Mac Models’ 1/72 Einheits-Diesel Kfz. 68

This kit builds upon the earlier releases by Mac by keeping the chassis the same and adding the various body differences, as could be expected. That’s not to say that they took shortcuts here, as this is a very well-tooled kit and is amply detailed to boot. You get a handful of trees molded in a variety of colors. I don’t think that these are molded in these colors for a particular reason, but rather it just happened to be that these colors were available. Since it’s going to be painted over anyway, it really doesn’t matter.

The one-piece body is nicely done and with a bit of light sanding along the edges it will be ready for paint. The chassis, however, will take some time to build up, as it’s easily one of the most detailed vehicle chassis I’ve seen in 1/72. Starting with the main structure there are separate pieces for all six axle suspensions, separate metal axles, separate drivetrain and exhaust system, and a separate fuel tank. About the only thing missing here is a complete engine, but the lower visible section is provided on the main chassis piece.

The cab and bed area are also well detailed, with a one-piece floor covering both. The cab gets a separate bench, front firewall, steering wheel and shifter assemblies, while the bed area gets a table, two benches, and plenty of boxes to fill things up. A bulkhead for the front is also included. Showing all of this off are plenty of windows, all molded in injection plastic and these are thin and quite clear. The fit of these parts looks to be quite good so I would strongly advise painting the body first before attaching these.

Once that is done the rest is downhill, with just the external details left. Still, you’ll want to have some time set aside as this kit doesn’t scrimp on the exterior either, with separate pieces for the headlights, tow hooks, picks & shovels, ladders and just about everything else you could think of. The final bit of detail is the radio mast, and while the rigging isn’t included a diagram is included showing just what goes where. You have a choice of either having this raised or lowered as well.

The decal sheet is small, but military vehicles generally don’t carry much in the way of markings anyway. Three schemes are provided for, one being in overall panzer gray and the other two in a mixed camouflage. The first of the latter two is one seen in Hungary in 1945, painted in sand, red brown and medium green, while the second is one seen in Tunis in 1942 and is painted Afrika Korps desert yellow with medium green lines all over it. The decals are well printed and in excellent register.