251 Halftracks GB 1 October '08 - 8 June '09

I believe it's just a KwK38 vs a PaK38 - if anyone knows any better, please let me know!

Alright, I'll bite - what's a Hooker?

Some links for some of you still looking, they are on sale:

http://www.internethobbies.com/dml-6202-pbs.html
http://www.internethobbies.com/afv-35117-pbs.html

Josh

Dupes,

When Bish has described his tanker role, just call him a 'Pongo' as this is what the 'senior service' labels all the guys and gals in the army. I'm sure he'd 'love' to tell you why.....

Acctually, while i have heard the term Pongo, i have no idea what it refers to.

I am acctually Infantry by traid, but am currently with a joint Army RAF unit that works with helicopters. Our main job is rigging and HOOKING underslung loads.

Pongos? Hookers? I need to find one of those online "Limey Dictionarys".

Bish, what choppers do you guys work with?

Fastas - good links! Anyone wanting a 251/17 - pretty good deal there. However, the 2nd one is not applicable - the 250 series was a much smaller halftrack. 

Sfcmac - absolutely. Be sure to read up on that whole batch of info on the first page of the GB.

I'm going to need two things from you - 1) a list of any 251 models currently in your stash, and 2) any preferences you may have as to what variant you'd like to build. You don't HAVE to have a preference, if that's your preference.

Once I get your info, you'll be added to the roster! 

The only hookers i know about are a few miles from here and are as cheap as chips

Lycraman, i know you are a lover of all things 1/2 tracked but have you seen my oversized half track in the Supply and support Gb?

...Guy

Luftwoller wrote:

The only hookers i know about are a few miles from here and are as cheap as chips ...Guy

Well, even though i am based not that far from you, i don't think thats us.

 Well thanks for having me.  Hmmmm 251 Models in my stash..... (sounds of collapsing stacks of models) Well I have found the Dragon 251/c 3 in 1 kit x2 and the 251/d 3 in 1. ( more crashing sounds) Here is a AFV club Zwilling triple 20mmm thingie and a bunch of the old Tamiya c versions and a D. May have more but I need a shovel now. I like the look of this one but am up for anything. I can get more stuff if it is available if needed. Lots of time to figure it out for now. Ouch the Dragon early flamwerfer one on the c chassis just fell off the top shelf and hit me in the head.

Hey who is going to clean this mess up now?

Probably just easier for me to take a pic. Here is a couple. What? don't you all keep a bed in your work room? Where do you sleep at?

Sfcmac - the picture route worked out just fine. Think I figured out all of the variants you're capable of building with your (now-unstacked) stash of 251's. 

Updated the front page with the current roster, we're up to 16 so far! Pretty soon here we're going to run out of variants. Heh. I've been playing around with the kit assignments, and everything is working out as far as I can tell. Having 4 people with pretty much no stash and no preference as to what to build is helping out a LOT.

Lufty - I went over there to look at yer thingy the other day and didn't see it...are there recent photos? I'll have to check back whenever I get some time - this week with the holiday (Independence Day to you "foreigners") is going to be pretty wacky for me. Meh. 

Dupes,

 I just came across this GB and, if possible, I'm in!!  I've got three 251 kits:

The two DML 3-in1s: #6224 251 C 7/10/1 and 6233 251 D 1/9/1

I also have the AFV (35S28) kit which is the 251/4 with the leFH18/40.

Basically, what Scott has, I have (well, I think he has more...)

I have no particular preference which I build, however:

-If I do the 251C (#6224) I'd like to do the /10 with the bridge (as depicted in the box art)

-If I do the 251D (#6233) I'd like to do it as the /9, but I know that others have an interest in that one

-No particular demands for the AFV kit, just don't try to make me promise to get the AT gun built too!!!

Looking like a great GB.

Boyd! Glad you stopped by!

Love to get you in on this one...I've got to admit I'm pretty excited about you having a /4 in your stash since no one else seems to have that one kicking around (and I can't find it anywhere). That would certainly fill a much needed hole in the variant list!

