[chascbv]

The Flying Mule already has this SdKfz 251/10 in stock. The model represents a vehicle from an unidentified unit that was captured by the British 8th Army at El Alamein sometime during 1942.

The model is excellent in all respects, and the Pak 36/37 has also been very nicely reproduced. As with the rest of their Hanomag half-track models, Dragon has produced a real winner with this one regarding accuracy and finesse. My only complaint is the paint scheme - while I do not have the model yet, the colour looks like the standard Dunkelgelb, rather than one of the shades used in Africa; the vehicle should have the Afrika Korps palm-tree insignia in the right places, and the tactical number 13 is obviously not white. In another photograph of this same vehicle, the tactical number more clearly seems to have been only outlined with a dark colour, probably red or black. If anybody out there has more information on this vehicle, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

[Legio LXXII]

The thing about this release is it could just as easily be something seen in 1943 or 1944 as the C series halftrack was in use until the very end of the war (obviously in less numbers than the D series) and there are no unit markings making this fit in many different areas (not all halftracks had unit markings). As you point out the paint scheme doesn't really look the part for DAK, but would fit in more with what you might find in 43 or 44. I like this release.

[chascbv]

Originally Posted by Legio LXXII

The thing about this release is it could just as easily be something seen in 1943 or 1944 as the C series halftrack was in use until the very end of the war (obviously in less numbers than the D series) and there are no unit markings making this fit in many different areas (not all halftracks had unit markings). As you point out the paint scheme doesn't really look the part for DAK, but would fit in more with what you might find in 43 or 44. I like this release.

Yes, you're right, Legio LXXII. Why Dragon decided to model the vehicle in this well-known wartime photograph (which is in fact an "Ausführung B", rather than a C), and appropriately label it "Unidentified unit, El Alamein, 1942" I just don't know, given that they included no DAK palm-trees and used no desert colours. The lack of insignia, and the paint job make it feel more at home in the Eastern Front from mid 1943 onwards.

I also like this model very much, and I will certainly order it when it hits the shops my side of the pond!

[tank nut]

I have that halftrack with pak 37 on the way and if you like I will post pics of the real deal!!!

[chascbv]

Originally Posted by tank nut

I have that halftrack with pak 37 on the way and if you like I will post pics of the real deal!!!

Yes, please!!!

[Legio LXXII]

Just got back from my local Hobby Land store. They had all sorts of new 1/72 diecast goodies, well maybe not diecast but prebuilt/prepainted anyway. They had the 251/10 from Dragon Armor and it's just as nice (if not nicer) when you're holding it in your hand than it is just looking at the pictures. I normally buy my stuff online as it's generally several dollars less per Dragon Armor vehicle, but this one I just had to buy now as I couldn't wait. I'll shoot some pictures of it tonight and post them.

They also had both of the Shermans pictured above. I bought the ETO Sherman but just didn't like the paint scheme on the PTO Sherman. The smeared stars and camo looks like a kid was playing with paint, while it may be realistic, it does nothing for me and I passed without a second thought.

[Legio LXXII]

Here are a couple pictures, not the greatest as one of my daylight bulbs burnt out as I was taking the pictures...

[MoMo]

Yes, you're right, Legio LXXII. Why Dragon decided to model the vehicle in this well-known wartime photograph (which is in fact an "Ausführung B", rather than a C), and appropriately label it "Unidentified unit, El Alamein, 1942" I just don't know, given that they included no DAK palm-trees and used no desert colours. The lack of insignia, and the paint job make it feel more at home in the Eastern Front from mid 1943 onwards.

chascbv

You won't get the DAK insignia. There is a swastika under the palm, and that is outlawed in Germany. ( we've had this debate many times on the Forum ).

I'd rather have no insignia than a bowdlerised one!

Great pics, LegioLXXll. Just as good as when I have my specs off and use my Supermicroscopic Vision ( short-sightedness ! )

I hope that the new crop of 251s appear here soon. Your pics make the 251 with the 37mm AT gun more acceptable. Dragon's publicity pics do nothing for it.....they should hire you! If you intend to post any more, could we have one of the interior arrangement ? I have the vehicle in kit form, and Dragon have provided a beautiful set of racks ( if you'll pardon the expression ) for the ammunition panniers for the 37mm gun. Have these been reproduced in this model?

MoMo

[chascbv]

Wow, Legio LXXII, great pictures of a great-looking model!

Thanks, MoMo. I had not thought of the tiny swastika under the palm tree... So we'd better not expect appropriately marked DAK vehicles in the future. Well, I hope some decal manufacturer has these insignia in 1/72, so that we may add them ourselves (please, Dragon, remember Africa, not to mention those beautiful Crusaders and Matildas...). In this case, however, the camo colour is definitely not African sand, and Legio was right that the model looks more at home on Russian soil.

[chascbv]

The first Su-100 by Dragon finally arrived in the shops, as the enclosed picture from The Flying Mule demonstrates. And what a great model it is! Comparison to line drawings shows a very accurate model in all respects, so there's no criticism for this one. The white scheme has also been beautifully rendered, including finely executed, realistic weathering effects.

And now, with this Su-100 we get a new quality development by Dragon for their Armor product range - simply look at those tracks and the way they conform to the road wheels below, giving the impression of metal links weighing down on the running gear, just as in the real thing. Wow!!! A real BIG HAND is due here. Well done, Dragon, YEEHAAAAAAA!!!

So the final conclusion is... This model is a real gem, and I definitely want it in my collection!

This tank belonged to the 7th Mechanized Corps, a unit that was moved to the front line from reserve positions around Budapest to definitely stop Operation Konrad I, the first attempt by German forces to relieve the sieged Budapest early in January 1945. The Germans attacked Soviet positions from the North and West, but were met by a well thought out barrage of tanks and artillery fire that eventually broke their momentum and forced them to withdraw by January 12. They almost made it, though, as the offensive was halted at merely 14 miles to the north of the Hungarian capital.