Background

By the spring of 1942, the Germany realized it needed a half-tracked cargo hauling vehicle for use on the Eastern Front to replace earlier 3- and 5-ton tractors. Büssing-NAG was chosen as the developer, with initial production commencing in December of 1943. Production started with unarmored cabins, but eventually gave way to an armored cabin and engine compartment. By war’s end only 820 examples of all variants had been produced.

The Kit

Bronco’s latest rendition of the sWS general cargo is of the early soft-skinned variety, and is exquisitely reproduced throughout. Crisply molded, with 11 tan sprue trees, 2 brown, and 1 large and 1 small clear tree, the kit is packed with detail – including full engine, suspension, cargo bed, and cabin. Tracks are of individual link design, and the cabin and cargo covers are molded in clear. A single fret of photoetch metal detail is included, as well a single sheet of crisp and well-registered decals.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Once again, Bronco delivers a top-notch rendition of a somewhat obscure but extremely interesting subject. I highly recommend this kit for modelers with some experience due to the level of detail and tedium associated with such a great level of detail -- including individual link tracks and PE.

Thanks to Dragon Models USA for the review sample and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review it.