Sd.Kfz. 253

Manufacturer: ARMO (Kit # 72 505)

I have long wanted a model of this vehicle (as well as the Sd.Kfz. 252), and until now, the only available kits were from Al.By, which I have not yet seen. But now, ARMO has given us conversion sets for both of these half-tracks, meant to be used with the ESCI Sd.Kfz. 250. In fact, this 253 kit is actually a highly modified ESCI 250 hull. To complete the model, the chassis, wheels and other external details are needed from the ESCI kit.

This conversion set includes two pieces of resin, the upper and lower hulls, which are hollow-cast, and have open hatches. The remainder of the kit, which includes the hatches and other details, are photoetched brass, produced by PART.

The quality of the parts is very high. The resin is very sharply molded, with no air bubbles and very little flash. As to be expected, the brass parts are very well done also. The instructions are simplistic, but this is a very simple conversion which leaves little room for confusion. All in all, a very good kit, and I highly recommend it.