Bronco Armoured Krupp Protze

Armoured Krupp Protze Kfz.69 with 3.7cm Pak 36 in 1/35...

... from Bronco Models

A new release from Bronco Models in the form of an unusual looking version of the Krupp Boxer truck, the Kfz.69. A good example of a real-life vehicle conversion. About 7000 examples of the Kfz 69 were built between 1934 and 1941, a 1.5ton truck powered by a 3.3litre engine which proved to be rather too thirsty with high fuel consumption. Used as a light truck and a gun tractor, some had the 3.7cm Pak 36 mounted on the back but the crew were somewhat exposed. Hence some were given larger gun shield and some simple armour plates added over the cab and bonnet.

What we have here from Bronco is a very well detailed model of the Boxer. The chassis is neatly detailed and does include the engine as well as all the suspension units and drive train. A different style of bodywork which included seats on the rear for the two gunners and support for the mounting of the Pak 36, which also includes a larger gun shield than the standard towed version. The front end of the truck, with the bonnet hiding that full engine, even the bonnet will then be largely hidden by the large armour panels which fit over it. The moulded parts are finely done as ever with Bronco and there are etched detailing parts for the model as well. The result will be an interesting and unusual looking truck from the early part of WW21. Just one option for colours and markings, and this features an overall panzer grey machine from 2nd Company, 44th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 1st Mountain Division in the Ukraine in 1941.

In addition to well detailed plastic mouldings the tyres are a black rubber compound and which have the hubs fitted inside them rather than full plastic parts as is common with other Bronco wheeled armour kits (such as their Staghound for example). These tyres capture the tread pattern very nicely. There are etch brass parts and these are used in what I'd describe as appropriate situations. They work well for the headlamp support brackets, the fine support arms for vision flaps, footplates and some detail fittings around the engine and gearbox.

This September 2017 release is now in production and on sale.

Thanks to Bronco Models for the news.

Robin