Barcode: 0 89195 87447 4
Case pack: 48 Pieces per carton
Box Size: 6.4" x 10.2" x 1.9"

Features:

• Intricate Sd.Kfz.261 newly produced
• Preformed frame and mast antennas
• Tow hook molded on both front and rear of the vehicle
• Finely molded one-piece hull w/fine detail
• Intricate external stowage included
• Chassis presented in full detail
• Delicate wheels w/authentic tire tread pattern
• Hull-top cover assembled from separate parts
• Spare wheels included
• Finely molded jerry can included
  

Dragon has been constantly expanding its popular 1/72 scale range of model Leichter Panzerspahwagen light reconnaissance vehicles. An Sd.Kfz.260 was released a short time ago, and now Dragon is offering yet another interesting variant. This time it is an Sd.Kfz.261. The Sd.Kfz.260 and 261 were similar in that they were both designed for signals units, with a total of 493 produced from November 1940 through till April 1943. They were designed specifically as armored (but unarmed) radio communication vehicles. The Sd.Kfz.261 was fitted with a FuG.12 long-range radio set connected to a frame antenna and also a telescopic antenna. In due course the Sd.Kfz.260/261 family was replaced by halftrack radio vehicles.

Dragon's 1/72 scale model makes use of the newly tooled Sd.Kfz.260. It has brand new parts such as the frame antenna and the exquisitely produced telescopic antenna mounted on the left side of the hull. These radio components provide the Sd.Kfz.261 with a unique silhouette and cause it to really stand out from other members of the Leichter Panzerspahwagen family. The hull-top opening is made of plastic, this material being much easier to work with than photo-etched parts. After painting in appropriate colors, modelers can apply Cartograf high-quality decals to finish off their distinctive-looking Sd.Kfz.261!

Reviews:

Sd.Kfz.261 Kleiner Panzerfunkwagen

Manufacturer: Dragon Models
Scale: 1/72
Material: Styrene
Serial Number: 7447
Price: TBA

Dragon:

Dragon has been constantly expanding its popular 1/72nd scale range of model Leichter Panzerspahwagen light reconnaissance vehicles. An Sd.Kfz.260 was released a short time ago, and now Dragon is offering yet another interesting variant. This time it is an Sd.Kfz.261. The Sd.Kfz.260 and 261 were similar in that they were both designed for signals units, with a total of 493 produced from November 1940 through till April 1943. They were designed specifically as armoured (amd unarmed) radio communication vehicles. The Sd.Kfz.261 was fitted with a FuG.12 long-range radio set connected to a frame antenna and also a telescopic antenna. In due course the Sd.Kfz.260/261 family was replaced by halftrack radio vehicles.

The Kit Contents

A vehicle as small as this one would really benefit from being supplied as 'two in a box'! The contents seem quite sparse once you open the box, but of course there's everything you need to build the Sd.Kfz.261...It's just that it's so small! Of course, the real thing wasn't that big either.
Inside the box then, there are three small sprues of light grey styrene, with separate upper and lower hulls, a small generic decal sheet and four page, A5 sized full-colour instruction pamphlet.

Of course, the parts for the main vehicle itself was previously released as the Sd.Kfz.260, but now has added radio antennae in the form of the frame and telescopic mast at its side. As a result of the models size, then obviously the model itself is somewhat simplified, and yet retains good levels of detail. For example, the beautifully moulded lower hull is supplied with separate crew access hatches on their sides, that themselves have detail on their inner surfaces should you wish to display them opened...and at 1/72nd scale that some detail, even if there isn't internal detail for the vehicle itself.

The model features full drive trains detail again as a separate part, with each of the roadwheels being supplied with a separate round-cornered, triangular hub. All of the on-vehicle tools are supplied as separate parts...albeit there aren't that many on these vehicles of course, and there tiny separate headlights, number plates and width indicators. The anti-grenade screens atop the fighting compartment are provided as solid mouldings, and although these are tiny I can't help but help there must be a better solution to manufacturing these? As it is, I can see some modeller's attempting to make their own from fine plastic mesh, not too difficult a task. Once the four separate mudguards have been attached, all that is left to do is build the frame antennae and the telescopic mast. Firstly the frame antennae is supplied as a one-piece injection moulded part, and will need to be removed from the sprue extremely carefully if you're going to avoid breakages. Each of its four supports are moulded integrally with their bases, and engineered in such as way that the correct angle should automatically be attained. The telescopic mast antenna is produced in two vertical sections, with separate horizontal arms for attachment. It is provided un-extended only, so if you wish to have an extended mast you'll have to scratch the sections between the two vertical ones supplied.

There are two marking schemes illustrated on the instructions sheet, both of which are panzer grey. One is unidentified and the other is provided with tactical markings on the decal sheet. See below for full details.

Conclusion

It is really difficult not to like these tiny models from Dragon. Absolutely light years ahead of what we used to be offered years ago. The amount of detail packed into such a small representation of the each of these vehicles is simplified of course, from what we're offered at the large more main scale 1/35th, nevertheless for this scale is really impressive!

- Vinnie Branigan