VsKfz 617 Alkett Minenräumer "Stampfer"

Plastic model kit for a German Vs.Kfz. 617 mine clearer

• Scale 1:35
• Dimensions L x W x H (assembled): 188 x 91.5 x 81.5 mm
• Wheels movable and rotatable
• Metal weights in the track shoes
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Vs.Kfz. 617 mine clearer is a mysterious German weapon from World War II with a relatively unknown history. Its robust and massive wheels were used to clear mines, enabling German infantry and armored vehicles to advance. The vehicle featured a Panzer I turret, equipped with MG 34 machine guns for close-range defense. The Vs.Kfz. 617 is believed to have participated in the Battle of Kursk, but no evidence of this has been found. 617 mine clearers fell into Soviet hands and were tested in Kubinka in 1947, but according to Soviet records it was not an effective mine clearer, as, for example, large areas between the lanes were not cleared.

 

Review on www.panzer-modell.de (German original translated into English using Google Translater)

The kit contains nearly 200 individual parts on three sprues: the turret, the lower hull, the hull cover, a fine link track, wire, and cleaned-up parts for the three tracks that go around the wheels. The latter are the highlight of the entire kit. As Meng advertises, they've achieved a special combination of components. Pure plastic track shoes would be too light to tilt forward and backward under gravity, and pure metal parts would cause problems with gluing and assembly. Meng has therefore used metal inlays with a plastic coating, providing both weight and the standard plastic for easy gluing. The best part is that these track parts and track shoes are already neatly cleaned and packaged in individual boxes. Only the sides of the track links need a quick file, as there's a noticeable mold seam. There are two different connecting bolts for the two front and the small rear track, which differ by only a fraction of a millimeter – so pay close attention during assembly! The hull is very cleanly and precisely molded. It features numerous internal support ribs to prevent sagging and warping – a great feature. Otherwise, the hull is completely empty. This is a shame, considering that all the hatches on the upper hull can theoretically be built open. The rather fine details are also nice, such as the small hooks that have to be assembled from two separate parts, or the ventilation hatches with their individual louvers. The Panzer I turret also makes an excellent impression with its nicely recessed slotted screws and weld seams. The two machine guns are made of plastic – they look okay, but you should treat yourself and use metal barrels. The instruction manual makes an excellent impression and comprises 19 assembly steps with clean and very clear drawings. No questions should remain unanswered. Three colored side profiles, each showing the vehicle from the right, represent three possible paint schemes. However, these are all fictional, as the prototype was probably only painted gray. Nevertheless, the images are quite nice and depict a vehicle belonging to an unknown unit in Kursk in 1943.