15cm sFH 13/1(Sf) auf GW Lr.S. (f)
Sd.Kfz. 135/1
El Alamein 1942

RPM, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Steve Palffy

RPM's 1/35 scale Sd.Kfz. 135/1 El Alamein 1942 is available online from Squadron.com

Definitely ideal for the lover of the esoteric and obscure, RPM's 1/35 scale SPG based on the Lorraine Schlepper chassis is one different looking vehicle!

The Sd.Kfz. 135/1 mounted the big 15cm sFH 13/1 howitzer and a large stabilising rear spade. Nothing about the vehicle seems to belong together, resulting in a fascinating hybrid appearance. A similar vehicle was also used in Normandy.

RPM's kit comprises seven sprues of long-run injection moulded plastic and two lengths of soft vinyl track which look quite well detailed. A metallic grey sprue contains individual track links for the spare tracks only.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The kit features nice surface texture and crisp moulding overall with generally good detail. There are a few sink marks and a little flash to tidy up though. Indeed, it may be easier to replace a few of the smaller parts with simple scratchbuilt items.

One nice touch is the inclusion of detail inside the fighting and driver's compartments. This is especially important for an open-topped vehicle such as this.

The gun may be set in the elevated or level position.

Markings are supplied for two vehicles in North Africa - one from 21st Panzer Division and one from the 15th Panzer Division. Both vehicles are finished in Sand over Grey camouflage.

Decals also include stencil data for the fighting compartment and a large German flag (this is supplied with a two-part swastika) which looks about the size of a battleship standard!

In summary, this is a nice kit of an unusual and interesting subject.

Recommended

Thanks to Squadron.com for the review sample.

Review Text Copyright © 2004 by Steve Palffy
Page Created 06 December, 2004
Last updated 06 December, 2004

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