Unimodel 1/72 Sd.Kfz.140/1 Reconnaissance Tank Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | May 2005 | Manufacturer | Unimodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Sd.Kfz.140/1 Reconnaissance Tank | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 0349 | Primary Media | Styrene & Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nicely detailed kit | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $11.98 |
First Look
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The Sd.Kfz.140/1 entered production in early 1944 as an armored reconnaissance tank. Based upon the Czech 38(t) chassis, the Sd.Kfz.140/1 featured a low-profile turret similar to the wheeled versions of the armored reconnaissance vehicles..
The vehicle was armed with the KwK 38 20mm cannon with 300 rounds stored internally. The vehicle weighed in at 9.5 tons and could attain 58 kph. With a crew of four, two gunners, one radio operator and the driver, the Sd.Kfz.140 could scout areas that even the wheeled vehicles would have trouble negotiating.
This recon tank would be the final production vehicle based upon the 38(t) chassis.
The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on four parts trees. A small fret of photo-etched parts is also included which contains the grillework for the observation turret..
The first tree contains the 38(t) hull, the second has the unique reconnaissance turret and turret rin. The third and fourth tress have the road wheels, suspension parts, and track sections.
The track sections are an interesting touch since they are more realistic than rubber band tracks and easier to manipulate/assemble than true track links (especially in this scale). The results appear to be quite nice.
Aside from the 20mm canon, coaxial machine gun, and some ammo storage boxes at the rear of the turret, the kit does not have any interior details. With the top of the grilled turret closed, there won't be any way to see inside anyway.
The instructions don't have any marking details. The final step covered is painting the vehicle overall Desert Yellow. As you can see in the photos to the right, markings are provided for white 24 and red 23, but no further details are available.
This is a nice-looking kit that is reasonably priced and not a difficult build. You can see for yourself at your local hobby establishment or you can find this kit online at Squadron Mail Order.
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!