Trumpeter

1/35 BP42 Geschutzwagen

Kit Number: 01509

Reviewed by  Chris Durden, IPMS# 29474

MSRP: $119.95 Website: Trumpeter Available from: Stevens International On all fronts, but especially the Eastern Front, trains were critical components of the logistical chain during WWII. Both the Germans and Russian used armored trains for supply, interdiction and as rolling artillery. The German army used designations such as Type BP42 to indicate the number, type and configurations of an armored train. These trains were numbered (and often named) and crewed as a unit, including a mobile armored unit (2 38(t) tanks), infantry and several artillery cars. It is apparent that Trumpeter is planning to release components of the BP42, starting with the Geschützwagen (artillery car). The armored locomotive and command cars will be released shortly as well. Given that the BP42 train consisted of 11 cars, you’ll need about 12’ of display space and $1100 to make the entire train!

The Trumpeter kit contains 193 parts, including a small photoetch sheet (that you will end up not using for the most part – see below). Since there is no interior, these pieces all go toward the myriad doors, gun ports and handles that dot the outside of the kit. Those who have built any other Trumpeter rail related model will recognize the track base components included as well. I started with the tracks and I decided to not used the kit base and instead build up my own with a wooden plaque, foam core and scale ballast (Woodland Scenics). The rail and tie system that Trumpeter uses is rather simple, but easy to assemble and align. Once done with the base, I proceeded with the running gear which is very simple – only 4 wheels. Most of the running rear is hidden because the bottom of the car is armored so I did not spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning things up. On step 4, do not follow the rest of the instruction that call for you to attach all of the handles and steps. If you do this you will end up knocking these pieces off while you handle the kit and attach the upper and lower hull pieces. I left mine off until I had finished major painting. You will also note that there are several holes to fill on the bottom that do not receive any sort of step – fill these now. The doors to be attached on step 5 seem simple enough, but there is no lip to receive them – only a butt join. To reinforce them I used tape on the inside of the car prior to gluing them in place. This kept them evenly spaced and reinforced the joint so I wouldn’t have to worry about knocking anything loose while handling everything. Again, step 6 would have you add any number of assemblies to be knocked off when attaching the upper and lower hulls. So I went ahead and put the entire hull together before attaching the other small parts – however, there are 5 gun ports to be placed from the inside (part D5) first! The turret assembly and gun (10cm light field howitzer) went quickly although I did not like the way that the parts were broken down for assembly. Given the state of current technology they should have molded the entire turret in one piece. Step 7 calls for 14 small PE eyelets to be installed on the turret – do not use them as I could not find any pictures that show them in place. Similar turrets on the BP44 type had larger guns and such attachments so I can see where the confusion could occur. Once assembled, I painted the car according to photographs and the painting instructions. You could also use a whitewash scheme for a winter scene if so desired. My wife was confused as to why they would bother to camouflage them anyway – “you know where they have been and you know where they are going; what’s the use?” I really didn’t have a good answer aside from “that is what the instructions say”. I weathered and faded the finish as these cars took a beating with heavy use. Leave off the scratches and dents though as they didn’t get driven through the woods! All in all, this was a very enjoyable build and I really like the finished product. I would also recommend the following reference books (all available on Amazon) by Wolfgang Sawodny: German Armored Trains in WWII; Schiffer Military History - 1989 German Armored Trains in WWII, Vol. II (1939-1945); Schiffer Military History – 1990 German Armored Trains on the Russian Front, 1941-1944; Schiffer Military History – 2003 The three volumes have excellent illustrations and photos and are well worth the money, especially if you want to build several of the Trumpeter rail related offerings. My thanks to Stevens International for the review sample!