Tamanoir Maquettes/MK72 1/72 SdKfz 10, previewed by Scott Van Aken

KIT #:	07201
PRICE:	$
DECALS:	Four options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	New tool kit . 81 parts

Germany fielded a whole range of halftracks during WWII, with different sizes for different purposes. The Sd.Kfz.10, one of the lighter halftrack types, was conceived as a prime mover for small towed guns such as the 3.7cm PaK36 and 2cm FlaK30. Measuring 4.5m long and weighing 4.9 tonnes, this Demag-designed vehicle could carry up to eight passengers. Its top speed was 75km/h. Around 14,000 Sd.Kfz.10 halftracks were built from 1938-45, and the chassis was also used for the Sd.Kfz.250 armored halftrack.

It is great to see a new tool kit, especially one from a new company. I have to say that I'm very impressed with this initial offering from Tamanoir Maquettes. Usually, initial offerings are a bit crude and then the company gains in quality as they go along. Not so the case here as this is as nice as anything molded by the big guys in the business. The kit is also exceptional in that all of the parts are on a single sprue and there is no photo etch or resin to fill in missing injected details. It is all right here.

The kit comes in a resealable polybag with a nicely done decal sheet, a sheet of acetate for the windscreen, and a folded sheet for instructions. The molding on the parts is very good. There are a few sink areas on thick parts and some shallow ejector pin marks, but really, nothing of any real consequence. One can easily remove the ejector pin marks and the sink areas should be hidden with the completion of the model. The mold seams are generally quite small and though there is a teensy bit of flash, it is no worse that what one finds on many other kits.

With 81 parts, this is a pretty detailed kit. The tracks are standard styrene that one bends into shape. This will make it quite easy to paint and weather. The tracks are apparently a tad long as the instructions will have you remove two links. It is a curbside as the car guys say but with a complete suspension. The only real options are to install black out headlight covers or not. The kit comes equipped with the usual picks, shovels and jacks as well as a nice selection of Jerry cans. I found it quite impressive that the transmission was molded into the main hull section. You can see it in the parts image. There is a decal to be used for the instrument panel, which is a nice touch. In this scale I generally prefer decals as I can't paint that well. This one is a top down kit and the folded top is well molded.

Instructions are very well done with superbly drawn construction steps. There are small detail drawings to help with the fit of some parts and there are two quarter views of the completed vehicle to help you ensure that you have everything in the right place. A template for the windscreen is printed onto the instructions.

Markings are provided for four panzer grey vehicles. The back of the box is a four view for painting and markings placement. This includes a color guide in Model Air and Model Color as well as RAL shades. No color information is provided in the construction guide. The versions are all from Russia in 1941/42. Each option indicates which decals are used. The small sheet, here shown more than full size, is well printed and appears to be in register.

This is a great start for a new company and they will be doing other vehicles in this scale. I'm looking forward to giving this one a go, even though I recently finished a half track kit. Look for it in your local shop or ask for it.

Thanks to www.tamanoir.ch for the preview kit. The kit is being distributed world wide so check the link for more info.

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