1:72 Panzerspähwagen Kfz 13 review
What's First to Fight? Is the Panzerspähwagen Kfz 13 kit any good? Well...
KFZ 13
Panzerspähwagen Kfz 13, also known as Maschinengewehr-Kraftwagen (oh, that beautiful German nomenclature) was first inter-war German armored car built in series. It was used in initial period of World War 2- during invasion of Poland and 1940 western campaign. Later it was withdrawn from active duty due to its outdated construction.
In 1:72
Nowadays we can't complain on lack of Kfz 13 models in 1:72- we have a bunch of kits to choose from. First, years ago, Ace from Ukraine released two models, both Kfz 13 (#72236) and Kfz 14 (#72237). But these are short-run kits for rather desperate modelers. Then RPM from Poland took interest in this topic. Again two versions were manufactured (72312, 72313). This models also doesn't met actual standards. Recently S-Model from China made its own “quick build” Kfz 13, which is offered in twin-packs (#720013). Unfortunately I haven't seen that kit in real, but judging from various Internet reviews pictures- it's better than previous attempts. The latest offer come from Polish First to Fight company. For now it's only Kfz 13 (PL1939-006), but we can be pretty sure that Kfz 14 will follow. Wait, what? First to fight?
First To Fight
First to Fight is a relatively new brand of model kits from Poland. You may not heard about it, because it has rather unconventional method of distribution. They doesn't sell model kits, but a magazine with a kit as a "bonus". The periodical is titled „Wrzesień 1939” (Polish for „September 1939”) and is basically an instruction with expanded historical note. And yes, you guess right- it's all about equipment used during the first stage of World War 2- German invasion of Poland.
The kits represents both sides of the conflict- there are issues with Polish and German armour. So far there was no Russian armor released in the series and the publisher didn't show any interest in this topic. Well, kind of “First half of September 1939” collection really.
Oh, and I didn't mention the most important thing- all kits are, or will be, in 1:72 scale. Sounds pretty good so far, isn't it? But be aware, there is a catch- the target audience for discussed magazine (and models) are wargamers, for which FtF is preparing “Septembeer '39” board game. That of course reflects in the design of models, which has to be simple and easy to assembly for non experienced modeller.
For some of you that may be a deal breaker, but don't be to hasty in crossing out FtF effort. In my opinion, some of the kits are quite interesting- especially these, which weren't available as 1:72 injection molded before. Yes, that mostly refers to Polish armour, which is coincidentally slightly better designed that its German counterparts- at least that's my impression.
For me the worst thing about FtF kits is the manufacturer choice to mold tank tracks as a single part with wheels (similar as in some S-Model kits). In Polish tanks it's not so bad, but for German vehicles it's not served very well so far. The double guide horns are merged into a single misshaped roll. It's obvious why it looks like that, but I just don't buy it. Therefore, the first German kit from “September 1939” collection which I purchased, was an armoured car. Kfz 13, from 6th number of the magazine, obviously wasn't scared with that irritating flaw.
The Kit
Conclusion
Well, I think photos show it quite clear- rather nicely moulded model with some annoying simplifications. Certainly a better base to build Kfz 13 than ACE and RPM products. Comparing to S-Model kit, its hard for me to point indisputably better one. Both of them have some weak points in different areas. FtF has one undeniable advantage- you're not forced to buy two models. But seriously, the choice is yours.