Italeri- Kfz. 12 Horch 901 Typ 40 Frühen Ausf.

History

Developed in the mid-1930s, this medium sized all-terrain vehicle was a means to improve mobility and mechanization of the Wehrmacht. Built by Opelwerk and Auto Union, the vehicle found favor with moderate and high ranking officers and were used as troop transports, tow tractors, and in reconnaissance roles in addition to getting officers quickly to where they were needed to control and coordinate operations. Powered by an 80 hp V8 engine, approximately 12,000 of these vehicles were produced between 1937 and 1943. Active in most fronts that Germany fought in, it proved to be a robust and reliable vehicle in practically any operating environment.

The Kit

This is a descendant of the original 1973 Italeri and comes after the release of the 2017 Kfz. 15 Funkwagen (Kit# 6526) that had new parts. This rebox does not contain new parts, only new decals. There are two large dark grey sprues, a small clear parts sprue, and a set of 6 vinyl tires. There are four decal schemes included in the kit. The suggested colors sidebar includes FS Codes and Italeri Acrylic Paint codes.

Sprue A contains the main frame for the Horch, suspension bits, wheels and hubs, axles, stowed canvas roof and frame, and even a small briefcase. Parts are crisp and clear of most flash with just some miniscule bits here and there. There is one sink mark under each fender on the frame, and the canvas detail is quite nice.

Sprue B contains the optional extended canvas roof, interior floor, seats, and controls, radiator, 3 jerry cans, hood, side panels, and rear end. Other small bits like lights, mirrors, and the windshield frame are also present.

Sprue C is the clear sprue with windshield, windows, and headlight lenses.

"Sprue" D contains the vinyl tires which are a bit rough- but I type this as one who is no fan of these. You might want to source out some aftermarket ones if you can. Scalemates has some from Tank Workshop and Armo as options.

The instruction booklet is typical Italeri with nine steps in total (Step 9 is there if you want to build the closed roof version with the included side windows.

The decals are done by Cartograf and are separated into the four included schemes which are in color in the manual and include:

• Scheme A: Luftwaffe Unknown Unit, Libya, Summer 1942
• Scheme B: Wehrmacht Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 128, 23rd Panzer Division, Army Group South, Caucasus, Summer 1942
• Version C: Unknown  Wehrmacht Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment, Central Italy, 1944
• Version D: Wehrmacht 24th Panzer Division, Stalingrad area, Fall 1942

Conclusion

This looks to be a pretty straightforward build that has weathered time well. Details remind me of the Hasagawa aircraft kits I used to build years ago. The option to have the roof either open or closed is ideal as those who want to super detail the interior have that ability- although there are no included gauge decals for the panel or figures if you want them in the build. No included PE and the small parts count should make this an ideal build for modelers of any level and it is nice to have this available again to those who wish to build the kit.

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders, pending Full Build.

Thanks goes out to Model Rectifier Corporation for this review kit.

Reviewed by Michael Reeves

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