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Tamiya Kit Number 35268 Sd.Kfz 223 Leichter Panzerspahwagen |
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Reviewed By Chad Richmond, #10346 |
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MSRP $23.00 Tamiya’s Leichter Spahwagen Sd.Kfz 223 has been around since 1977, but it is a really nice kit that goes together well, despite its age. This release includes a photo etched sheet for the turret hatch screens. That is the only addition to the kit, other than the $10.00 price increase. I have built three or four of these armored cars, and have enjoyed putting every one of them together. I built it per the instruction sheet, except I left off the wheels until final weathering. Markings are included for both North Africa and European theaters, and there are unit markings for six different divisions and four different tactical markings. Only two vehicle numbers are given, however. Since all of my other 223's had North Africa markings, I opted for a grey European version. Assembly is straight forward, and I had no need for putty anywhere, except to fill some ejector pin marks on the underside of the fenders and on the back side of the mud flaps. |
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| The only interior items in the kit are a radio console and a seat, but if you clean up the ejector pin marks on the floor, you can have a passable interior. I painted the interior, upper and lower, white from one end to the other, and then dirtied things up with pastels. I mounted all of the exterior store, except for the tool box and the muffler assemblies. The kit comes with a lot of equipment, as well. There’s a camouflage net, tent, two small packs, five gas cans, a water can, canteens, wash basin and helmets. The camouflage net, however, is the only accessory item that is made to be mounted. There is a nice indentation that matches the tool box on the hood and the contour of the rear deck. The tent lays flat on the front deck behind the gas cans. All of the other items really need a wire or some sort of bracket to attach them with. I glued everything in place, after painting the vehicle, in the position shown on the instruction sheet. I did leave off the canteens, helmets and wash basin, however. The undercarriage and running gear are nicely depicted and give a lot of opportunities for washes and dry brushing. | |
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After priming the whole vehicle with Model Master primer, I
painted the model using Tamiya acrylics, adding a little bit of light blue
to the Panzer Gray. The only thing that I did not like about the kit was what had increased its price by $10.00. The photo etched screens and frames are, of course, super thin, and the hinges are tabs that are folded down. You also have to pay careful attention when you are gluing the pieces together to insure you have a left and a right hatch. It took me two attempts before I got it right. Plus, I had trouble getting the pieces to stick together. I roughed up the photo etch and used both thin and thick super glue, but still had trouble. The left hatch fit perfect, but I could not get the right one to line up. So, I ended up with the hinges slightly off. In comparing the photo etch hatches with the kit plastic and mesh screens, and the mesh is not all that difficult to work with. I have to admit I like the plastic frames and mesh much better. They look more authentic to me. Thanks to Tamiya America for furnishing the review kit and to John Noack for allowing me to review it. |
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