCS and 14.00R20 that are clearly identifiable, but also all the other embossed detail. Wow!
However, studying the magnified image I noticed DEF Model did not do a spell check before producing the tires, as the brand name inscription is spelled incorrectly, Continontal instead of Continental.
The rim and the 10-bolt pattern are nicely defined, as well as the hub with another set of 10 bolts. DEF Model tire is sized to 35,85 x 10,65 mm, which makes them only a bit smaller in diameter than the real tire in 1/35 scale.
The road wheels in this set are depicted with a slight bulge, depicting a compression where the tire contacts the ground. The effect conveys the weight of the vehicle well.
This set includes 3 slightly different wheel variants, two wheels each, marked as A, B and C. Each wheel version has the hub and the tire differently oriented in relation to the bulge where the tire contacts the ground. This ensures the wheels fitted to the same side of the vehicle do not look the same, adding to the realism of the model.
Fitting the wheels:
This wheel set is designed as a resin replacement for kit vinyl tires/plastic rims. The thing to note before installing the resin wheels is to trim the plastic axle stubs of the Revell kit to 2.5 mm length, as this ensures the optimal fit of replacement wheels… images on DEF website could provide some help: link.
Wheel masks:
Three identical pre-cut masking sheets are included in this kit. The masks are of help when painting the wheels, allowing airbrushing without overspray. Also included is the instruction leaflet which shows two different ways of applying the masks and painting the wheels.
Conclusion:
Revell’s TPz-1 Fuchs is an old plastic kit, but is still the only game in town for those wanting to build a model of this vehicle in 1/35 scale. In order to bring the kit to today’s standard, modelers have a plethora of aftermarket choices, with resin replacement tires beings an essential upgrade for most.
DEF Model has two different resin wheel sets designed for Revell’s offering. German TPz-1 Fuchs ABC Sagged Wheel Set (2) (DW35129) provides a set of 6 road wheels, perfectly cast in resin and with a ton of superbly delivered details. The tires look fantastic… well scaled and with all the specific details, these realistically represent Continental HCS 14.00R20 tire. Depicted with a slight sag and offered in 3 different variants so the model doesn’t end up with all three wheels on one side looking the same, this set is a must for anyone wanting to improve their TPz-1 Fuchs model.
A big thanks to DEF Model for this review sample.
One more thing... The set depicts Continental 14.00R20 tire. Reference photos show TPz-1 Fuchs with several different tire types (Michelin XL, Michelin XZL, Continental HCS), and interestingly, some vehicles display a mix of different tire types on the same vehicle… DEF Model offers another set of replacement wheels for Fuchs delivering Michelin XL tires… well, I’m sure you get my idea.
Courtesy of http://www.primeportal.net/
This particular vehicle is fitted with Michelin XZL, Continental HCS and Michelin XL.