German Half-Track Sd.Kfz 7/1 Flakvierling (Tamiya 1/35 scale model kit)

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[@simonmoss101]

I can remember building one of these back in the early 1980’s. It was the dogs in it’s day and was one of the jewels in my collection. I hand painted it and gave it a streaked whitewash. When the figures are included it brought it all to life. I’ve often been tempted to build another one and enjoyed your build video immensely as it brought back so many memories.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Simon - I'm glad you enjoyed it. There really is something about these kits - and they're at a price point which means I feel much more like taking risks with new techniques than other kits.

[@typhoon2827]

Me too! I've still got it in a box in the loft. I built it in late 80s. Badly. I've been buying kits that I built in my childhood and making better jobs of them; 75mm, Panzer IV, hanomag, etc. Much better now; better tools, glue, paint, airbrush. To be fair to us kids in the 80s, liquid poly, a blunt Stanley knife and and piece of sandpaper got us a long way...

[@markedwards4616]

I cannot remember building this kit in the late 70s but I still have it to remind me, that I did. Nice build, the PE brings a new level to the Half-track. Will look great in one of your excellent dioramas.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Mark

[@JeiBeeBee]

Regarding the tracks: there’s a known standard approach which is as follows: take a thin copper wire, or a thin thread, and thread it through the opening of the track, along the wheel and back to the other side, tighten the tracks and fix the wire or thread. Stiffening the first cm or so of a thread with superglue helps with the threading. Sounds more complicated than it is. On your tracks, 2 fixings on each side, close to the idler and drive wheel, should be enough. Then you can fix the tracks to the other wheels easily with superglue if still necessary.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks - I have a distant memory of reading about that technique, which obviously escaped me at the time! Sounds good - I may well try it in the next video on this kit.

[@larrycleave4199]

Got one for Christmas in 1978 was very pleased with how it came out.

[@ModelNerd]

Yep - it has its flaws but it's still decent.

[@freddakin7119]

Excellent work. I learn something each time I watch you. I’ve wanted to give this kit a try, so now I’ve learned what works!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I'm just working on a base for this kit now - it should be in a video soon

[@jonathansteadman7935]

I made one of these when still at school with dark wash and highlights. Included the soldiers. Put on a snow covered base. Think I got £10 off my mate, not bad for 1978. Sold the SAS jeep for a fiver too. Good kit as I remember.

[@ModelNerd]

Nice! Great kits these old Tamiya ones - inaccuracies aside.

[@robbo1068]

Thanks for the video, MN. For an old kit it scrubs up pretty well albeit the tracks but the PE certainly has made huge additions to the model. A great taster of what is to come in the future diorama....something to be keeping an eye out for that notification.

[@ModelNerd]

Cheers Robbo. Yes, I really enjoyed the PE on this one. Sometimes I can't see the point in PE additions, but here it seemed to make sense.

[@horrido666]

Built this way back in the 70s. PE is not needed - the model is already excellent. The crew is what makes this model. You should add them.

[@ModelNerd]

I'll add the crew in the next video for sure. Yes, PE not needed - but it does add detail and was fun to build

[@johnalecsscalemodeling]

Nice! You've taken an old-school kit and made it look special.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you John. I really like the effect the PE had and I'll definitely consider adding more to models in the future.

[@JeiBeeBee]

I really enjoyed your video, its focus on certain aspects of the build, and your narrative. 👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate, I appreciate that

[@indigohammer5732]

I remember building this around 1987! It’s a great set

[@ModelNerd]

It sure is! Despite some issues it is fun to build and looks good!

[@greedlike]

"vierling" in Flakvierling (in my language) means quadruplets. So the name basically means quadruple flak.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks mate - I didn't know that

[@TheLordkommissar]

Top notch build and paint. Really nice 👍👍🤘

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate

[@JohnSmith-sl1my]

Brought one of these the other week . Will be looking forward to building it .

[@ModelNerd]

Despite its age and the issue with the track / wheel dimensions, it's a great kit and I had a lot of fun building mine. Enjoy!

[@niceslippers]

Nice work. I have this kit in the stash - nice to get a heads up on the tracks!

