1:35 Sd,Kfz 251 /9 Ausf.D Canvas

The real subject

The Sd.Kfz. 251 was a German medium half-track armored personnel carrier, one of the most widespread machines of its day. It had wheels at the front, a tracked chassis at the rear and sloped faceted armor plates. The version designated 251/9 carried a short 7.5 cm gun in the angled front plate, so a light direct-fire support vehicle arose from the carrier. The Ausf.D is a late production variant with a markedly simplified rear and with side lockers recessed into the walls of the hull. The fighting compartment remained open at the top, and so it was covered with a canvas during moves and in bad weather.

What the accessory solves

The set reproduces exactly this canvas. Textile in 1:35 scale is visible on a model and a plastic part usually renders it hard and angular; a finished accessory, by contrast, has soft folds and sags that cannot be created in a kit. Exactly where the part belongs on the model is shown in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

First seat the part dry and check whether it rests along the whole length of the edges of the hull. Cut any excess material away a little distance from the part with a sharp blade and sand the remainder. Wash and degrease it before painting. Choose the glue to match the material of the part; cyanoacrylate glue will join even what cement for polystyrene does not affect. Paint the canvas differently from the armor, as cloth has a more matte surface and ages differently from metal; dusting and brightening the edges with a lighter shade will do the rest.

Who it is for

For modelers who build German half-track hardware and want to show a vehicle on the move rather than only in a combat position. Paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.