So I'll put your list down as well your official "no preference".

Any way we can get you to promise to build the AT gun too? I mean, it is a towing variant...gotta have something to tow, right?

Sure is looking like a great GB - I can't wait until it starts! What was I thinking with that October start date???

dupes wrote:

Boyd! Glad you stopped by! Love to get you in on this one...I've got to admit I'm pretty excited about you having a /4 in your stash since no one else seems to have that one kicking around (and I can't find it anywhere). That would certainly fill a much needed hole in the variant list! So I'll put your list down as well your official "no preference". Any way we can get you to promise to build the AT gun too? I mean, it is a towing variant...gotta have something to tow, right? Sure is looking like a great GB - I can't wait until it starts! What was I thinking with that October start date???

If it fills a gap, I'm happy to do the /4...  I'll even tentatively commit to the gun!!

Hey dupes,

Can I make a suggestion?  Perhaps an inappropriate one ?  Or a motion, maybe (can I get a second...?)

I am thinking this: why not bump up the kit assignment by a month?  People are chompin' at the bit to know what they are going to be building, and will probably get your lion's share of 'enrollment' in the next few weeks (what you have not gotten already), and we both know that there is always room for someone to slip in after the fact, as happens on most GB's.  So, my suggestion is, why not have kit lists and preferences due by the end of July and assignments made on August 1.  Obviously, this is a completely selfish suggestion, because I really, really, REALLY want to know which kit I'm gonna be building and the suspense is KILLIN' me!!

Just a thought...

You know, to be honest, I didn't think the GB would fill up this fast! I've been considering doing just that, issuing the kit assignments on the 1st of August (pre-nationals, just in case anyone happens to be there shopping for kits ) but keeping the start date on the 1st of October.

Anyone have a preference either way? What I would do after the 1st of August is issue something with the remaining available variants...not that there are many left. In fact, unless we find some more people willing to do some scratchbuilding or buying of uber-rare Cyber Hobby kits, the only variant left is the /17 Command available from AFV Club.

Anyhoo, take a look here, I've been messing around with everyone's stashes/preferences, and this is what I've come up with so far. Remember, this is *NOT* the official list - but it should give you something to think about, anyway.

                251 GB Kit Assignments (as of June 30)

Espins1                  Sd.Kfz. 251/1: Basic SPW fitted with the FuSpG ‘F’ R/T unit.

SMJModeler         Sd.Kfz. 251/1: Stuka Zu Fuss

Panzer88                Sd.Kfz. 251/1: Falke IR vehicle

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/2: 8cm GrW34 Mortar carrier

MPKev31b            Sd.Kfz. 251/3: Communications vehicle

BBrowniii               Sd.Kfz. 251/4: Light artillery tractor

White_R34            Sd.Kfz. 251/5: Engineer vehicle for special assault engineers

Luftwoller              Sd.Kfz. 251/6: Command Vehicle

Assurgeant           Sd.Kfz. 251/7: Engineer vehicle basic

Hermes                   Sd.Kfz. 251/8: Field Ambulance

JMart                      Sd.Kfz. 251/9: 7.5cm KwK37 L/24 Support vehicle

Sfcmac                   Sd.Kfz. 251/10: 3.7cm PaK36 light anti-tank gun vehicle

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/11: Telephone communications vehicle

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/12: Artillery surveying vehicle

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/13: Artillery surveying vehicle (Sound recording)

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/14: Artillery surveying vehicle (Sound ranging)

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/15: Artillery surveying vehicle (Flash spotting)

Lewbud                  Sd.Kfz. 251/16: Flamethrower vehicle

Wing_Nut             Sd.Kfz. 251/17: 2cm Flak38 AA vehicle

Bish                        Sd.Kfz. 251/17: 2cm KwK38 Schwebelafette

????????                    Sd.Kfz. 251/17: Command vehicle

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/18: Artillery observation and command vehicle

