Academy 1/35 scale SdKfz 251/1 Ausf C plastic model kit review

Sometimes referred to as the Hanomag for the halftrack’s design firm, the SdKfz 251 was a common sight on World War II battlefields. Consequently, it has been the subject of scores of kits over the decades. Academy’s new-tool kit represents the Ausf C variant produced in 1942.

Assembly starts with the lower hull. The front suspension is workable, allowing the solid front axle to articulate — a nice touch for diorama building. The interior details are crisp and scale-thin, including beautifully molded rifles and other items that can be stored in the side stowage bins. Separate side and front vision ports can be posed open or closed. Unfortunately, several ejector-pin marks mar the interior in difficult-to-reach but still visible spots.

Unlike the front axle, the tracks and associated road-wheel arms are keyed and not posable without modification. However, they slip into place with authority, producing a flat track run without other alignment tools. I had some difficulties installing the road wheels on the arms; each axle had an ejector-pin mark, requiring me to sand them until round for the wheels to fit. Each of the individual-link tracks consist of multiple parts and produces workable runs. Each side required 55 links, held together with 55 trackpads.

The exterior goes together quickly thanks to good part fits. The rear doors can be opened and closed, pivoting correctly on the complex-looking hinges.

Well-printed decals provide markings for 10 vehicles in a variety of camouflage patterns. I opted for an overall gray halftrack from the 14th Panzer Division on the Eastern Front in 1942. The decals responded well to the setting solution and laid down over clear gloss without silvering.

The kit includes three figures in action poses for an almost out-of-the-box diorama. One is firing the MG34 mounted at the front of the troop compartment; another is jumping over the side; and the third is running, appearing ready to jump over a wall or obstacle. No driver is included. The figures would mix well with Tamiya or Dragon figures to complete the crew.

Building and painting Academy’s SdKfz 251/1 Ausf C plastic model kit took about 30 hours. The finished kit is a handsome, well-detailed representation of the vehicle.