DML 1/35 5cm PaK 38 (Sf) auf Zugkraftwagen 1t - Smart Kit First Look

By Cookie Sewell

First Look

Continuing with its production of one-off and short production run vehicle kits, DML has now release a field conversion of the Sd.Kfz. 10 chassis with a 5 cm PaK 38 antitank gun mounted on it. According to what info I have, a number of these were converted late in 1941 to provide Waffen SS units in Russia with mobile antitank firepower.

As usual it combines proven components from their single sprue 5 cm PaK 38 kit with the running gear from their line of Sd.Kfz. 250 light armored halftracks and previous Sd.Kfz. 10 DEMAG kits. The new sprues (oddly enough all labeled as "250" parts!) cover ammo cans and the mounting rails and locks for the PaK on the DEMAG chassis as well as the armor plate added to the grille, hood and windscreen. No clear parts are provided with this kit as they are all either removed or replaced.

The kit retains the hull pan with individual torsion bars for the suspension and a complete engine and transmission assembly. The modeler has a choice of either new "street" tires (two part types) or the five-piece grooved variants from the later 250 kits. In point of fact the first eight steps of construction cover the chassis and engine components. Note that due to the new mounts holes must be drilled in the floor pan to accept the new gun mounts.

The hood and grille are still impressive as all vanes and louvers are molded open and clear, with the ones on the hood being very petite and neatly done. But as the armor plate covers them, all of that detail disappears (not DML's fault, blame the Germans in 1941!) Storage racks for four Kar 98K rifles mounts are provided, but apparently are not used on this variant (and no rifles come with the kit either).

The armored parts are simple – a grille cover with big louvers, the hood plate, and the windscreen.

The basic 5 cm gun is a familiar DML item and comes with a full if unused carriage for the spares box in this kit. No ammunition (single rounds) are provided but it comes with three four-round ammo cans, one of which can be modeled in the open position.

Crew seats are not used but for some reason (probably prototype) the model comes with a folded canvas tilt and bows at the end of the body.

The model still uses the tiny Magic Track links of two parts each. While they are nicely done and accurate, they are smaller than many 1/72 scale kits and very tedious to assemble.

Technical consultants on this kit were Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.

Two different finishing options are included: Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (whitewash over grey, no markings); SS Panzergrenadier Division "Liebstandart Adolf Hitler", Kharkov 1943 (tricolor, registration SS-374983). A "number jungle" of registration plate codes is included along with the "get around CE regulations" split SS runes, all on a sheet of Cartograf decals.

Overall this kit is an interesting diversion and a different approach to the one-tonner.

Thanks to DML for the review sample.

Sprue Breakout:

• A 83 Sd.Kfz. 10/5 - fenders, hood, grille, chassis detail parts
• A 58 5 cm PaK 38 - complete gun and carriage
• B 4 Sd.Kfz. 250 – armored hood and engine grille
• B 12 Sd.Kfz. 250 - three 5 cm ammo cans, bolt heads
• B 3 Sd.Kfz. 250 - bows and folded canvas top
• B 13 Sd.Kfz. 250 - modified carriage mounts for PaK 38
• B 92 Sd.Kfz. 10/5 - suspension, engine, transmission, front seats
• D 57 Sd.Kfz. 10/5 - fenders, floor, body details, rifle racks
• G 28x3 Sd.Kfz. 250 - road wheels and suspension parts
• H 6 Sd.Kfz. 250 - drivers
• N 192 Sd.Kfz. 250 - two part Magic Track links
• X 1 Sd.Kfz. 10/5 - Lower hull pan
• MA 24 Etched brass