Sd.Kfz.232 (8-Rad) Review (1 Viewer)

[fmethorst]

Initial Impressions

While I truly expected First Legion’s Sd.Kfz.232 (8 rad) to be good I didn’t expect it to be this good. The detailing is simply superb and the painting is much closer to what I envision for faded and weathered RAL7021 than the pictures led me to believe, more on this in the Colors section.

The box comes with an instruction sheet which I recommend you read as it contains a few useful bits of information such as how to get the crewman into the vehicle.

A small amount of assembly is required to prepare the vehicle for display. This primarily consists of gluing the 4 corner markers onto the 4 corners of the vehicle as these are packed detached to prevent damage. The piece comes with a number of accessories including rolled tarps, a satchel and a pair of helmets that can be placed in various locations on the vehicle. The tarps fit better in some places than others so some experimentation is in order. I have chosen to not use any adhesive for the accessory items as I like to constantly move things around. The "bedstead" (frame) antenna is a thing of beauty and is made from brass (or similar sturdy material) so that it can be scaled appropriately. It is easily added and removed from the vehicle. Lastly there is an optional air recognition flag which snaps onto the rear end of the antenna.

The turret hatch can be displayed either open or closed and the figure is full so it can be displayed in or out of the vehicle. Hatch movement and fit is excellent (flush). The wheels do not turn.

Accuracy

The vehicle First Legion has modeled is a “Schwerer Panzerspähwagen (Fu) Sd.Kfz.232 (8-Rad)” which translates to “Heavy Armored Car (Radio) Special Purpose Vehicle 232 (8 wheel)”.

The Sd.Kfz. 232 (8-Rad) was produced from 1938 to 1943, when it was superseded by the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 "Puma". The 232s were not withdrawn from service; many of the old vehicles were upgraded with new radio communication equipment, replacing the "bedstead" with more modern and compact wire antennas. Armament consists of a KwK 30 2cm L/55 autocannon and a coaxial MG34 mounted in a turret that can rotate 360 degrees.

Visual changes through the production of this vehicle include:

• 1937 - Pivoting mount for AA machinegun discontinued
• 1938/39 - Standard cast vision ports adopted
• 1939 - Armored cowl added on the rear
• 1940 - “Zusatzpanzer” added to front mounted on a frame 1940
• 1942 - Armor increased at front to 30mm (“Zusatzpanzer” discontinued)
• 1943 - Forward visors on turret sides discontinued

The First Legion model has appropriate features for the Stalingrad time period.

The unit emblem on the piece represents 16 Panzer-Division which was present during the Stalingrad campaign.

Colors

Comparison picture of the colors used on the Stug and 232

While my review of the color on VEH001 Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. F/8 was quite subjective it is possible to be a little more objective on the Sd.Kfz.232 since we know what color it is. The color is RAL7021 and still exists in the current RAL Classic register (RAL 840-HR). That said this is still only my opinion.

Unofficial names were introduced to the RAL colors during the war to avoid the application of the incorrect color due to transposational errors. In some cases numerous names were applied to the same color. For instance, RAL7021 was called “Dunkelgrau” (Dark Grey) by the Reichsbahn and Wehrmacht Heer, “Nachtgrau” (Night Grey) by the DRK and just “Grau” (Grey) by the Reichs-Kraftwagen-Betriebsverband. Official names were applied later on. Today RAL7021 carries the name “Schwarzgrau” (Black Grey) which is a very good description of the color. On top of this new unofficial names are in common use such as “German Grey” or “Panzer Grey”. The bottom line is that regardless of what the name is it's all the same color, RAL7021.

I was a little nervous when I saw the first pictures of First Legion’s Sd.Kfz.232 as the shade of the color used appeared to be pushing the light side of the envelope. I realize there were weathering and highlighting components to this. I also realize that lighting plays an important factor in how a color appears along with digital processing and even the monitor a picture is viewed on. That is why I decided to wait until I saw the piece in person before commenting.

I’m glad I did because under normal lighting conditions the model appears quite a bit darker than in most of the pictures I have seen (including my own). I believe this piece carries a very nice representation of heavily faded and weathered RAL7021.

I hope First Legion varies the shade of RAL7021 on its various early German AFVs with some appearing with darker (newer) paint and others appearing heavily faded like this one..

This picture presents a relative comparison of RAL7021 from the 840-HR register and the Sd.Kfz.232.

This picture shows a brand new Sd.Kfz.231 with factory fresh paint.

Weathering

As was noted above the RAL7021 depicted on First Legion’s Sd.Kfz.232 does not represent a new coat of paint. This grey has seen considerable exposure to the elements. While it appears lighter than a factory fresh shade of RAL7021 the technique used to paint the piece conveys darker origins.

The model has subdued streaks and superficial damage (i.e. chipped paint) and this complements rather than overpowers the excellent weathered look.

