Development of the Neubaufahrzeug (German for “new construction vehicle”) started in 1933 when the then Reichswehr gave a contract for the development of a Grobtraktor (heavy tractor) to both Rheinmetall and Krupp. Grosstractor was a code name for the development of a heavy tank, Germany being still forbidden to develop tanks under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
The two designs resembled each other to a great extent, the main difference being the weapons placement. Each had a main turret armed with a 75 mm KwK L/24 main gun and secondary 37 mm KwK L/45. Rheinmetall’s design mounted the second gun above the 75 mm KwK L/24, while the Krupp design had it mounted next to the 75 mm KwK L/24. Both designs had a secondary turret mounted to the front and the rear of the main turret. These turrets were slightly adapted Panzer I turrets, with the standard machinegun armament.
Rheinmetall’s design was designated the PzKpfw NbFz V (‘PanzerKampfwagen NeubauFahrzeug V’), and the Krupp design the PzKpfw NbFz VI. It was intended that these designs would fulfill the role of the heavy tank in the armored forces, but the design proved to be too complex and unreliable for this role. Development nevertheless continued in order for the nascent German military to gain experience with multi-turreted tanks.
Kit # 05527
MSRP: $49.99
Street Price: $42.99 USD (Approx).
This is one of those model kits that we keep in the closet that we really want to build but we keep procrastinating. In fact, this entry was drafted almost 3 years ago. I had no idea that the kit even existed until I saw the Amusing Hobby version featured in an Airfix Model World back in January 2013. While looking for more info on the kit and who had it available in the United States, I found out it that Trumpeter had its own version for less. At the time of purchase, budget was tight so Trumpeter was the best option.
As much as I would like to do a side to side comparison on the 1/35 German NBFZ Type I, I don’t have the Amusing Hobby version at at for such comparo. One thing that seems very obvious between the two based on the Airfix article, is the fact that Amusing Hobby’s sports large rivets on the sides of the main turret whereas Trumpeter went with a receded interpretation of them.
Construction starts with the lower hull which seems to be decently detailed even on the very bottom of it with riveted access/maintenance hatches. Don’t let the parts count on this model kit scare you away. The box and nomenclature states 1,171 but in fact I was surprised when I saw so few parts on every sprue. The inflated parts count come from the individual track links and 2 bolts per link. There is an assembly jig for the parts en enough bolts to keep you covered from the carpet monster. Be wary with these bolts as they are not the same for each side. It is the most time consuming part of the build. It is a shame that these bolts were no made slightly longer. Otherwise we could have had workable link tracks. They seldom make it to the inside of the secondary link and when removing the sections (of 10 links) from the jig, about half of them crumble down. So I had to use cement to solve this issue. If the jig was made out of metal, I would have cemented the links insitu a saved time, lots of time.
To give the tracks the necessary sag, I used a heat gun and placed fishing sinkers on them. Use coins if you don’t have them. I must warn you all, this is an effective method to create the sag but it is very risky. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, better safe than sorry; Don’t do it!
The overall fit of the Trumpeter 1/35 NBFZ Type (I) model kit is spectacular and the parts are very cleanly molded. The photo etch set is very humble but effective and the main guns are made of brass.
Once all the kit was together, minus the tracks in place. I did prime the model with Mission Models MMS-003 Grey Primer. I then layered several thin coats of Mission Models MMP-014 Panzergrey RAL 7021. Once I had my base color ready, I mixed MMP-014 with MMA-004 Flat White. I did two coats of this each one lighted further to archeive the modulation effect. Once finished, I sprayed a thick coat of MMA-006 Gloss Coat to lay the decals. The included decals are of good quality. No silvering whatsoever and the clear carrier film is thin but strong. 24 hours later I sprayed more MMA- Gloss Coat but only on the decals to protect them. That’s what I love about acrylics, the time saved on curing time allowed me to come back a few hours later for weathering. All washes, streaks, rust effects, dusting was made using the wonderful products from Ammo by Mig Jiménez. A final coat of MMA-004 Clear Flat sealed the entire model.
As I mentioned above, the overall fit is superb. I can live with some kit inaccuracies, especially when there is little reference material for such a rare war specimen. It is being displayed temporarily in my office while the crew that will inhabit it is finished.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
My sincere thanks to Mission Models for their great quality model paints and Ammo by Mig for their excellent weathering products.
