Cyber-Hobby

1/35 SdKfz.234 w/2cm Schwebelafette (Fsgt. Sd.Kfz 234/3)

Kit Number: Kit #24 6296

Reviewed by  Randy Colvin, IPMS #31754

MSRP: $65.95 Review Kit Supplied by Dragon Models USA: www.dragonmodelsusa.com Introduction Once again we have a release from Cyber-Hobby that is a basic Dragon kit with something a little different added to the kit. In this case we have the basic Sd.Kfz.234 chassis with a modified 2cm Flak 38 mounted on a pedestal with a field modified armor plate that surrounds the breach and gunner/operator. From what I have found on-line and a Panzer Wrecks book, this was a one of a kind modification possibly due to a destroyed or damaged turret on a basic 234/3. The other interesting thing on this kit is the camouflage pattern. It consists of three different patterns on certain segments of the vehicle. There are 414 parts molded in the standard Dragon light gray, 2 photo-etch frets, 4 brass fender markers and decals for the only vehicle that existed in this configuration. Construction This kit is a very straight forward build with very little to no build problems. The most complicated part is just trying to decipher Cyber-Hobby/Dragon instructions which is nothing new to anyone familiar with these kits. The suspension system is probably the most complicated part to understand as there are many parts to pay attention to in this step (Step 2). If you cut off the short stem on part B4 the keeps parts D18 and D19 in a straight position, you will be able to pose the wheels in a turning configuration. This also requires parts D15, D23 and D24 to be assembled in a slightly different position than what is instructed. Steps 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 cover the whole suspension minus the tires. The interior is complete minus the engine compartment and there are plenty of openings to see it all. Cyber-Hobby gives you two ammo storage bins, but you are instructed to use only one. I decided to add the second ammo bin to the right of the forward drivers seat as that is the only place where there's enough room to place it. Is it correct? I don't know, but it's there and that's that. The interior detail is very good, but I wish the side doors would have been separate pieces as I would have liked to open them up. Of all the scale plastic guns I have assembled over the years this one is without a doubt the most complicated yet. Just trying to hold it while adding the other parts is what makes it so difficult. This is a very intricate assembly which lets the gun elevate and swivel in a way that is out of the ordinary. It is truly a masterpiece of engineering. You are also supplied with two different style of wheel hubs and both are beautifully molded. The only thing I replaced where the straps (parts B11) on the exterior fuel cans as a thought these where way out of scale. Painting The painting instructions where very simple to follow with the gun shield being in a mottled Khaki Green over the standard Panzer Dark Yellow, the chassis is in the same Dark Yellow with feathered wide bands of Khaki Green and the upper super structure being in slightly less wide bands of the Khaki Green with sharper demarcation lines. It is a little different camouflage pattern than what you would normally see. Conclusion This is a one of a kind vehicle that most people will build only once. That is the only problem I can see with the kit. If this had been a production vehicle with many being built it would probably be a different story, but that is what Cyber-Hobby is all about; "off the wall subjects" is why they exist. I would like to sincerely thank IPMS for the opportunity to build this kit and be a member of the Reviewers Corp and especially to Dragon Models USA for kindly supplying it.