1:72 S.Sp.Pz.Draisine funkwagen (UM256)

The real subject

The Schwerer Schienenpanzerspähwagen was a heavy armored rail reconnaissance vehicle that the German army deployed in the Second World War for movement along railways. Vehicles of this kind ran singly as well as in a formation of several members, and their task was the security and reconnaissance of lines. The form designated Funkwagen was the signals car, that is the carrier of a radio set for communication within the group as well as with higher command.

What the set contains

A photo-etched fret with parts in 1:72 scale, worked out for the UM kit with number 256. The items are attached to the fret by thin tabs that are cut through before gluing; the exact scope of the set is given in the manufacturer's instructions. Leave the finest items in the fret as long as possible and release them only when their turn comes during the build.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface and level the remains of the tabs with a fine file. Run the bends along the scored lines; with the long narrow items that appear on rail vehicles a bending tool for photo-etched parts, or at least two straight jaws, pays off. It is glued with cyanoacrylate in a tiny amount. Degrease the metal before painting and apply a thin coat of base paint.

Who it is for

The set is intended for modelers who want to replace the thick plastic parts of a model of an armored rail vehicle with thin metal and to add the small fittings that cannot be made in plastic at this reduction. The model, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.