Sd.Kfz. 251/20 Ausf. D

Manufacturer: CMK (Kit No.72001)

And so it has begun. Sincethe release of the Hasegawa Sd.Kfz. 251 kits three years ago, Ihad hoped that we would eventually see a wide variety of versionsfor this very ubiquitous vehicle. Hasegawa has given us onlythree, and we are now beginning to see some after market items aswell.

The very large and sturdycardboard box actually contains a complete kit (box included) ofthe Hasegawa Sd.Kfz. 251/1 (click on the scan above for previewof that kit). There is a new set of excellent instructions withpainting guide. No new decals are included; only the originalHasegawa set. Several photos of the completed kit on the boxcover will make good references for the complicated searchlightassembly.

The resin parts areextremely well made, as to be expected from this company who hasmade many, very high quality, resin detail sets for aircraftmodels for many years. There are no molding imperfections, verylittle flash, and superb detail. As you can see, the entireinfrared spotlight system is included in resin, as are a completeengine, a new floor for the fighting compartment, and many otherdetails.

The extensive etched metalsheet is very well done, and produced by Eduard. There are newhull side storage bins with positionable doors, positionable rearcompartment doors, positionable engine access doors, and manyother details.

This is a fantastic kit,and I look forward to CMK's forthcoming combi-sets; I know thatthey have several more planned.