I just got the venerable Tamiya SdKfz 7/1 for a measly 5 Euro at a local toy shop going out of business...

Can anyone suggest what's the best upgrade and detail set to make this kit worth building???

Thanks!

While the kit MIGHT sound like a bargain, if you want it to be accurate and even close to today's kits from DML and Trumpeter, you will need to spend quite a bit:

1.) Modelkasten wheels (Tamiya ones are out-size and wrong);
2.) Tracks (I used Friuls on my version, the MK ones are incorrect);
3.) Eduard PE for anti-skid plates, grab handles, etc.
4.) A new gun with AM barrels.
5.) Lion Roar Vierling upgrade ($45 from Luckymodel.com)
6.) Lion Roar metal mesh for side panels

I think you see what you're up against....

OK point taken

I guess I'd rather order Trumpeter's 7/1 + the 2 armored 7/2s and the early unarmored 7/2 and still come out ahead money-wise....

Thanks anyway...!

The DMLs are generally more-accurate (and more expensive) than the Trumpeters (see my reviews of the Early War Dragon 7/1 here and Trumpeter 7/1 here). You can get very good OOB builds from both, with the only thing I would suggest changing on the DMLs being the barrels on the Vierling. The Trumpeter barrels should also be changed, along with the gun sight. The DMLs also lack decals for the instrument panel; Archer makes a set.