Eduard's 1/35 JagdPanzer 38(t) Hetzer (early)
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Hetzer
"In December 1943, the factory
of BMM, in Prague, was tasked with the production of such a vehicle (Jagdpanzer
38) based on the proven Pz. 38(t) chassis. At the time there was in production
an earlier generation of antitank vehicle in the form of the Sd.Kfz 138
Marder III. This had an antitank gun mounted in an open fighting compartment.
The new vehicle, designated Jagdpanzer 38 Hetzer (Sd.Kfz 138/2) varied
considerably from its forerunner. The running gear was extended, onto
which a compact structure composed of welded steel plating of 60mm frontal,
20 mm rear, 10 mm top and 8 mm bottom thickness, was placed. The Pak 39
L48 gun was mounted offset to the right. The base of the gun was covered
by a cast metal curtain of the Saukopfblende type. The top of the vehicle
was equipped with an MG 34 machine gun, operated by the loader, and could
be rearmed from inside the vehicle. Development of this vehicle progressed
quickly, and April, 1944, saw the road trials begin on the first three
prototypes. Assembly of the first twenty pieces was also initiated, and
on the 20th of April, 1944, the vehicle was demonstrated for Hitler on
the occasion of his birthday. Fifty vehicles were produced in May, and
these were split between test and training units. In June the entire program
was given absolute priority. June production saw the new vehicles sent
to the depot at Breslau (today Wroclaw) and then on to combat units. June
also saw the initiation of production of this vehicle at Skoda in Pilsen.
Both facilities produced these vehicles until the spring of 1945, and
were only ended by USAAF bombings...With that, the production of the Hetzer
for the German war effort was terminated..." (Text taken from the
instruction booklet)
The Kit
This is Eduard's first foray into the production of ultra complete,
multimedia armor kits. They currently produce such kits of aircraft, predominately
World War I types. This kit contains parts for a full fighting compartment
interior, engine compartment with engine and associated parts, a 4 man
crew, clear periscopes, parts for 2 main gun variants, a photo-etched
fret, wheel masks, and instructions for 4 marking options.
Packed in a roomy, sturdy box you will find 12 sprues of medium tan
plastic, 1 clear sprue of periscopes which is bagged separately, 1 sheet
of photo-etched parts, which includes tool clasps, tool box front and
lid, instrument panel, grills in 3 mesh patterns, tie down loops, screens
for the air intakes under the rear hull, as well as belt buckles, collar
tabs, shoulder boards, and medals and insignia for the crew figures. 4
of the parts sprues are bagged separately, the others 2 per bag. Tracks
are injection molded and are link and length style, very cleanly cast,
including a length for spare stowage, and some extra single links. The
included shells are one piece castings, while the gun barrel is a two
piece assembly. String to make a towing cable is provided, as well as
a printed instrument sheet to be used behind the photo-etched panel.
The instructions are a 24 page booklet, printed in full color. The step
drawings are color computer-generated drawings. Steps are not numbered.
Parts are called out by sprue letter and part number. The letters on the
sprues are located in the corner and are not large. A parts map is also
included on the third page. Pages one and two are devoted to vehicle development
and operational history, small photos and specifications. Detail painting
instructions are called out at each step. Paint color numbers are referenced
to Gunze Sangyo Aqueous, Mr. Color and Mr. Metal Color paints. No other
brands are mentioned. The last pages are devoted to multi-view, full color
painting and marking guides, with documentation as to which vehicle was
marked in which manner, where it served, and changes that occurred, so
far as can be ascertained. One of the variants has war time photos illustrating
the color and marking scheme described, showing the Hetzer in a vehicle
collection depot in Moravia just after the war ended. An Internet web
site is provided which gives further information on one of the vehicles
captured by the Poles during the Warsaw uprising and displayed after the
war.
As previously noted, the construction steps are not numbered, you just
dive in and keep building. Construction begins with the engine and engine
compartment. Parts for this sequence are on 5 different sprues, so it
may be helpful to mark them more boldly. The basic structures and mid-level
detail parts are provided. along with air cleaners and major piping and
ducts. As no fuel lines or wiring are included, the detailers can really
have fun in here. The relatively large size of the hatches means most
of your extra work can be appreciated. Next comes the firewall/bulkhead
assembly, complete with radio receiver and transmitter, air cleaners,
and the installation and detailing of the rear plate. Now we move up front,
with driver's pedals, transmission, seats, shell racks, and other structures.
Decals for stenciling and labels are included and called for throughout
this area. More driver's equipment and the instrument cluster are next
installed inside the upper hull, along with ammunition racks and shells.
Work now moves to the cannon breech and mounting hardware. Separate
directions are given for the two available guns, instead of either/or
choices as in some kits. Then the sights, gun controls, barrel, and housing
are built. I especially like the before and after illustrations, giving
the builder some confirmation that things are going properly. Next the
gun is installed, along with the commander's vision devices, periscopes,
and other roof-mounted fittings. Upper and lower hulls are mated at this
point, followed by intake screens, fenders, and rear decking and muffler.
All exterior hull fittings are called for next, with lots of photo-etched
pieces going in. At this point, the builder is instructed to begin assembling
and installing the suspension, swing arms, road wheels, drive sprockets
and idlers. I would feel more comfortable doing this earlier in the build,
so as not to dislodge all the small fiddly bits such as tool clasps. Maybe
its just me. A handy diagram illustrating proper wheel alignment with
the sprockets and idler is a considerate touch. The link and length track
assembly comes next, with the proper numbers of each piece being given
with a left and right view. Then more hull fittings, roof machine gun,
spare track, side skirts and brackets. Lots of photo-etched tie downs
go on here. Fortunately the locations are clearly marked for each one.
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The remainder of the instructions deal with building the crew figures,
and painting and marking the Hetzer. The full color illustrations show
marking evolutions, as well as alternative paint schemes, conceding the
fact that black and white photos make it hard to tell dark green from
red-brown, and some accepted color schemes may in fact have been reversed.
The four figures are well executed, each comprised of left and right legs,
upper torso, left and right arms, and separate heads. Each torso is sculpted
differently, so as to avoid that "cookie-cutter" look. Badges,
belt buckles, and rank insignia are molded on, and so will have to be
cut away before application of the enclosed photo-etched items. Headphones
would have been a nice touch, but none are provided. Two figures are seated
and two are standing, one shown holding a shell. Whether they will actually
fit inside the vehicle without modification remains to be seen.
Conclusion
This is a great kit, no question about it. While not the "PERFECT"
kit (which has not yet been done), it is a commendable effort. Eduard's
experience producing their "Profi-Pack" aircraft kits have served
them well here. To duplicate what you get here by purchasing after-market
conversions and detail sets would run double the price of this kit, if
not more. All the major structures are well presented, though there is
still room to add as much detail as you wish. Aside from slight sink marks
on the swing arms, the molding is virtually flawless. I found ejector
marks on only one piece, the lower hull interior. They are raised, easy
to shave off, and this may not even be necessary. The single photo-etched
fret boasts three different styles of mesh screen, full stowage clamps,
and delicate uniform accessories. Wheel masks are a handy inclusion. The
color painting guide shows every side of the vehicle except the bottom.
If you build German armor, this kit needs to be in your collection. Highly
recommended. My sincere thanks to Eduard
for supplying my review sample. I plan to immediately start building this
kit for a near future build review. I recommend you get one and do the
same.
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