Bronco Models 1/35 Versuchsflakwagen Fuer 8.8cm Flak.37 Auf Sonderfahrgestell (Sd.Sfl.IVc) Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2015 | Manufacturer | Bronco Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Versuchsflakwagen Fuer 8.8cm Flak.37 Auf Sonderfahrgestell (Sd.Sfl.IVc) | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 35174 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | New Subject | Cons | None |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $88.00 |
First Look
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During the middle of World War II, Germany began mounting towed guns on tracked and half-tracked platforms to provide more flexibility for artillery pieces to keep up on the mobile battlefield. Two of the more common German-made platforms include the Sd.Kfz.7 and Panzer IV chassis as well as repurposed captured combat vehicles. These vehicles provided mobile artillery and anti-aircraft support to the ground armies.
One such adaptation was mounting the 8.8cm Flak 37 or Flak 41 anti-aircraft gun to a highly modified Panzer IV chassis which featured hinged armor sides to protect the gun and crew during movement, then deployed out flat to provide the gun crew a platform. Three of these vehicles were developed as prototypes and sent into the field for trials. Their success led to future versions using the Panther or Tiger II chassis.
Some modelers are simply not satisfied with building a stock kit and will sometimes bash to different kits together to create a unique subject. Bronco Models has bashed together the DML Flak 37 with a new-tool Panzer IV Grille 10 chassis. This kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on 34 parts trees (duplicate trees not shown) plus 33 trees molded in rust-colored styrene, two trees of clear parts and one fret of photo-etched parts.
Some key features of this kit are:
- Detailed chassis and suspension
- Individual track links
- Detailed gun deck
- Fully detailed track links
- Positionable side and rear gun shields/deck
- Detailed crew stowage
- Beautiful Flak 37
- Positionable travel lock
The instructions are very well written and will be easy to follow. Like all of Bronco's kits, test fitting of the main components does not show any fit problems. With a little time and patience, this kit will build into a museum quality kit without any further enhancements.
If you're looking for a unique armor subject for your bench, there's nothing like a big honking gun on a tracked chassis to make for an eye-catching project.
My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!