[@ModelNerd]

Have fun, it is a fun kit :) Next time I'd follow the advice of the other commenters here and staple or tie the tracks together.

[@MrKersey]

It was a great model back in the day, although inferior compared with some newer SD.KfZ 7/1 models, it still can be build into a nice looking vehicle, with some additional PE parts and metal barrels. Your build and painting looks great, thanks for another gem from the past!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate. Yes, I do like the way the PE has improved the kit.

[@stephenbridges2791]

Nice job. I am just now finishing up another 1970's Tamiya kit. The Krupp Protze truck. 1976, I think. It was updated in 2011. The extent of the "update" was 2 additional crewmen and an additional sprue of weapons. The instructions are about like yours. It has a drawing of a panzer guy looking over his shoulder telling you to "be careful" on certain steps. Somewhat humorous by today's standards. Even though they are very dated, they are better than some of the Chinese drivel around today.

[@ModelNerd]

Ah, the Krupp Protze truck! I remember that one well. A lot of fun. Yes, the instructions definitely have a quaint quality about them. I also really enjoyed the Quad Gun Tractor kit - another classic.

[@jamesbednar8625]

Awesome!! Am building that 2011 version of same kit. Not too bad.

[@steve1315]

Great work on one of their older kits.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Steve

[@garylawless3608]

Great build MN! I am half way through building this kit, and although it is an old kit, it still had some appeal for me. A good heads up for me about the tracks. I have not got that far as yet, and I was going to get some metal tracks for it (the R-Model tracks that you bought in fact) so you have saved me some $’s there. I haven’t even looked at the rubber tracks, so I would not have picked up on that. I am not going to give it a winter whitewash, but I was thinking I might give it a DAK colour scheme. Not sure if this would be accurate, but it appeals to me. I will look for a suitable crew for it as well. Keep up the great content. Greetings fro Australia 🇦🇺!

[@ModelNerd]

I reckon it would look really smart in a DAK scheme. I'm not sure about the accuracy either but it it looks good, ir looks good. Enjoy mate!

[@andrewstamford1988]

Just started getting back into modelling and 45 years after I first made this kit, I bought another two to make in different colour schemes. It's a cool looking vehicle and the relative complexity offers more than a regular 'quick' build. But now I am terrified of starting it! Not that you necessarily put the fear of God in me about the problems, but I'm certainly going to put this way, way, waaaaay down on my list of kits to start building. Though hopefully not in another 45 years! 😁 I do appreciate the tips and suggestions that you made. If and when I do get around to building it, I will have this guide to refer to. Thanks.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks for your kind words, Andrew. I'd say give it a go! It's not a bad kit at all. Yes, the bonnet/hood was a bit of a bad fit, but as another viewer pointed out there is supposed to be a piece of canvas between the hood and the cab that isn't modelled. If it turns out really bad you can just put a tarp over it :)

[@andrewstamford1988]

@@ModelNerd Cheers Pal. Nothing worse than "analysis paralysis" and you _do_ inspire and show how to overcome difficulties. Much appreciated. Cheers.

[@johnblessing2642]

Nice build of a classic Tamiya kit.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks John, glad you liked it

[@jyvesguillemot]

very nicely done, great details !

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you very much :)

[@anjkovo2138]

Great video👍👍I've built that kit. It was a joy to build & paint

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Anj!

[@7tp341]

It was my first painted model, I loved it.

[@ModelNerd]

It's a great kit! Do you still have your model?

[@7tp341]

@@ModelNerd Yes, the more I look at it, the more things I find to that make it imperfect haha. It let's me see how much my modeling abilities changed.

[@dweeb9993]

Beautiful work 🎉

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you! 😊

[@thecanadianchurchill4080]

Nice model half track keep up the good work

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks, will try!

