Planet Models Elektrischer Generator 8KW für Flak Sw-36 mit Sd.Ah.51 (MV131) 1:72

[Mike]

Elektrischer Generator 8KW für Flak Sw-36 mit Sd.Ah.51 (MV131)

1:72 Planet Models by Special Hobby

 

 

Searchlights were the only way of finding enemy aircraft from the ground before the invention of radar and reliable infrared detection of targets, and all nations had their own systems to use in the run up to WWII.  Germany’s system started with a 60cm reflector that output a staggering 137,550,000 candles of light in a tightly focused beam, which is the equivalent of 1.729004_e9 lumens, if you can wrap your head round that number.  Imagine 5,763,345 of your average 5w LED bulbs crowded into that space, and you’ll be getting there.  These devices required a prodigious power supply, and could not rely on the domestic electricity supply, as it was unreliable due to the bombing, and the location of the searchlight stations wouldn’t necessarily be within range of a suitable connection.  Instead, they were powered by generators that produced 8KW of DC current, using 6-cylinder BMW engines that had been used in pre-war cars, fed with petrol/gas by the attending crew.  Like the searchlight, they had to be portable to go where they needed, so they were carried around on the same carriage that the searchlight used, the Sd.Ah.51.

 

 

The Kit

The kit arrives in a small white cardboard box with a sticker of the subject matter covering one side, and inside is one bag of parts, the instruction sheet and several packing foam pieces to protect it during transit.  If you’ve already read our review of the Searchlight kit (MV130), you’ll recognise the carriage, which is made from the chassis and two wheels that slot into the axles under the arches. 

 

 

 

The print-bases with the frames cut away

 

The generator can be left mounted on the carriage on the two tracks that accept the six wheels under the body, or it can be shown rolled off and sitting on its own wheels.  The body of the generator is a single part, with the flat access door for the control panel a separate slim part that has a support moulded into it, so take care when removing it from the print-base.  It can be fitted hinged up from the top to the horizontal in the open position, or by cutting off the support it can be glued over the instruments for transport or inclement weather conditions.

 

 

Markings

Like the Searchlight, the choice of colour is Panzer Grey for early war years, or Dunkelgelb for later operations.  The cable reels should have their contents painted a black grey to represent the insulation around the cables, and the dials and switches in the control panel can be picked out using your preferred method.  The carriage has just the wheels in rubbery grey, the rest is painted the same colour as the generator.

 

 

Conclusion

Coupled with the Searchlight kit, this makes an interesting diorama subject, or could be built alone for inclusion with a towing vehicle.  Detail is excellent, and construction simple.  Take your time cutting the parts free from the supports, and you’ll have a great model.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of