Italeri's 1/35th Kfz. 15 "Horch"
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Introduction
Developed from a pre-war civilian
design for military use, the Horch Kfz 15 saw action on every front throughout
the war. Uses included staff car, communications vehicle, light ambulance,
and even a light antiaircraft variant. Other automotive concerns built
cars in the same class, but the robust vehicle built by Horch (Auto-Union)
was one of the most numerous, frequently seen in war time photos.
The Kit
 The
kit consists of 172 parts, including 2 figures as well as extra accessories.
This is a reissue of their kit dating from the mid-eighties, and as such
does show its age. This version is molded in light gray styrene, although
this reviewer has seen and built versions in light tan and dark green
plastic. Overall detail is fair to good for a kit of this age, with a
nicely rendered suspension system, and soft black vinyl tires. Ejector
marks are generally shallow, though as with many  Italieri
kits, some are in awkward areas, requiring careful work to eliminate.
Very little flash was seen on my example, though molding seams are quite
prominent, especially on some smaller parts, i.e., suspension arms, tools,
etc. The instructions are a single sheet, quad folded, incorporating a
parts map, painting suggestions, and marking options for 1 African front
and 2 Russian front vehicles. Paint numbers called out refer to Testor's
Model Master system, showing both Acryl and Model Master Enamel numbers.
Instruction steps 1-4 cover the body tub, interior, wheel wells, doors,
bumpers and hood. Steps 5 and 6 have you assembling the chassis, suspension,
and wheels. In steps 7 and 8 the body is married to the chassis, the optional
top and windows are added (or not), and step 9 illustrates the figures
and accessories, such as a map table and briefcase. Decals include license
numbers and unit markings, and are thin and well registered kit.
Conclusion
This kit, though adequate for
its day, does not stand up to today's newest offerings. That having been
said, it is still a nice little kit of a widely used vehicle that deserves
a place in any World War II model collection. Unfortunately, the price
has increased substantially since its last release, now selling in the
mid - thirty dollar range. Not the value it once was. Conditionally recommended.
I would like to thank Testor's
for the review kit.
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