Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf. A for gamers

59th issue of the „September 1939” series comes with a miniature of German armoured command vehicle Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf. A in 1:72. Thus, we finally have an injection moulded kit of this machine in my favourite scale. I find this topic kind of interesting, so decided to take a closer look.

‘39

Of course, this is not a typical scale model. If you’re not familiar with “September 1939”- it is a series dedicated to wargamming. Hence it offers simplified, quick assembly kits, directed primarily to gamers. Due to the subject matter however, it is quite popular also among modellers. Personally, I'm not an ardent fan of this approach- models are often simplified a bit to much for my taste, especially the tracks. The situation looks better with all kinds of wheeled machines, and when we add to the mix an extraordinary subject- I'm in.

Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf. A in 1:72

The vehicle in question, Schwerer Geländegängiger Gepanzerter Personenkraftwagen (easy to remember, isn’t it?) Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf. A, was a 1937 project based on the L 2 H 143 "Krupp-Protze" truck chassis. It was not a successful construction, so only 10 machines of this type were built. Another version, produced in larger quantity- Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf. B, was based on a completely different chassis, this time four-wheeled (and thus looked completely different).

Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf. A at Berlin parade (panzer-travelandhistory.blogspot.com)

Therefore it’s not surprising, that the vehicle in question isn’t a very popular choice among scale models manufacturers. Fortunately, First To Fight has the habit of squeezing all the possibilities from the designed mouldings, limited of course by the series theme. Thus, after several previous issues offering variety of Krupp-Protze trucks, we received also a Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf A.

Issue 59

As usual in the “September 1939”, the package consists of a thematic brochure (in Polish) and a model (which of course is just a bonus...). The most interesting part of the magazine is the anonymous build report illustrated with a postage stamp sized photographs. Recommended.

In addition, we have the usual boring stuff like short history of the Sd.Kfz. 247, or another part of the article about September ‘39 battles. Plus assembly instruction and colourful (i.e. mainly grey) profiles with painting option suggested by the manufacturer.

As you can see, FTF insists on one colour German camouflages, and recommends paints from Vallejo and Hataka palettes. Well, I doubt that I will stick to these guidelines in case of possible build.

The kit

Definitely more interesting (at least in my opinion) is the rest of the bundle, i.e. a cardboard box with characteristic for this series graphic design. It contains three dark grey plastic sprues and a small sheet of decals.

Sprue “I” is a Krupp-Protze truck chassis known from previously released models.

All new elements were placed on the “H” sprue, which as you can see was cut into two pieces (because it will not fit into the box otherwise).

A small sheet of decals attached to the model consist of two sets of license plates (with not quite randomly chosen numbers- see the first photo in this article) and a set of white crosses.

But wait– it supposed to be three sprues, and here we have the whole vehicle just on two. There is a third one, I haven’t lied. It is a tiny one with two crewman figures.

As you can see, there is no abundance of parts, but that’s the charm of this series. However, before we pass a judgment, let's take a closer look at the individual elements of the model.

In close up

The main bodywork has been divided into two modules. The upper part has been cast together with all lids, peep-holes and doors in the closed position. Tools transported outside the armour were also reproduced as a surface detail.

The second module is the lower parts of the armour made in similar fashion. Interior does not overwhelm with details, which is the norm in this series. You don’t find any signs of ribbing on the floor slabs, and let’s just ignore the gearbox and brake levers.

The fenders were cast as a whole with all the containers mounted on them. As in the case of the cabin floor- entrance steps are flat.

Rest of the same injection sprue is filled with various details. Both for the interior of the vehicle (seats, binoculars with stand), as well as mounted on the outside (spare wheel in the cover, end of the chassis frame, etc.).

On the second sprue we find the chassis frame cast as a whole with suspension elements. It is certainly not the most accurately reproduced part of the vehicle, but until we don’t peek underside- passable.

Of course we also get a set of wheels, quite nice to be honest. Although tyre treads better suits its original, truck usage.

And that's it. These are all elements intended for the construction of the discussed transporter.

The crew

As I mentioned earlier, we also find two crew members in the set. Up close they look like this.

So-so, if you ask me.

Manual

There is no typical instruction in the kit, which is the norm in “September 1939” series. Assembly drawings (in the form of renderings of a quite small size) can be found both on the back of the kit box and in the attached brochure.

Assembly drawings (First To Fight)

But let's be honest, who looks into the manual anyway?

Summary

Well, it's hard to expect that the wargaming set would be on par with a standard scale model. Assessing it in this context also seems to be not entirely fair. Because it is not a bad kit, when we consider its purpose. However if you want to make a decent miniature, you’ll have to reckon with some additional stratchbuilding. Unless you like such simplified, but quick to assembly set. In this case- go ahead.

MMXVIII