Sovereign 2000 SdKfz 221
by Lester Plaskitt
New from Sovereign 2000 comes a multimedia (resin, white
metal and photo-etch) kit of the German World War 2 SdKfz 221 armoured
car.
The kit comes packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with a
colour reference picture on the box lid. Inside there are separate bags
containing the resin and metal fittings; the upper and lower hull assemblies;
a set of very concise instructions done in a clear photographic format
(including a very useful photo of all the kits components laid out and
numbered for ease of identification); and an excellent etch-brass fret
produced by Aber exclusively for Sovereign, which contains all of the
various engine and anti-grenade screen grills and MG turret wall assembly.
The casing of both resin and metal components are exemplary
with no flash or air bubbles evident and with the pouring plugs on the
resin parts having very thin attachment points. Removal and clean up of
the parts is simple using a razor saw and a scalpel. The two main hull
parts are again expertly cast with small casting pour plugs on the rear
sections, which are also easily removed. The hull top has an ultra-fine
casting plug running around its edge, an ingenious way of preventing air
bubbles in the upper hull part: this can be easily removed with a Sharpe
blade. The reason for the hull coming in two separate parts is that, as
an added bonus, the kit comes with a full interior, including a radio,
a battery and MG ammunition, all which can be displayed through the large
side hatches. The side hatches in fact are cast separately to enable them
to be modelled in an open position – another part of the assembly
which shows the kit's designers have put a lot of thought into it.
The turret MG mount is again highly detailed even down to
the gunner’s bicycle-type seat, and with the turret walls being
formed from etched brass the scale thickness is captured to perfection.
Due to the nature of its construction the turret will need careful assembly,
with a lot of dry runs, using the resin turret base as a guide and the
brass wall being folded using a straight edge such as a small metal ruler
or a “hold and fold tool”, as recommended by Sovereign in
their instructions.
Detail on the surface of the mouldings is first class even
down to the weld seams and the fastening clasps on the engine inspection
panels. Of particular note are the lower hull and suspension assemblies,
with the complex axel and steering components all accurately reproduced.
The instructions point out where brake cables need to be added using the
length of wire provided in the kit.
In conclusion, an excellent kit of this small armoured car
which saw extensive use during the Second World War. I would recommend
it to both experienced modellers and any modellers who would like to try
their first resin and metal kit: with a little care over the turret assembly,
this will build up into an highly accurate and impressive model.
For more information visit the Sovereign 2000 website at
www.sovereign2000.uk.com
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