Wednesday, September 14, 2016

ICM Horch 108 Type 40 and DML Sd.Kfz. 250/9 neu





















Working on the DML Sd.Kfz. 250/9 neu.  Ignoring the track shape/sprocket issue, the kit seems to go together fairly well except that there seems to be a gap between the hood and engine compartment sidewall.  Tried to address with some manual manipulation (i.e., bending) of the hood angle and a little putty.  Inserted a driver figure although not sure if will be visible at all.  Not sure if 250/9 interior should be dunkelgelb or elfenbein,  Went with the pseudo-elfenbein white color.  The interior will be dark anyway so even if the white used is "whiter" than elfenbein, not sure will make a difference.  Painted first aid kit on rear door although can't really see anyway.  Will add interior fire extinguisher - not sure why DML instructs not to include.  Also part C10 will interfere with hanging seat/radio assembly, so will have to be removed or cut down (it was moved to interior sidewall).

Additional build notes:  (i) replaced front notek light and two smaller headlamps with single Bosch headlight and connecting wire on left fender; (ii) shovel on right fender is too long to fit so will need to be replaced or shortened; (iii) added wire between antenna base and transformer box and Lion Marc antenna.  The ammo bag for the co-axial MG (gurtsak) seems to be missing as well so added the gurtsak from the bow MG assembly for the DML Elephant.  The turret anti-grenade screens are a little delicate, so care has to be taken in handling.

One reviewed noted a hood fit issue with ICM Horch 108 Type 40, so I wanted to build that portion up to see if the issue could be resolved.  From what I can tell from assembly, the issue is that the hood sits too high because the hood is too thick and therefore sits too high where it mates with the locating lines on the firewall.  I ended up thinning the hood so it doesn't sit quite so high (although there still a gap).  An alternative might be to cut or shave off the locating lines on the firewall.