Eduard Sd.Kfz.251/7 Ausf.C Pioneerpanzerwagen (35767)

by Frank De Sisto

1/35-scale photo-etched brass for the DML kit. Price: $24.95 USD.

Although DML continues to release kits with more and more items traditionally left to after-market manufacturers, there is always more to be done, especially for the detail fanatic.

So, this set for the engineer half-track on the Ausf.C chassis is still quite useful. Eduard provides a full-color, printed sheet of paper for the instrument dial faces (which I prefer over their film) that goes behind the new etched panel.

There are also other parts for the driver’s cockpit such as foot pedals, gear shift box, gas mask racks and seat backs. A new radio and mounting frame, new MP40 ammo pouches and new vision block holders are also provided. The various internal stowage lockers get new hinge details, while new racks are provided for rifles, MP40 and MG34/42s and ammo drums.

Externally, details for the tools as well as one-piece clamps and brackets are given; I like these because they assemble very easily. I don’t need them to be workable and therefore overly complex.

A new shield is provided for the forward-mounted MG34/42. Various brackets and mounts are given for head- and tail-lamps as are new turning signal indicators. The jerry cans included in the DML kit get new racks, while the external storage lockers receive new hinges and securing chains. There are supports for the foul weather canvas and, finally, the characteristic triangular-shaped mounting brackets for the assault bridge sections are provided.

This is a simple set, which will add quite a bit of nice detail to the DML kit. I would thing that much of what’s given would be equally useful to any DML Ausf.C-based kit, as well as their Ausf.D-based “slash seven”.

Recommended.

Images provided by Eduard whose products are available at retail and mail order shops, or direct from the manufacturer at: www.eduard.cz.