1:35 SdKfz.7 Front Wheels w/

The real subject

The Sd.Kfz. 7 was a German half-track tractor of the eight-ton class from the time of the Second World War and was among the hardest worked machines of its kind. It towed heavy artillery pieces including 8.8 cm anti-aircraft guns and carried their crews with their equipment. The rear part of the vehicle was carried by a tracked chassis, at the front was an ordinary axle with wheels on tires; that one was not powered and served for steering.

What the set offers

Replacement front wheels in 1:35, that is an exchange for the parts from the base kit. Which rendering of the tread the wheels carry you will find in the marking on the package and in the instructions of the set's manufacturer; the pattern is chosen according to a photograph of the machine you are building. The difference between the individual treads is clearly apparent on a finished model, because the front wheels are not covered by a track and are visible in profile and from the front.

Building and painting tips

Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder down so that the shape of the sidewall is preserved. Wash and degrease the wheels before painting. Choose the glue according to the material given on the package; the exact procedure follows the manufacturer's instructions. Leave the tires in a muted dark gray, as pure black absorbs detail at this scale; bring the tread out with a dry brush a shade lighter and separate the rim in color. Finally unify the fitted wheels with the model by a light dusting from the ground upward.

Terms of supply

What is supplied is the wheels alone. The tractor kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.