One area that I think the weathering could use improvement is the tires. Frankly they just look too new. I understand First Legion didn’t want to apply dust to the tires due to the variety of colors the dust could be, which might limit placement of the model, but even a tad more dullness (matt grey) would look better in my opinion.

Insignia/Emblems/Markings

The insignia/emblems and markings are all nicely applied and are straight. An appropriate amount of weathering has been applied over top to provide a more realistic look.

Conclusion

If this represents the second try at an AFV for First Legion then the future looks truly bright for us AFV collectors.

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/forum/showpost.php?p=276007&postcount=166

 

[jbonzo1]

Thanks for the great review.

 

[sammy719]

Since I am waiting for my Stug to be available in April, the SD.KFZ.232 will be my first First Legion vehicle, hopefully not last!! since I am starting to acquire the WWII soldiers this will be a great early addition to my early collection, thanks for the info Frank, don't know where you went to school or how many books you have on WWII but your my personal goggle on WWII...Sammy

 

[Go for Broke]

I love armored vechicles and this FL one is just beautiful. What great detail! KC made a Sd.Kfz.222, but too small. CS made a larger one that I like, but I bet FL could really make this AFV standout.

 

[Go for Broke]

Pic didn't attach on previous post.

 

[nasirkasmani]

excellent review frank.
i was quite apprehensive at first, paying that amount.
but when i received it, all doubts vanished.
an excellent piece, which i felt, was even more impressive than the Stug.
i eagerly awaits the panzer III.

 

[sceic2]

What a great review. I too was very impressed with mine. I am very satisfied with this version.

 

[maddadicus]

I am not a FL booster boy, but I have learned to steer away from the price discussion for any mfg. It is easy to get sticker shock for the upscale detailed offerings, but a market has been established for this price point and a following of collectors have agreed to pay the going rate. That ought be enough for those of us average joes to understand that these types of quality figures may never be in our price range. To constantly throw in digs about said now acceptable price points, only shows envy, or smacks at a new class warfare in the collecting community..Buy what you want at the price you are willing to pay for it. And stop judging those ,who might make different choices. The FL stuff is beautiful and the new armored car does tempt even my discerning wallet. Really wanted those wheels to roll, though.... Michael

 

[Spitfrnd]

Excellent thorough and balanced review Frank and of course amply illustrated with your impressive photography. It certainly does demonstrate that sometimes you get what you pay for and more.

I agree with Michael as well. There has been a disturbing and tiresome tendency lately for some to confuse humorous with annoying behavior. One has a goal to entertain; the other to simply be disruptive or insulting. The later is more appropriate for a Pub where the feedback is more adaptively corrective. Perhaps this US based number could provide some assistance. 1-917-475-0060

 

[Vezzolf]

Another incredible First Legion AFV.....Detail is un-matched.....Really a superb product..........Thanks First Legion......I also eagerly await the Panzer III....

 

[IXEC]

A masterly review Frank, thanks.

I thought the color issue's can be somewhat addressed by some information provided here, even though it's about Luftwaffe paint colors the same "formula" can be applied to German Armor. http://www.rlm.at/cont/archiv01_e.htm

Not meaning to go off topic I have to ask some here if they have purchase the Figarti JS-2, I have and find it a fantastic effort and I'd like more. There is though, as I see it a little problem with the shade of the paint. I see in the stock Figarti photos a JS-2 in what seems the "proper" shade, but that is not the shade out of the box, it is very dark, IMHO. The above article mentions the "scale effect" with colors and do you think Figarti applies this well? I understand this is a FL thread, I'm using the JS-2 as just an example of color issues.

All the photos I've seen members post here of the FL armor seem consistant with this "scale effect" and Matt looks to have captured it perfectly and you get what you see in his stock photos right out of the box, IMO.

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Wow I have to say First legion armour is outstanding.You could not get better from a 1/35 scale master builder.I would love to see one in person and maybe one day I will. Simmo.

 

[fmethorst]

A masterly review Frank, thanks.

I thought the color issue's can be somewhat addressed by some information provided here, even though it's about Luftwaffe paint colors the same "formula" can be applied to German Armor. http://www.rlm.at/cont/archiv01_e.htm

Not meaning to go off topic I have to ask some here if they have purchase the Figarti JS-2, I have and find it a fantastic effort and I'd like more. There is though, as I see it a little problem with the shade of the paint. I see in the stock Figarti photos a JS-2 in what seems the "proper" shade, but that is not the shade out of the box, it is very dark, IMHO. The above article mentions the "scale effect" with colors and do you think Figarti applies this well? I understand this is a FL thread, I'm using the JS-2 as just an example of color issues.

All the photos I've seen members post here of the FL armor seem consistant with this "scale effect" and Matt looks to have captured it perfectly and you get what you see in his stock photos right out of the box, IMO.

I agree completely. The scale effect is something modellers have to consider which is why I would never suggest original colors should be used. The point I was trying to make was that the grey used on German vehicles was darker than I suspect a lot of people think.

