Attack Hobby Kits 1/72 Munitionsfahrzeug 38(t) Ausf.M Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

When Germany occupied Czechoslovakia, one of the first items on the Wehrmacht's shopping list was control of the Czech armor factories that were turning out tanks with superior firepower then their Panzer I and Panzer II main tanks. These tanks would continue to be manufactured and were designated as PzKpfw 38(t). After these tanks were considered obsolete, their chassis were used as the basis of a number of combat and support vehicles including the Hetzer.

One such vehicle was the Munitionsfahrzeug (munitions carrier) which provided the crew and explosive cargo the same mobility as the tanks they support and afforded them better protection than conventional trucks.

The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on eight small trees of parts, plus an additional black styrene tree containing the track sections and a single fret of photo-etched parts. While most of the hull facets are individual parts, the kit builds up into a straightforward assembly that features a nicely detailed ammo storage compartment. Fifteen rounds of cannon shells are provided for stowage in the compartment.

The photo-etched parts are provided for additional detail fidelity including stowage shelves and brackets and a nice engine muffler heat shield. The tracks are not individual links (thankfully) nor are they rubberband track. Instead, these are sections that come together to form around the wheels and provide a realistic look and feel.

This is an interesting kit of an unusual subject that I don't believe has even been done in 1/35th scale (yet). This will look great parked next to your Hetzer providing the gun crew with more ammunition. You can get this kit from your favorite hobby retailer or directly from Squadron Mail Order.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!