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/19: Mobile telephone exchange vehicle

Bufflehead             Sd.Kfz. 251/20: 60cm IR “Uhu” searchlight vehicle (Ausf. D only)

Dupes                    Sd.Kfz. 251/21: Triple 2cm MG151 and 151/20 AA vehicle

Panzerguy             Sd.Kfz. 251/22: 7.5cm Pak40 anti-tank vehicle

x                              Sd.Kfz. 251/23: Reconnaissance 2cm KwK38 turret

Dupes,

The plan and the list look good to me!!  I won't get carried away, but I'll start plotting about the /4 and the gun... Oi!!  The gun!!!

Well, if the /17 Command variant is the only one left count me in for that one. Squadron has it for $37.80 so if it's cool, i'll pick that one up to join in?

(Unless somone knows where I can get it cheaper?).

Whoa!! I didn't know I had been assigned a vehicle already!!  So what the heck is an "UHU" ???   And who makes the kit?  Gotta see what I just got myself into....  

http://www.internethobbies.com/afv1sd25audh.html

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AC35116

Here you go buffle

Dupes,

How'd you know I like to build weird versions of things?  Are you physic?  The flame thrower thingy looks cool. I'll take it.

FastasEF wrote:

Well, if the /17 Command variant is the only one left count me in for that one. Squadron has it for $37.80 so if it's cool, i'll pick that one up to join in? (Unless somone knows where I can get it cheaper?).

Josh - sounds good! You'll round out the variant list very nicely - I'll update the roster shortly. Make sure you get kit 35117 as opposed to the "other" /17.

Buffle - I picked that one out especially for you...Uhu means "owl" - that monster IR searchlight allowed everyone to see in the dark. Was hoping you'd get all excited about that variant, and the chance to try some AFV Club action (see kit 35116!).

Sfcmac - yeah, that X character has his work cut out for him! If any more of you are willing to help X bang out a scratched variant (thanks Hermes and White_R34 so far!), let me know - Ps1scw, you still thinking about trying one of the telephone versions? I'm tempted myself to try doing that /2...we'll see if anyone else comes in interested to do a /21, and if I can snag the DML Mortar Team set.

Lewbud - flame on! It was you or me on this one...had to make sure you got that D. If you decide to go get the kit now, be sure to get dml6247, NOT dml6202 - 02 is a C model.

So, nothing set in stone, but everyone appears to be quite happy (so far, at least) with what they're slotted under, so I doubt there will be any BIG changes for the official assignments. Keep in mind, if any of you want to swap variants between yourselves, that's fine, as long as you tell me, and they still get built.

dupes,

I took the opportunity to really pour over that AFV kit, and I have to say, I'm psyched to do the /4 (I hope I get to keep it )  This will be the first kit from AFV that I have built, but I must say they put together a rather impressive collection of sprue in their boxes...  I am definately pumped...  How many days until 1 October

Boyd, since you're the only one currently stocking the /4, it's pretty safe to say that's the one you're going to be assigned.

I only have one of the AFV kits (a /1), but it looks really good in there. Hunting for some of their other ones to fill the holes in my personal 251 series collection.

List looks good to me...here is some info on some of the non-kitted versions, which hopefully can be used to make scratchbuilding or kitbashing much easier.

251/11 - this cablelayer version has a cable reel mounted on the right front fender, and the crew members carry special hooked poles for laying the cable from inside the halftrack. Two more cable reels replace the right two benches inside the halftrack.

You can obtain both the reels and the poles from the Dragon Kettenkrad cable layer kit.

251/12 - had the FuG-8 frame antenna. Carried the "scherenfernrohr", the tripod-mounted scissors binoculars, and the red-and-white striped "winkelmessgeraet", or range measuring tool. As far as I can tell there was no actual modification, only the addition of rangefinding equipment. Crew of six - driver, gunner and four artillery spotters.

