1:35 ICM Sd. Kfz.251/1 Ausf. B

[rverissimo]

ICM

1:35 Sd. Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. B

Ref: 35106

Available here

Introduction

The Sd. Kfz.251 was the all-purpose tool of the German army during WWII.

Its flexibility and adaptability are demonstrated by the numerous versions this model assumed. The idea behind the concept was to transport a squad (gruppe) of soldiers (10 men) along with their equipment efficiently.

Early combat experience led to the Ausf. B model, which incorporated a few changes from the A version. These included the elimination of viewports in the rear body sides and the reorganization of stowage and some internal fittings.

A new MG mount with an armored shield and fixed pivot improved the gunner’s protection and enhanced the gun’s accuracy.

The antenna mount was relocated from the right front mudguard to the right upper side, above the radio installation.

Returning to the subject at hand, ICM presents us with another version of this classic military vehicle—this time, the second variation of an early version.

 

What’s in the box

In the typical presentation, we have a box with a artbox showing a sd.kfz.251 moving in a winter scenery (steppe). A lidded corrugated and sturdy box protects the content.

Inside we have 6 light grey sprues, on clear sprue and two black rubber type sprues with the tires and tracks. A small decal sheet and a A4 colour instruction book.

In a typical presentation, the box features an art cover depicting a Sd. Kfz.251 moving through a winter landscape (steppe). A sturdy corrugated box with a lid ensures the contents are well-protected.

Inside, there are six light grey sprues, one clear sprue, and two black rubber sprues containing the tyres and tracks ( total 291 parts). Additionally, a small decal sheet and an A4 colour instruction manual are included.

Sprue A

This sprue provides the parts for the bodywork and chassis. The upper section of the structure should not be considered, as it is not correct for the “B” version.

Notably, the lower half of the combat and driver's compartment is moulded in a single piece, featuring appropriate detailing of the anti-slip flooring.

Sprue B

This sprue provides the components for the Maybach HL 42 6-cylinder petrol engine, which can be built into a more than reasonable reproduction of the real engine. It includes fan belts, an authentic crankcase and block, magnetos, and a carburettor.

The lower sides of the cabin are also included, and the bolted armoured belly plate is presented as a single piece with detailed bolt work.

Additionally, the leaf-spring suspension bar, axle, and drive pinions are provided.

 

Sprue C

This sprue (two are provided) includes the wheels and track rollers, which feature adequate detailing. It is worth noting the vision ports, which in the model are designated for assembly in the closed position. However, with some modification, they can be displayed in the open position.

Sprue D

This sprue provides the parts that replicate the vehicle's glass components. For this particular model, only the optical groups for the front headlights will be required. The remaining parts can be set aside and stored in the spares box for future use.

 

Sprue E

This sprue provides parts and accessories, including the antenna, tools, steering components, and miscellaneous pieces.

A notable highlight is the detail of the radio, with its adjustment and frequency knobs moulded as a single piece.

Sprue H

This sprue provides the entire upper bodywork for the “B” version, with a noticeable absence of the observation windows found in the middle/late versions of the Sd. Kfz. 251.

Of particular note is the mesh grille at the front of the bonnet, which showcases appropriate detailing for an injection-moulded part.

 

Wheels and Tracks

Represented in flexible black rubber, they feature adequate detailing, considering the material they are made from.

For the more demanding among us, resin wheels or link-by-link tracks, either 3D-printed or in white metal, can be chosen as alternatives.

Decals

A small sheet containing the various license plates, national and tactical markings, and instruments for the driver’s office. They are suitable thin with minimal carrier film and perfect registration.

Instructions

The instruction manual follows ICM’s typical standard. It is an A4 booklet with saddle-stitch binding, where the first and last four pages are printed on glossy, coloured paper. The cover image of the model is presented on the first pages, while the last four pages showcase the decoration options in coloured profiles and include a colour reference chart corresponding to ICM’s colour range. Colour mapping to other ranges can be done using widely available equivalence tables online.

The manual guides us through 103 construction steps and includes four decoration options, spanning a total of 24 pages.

The instructions are clear and direct, leaving no doubt as to which piece goes were.

 

Decoration Options

Four decoration options are provided, covering theatres of operations ranging from Eastern Europe to North Africa:

1 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B -  9th Panzer Division, Balkans 1941

2 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B  - 5th Panzer Division, Romania 1941

3 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B  - Eastern front, late 1941

4 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B – North Africa 1942

Conclusion

Currently, there are multiple options available for this model, ranging from classic releases to more recent moulds, benefiting from advancements in moulding and design.

This is the case with ICM's offering.

It allows for a smooth and relaxed build, resulting in a model with adequate detail and all the accessories that make up the vehicle. There is the possibility of showcasing the assembled and painted engine with the maintenance hatches open, enabling the model to be displayed in a diorama, telling a story. The option to assemble the interior with its details (raincoats, tools, weaponry) adds value to the final result, whether you are an experienced modeller seeking intricate detail or a beginner impressed and motivated by the number of pieces and their precision.

It is a superb model and highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to ICM for the review sample! 

This set is available here:

 

Ricardo Verissimo

[belugawhaleman]

Thanks for posting the review!

[rverissimo]

Hi

thanks for the feedback!

 

Ricardo Veríssimo

[FullArmor]

Thank you for sharing👍

ICM has evolved a lot in a short time. Accuracy is excellent. And newer kit manuals are very good.  On the other hand sometimes locator pin marks are too shallow. I am building now Henschel 33 D1 from ICM. 

I hope you continue to publish ICM reviews.🙂