I haven't seen one of the JS2s in person, nor have I studied Soviet camouflage colors in anything approaching the detail I have with the German colors so I can't offer an opinion on your Figarti question.

 

[debrito]

Superbe Frank, once again you gave us an extraordinary knowledge of AFV and Photoshop.

Thanks

 

[Blowtorch]

Several comments about RAL colors...remember the HR deck is semigloss & the wartime was flat. Increasing the gloss level always makes the color go darker.

When light hits an opaque object, it bounces off as a reflection & we see the object's color. However, reflected light is composed of 2 components...specular & diffuse. As a law of physics, specular is 4% of the reflected light, and diffuse is 96%. The specular is gloss...which is the original source light reflecting (bouncing). The diffuse reflection is color.

Take a gloss table for example. Look at it from one angle & you see unobstructed color. Look from another & you see glare. That is the specular (reflected origin light) bouncing right into your eyeballs. All 4% of it.

On a matte surface, this 4% glare is spread all over the surface, giving the matte color a chalky appearance (as light is usually white). That is why the theoretical range of gloss colors will always exceed the theoretical range of matte colors in the universe. Because with matte colors, it is by definition impossible to remove the chalkiness to the surface.

Second, the RAL colors of today might be different from WW2 times. The earliest spectrophotometer measurements of RAL HR colors was published in 1964 in the journal "Die Farbe" Band 13; Heft 4/6. I haven't looked at the data for 7021, but I did for olive greens & drabs, and can say that the colors did change somewhat from those first recording in 1964. I tried contacting RAL about this but they had no comment.

If you go to the RAL.de site, you'll see they put a disclaimer about color tolerances in there.

https://www.ral-farben.de/farbtoleranzen.html?&L=1

what that mumbo jumbo is saying is that they don't want to talk about it.


Now having said all of that, I would suggest buying the individual HR cards of the particular colors you are interested in rather than the fan deck as the HR cards have a lower semigloss content...and they are closer to matte than the fan deck. On the gloss scale, semigloss has a huge range. matte is 5 or less, semigloss runs from 6-70, and gloss from 70 onwards. So it's best to get the lowest semigloss example you can

 

[fmethorst]

To quote Tomas Chory,

"...The available Army regulations and the RAL documents specified mainly matte colors for the contempory military vehicles. The preserved specimens of original vehicle parts and equipment show that completely matte colors were quite rare. Most of the colors were semi-matte and some even high gloss. Today it is difficult to ascertain if this was caused by a shortage of matting agents or by other reasons...."

There seems to be some truth to Chory's position.

When you examine a new vehicle such as this Stug it is definitely not painted with a full matte paint.

I realize that the 840-HR register is not the 840-R register used during the war and that they are likely not a perfect spectographic match but I have found no reason to believe that hues for surviving colors have been altered so signifcantly that they can no longer provide insite into what the color looked like. That would really negate the point of creating a standard. In addition where it is possible to compare to surviving pieces of equipment the colors do seem consistent. Many colors of interest such as 7028 and 8020 were discontinued so the new register is of no help for many of the wartime colors but others such as 6003 and 8017 have survived.

Now what the various paint manufacturers did with the standards is another discussion.

 

[Blowtorch]

here's a pic (6500K) of the HR card vs. Chory's 7021. A good technique to compare small chips of dark colors is to make a mask with black suede or velvet. I got some sheets of black suede paper at a crafts store called JoAnns. If you feel Chory's chip is accurate, I can probably match it to a Munsell color which can be obtained in letter sheet size

 

[Blowtorch]

Munsell matte N3 is pretty close to Chory's 7021 N2.75 was the next closest...so the real value is more like 2.90. The current 7021 HR is listed as 6.3B2/0.4...so that makes sense; that is saying the current 7021 is a Munsell Value 2.0 with an ever so slight blue tint. The N3 is Munsell Value 3.0, one step higher (lighter) than 2.0. Munsell N's (neutrals) are pure grey, so you won't see the blue tint, but that is really minor. You can order a letter size sheet of N3 from X-Rite corp for about $30. I think I may just do that in my next order. See Grosseschwarzgrautarnfarbe!

 

[fmethorst]

Here are a few pictures featuring RAL7021

A factory fresh coat on an Sd.Kfz.250. Note both the shade and the sheen.

An early Pz.III in the field with a relatively new coat of paint.

An ambulance in Kharkov with a fresh looking coat of paint.

A mix of vehicles displaying varying degrees of weathering. You can still get a sense of the original shade.

This Sd.Kfz.251 looks like it has been in the field for a while. In this picture whitewash is being removed. This is the medium grey patina we often associate with early WWII German vehicles.

A modern photograph of a WWII period German ammo box with a moderate amount of weathering.

 

[nmrocks]

While I understand this is a finer vehicle, is it possible to display with my K&C 232?