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In-Box Review
135
Armored Krupp Protze w/ 3.7cm
Armored Krupp Protze Kfz.69 with 3.7cm Pak 36(Late Version)
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by: Kevin Brant [ SGTRAM ]

Introduction

The Krupp Protze 1.5 ton truck was produced for the German Army from 1934 till 1941. Powered by a 3.3 Litre Boxer engine, the 6x6 vehicle could reach speeds of 70km/h(43mph) with a range of 450 km(280 miles). To allow for quick deployment, Germans began mounting typically towed guns onto vehicles, including the Pak36 3.7cm onto the Krupp. Some vehicles even mounted extra armor for protection, but the weight of the armor proved to degrade performance of the Krupp Protze, hence it was quickly replaced..

An example of the Kfz.69 Krupp Protze with 3.7cm and armor is provided in a new kit from Bronco Models.

Contents

13 Plastic Sprues
8 Vinyl Rubber Tires
1 Fret Photo-etched parts
1 Small Decal sheet
Instruction Booklet


Review

I was excited to open the box from Bronco, this being the first new Krupp Protze kit released in sometime. First impressions did not disappoint, the kit is molded in typical Bronco grey plastic, and a quick scan of the sprues shows the typical excellent molding. The plastic parts are very well molded, little to know flash, no visible sink marks, and it does look like they have done a good job to hide all ejector marks well. The details on the parts is sharp and crisp, and there are some fine parts that will need care when handling.

The kit includes what looks to be a very well detailed 3.3 litre Boxer engine, transmission, and transfer case for the frame assembly. The overall frame assembly does look to be very well detailed, and based on the instructions, while it does contain a lot of parts, it should go together relatively well. The rear suspension scissor spring assembly is molded as a single piece, which is nice for static display and assembly, but would mean work for anyone wanting to create a diorama display on uneven ground. But there is an option for having the front wheels turned left or right.

While not usually a fan of vinyl rubber tires in kits, due to issues of cleaning up seams, paint adhesion, and detail, Bronco has provided what looks to be an excellent job with these tires. The soft feel, like real rubber, is very well cast with create looking details, and no seam mark around the tire. Even the color being more realistic with no fake shine is better then some of the sets I have seen in other kits. I could be wrong, but I do suspect these may be real rubber.

Moving up, the kit does also look to include a nicely detailed cab. The seat cushion surface details look to be very well done, including an impressive looking rear cushion with concave button detail. All the typical Protze controls look to be modeled, and Bronco has included decals for the instrumentation.

The Pak36 is molded on a single sprue, with the exception of the shield and some of the mount parts. The overall detail does look good, including a slide molded barrel with an open end. While Bronco did include some ammunition cases, including one open, they did not include any extra 3.7cm rounds to add to the vehicle display.

The front armor is provided in three main parts, and does provide the option of open veiw ports and open radiator port. Without building the kit yet, from the instructions I would be a little concerned on the front anchor point for the armor, as it does look like it may be a little weak. I would also say the same for the seats mounted on the rear bumper as the attachment points do look small.

The instruction booklet, printed on gloss paper, looks to be well done, with assembly being done over 34 steps spread across 14 pages. Most steps look to be well organized and should be easy to follow. The only section that may prove a little difficult would be the contruction of the swing arm components for the rear axles.

The kit provide a single paint and marking scheme, being for the 1st Mountain Division, 44th Tank Destroyer Battalion in the Ukraine 1941.


Overview

Overall all this looks to be a great new kit of the Krupp Protze from Bronco Models. The moldings look to be very well done, with great looking details. The frame, engine, cab, and gun details all look outstanding. Without building the kit, I am hard pressed to find anything negative in the box, I am definitely looking forward to building this kit. This being the first newly tooled Krupp Protze in sometime that I am aware of, I am hoping we see other variants will soon be on the way from Bronco. I highly recommend this kit.
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent subject, molding, details, overall great looking kit
Lows: I tried, the worse I could really find is a lack of lose ammunition for the 3.7cm
Verdict: Great to see a newly tooled Krupp Protze, and it is a great looking kit, highly recommended.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35132
  PUBLISHED: Nov 11, 2017
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.35%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 87.97%

Our Thanks to Bronco Models!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Kevin Brant (SgtRam)
FROM: ONTARIO, CANADA

I am an IT Consultant and father, with a passion for plastic models. I mostly prefer 1/35 Armor and 1/48 Aircraft. My main interests are anything Canadian, as well as WW2 German and British Armor and Aircraft. I have been building models since I was a young kid, got away from it for awhile, but r...

Copyright ©2021 text by Kevin Brant [ SGTRAM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

There is already an early version set for release if you look on scalemates.com. It actually has a prior inventory number, but I guess they released them out of sequence for some reason?
NOV 11, 2017 - 08:21 AM
Thanks Kevin, looks like a winner. I take it these are field mods, thus no standard look? Any idea on how many of these were made? Cheers, Tat
NOV 11, 2017 - 08:32 AM
I have heard it was "a considerable number" but no context was given. 10, 100, or 1000, I don't know.
NOV 11, 2017 - 10:53 AM
Any photos of this in action?
NOV 14, 2017 - 10:28 AM
Interesting.But Im not a fan of bronco !
NOV 16, 2017 - 05:04 PM
NOV 16, 2017 - 05:46 PM
Bronco 35133 is tagged as 'Future' LINK For some reason or other Bronco decided to do it this way ... / Robin
NOV 16, 2017 - 06:00 PM
wow thanks for the shots!
NOV 17, 2017 - 10:33 AM
   
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