Carrera Revell First Diorama - Sd.Kfz.124 "Wespe" (03334) 1:76 Carrera Revell

[Julien]

First Diorama - Sd.Kfz.124 "Wespe" (03334)

1:76 Carrera Revell

 

 

The Sd.Kfz. 124 Wespe or more catchily titled "Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf.)" was a German light field Howitzer mounted to a modified Panzer II chassis. It became apparent early on during the war in France that the Panzer II was lacking as a tank and the Germans looked to re-purpose them. Thue was born such vehicles as the Wespe and Marder II. With the Wespe the Panzer IIs engine was moved forwards and the chassis lengthened to accommodate the 10.5cm gun. These would first see service in Russia in 1943 The gun proved to be both reliable and highly manoeuvrable, it had a comparatively smaller silhouette than other guns of its type but a downside to this was the abilty to hold less ammunition. 676 units were produced with another 159 chassis being converted to ammunition carriers. 

 

 

The Kit

Even though this says "New" on the Revell box the kit is certainly not new, but the matchbox kit from 1974, though traces of Lesley, and "Made in England" have been removed from the moulds the kit number PK77 can still be seen on the Sprues  Revell now seem to be marketing this as a "First Diorama" kit as the base complete with palm tree is still with the kit.  Even though the kit dates rom 1974 the moulds have held up very well with only a little flash on the plastic parts. The rubber tracks though are not so good with more flash. As a "first diorama" kit it comes complete with contacta glue and two pots of paint, green for the palm and black for the tyres, though any other colours you will need to find; though I suspect its not to be painted for the dessert option for the market Revell are pitching this at. 

 

Construction begins with te lower hull. The two side are added to the base and then the running gear can be added. There are 5 road wheels, an idler, a drive sprocket, and 3 return rollers to add to each side. Once these are on the tracks can be fitted. To finish of the inside the crew area at the rear is added in along with some ready use shells. Work now moves to the upper hull. First off the gun and its carride are made up, this fits into the gun shield and the two are placed in the upper hull with a plate going on the underside to hold everything in place. Side vent plates are then added to each side. The upper shielding plate on both side and the rear then go on, with radios being fitted inside the left hand side plate. The upper hull can now be joined to the lower one. Exterior jerrycans stowage, lights, and a spare road wheel are then added to finish the model.  If the modeller wants to use the supplied base then the palm tree is made up and added, tow figures are supplied for use on the base if wanted. 

 

 

 

Markings

There are markings for two vehicles on the small decal sheet. 

 

21st Panzer Division, Afrikakorps, North Africa 1943

17th Panzer Division, Battle of Kursk, Russia 1943.

 

 

Conclusion

Recommended for the small scale vehicle builder and maybe those looking for a bit of nostalgia. 

 

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

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[John_W]

Brings back memories. Hope this is a first step in a major comeback for the old Matchbox AFV kits.

[Julien]

42 minutes ago, John_W said:

Brings back memories. Hope this is a first step in a major comeback for the old Matchbox AFV kits.

Yes prices for some of the MB boxings have gone through the roof.