Conversion set Sd.Kfz.
251/20 Uhu
(for Sd.Kfz. 251 Ausf. D, by Hasegawa)
in 1/72 scale
| Name | German movable 60cm Search Infra-light (Item No. AC7201) |
| Producer | Kora Models, Czech republic |
| Packing | carton box with drawings |
| Type of kit | resin & photo etched parts |
| Quality |
The kit corresponds to the 1/72nd scale in all major dimensions (although I have not measured it against the scale drawings). The kit contains 28 resin parts, small fret with PE parts and a small circle of red foil for the head of a searchlight. Resin parts are casted in a very good quality, free of bubbles and flesh, the only comment I have regards the technology of small parts (e.g. parts 8 and 9), which are casted flat on a bloc of resin so it will be easier to scratch-build them from plastic rods. |
| Instruction sheet |
Clear instruction leaflet shows the side view and the top view of the vehicle, drawings of all parts, assembly instructions in five steps and one camo scheme of an unmarked vehicle (unit and battlefield not mentioned). Construction of the model requires detail photo reference for correct positioning of the parts, fortunately, the photos are not rare – either in literature or on the web. |
| Decals | no |
| General Impression & Note |
Very good choice of a type, which will enable to enrich the potential of excellent (and available) kits of halftrack carriers Sd.Kfz. 251 Ausf. D by Hasegawa. Infrared search light with a diameter 600 mm, installed in this vehicle, was used for marking targets for Panthers, the drivers and commanders of which were equipped with infrared viewers. The same infrared viewer was also mounted in front of a driver of the carrier. The whole system represented a highly sophisticated device, which was experimentally tested by Germany at the end of the WWII (in limited numbers, of course). The model of Sd.Kfz. 251/20 Uhu will be a great enrichment of a collection by well-known vehicle of a rather strange shape. Author would like to thank to Mr. Robert Koraba, owner of KORA models, for a free sample of the kit for the review. |
