Monday, June 5

Preview: Thunder Model's 1/35th scale Bergepanzer Hetzer with 2cm FlaK in three versions...

Thunder Model already have a very cool set of Jagdpanzer 38(t) kits - but today they released most of the details of their coolest Hetzer variant yet - the 1/35th scale Bergepanzer Hetzer with 2cm FlaK in three versions. We look at both the real thing & the three kit versions in our preview...


Preview: Thunder Model's 1/35th scale Bergepanzer Hetzer with 2cm FlaK in three versions...

Bergepanzer Hetzer with 2cm FlaK
From Thunder Model
1/35th scale
Kit No #35105
Plastic injection moulded kit with photo-etch & decals
Bergepanzer 38(t) Hetzer Mit 2cm Flak 38
Bergerpanzer 38(t) was a recovery vehicle based on Hetzer’s base, with lower open-top superstructure, manufactured by BMM company in Prague. The plans were approved in September 1944 and called for production of 170 vehicles until the end of 1944. In fact just 101 vehicles were built. To meet the production plans it was decided to convert 64 summer production´s Hetzers into armoured recovery vehicles, but it is unknown how many were actually converted. Production was much slower than plans, and total number of about 180 vehicles was finished until the end of the war.
A number of Bergepanzer 38(t) light armoured recovery vehicles were converted into anti-aircraft flakpanzers. They were fitted with a 2cm FlaK 38.

In the background of this photo you can see a Bergepanzer 38(t) 2cm FlaK 38 anti-aircraft gun with its gun raised.

The Kit: Thunder Model's 1/35th scale Bergepanzer Hetzer with 2cm FlaK
This kit is an adaption of Thunder model's other 35th scale Hetzer variants, and it is now available in three kit options, Early production, Late production and the upgraded Late production limited bonus edition with addition of full engine compartment and photo-etched mudguards and skirts.

Limited references show interesting mixtures of early and late Hetzer production elements documented, and Thunder Model supply all parts to make your own choice of these features:

Features of the standard & Limited Edition kits:
Standard "Early" & "Late" version kit box arts:
- The kit consists of 650 Plastic Parts on twelve sprues: (Sprues A, B, C, 2xd, E, X, Y, 4xz)
- Slide moulded parts, with multi-side slide moulded hull and sides.
- Faithfully reproduced detail, gun and ammo supply
- All possible options for choices between early and late production features
- Full interior included

The Limited Edition kit extra features:
- Full engine compartment in the limited bonus edition, additional photo-etched mudguards and side skirts
- Photo-etch detail sheet, choice between plastic or etched ammo boxes mounts for a simpler or a more detailed build.
We have at least one version included in vehicle colours, surely there will be more revealed before release...

For more information on their kits, you can check out the Thunder Model Website