Italeri 1/35th Sd. Anhanger 51
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Background
Italeri has provided the modeling world with one of those pieces of
military-ware that usually go unnoticed. In use since time immemorial,
the trailer is one of the necessary and key pieces of military hardware
that gets little notice. While the Sd. Anhanger 51 may not be suitable
as a standalone piece, it does provide that last element to compliment
another vehicle such as a truck or halftrack.
The Build
Building the trailer is rather straight forward and uncomplicated. The
trailer actually consists of 2 pieces: the box and the wheel-support structure.
Either can be built first but in accordance with the instructions, I built
the box first. Again, straightforward. The instructions lay out what holes
must be opened to support the attachment of tools and the hinge pieces.
As I intended this one to be towed behind a vehicle (undetermined when
I started), I built the trailer with the top closed and therefore opened
the appropriate holes. It’s a box… 6 sides although I did
include the false munitions layer for stability. All pieces fit together
well and produced a nice, tight box.
The wheel-support structure came next. Again, straightforward in directions
and assembly. All pieces were well formed and required no modifications.
No cleaning of flash was necessary either. I assembled the wheels-support
piece to the point of attaching the wheels but stopped there to paint
both pieces.
Painting
Once the box and the wheel-support assembly were built, I airbrushed
both with Model Master Sandgelb (RLM 79). The wheels were brushed with
Floquil Railroad Colors Weathered Black. I attempted to dry-brush the
areas of wear with Floquil Railroad Colors Old Silver (this is an area
that I continue to work on as my dry-brushing skills remain lacking).
I did not use any wash on the model, relying solely on the gradual application
of grey and black chalks to the trailer to weather it. This was my first
attempt weathering this way and am very pleased with how the trailer turned
out.
With weathering of the box and wheel-support units complete, I attached
the wheels and slipped the box into the supports. The fit was nice and
tight with no slop or looseness. I then applied a light dusting of MIG
Europe Dust (P028) to the entire assembly.
Conclusion
Italeri has produced a nice kit with the Sd. Anhanger 51 trailers. They
compliment any appropriate vehicle nicely. As can be seen in the photos,
I found a Kettenkraftrad in my stash and built it to tow the trailer.
I would highly recommend this kit as that nice added touch to any armor
kit.
Thanks to Testors for the review
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