Revell Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind" (2cm Flak 38) - 1:72 Revell 03267

[Paul A H]

Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind" (2cm Flak 38)

1:72 Revell 02367

 

 

The origins of the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind can be traced back to the North African campaign, when large numbers of Wehrmacht vehicles were decimated by fighter bombers of the RAF Desert Air Force. A number of temporary solutions were put in place, generally involving converting a range of vehicles to carry single flak guns. As the German military situation deteriorated, particularly on the Eastern Front, it became clear that a more permanent solution was required. A number of solutions were tried and tested until the first true Flakpanzer appeared in the shape of the Wirbelwind. All-in-all, between 87 and 105 Wirbelwinds were converted from existing Panzer IV chassis. The turrets were removed and replaced with an open-topped version surrounded with 16mm armour plating. The turret was fitted with the quadruple 2cm Flak 38, providing a high rate of fire. Most of the completed Wirbelwinds were deployed to Normandy in the wake of the Allied invasion. They didn't fare particularly well in combat though, with most being destroyed, captured or abandoned. Ironically they were more effective against soft skin vehicles and infantry than aircraft.

 

For a type that was built in reasonably limited numbers, the Wirbelwind has been reasonably well-served by model manufacturers. In 1:35, there are several options to choose from, including kits from Dragon, Tamiya and Academy (the latter based closely on the Tamiya kit). Tamiya also have a kit of the type in 1:48 scale. In 1:72 you can choose from older kits by Hasegawa or Esci, as well as this kit by Revell. The kit is effectively a reboxing of the MACO kit released in 2015, which in turn is based on the Revell Panzer IV; a kit released way back when Bob the Builder had a Christmas number one and the Millenium Dome was still a thing. Inside the compact end-opening box are five sprues of grey plastic which hold a total of 190 parts. The sprues are well laid out and the mouldings are free from flash. Surface detail is clean and crisp, and first impressions are very favourable.

 

 

 

As is usually the case with military vehicle kits, construction starts with the chassis. There is plenty of detail to add to the hull, including a multi-part exhaust system and towing hooks. No shortcuts have been taken with the road wheels, which are proper two-part jobbies. Take it from me, however, that painting the road wheels on thirty-two individual wheels will drive you bonkers. The tracks are of the link and length variety and have been very nicely moulded. Once the running gear is in place, construction moves on to the upper hull. In keeping with the rest of the model, this is nicely detailed and extra parts such as spare wheels, tracks and pioneer tools are all present and correct. The hatches may also be posed open if desired, although there is no interior.

 

 

 

 

The quadruple Flak 38 mounting is a separate sub-assembly which replaces the kit's original turret. Revell/MACO have done a good job with this part of the kit, and the high part count points to a very good overall level of detail. You will need to drill out the barrels of the 2cm cannon, but that is no hardship. You can choose from different turret configurations, although differences are small. One is described as the 'series' turret, while the other is labelled '12 PD.'. Lots of additional details such as spare magazines are provided too. The kit is calling out for some crew figures, but sadly none are included. 

 

Two different options are provides for on the decal sheet. 

• Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind", 12.PD Turret, Panzerregiment 12, Bretagne, France, Summer 1944; and
• Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind", Series Turret, 10. Panzergrenadierdivision, Berlin, Germany, April 1945.

The decal sheet is small but nicely printed.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This is a great kit based on a great kit. Revell and MACO have done a really nice job with the conversion parts and the result is by far the best and most detailed Wirbelwind available in this scale and it should be a nice kit to build. Highly recommended.

 

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

 

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[badger]

Nice review and good to see Revell have released this, as I missed it first time round.

This is a much nicer kit than the Hasegawa one I have in the stash so really must pick one up.