SdKfz 251/C- Winter (1 Viewer)

[Canadian Samurai]

I don't know about you guys, but I would prefer that CS stopped using opening hatches.

Oversized hinges and poorly fitted hatches etc are ok on cheap Forces of Valor meant for younger folk.

Are they really necessary on Adult Collectible Military Miniatures?

What do you guys think?

I like the playability aspect of the opening hatches and doors on this model quite a bit. In my mind it helps make these pieces look and feel less like chunks of polystone and more like detailed models. I just got my halftrack and the little engine you reveal is quite impressive. That said, the fact the hinges are oversized is a bit of an issue, but I don't feel they really detract glaringly from the vehicle's appearance at all.

The biggest issue for me when I got this piece was the surprise insignia. I say surprise because the pictures previewed here and on CS's website show no unit insignia on this halftrack yet the actual piece has the 10th SS Frundsberg "F" insignia on the front and back. Not a problem for people using this for an Ardennes display as I suppose it was intended, but a bit of a shock for me who was intending to use the piece in a Kharkov 1943 eastern front dio. I will have to try to cover the insignia somehow. In the future I'd ask that CS make sure its photos (and text description) convey all the details of the actual product you're getting, not just the prototype.

 

[maddadicus]

I like the playability aspect of the opening hatches and doors on this model quite a bit. In my mind it helps make these pieces look and feel less like chunks of polystone and more like detailed models. I just got my halftrack and the little engine you reveal is quite impressive. That said, the fact the hinges are oversized is a bit of an issue, but I don't feel they really detract glaringly from the vehicle's appearance at all.

The biggest issue for me when I got this piece was the surprise insignia. I say surprise because the pictures previewed here and on CS's website show no unit insignia on this halftrack yet the actual piece has the 10th SS Frundsberg "F" insignia on the front and back. Not a problem for people using this for an Ardennes display as I suppose it was intended, but a bit of a shock for me who was intending to use the piece in a Kharkov 1943 eastern front dio. I will have to try to cover the insignia somehow. In the future I'd ask that CS make sure its photos (and text description) convey all the details of the actual product you're getting, not just the prototype.

In looking more and more at my engine hatch, it is starting to grow on me. I somewhat think that it adds a positive visual breakup to the overall look ,much like all the rivets on C.S. Italian armored cars. Could I redo and repaint, yeah..But do I really want to? Would it be easier to use flat styrene and make the hatch from scratch? Otherwise, you are going to have to dremil thick recesses into the engine hatch walls to match the extra thick cover that comes with....Michael

 

[noli-poli]

In looking more and more at my engine hatch, it is starting to grow on me. I somewhat think that it adds a positive visual breakup to the overall look ,much like all the rivets on C.S. Italian armored cars. Could I redo and repaint, yeah..But do I really want to? Would it be easier to use flat styrene and make the hatch from scratch? Otherwise, you are going to have to dremil thick recesses into the engine hatch walls to match the extra thick cover that comes with....Michael

I was thinking of that...maybe drill enough to get those nails 1/4 way to have the rivet look but the whole thing will be super glued. Attached are photos of the Hanomag 252 hood...they are closer to the rectangular hinges I plan to use. Notice the covers, they are thinner.
N-P

 

[jbonzo1]

Why not include a choice of open or closed hatches? We already have the track option... this would be a simple solution on future releases. Those hinges give a "Forces of Valor" look to a nice piece.
I like my 251, but I might add a rolled up tow cable on the hood.

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

Why not include a choice of open or closed hatches? We already have the track option... this would be a simple solution on future releases. Those hinges give a "Forces of Valor" look to a nice piece.
I like my 251, but I might add a rolled up tow cable on the hood.

We're listening.

And be assured that future hatch openings will be dealt with in a more authentic way. We will try to devise hinges that work and at the same time are less intrusive to the original look and feel of the given vehicle.

Thanks for all of the valuable feedback, its excellent.

kind regards,

Brian

 

[jbonzo1]

Thanks, Brian. I need two or three more. I really like the model. Now, if you want to make a figure set for jumping out of the doors...

 

[wayne556517]

Why not include a choice of open or closed hatches? We already have the track option... this would be a simple solution on future releases. Those hinges give a "Forces of Valor" look to a nice piece.
I like my 251, but I might add a rolled up tow cable on the hood.

Great idea......