1:35 German 8ton Semitrack Sd.Kfz 7/1 20mm Flakvierling

The Sd.Kfz.7/1 8-ton half-track with the 2 cm Flakvierling (1:35, Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German 8-ton half-track Sd.Kfz.7/1 armed with the quadruple 2 cm Flakvierling 38 anti-aircraft gun, in 1:35 scale from Tamiya. The model faithfully reproduces the running gear, the suspension, the body and the anti-aircraft mounting itself. A tool box, cartridge case containers and figures of German soldiers in winter clothing are also included.

The real subject

The Sd.Kfz.7 was a German medium half-track tractor of the Second World War, commonly used to tow guns and to carry their crews. The 7/1 version came about by mounting the quadruple 2 cm Flakvierling 38 anti-aircraft gun on the bed of the tractor, which created a mobile anti-aircraft vehicle. The Flakvierling was a quadruple light anti-aircraft gun whose high rate of fire made it an effective weapon against low-flying aircraft and against lightly armored ground targets as well. The vehicle was used in the second half of the war, when the need for air defense was growing.

Building and painting tips

Glue and align the running gear with its overlapping wheels before you finish the body. Leave the anti-aircraft mounting movable. Treat the base with a primer and spray dark yellow with camouflage according to the period. Bring out the engraved lines and the welds with washes and add dust and mud pigments to the running gear and the lower areas. Paint the figures in winter clothing separately.

Who the model is for

• For anyone interested in German armored and anti-aircraft vehicles of the Second World War
• For makers of dioramas with an anti-aircraft position
• For collectors of half-tracks and tractors in 1:35 scale
• For intermediate modelers

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.