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!

Features:

• Hull sides can be folded down for better crew access
• Side armor plates can be assembled at different angles for travel or combat
• Gun can traverse 360 degrees
• Adjustable windshield made from clear plastic w/photo-etched wipers
• Opening driver's and radio operator's hatches w/interior detail
• Layout of on-vehicle tools produced accurately
• Photo-etched mesh for folding sides of rear platform
• Brand new mounted 2cm Flakvierling 38 cannon
• Slide-molded one-piece gun barrel w/hollow muzzle
• Cannon can be freely posed at different angles
• Bolt detail on armor plates realistically rendered
• Detailed radiator cover w/filler cap
• Intricately detailed internal mechanical component: engine, gearbox, fuel tank, compressed-air tank, suspension, exhaust and winch
• 6-cylinder engine represented by multiple parts
• Delicate engine housing
• Folding tailgate can be posed open/closed
• Rifle rack accurately presented
• Gen2 Kar 98K can be mounted on the rack
• Finely detailed sub-frame made by slide molds w/muffler and exhaust-pipe assembly
• Gun cradle offers great detail definition
• Gun sight and hand wheels w/well-defined detail
• Gun shield molded to correct scale thickness
• Round base-plate gun platform authentically detailed
• Winch assembly w/rope, tow hook and actuator realistically reproduced
• Fully detailed steering mechanism
• Slide molds enable one-piece chassis frame w/support-brace detail
• Final-drive housing made from separate parts w/bolt and rib detail
• Detailed winch spool has bolt and rib detail
• Rear crossbeam w/roller and trailer coupling depicted like the real one
• Suspension system as per the real vehicle; slide-molded suspension arms and springs w/delicate detail
• Detailed gearbox has multipart assembly
• Brake drums have detail on both sides
• Photo-etched mount w/bolt detail for Notek light
• Photo-etched flange around sprocket wheel center
• Photo-etched steps w/tread pattern next to front fenders
• New accurately shaped front fenders made from 2-directional slide mold
• Brand new Magic Tracks for German half-track
• Track links have reinforcing structure
• Optional spotlight provided
• Includes clear lenses for headlamps and spotlight
• Different road wheels rendered w/delicate detail on both sides
• Sprocket w/realistic ribbed detail
• Front wheels w/authentic tread detail made from DS