Introduction:
The Patriot is probably the best-known air defense system in the world. While initially designed as an antiaircraft system, newer variants of Patriot are capable of engaging ballistic and cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and aircraft. Patriot is currently in use world-wide including in several NATO countries (Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States).
Trumpeter released Patriot Abschussrampe Auf 15t, a German version of the famous air defense system, as a plastic 1/35 scale kit in 2023.
The kit started receiving aftermarket upgrades soon after its release, and DEF Model recently offered two resin wheel sets to replace vinyl tires/plastic rims supplied with the Trumpeter kit.
Review:
This review covers German Patriot Abschussrampe Auf 15t Wheel Set (1) - No Sag (DW35162), the set featuring Continental HCS tire.
The set is packed in a hard cardboard box featuring an image that shows the resin wheels included in the set and lists that the set consists of 9 resin parts and masking seal.
The box contains a plastic bag with resin pieces, masking sheets and masking instructions.
There are 9 resin pieces in the set, 8 road wheels and a spare wheel.
The cast is absolutely perfect, with no defects in the resin and wonderfully delivered details. Here is an image of the wheel details under magnification… amazing!
The casting blocks feature attachment points that follow tire tread pattern, so there is minimal danger of compromising the details during cleanup. Smart engineering from DEF Model.
The tire depicted in the set is the newer type 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 German Patriot missile system fitted with Continental HCS tire, as well as detailed images of the tire itself.
Upon closer inspection, I have to say that the tire in DEF Model set looks like a perfect miniature copy of the real thing. It is accurately sized to 36,20 x 10,80 mm and features realistically delivered tread pattern and sidewall details. The sidewall inscriptions Continental, HCS and 14.00R20 are clearly identifiable, as well as all the other embossed detail. The rim and the 10-bolt pattern are nicely defined, as well as the hub with another set of 10 bolts.
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 set includes 4 slightly different wheel variants, two wheels each, marked as A, B, C and D. Each wheel version has the hub and the tire details differently oriented in relation to the bottom of the wheel and its carrier block. This ensures the wheels fitted to the same side of the vehicle do not look identical and repetitive, adding to the realism of the model.
The spare wheel is also included in the set.
This set is advertised as “no sag”, which means the road wheels are depicted with no compression at tire ground contact. This is not an omission by DEF, but a way to depict the deployed vehicle in launch position with wheels elevated from the surface.
Fitting the wheels:
The set is designed as a direct resin replacement for Trumpeter kit and the resin wheels feature the same rear mounting as the kit wheels. Therefore, no alterations are required when fixing DEF Model offerings to Trumpeter kit.
Wheel masks:
A nice addition to the set are 5 pre-cut masking sheets. These can be used 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:
German Patriot Abschussrampe Auf 15t Wheel Set (1) - No Sag (DW35162) from DEF Model delivers 8 roadwheels and a spare wheel designed to upgrade Trumpeter’s Patriot Abschussrampe Auf 15t mil gl Br A1 (kit #01088) and display it in firing position. The wheels are perfectly cast in resin and feature a ton of wonderfully delivered details, offering a huge improvement over kit supplied vinyl tires/plastic rims. The wheels are offered in 4 slightly different variants so the model doesn’t end up with all wheels on one side looking the same. Wheel masks which help inpainting are a welcomed bonus.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to DEF Model for this review sample:
