Review
This offering from MiniArt arrives in the usual packaging of a cardboard tray with card lid. Inside the sprues are packaged in a single plastic bag. The decals are packaged with the clear sprues inside the main bag as is the envelope containing the photo etched elements. When you open the main bag, you are presented with 2 further bags - each containing approximately half of the sprues. An examination of the sprues reveals no obvious issues. The photo etch in the card envelope is in good order, and the decals and clear sprue are not damaged.
This offering having an interior, is a fairly complex kit and an interior model will never ever cover every single detail. With that said, with searches on-line it would appear that what has been provided for the interior of this model is generally correct. MiniArt has provided details for those who wish to scratch build cables that are not included in the model themselves. The engine and gearbox are particularly pleasing in this release. You again have an amount of cables to add via scratch work. I would recommend using lead solder or a malleable cable that holds its shape. The result of this interior if care is taken, should be very pleasing. But the engine is not an aspect that can be easily observed, even with the engine hatches open, and so the modeller may wish to display the engine and gearbox outside of the model as it is a very nice element in its own right.
Moving to the exterior of the body and MiniArt looks to have captured the visually pleasing lines of the vehicle very well. Moulded on surface detail is not excessive and has only really been used where an extra part made no difference. Details such as the viewing hatches can be assembled in an open or closed position. Lights are provided with clear lenses, and the tools are nicely detailed with the provision of photo etched clamps. The only thing that I did find, is that where my eyes are getting older I struggled to clearly see locations in some cases and so check carefully rather than assuming that you have it right first time.
The 7.5cm gun is an aspect of the model that concerned me, due to the issue with the Pak 40 previously released with a barrel that was too short. In this case, I am pleased to say that MiniArt have corrected their fault on the Pak 40 and the barrel appears to be the correct length when checked against an Aber aftermarket metal barrel. A particularly pleasing aspect of the gun, is that the muzzle brake is provided in 3 options. Although I have to confess that I am unsure exactly what each represents regards timelines. An MG mount on a swing arm is mounted on a part of the main gun to use for defence against infantry. However, I would have thought that the gun itself could be mounted in a better location, as the person using it will be exposing themselves to enemy fire.
The suspension in this release appears to have been tackled in a way to enable it to move. I personally feel that this needs to be secure in position once you have decided where the 8 contact points will be if displayed on an uneven surface. Something that causes me a modicum of concern is if the suspension arms sit naturally in a neutral position. However, I cannot answer that for you as I just do not know. The wheels and tyres for the model are injection moulded plastic, and have been provided in 2 halves and I am also pleased that the orientation of the wheels can be set as desired by the modeller.
MiniArt has provided 4 finishing options for this release:
An unidentified unit, December 1944 (this is a white washed vehicle and while not mentioned I would presume from the Eastern Front)
Unidentified Unit, Germany, Spring 1945 ( a 3 colour camouflage we all are familiar with and that also applies to the next 2 finishing options)
Unidentified Unit, Spring 1945 ( due to the period, I would imagine within Germany)
Korps Pz.Aufkl.Abt. “Feldherrnhalle”, Austria Linz Area, Spring 1945
Conclusion
Each one of the Panzerspahwagn I see from MiniArt I like. My only issue is that while I feel the that crew area interior of the model is well worth the effort in this case, the engine is not visible enough in my opinion. However, if you are going to display it outside of the model you will be very pleased with what if offers. The model itself only really concerns me as regards the finesse of some of the parts and the ease of which these could be broken. However, with care and the required skill set this will build into an impressive model which will be better than the already released Puma due to how much more of the interior you can see.