[@claytonmcclain182]

Love that👍 to bad I couldn't talk to you first about that kit. Tracks are that big not sure why yours are that small.?? I bought a modelKasten tracks set with resin roadwheels and front end suspension. But I also bought the Photo etch. Great set. Actually bought two sets I have 8ton prim mover by Tamiya. Oh the gap at the front is actually a leather piece between the engine compartment and cab.wish could let you see it. Anyway Awesome build forsure.👍👍

[@ModelNerd]

Hi Clayton, thanks for the information. I thought it was well known (although not to me at the time!) that Tamiya's wheels are too far apart and their tracks too big? Oh well, either way it just means I'll need to build another one from a different manufacturer :)

[@foreverplastickits138]

*Very strange this undersized tracks, happily Tamiya ones are still good once painted. Good work, the Eduard pe gives a real up date to this oldy but goody kit!*

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks mate. I think it is the Tamiya tracks and wheels that are too big rather than the metal ones being too small though.

[@MarkCsevensixtwo]

I remember building that kit in 1981. The Flak mount and crew was available as a separate kit, in towed configuration. The sdkfz7 and 88mm flak 18 was an amazing kit....well worth a look at it you get the opportunity.

[@ModelNerd]

I've built the flak 88 previously (before I made this channel) but wouldn't mind making it again

[@ChuckBame]

Been working on this. Several problems with fit. Pushing forward to finish

[@ModelNerd]

Around the hood/bonnet? I had some issues there.

[@davegiles2344]

Lovely build 👍

[@ModelNerd]

Cheers Dave

[@flybobbie1449]

0:24 Matilda tank. The only Tamiya (i think, who else made? ) kit i built in the 70's. First time i stippled model with silver brush. Friend thought it was a steel Dinky toy.

[@ModelNerd]

Good memories!

[@flybobbie1449]

All my old models were stored in a cupboard. When i moved home, aged 48! I had no where to put them, like items in a Pharaohs tomb, they fell apart. All went in the bin, what a shame.

[@ChristianSchroter-ok4sk]

Hello mr. Nerd!thats an outstanding piece of art you have created.i Was deliciously Entertained. Many thanks 4your efforts. Nice watching you unleashing your creative powers.i like your narration.thank you 4sharing.with sticky greetings from Brandenburg/germany.your modellmate.christian

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Christian

[@wolfmanxxx100]

I liked your approach to a classic build with the photo etch, i have just bought one myself and now i need to get the pe set if it still available. The supplied tracks are quite awful and that got me thinking as to how to replace them ...i have a number of Fruilmodel tracks sets and i can see the sdkfz 7 tracks are too small. The answer to the problem is to up the size i have both the sdkfz 8 12ton tracks and the sdkfz 9 Famo tracks. matching and comparing the sdkfz 8 12ton tracks Fruilmodel no ATL-169 is by far the closest in pitch and width ...just maybe 1mm or 2mm narrower . This is the answer to the problem and should look really good and the way i will do my own....hope this is of help.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks - that's a good suggestion

[@edhorst7212]

Possible use for tracks would be an abandoned or burnt/destroyed half track along side of road/field as tracks would be off & damaged..

[@ModelNerd]

Yes, that's a good idea. I definitely want to do a damaged and abandoned tank at some point.

[@mikelucraft]

Is the KFZ.7 nearer 1/32 like a lot of early Tamiya stuff? Plus it's based on the motorised version which was so much fun. I have one in the stash waiting for a nostalgic build sometime.

[@ModelNerd]

I'm not sure to be honest. I think the scale is OK but the wheels are totally wrong in terms of width.

[@Hs13h]

Nice video!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks!

[@stevenholt4130]

Quality video. Wish I was as good as that. 👍🏻

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Steven. It's just to practise, practise, and more practise - I still have a lot to learn and many improvements to make.

[@Anonymous-fu5ok]

Think I remember you had to melt the track together. Is that a lost art?

[@ModelNerd]

On the older kits the instructions usually do recommend that. On the newer kits you can normally glue the tracks.

[@JohnSmith-sl1my]

Nice . Where did u find this tamiya kit . As ive not seen this one for years .

[@ModelNerd]

I think I bought this one from HobbyLink Japan

[@keithparkinson6170]

I got one from North East model Centre in Chester Le Street last month,my 1st tamiya kit back in the late 70's the new one cost nearly modern day price though.

[@johntreloar8203]

I used a needle and thread for the tracks on mine, but most times I use staples... or aftermarket tracks, don't know why Tamiya tracks don't glue???

[@ModelNerd]

That's a good idea, thanks John. Yes, the older vinyl ones are some kind of atrange alien material or something!

