SdKfz 251/8

[cph64]

I've gone back to the dark side again with this Esci SdKfz 251/8 Ambulance as an in-filler whilst the Humbrol RLM65 artex on the Do17Z fully cures!!!
I've built this kit in various other guises in the past and so knew some of it's shortcomings. The main one being the drive sprocket is really close to the mudguard, photo 2, so it's best to cut a couple of teeth off the front of it or you'll be forever breaking it off. Superglue is also recommended. The tracks, photo 3, don't come with any guide teeth and are the soft plastic kind!! So again it's superglue. In my youth I resorted to staples at one point!!
As it's the ambulance there are stretchers which I detailed with blankets, pillows and straps. Also missing is the attendants seat which I scratch built, photo 1. Due to the limitations in plastic moulding the stretchers and holders are on the thick side so even if fitted in the correct position (not shown in instructions clearly) then there isn't a lot of clearance.
As this is a model of the Ausf C I'm painting it as though originally Panzergrau over-sprayed with Dunkelgelb with camo to follow.

[zak]

Interesting stuff, I look forward to your build.

[chriswil42]

What scale is it Chris?

[Bigkev]

Hi Chris,
Will watch this one.
Never built one myself, but it will be educational to see how it should be done!
Bigkev

[MSea]

Will it go in a diorama when finished   -- you could put me as one of the injured because I have been pushing my luck with Kevin and he will soon get his own back - hohoho  --  I feel a clip round the ear in the near future.

[councilman]

The 251 is one of my favorite German vehicles.
Looking good.
Andy.

[Wizzel]

The 251 is one of my favorite German vehicles.
Looking good.
Andy.

Me too.  The amount of different variations on this one chassis is amazing too.

[cph64]

It's 1/72 and yes it is going in a diorama. I have the basic grenadier version, plus the pioneer and nebelwefer and other versions of the Matchbox kit. Years ago I thought about doing a large Ostfront diorama so collected many kits from both sides. Most are still awaiting building!!!

[chriswil42]

Well you have started on the great project then Chris?

[cph64]

If I started that Chris then I'd need as much room as Dave's display!!!

[cph64]

As anticipated the tracks turned into a 'mare. One held with superglue after many attempts but I had to resort to stapling, as previously mentioned, with the other. The tabs that you're supposed to melt to weld the track are too small. To get the tracks to sit on the rollers it's a case of brute force and ignorance, photo 1, and wedging, photo 2.

[zak]

The joys of modelling!

[MSea]

"Brute force and ignorance" sounds like my style of modelling - hohoho

[chriswil42]

But there are no zombies Martin!

[councilman]

I hate tracks. I hated them in the army and I hate them in modelling...
your getting there Chris.
Andy.