The Sonderkraftfahrzeug 7 (commonly abbreviated to Sd.Kfz.7) was a German medium halftrack of WWII with a payload capacity of eight tonnes. This sizeable vehicle met the requirement for a tractor to tow 8.8cm FlaK guns and 15cm s.FH.18 howitzers. It was designed by Krauss-Maffei and manufactured by several companies. Full-scale production commenced in 1939, with some 12,187 eventually being produced up till March 1945. However, the 6.85m-long artillery tractor is not of prime interest here – instead it is the special Sd.Kfz.7/1 variant that has benefited from Dragon’s expert technical attention.
The 2cm Flakvierling 38 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz.7/1 was armed with a four-barreled 3.8cm cannon mounted on the rear platform. This vehicle could be seen with either an open or an armored cab, but Dragon’s kit represents the former. The halftrack provided this antiaircraft weapon with good mobility, and as well as targeting enemy aircraft, it was often employed against ground targets too.
This 1/35 scale Smart Kit from Dragon is a completely new tooling. It is the culmination of exhaustive research and data collection, with the designers and engineers sparing no effort in making every single part as accurate as possible. For example, there is a liberal supply of photo-etched parts for items like the mesh for the folding sides and tailgate. The front tires are made of DS, while the track links are convenient Magic Tracks. Even hidden features like the engine, gearbox and fuel tanks are all included. As well as its high level of technical accuracy, the Smart Kit label promises a pleasurable and straightforward build for modelers ranging from novice to expert. The basic 8(t) chassis and driving compartment are well proportioned, with compound curves and thicknesses realistically rendered. The main armament is a gem of a kit in its own right. It’s accurately detailed, and the cannon barrels traverse as well as elevate and depress. This is the ultimate Smart Kit halftrack from Dragon, combining a fine new vehicle with a lethal weapon!
