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The kit
This preview will look at the trailer only. A preview of the Munitionschlepper auf Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A (in the guise of
an ambulance) by Francesco Giovagnorio can be seen here. As far as I can tell the two plastic sprues and the
photo-etched fret for the Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A are identical to those found in kit PS720093. The only difference is the decal sheet, which is just a set of simplified
white outline crosses, and the additional sprue for the trailer parts.
So, what trailer is this exactly? It is undeniably an Sd.Anh.32 ammunition transport trailer of some sort, but is it an Sd.Anh.32, or
as identified by reference [2], an Sd.Anh.32/1? Comparing pictures found in the references below it would seem that it is indeed an Sd.Anh.32/1. While the Sd.Anh.32
was used for transporting rounds for the 3.7cm Pak 35/36, 7.5cm leIG 18 or the 15cm sIG 33, the 32/1 variant is used for the longer length ammunition for the
7.5cm StuK 37 L/24 cannon of the Sturmgeschütz III. This difference in ammunition carried by the two trailer versions appears to be accurate as pictures
show the Sd.Anh.32 box is wider and more squat looking than that of the Sd.Anh.32/1.
How the Sd.Anh.32/1 is configured internally I have no idea. Period photographs in references [4] & [5] of the Sd.Anh.32/1 show similar layouts with the frames holding
the shells at different depths from the covering lid. Maybe the trailer was able to carry longer 7.5cm rounds than stated in the paragraph above which would probably
require the frame to be closer to the lid?
Preview update by Al Magnus (29/January/2017)
Reference [7] (brought to my attention my Antonio Almeida) has a photo showing the interior with only a partial ammunition load. From the photo
it is evident that there is only one layout for ammo storage - where the depth of the frame is set at the level where the diameter of the individual holes appears to
correspond with the point where the shell's diameter increases, producing a shoulder upon which the shell can rest on the frame while sitting in the hole.
As for the Munitionschlepper auf Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A, I'm not sure how many of these would have been used for towing this trailer. From my web searches it appears that
the Sd.Kfz.252 half-track was the designated tug.
Like previous S-Model releases this one is very well molded. The plastic used is medium dark grey and styrene like in nature.
This is a small trailer so the parts count is low. Detail is sharp and seams and flash are next to non-existent. There are a couple of sink marks but they look
like they will be completely covered by the ammo box.
This is a quick build kit, so some detail is simplified. For instance the rear lights & reflectors have been molded directly to the fenders. Below are
a few suggestions for those wishing to add extra detailing or make corrections:
- The folding rear support leg seen in reference pictures is absent and should be added.
- The molded on handles would be best replaced with wire versions. It would have been nice if S-Model had supplied the handles for the lid as etched pieces.
- Those wishing more detail, mud flaps could be added to the rear lip of the fenders.
- It should be not too difficult to cut along the hinge line of lid and expose the interior. The hardest part will be adding the frame with the circular cutouts for
the 75mm rounds.
- Remove the molded on lights and replace with separate items.
Conclusion
This is a nice rendition of this fairly common German trailer. I expect fit will be excellent as is usual for S-Model. The small parts count will make assembly
a breeze even for those wishing to do additional modifications.
References
[1] German Infantry Carts, Army Field Wagons, Army Sleds 1900-1945, Wilfried Kopenhagen, Schiffer Military History, Atglen 2000 ISBN: 0-7643-1273-1
[2] kfzderwehrmacht.de (Sd.Anh.32/1)
[3] kfzderwehrmacht.de (Sd.Anh.32)
[4] odkrywca.pl
[5] feldgrau.net
[6] forum.axishistory.com
[7] Sd.Kfz.252 blog (in Korean)
Preview sample purchased by the author.
S-Model products are available at
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