[@user-fw1si8uw4w]

これ、1972年のキットだから足周りを入念に作り込む必要があるんですよね。

[@the-primered-thumb]

Shame about the tracks,I've built a couple of r model track sets and they look good when painted and weathered, happy modelling mate,nice one 😉👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Tim

[@fridayray8891]

I remember when that was issued...

[@kennethleftwich1939]

Maybe your metal tracks were for the 251 half track which are narrower

[@ModelNerd]

The box did specify the 7/1 - I think it is just a Tamiya issue

[@tracybaer181]

I built one a few years ago and had similar fitting problems. I would share a couple pix if this old man knew how. lol

[@ModelNerd]

Good to know I wasn't the only one!

[@MVeminor7]

Hi MN, I never saw this one coming! I love half tracks, they offer the best of all worlds - tracks, cab, wheels and guns. The chipping on the diamond plate is excellent. Too bad about the track fit but, you made it work just fine. You are off to a great start with this build. It's a little monochrome for my taste but that's me. Thanks for the surprise kit. It was a pleasure to watch. See you again.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Michael. I was thinking of adding an air recognition flag to brighten it up, but that certain symbol would need editting out for YT anyway.

[@allanrichards3752]

A nice build of an old kit. Its a shame about the tracks on this kit being wrong. I am not sure if the wheel spacing is wrong too. This said back in 1972 it probably wasn't considered too important to get the scale exact. I think Hasegawa and Trumpeter do similar kits. I don't know if these are more accurate models.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Allan. Yes, I hear Tamiya's original Panther A is also notorious for having multiple errors, including the wrong number of wheels(!), but in those days I guess research resources just weren't as available as they are now (to kit manufacturers and model builders equally).

[@allanrichards3752]

@@ModelNerd I also think that these kits were not necessarily aimed at the discerning modeler but more towards younger people and capable kids. I think a good representation was sufficient.

[@ModelNerd]

Yes, I think that's a very good point

[@johnludmon510]

@@ModelNerd I built this kit when it came out at the time tamiya made most of their kits to be motorised this kit shared it’s chassis with one of those this often affected the accuracy.They were more of a toy than today’s models but they were cheap this kit was £4 to £5 not £50 to £60 as it would be today. This kit was about as good as it got when released in the early mid seventies and is still a fun build today and most of the shortcomings can be ironed out with aftermarket parts.

[@ModelNerd]

@@johnludmon510 Ah yeah, good point, thanks John - I forgot about the motorisation thing.

[@BrushQuill]

A nice build mate. Sucks about the tracks. Bit annoying those companies have decided to erase history on their decals. Should be down to the modellers to decide to include/ leave off.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks mate. I think the decals is more to do with laws in countries where their products are so, to be honest.

[@igorsevcov4081]

🤝👍👏

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks mate

[@laMoort]

rubber band tracks; bane of armor modellers world wide since the last century!

[@ModelNerd]

Hehe. The modern ones are not quite so bad but these ancient ones are awful. Nothing sticks to them so they have to be heated / melted to join them.

[@NereoSal]

How many people here use a proper photoetch bending tool? And by proper tool I mean a ruler.

[@ModelNerd]

Haha, good question

[@bronoun8884]

Track stays I always used to use a a couple of staples bent to appropriate length And thread to tidy up the bits that want to laugh at us and flap about Sometimes a little spot weld with a soldering iron then if confidence has surfaced remove staples You will never convince me that any glue on the planet will glue bendytrack They have so far defeated all the glue great new things from dunlop rubber glue uhu bostick evo stick super glue the list is endless 😂 After all this time id have thought the model companies would have realised this goo wont glue / and the kit relies on glue to work

[@ModelNerd]

Yes, it really is incredible that nothing will stick this stuff!

[@bertkasigkeit3570]

Die Lackierung ist nicht so gelunge,und ungenau.

[@ModelNerd]

Maybe you could share a few images of your models to help me out?

[@douglasstreet7304]

HOOD VENTS, NOT HANDLES.

[@ModelNerd]

Fair enough - we all make mistakes

[@douglasstreet7304]

Just a correction, not picking at you.@@ModelNerd