Tracks & Troops 1/72nd SdKfz 250/8 Neue Art By Matt Bittner

The Kit

The Tracks & Troops (TnT) SdKfz 250/8 Neue Art kit consists of approximately 45 resin parts and 39 etched resin. I say approximately because there appear to be some parts on the pour blocks that aren't used for the 250/8. TnT plan on releasing four different variants of the SdKfz 250 Neue Art, so naturally there will be duplicated parts throughout the run not meant for all kits.

The resin is impeccable. Whomever is doing the contract work for TnT is to be commended. This is some of the best resin in the industry and the photoetch parts are just as well done. The nice thing about the photoetch is these are for parts of the model that benefit from the added "thinness" afforded by the photoetch process. Doors, hatches, etc. various items that would naturally be "thin" on the real thing. The kit comes with almost a full interior. I say almost because there is no parts for the engine compartment, which is not a bad thing at all. If you decide you want to open up the hood and display something in this area, then you'll want to track down the Extratech aftermarket engine for the Hasegawa SdKfz 251 series (the 250 and 251 used the same engine).

A word about the TnT instructions. They're extremely comprehensive; however, the included images of the real model under construction are poorly defined. I'm not sure if this is because these instructions are copies of copies of copies...but clearer pictures would definitely help with the placement of some of the parts. My recommendation to TnT would be to include the images included in the instruction sheet somewhere within their web site.

Construction starts with adding parts - both resin and photoetch - to the interior. Take your time with this as the rear end of the vehicle is open and everything will be seen. As I mentioned in my opening, the interior is complete. Even so, there is plenty of room for modelers to add their personal touches. For example, maybe pick up the Mars German small-arm weapon sets and add a pistol or a rifle here and there.

Work on the model continues with the rest of the "regular" upper superstructure including the engine hood. From here you deviate from the "standard" 250/1 instructions into the instructions specifically for the 250/8. This assembly takes care of the large 75mm gun including its superstructure. Once assembled then that is attached to the rest of the hull. Now construction switches back to the "standard" instructions, where the rest of the kit is assembled.

Some might question TnT's decision to cast the tracks integral with the wheels. There is no distraction to the way it's cast at all. In fact, I'm thankful because with careful assembly, you now have the wheels and tracks all lining up all at one time. Just be sure to take your time with this area - epoxy is probably the order of the day on this area (if not on others).

There are no decals nor any marking information within the kit at all - you're on your own for that. However, since modeler's usually want to finish their models using their own found schemes, I don't find any fault with that. It's just something to be aware of as you're finishing the model.

Conclusion

This is an outstanding kit - a wonderful first effort from Tracks & Troops. If you were looking for a 1/72nd 250 Neue Art of any type, then by all means track down any of these kits (the 250/1, already out; and the 250/3 and 250/9, which aren't available yet). You will not be dissappointed with these kits. These are definitely highly recommended.

My thanks to Tracks & Troops for the review kit.