SdKfz 7/1

Water is still curing on the Citroen base, so i opened the new model- Trumpeter's SdKfz 7/1 with the 2 cm flakvierling 38, and the ammo trailer 51.

 Detailing will be done using the kit's PE + Aber

I will replace the kit's tracks and sprockets with Friul ATL-24

At the front of the vehicle we can see the motorcycle being transported.
Most probably the field mod. I will be using the Zundapp K 800 solo bike from the Vulcan/ Swash sidecar set.

Started building the bike first.

Motorbike finished now:

Bike weathered, and chipped.
I added the side pannier bag made from scratch.
I also reworked the seat, and front light.
Now onto the Sd.Kfz.

Kettenwagen- completed

I have finished painting the Kettenwagen, and adding all the details.
Fire extinguisher is from Royal Model, and towing cable is hand made from copper wire.
Wire cutters are Dragon with scratch built handles, and mount.
The axe, and shovel are both scratch built, with handles turned from toothpicks.
At least i didnt have to paint them, and then worry if the color is right. I just weathered them accordingly.
More dusting will follow when i place the vehicle on the base to match the colors with the color of the ground.

Kettenwagen- construction completed

Kettenwagen- 3T jack finished

Im still waiting for the water to cure on the "Shallow crossing" diorama, so decided on adding few bits, and pieces to the Kettenwagen tractor.
First in line was the 3T jack, which was scratch built from the pictures.

"Shallow crossing" suspension

Today the suspension was adjusted- one front wheel lowered, while the other was lifted up.
The wheels are fixed, but the final dusting, and wear will be added when the vehicle is fixe to the base.
Wheels are painted Nato Black and washed dark, and brown. Rusty wash around the rim.
Im still not sure about the rope- i may swap it for the steel cable later on.
The spade is from Aber an is mounted on turned toothpick.

Sentry diorama- bicycle

I decided to use the Tamiya Bicycle on the diorama.
PE is from Lion Roar- lovely detail, but really hard to put together.
It has taken me 2 days to complete the bike.

I turned the new air pump, and magneto.
Front light was also reworked.


Colors on.

Kettenwagen- Hood.

Work started on the hood.
Even though the hood will be folded i didnt like the look of the kit part at all.
I decided on making the hood frame workable.
It is really tricky part of the build. I use the stretched sprue to connect the bits, and then blob the ends with hot knife.



In addition to Aber PE two frames need to be scratch built to complete the roof. Unfortunately Aber doesnt give any dimentions of missing frames, so it is down to model builder to design the frames himself. After 2 days of trial and error i have scratched the missing frames, and to my surprise the roof works.

Kettenwagen- Windshield.

Using Aber PE set the windshield mounting points were installed.



Windshield itself is no walk in the park. Some elements were soldered.
The glass and the front frame are still missing, so are the wingnuts.
Here it is dry fitted using bit of thin wire.



Glass was cut from the plastic bottle.

Kettenwagen- gun rack.

Gun rack was made using Aber PE. One of the most difficoult PE parts i have ever put together.





All the clamps are working. After it is installed i will paint the part as normal, and then fix the guns in.

Kettenwagen- Battery.

Battery box was soldered using excellent PE by Aber.



Back seat was also reworked.

Kettenwagen- Engine Vent

I opened the slot in the panel.



Aber PE. Really tricky bit. I used the 0,5 mm wire as the hinge.