251/13 - sound recording vehicle. All I could find was the names of the recording equipment - so if you can find pictures, you can probably make up the rest.

Sachgebiet 27-4, Geraet 4012 = Satz Schallaufnahmegeraete (set of burst recording equipment)

Sachgebiet 27-4, Geraet 4398 = Satz Auswertegeraete für Schallmessbatterie (set of deduction equipment for burst measuring battery)

Sachgebiet 27-88, Geraet 8829 = Satz Einbauteile für KW(3T) Schallaufnahme (set of construction-parts for burst recording equipment)

Sachgebiet 27-88, Geraet 8835 = Satz Einbauteile für KW(2T) Schallmesstrupp (set of construction-parts for burst measuring company)

251/14 - same equipment as above but I believe this vehicle looked quite different. This is my own conclusion, so I'm not sure it's accurate, but since the railcar loading specs of the 251/14 specify its height at 3 feet higher than any other 251, I'm guessing that this unidentified photo is of a 251/14:

The FuG-8 frame antenna was always removed and dissasembled for railway transport, so that ca't be what is creating the height difference. Looks like a rather involved scratchbuild, if anyone out there is feeling ambitious...

251/15 - flash detecting and measuring vehicle. Once again I only have the names of the equipment used.
Sachgebiet 27-4, Geraet 4399 = Satz Auswertegeraete für Lichtmessbatterie (set of deduction equipment for light measuring battery)

Sachgebiet 27-88, Geraet 8828 = Satz Einbauteile für KW(3T) Lichtauswertebatterie (set of construction-parts for light deduction battery)

251/18 - something of a replacement for the 251/6. Equipment is as follows:

FuG-5 radio with 2 m rod antenna

FuG-12 radio with 2 m rod antenna

Scherenfernrohr (Scissors telescope)

Map Table

251/19 - telephone vehicle. Operated with the 251/11, carried a switchboard unit and standard German field telephones.

Also, there are a few other wild variants if you (dupes) want to include any of them:

Sd.Kfz 251 fuer 7.5cm PaK42 L/70 auf 3t Zgkw - Fitted with 7.5cm PaK44 L/70.

Sd.Kfz 251 fuer 7.5cm Kwk 43 L/71 - Fitted with 7.5cm Kwk 43 L/71.

Sd.Kfz 251 mit 10.5cm Feldhaubitze - fitted with 105mm Howitzer.

Sd.Kfz 251 mit PanzerJagerKanone 90mm - similar to the version mounting the 88, but better armor.

Sd.Kfz 251 mit sPzB41 Gerlach 28/20 Panzerbusche field improvisation. (can swipe the mount from the dragon 250/11 kit.)

Sd.Kfz 251 mit 88mm KwK 43 - 1943 factory modification, not very successful as only one was built.

Sd.Kfz 251 mit Vielfach Rak WrT34 (vs) - Fitted with US 60 tube T34 'Calliope' rocket launcher.

I also found this picture of a Stuka zu Fuss firing, and thought it was too cool not to share

FastasEF wrote:

http://www.internethobbies.com/afv1sd25audh.html http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AC35116 Here you go buffle

Thanks for the info FastasEF!!  What a cool looking 251!!  Its so futuristic looking with that huge IR searchlight!  I read a review of the AFV kit and it looks great!  Can't wait to get my hands on it!  I almost shelled out the duckets last night, but decided to wait a bit since I can't start it for at least a couple of months.

Yo dupes!  Thanks for making such a cool choice for me!  I had no idea there was anything like this during WWII!  Here's a photo I got from the above website for anyone else who doesn't know what an "Uhu" is:

BTW, I saw that Dragon/Cyber Hobby is also going to release an Uhu kit!!  Hmmm...I wonder which one will be better??

Thx for the pics Hermes. Thers a couple there i dont think ive seen before.

Buffle, i think Uhu means 'Owl', I might be wrong. Thats a great looking model though.

...Guy