Sd.Kfz.140/1
Reconnaissance Tank
 

UM, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

 UM's 1/72 scale Sd.Kfz. 140/1 is available online from Squadron.com
 

The production of the “Luchs” was coming to an end and a fully tracked replacement vehicle was much needed. The repaired chassis of the Pz Kpfw 38(t) was to serve this purpose and 50 were converted to mount the 2cm Hängelafette 38 turret.

It served on both the Western and Eastern Fronts and was issued to armoured reconnaissance units from April 1944 onwards.

This kit contains 144 parts, which are moulded on 4 light grey sprues. There is no flash to speak of and all pieces exhibit sharp clear detail. A couple of very minor sink marks were found but their position made them extremely easy to fix.

A nice little photo-etched fret is supplied and this consists of 10 items. Its main purpose is for the turret mesh, a solution that is essential in this scale: Kudos to UM for that. The rest of the pieces are for the fender brackets and perforated portside container.

A small decal sheet allows the builder a wide choice of markings and these are printed on a thin matt carrier film. My example showed all items to be in perfect register.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The schemes offered are printed on the front and back of the box and modellers are referred to these for the camouflage patterns.

Construction starts with the hull and the box structure is supplied as five separate parts.

This will assemble easily thanks to the obvious location guides. These locators are present throughout the construction sequence and are used equally well for the upper superstructure.

The 2cm Hängelafette 38 turret comprises of 18 parts and looks good with the aforementioned p-e added.

Tracks are courtesy of the link and length method. These are excellent with no blemishes, sink or ejection marks. Detail is provided for both sides with a fine depiction of the double row of guide horns.

All tools are supplied as individual items so the modeller can position these as desired. To UM’s credit, these are delicately moulded and will blend in nicely to the overall appearance of the vehicle.

The instruction sheet explains everything with clear step-by-step diagrams. The paints quoted are from the Humbrol range and are backed up with colour descriptions.

Quite a few pieces make up this replica and UM have done an admirable job with them.
Construction is simple and well laid out with no vices to trap the unwary.

This is quite an interesting vehicle in its own right and we hope to see more such conversions on the Pz Kpfw 38 (t) chassis.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Squadron for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2005 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 16 June, 2005
Last updated 16 June, 2005

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