Panzer Concepts announces a new resin conversion for building a Mittlerer Flak-Messtruppkraftwagen (Sd. Kfz. 7/6)

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Thanks!

The canvas cover supports make this one 5 stars alone.

Can you get the cover supports by themselves?

Joe, I have had a few requests for just the Frame so once I get a breather I will go back and make a few changes so it would work on the Standard 7 also. The version for the 7/6 is a little different. (The main Hinge rail is longer and angled) Then have it made as an actual stand alone PE Kit with the laser cut bows. I want to check a few things to see if it firs any other versions also.

This looks great! I'd like a canvas cover as well. Do you, by chance, also make them for something like a FAMO? Actually, this entire set, upsized for a FAMO would be HOT! I always figured that Tamiya dropped the ball on that one when they didn't offer the obvious artillery version of the kit! If you offer that one I would be MOST EXCITED!!!

Very nice. Any indication on pricing for this conversion?

The website lists the kit for $75 USD and shipping at $25, I believe. I want the company to upscale it and offer a similar version for the FAMO kits -who's with me?

Correct me if I am mistaken but those long cases look like they are intended to store the rangefinder tube of the Mod 40 telemeter??? If I am correct we would finally have something appropriate to tow the Bronco telemeter in the transport configuration!

Now THAT would be interesting!

165thspc. That is exactly what it is for and the range finder head does fit in the case

You really need to mention about the Telemeter. That is major! (I know, I know, you just did!)

Link to the Dave Shick 2012 - 2014 product review on the Bronco Telemeter as well as some comments by yours truly about adding additional detail to the model:

http://armorama.com/forums/192911&page=1

I figured that towing a FLAK 36 or 37 would be interesting enough...still would like to see a comparable FAMO conversion.

I find extremely interesting a scene towing the Telemeter

By the way, there is one of these telemeters in a Museum close to me, if any one need photos I could get them.

What kind of trailer was used to tow the telemeter? Any pics?

The Bronco kit comes with a Sd.Anh. 52 flak trailer to tow the rest of the Telemeter.

Again I suggest you click on the link offered above for photos of the real thing and photos of the built model.

Carlos I would love to have even more reference photos on the Mod. 40!

I would like to do a dio of the assembled Telemeter in the foreground with the half track and trailer behind it!

Copy with Michael...

Kind regards,

Robert Jan

The earlier Telemeter rode on a small custom four wheel trailer with the rangefinder tube stowed in the towing vehicle. The later Mod. 40 rode on the Sd.Anh 52 standard flack trailer. The big box on the base (the predictor, i.e. mechanical computer) was normally covered with a tightly wrapped canvas tarp when in travel mode, to cut down on dust getting into the mechanism. The rangefinder tube again was stored in the sealed large oblong box and carried in the towing vehicle.

Therefore in travel mode there really wasn't too much to see of this strange and interesting mechanism,

Photo copyright Getty Images. Used here for discussion only.
(Not really sure how a private company can copyright an image created by a conquered enemy which therefore rightfully belongs to the Allied victors as spoils of war but . . . )

Please forgive me if for some, this is redundant information:

The rangefinder tube has a fixed 45 degree mirror at one end and a rotating 45 degree mirror at the other. Both mirrors project an image onto the main viewfinder in the middle of the tube. To the observer these will appear as a primary image and a secondary ghost or shadow image. The rotating mirror is finely geared to an adjustment knob next to the main viewfinder. As the observer rotates the knob the rotating mirror slowly moves the ghost image until the ghost image exactly coincides with the primary image. The rangefinder has been calibrated in the factory such that these minute angle changes of the rotating mirror can then be mechanically converted to represent the range to target as shown on a large dial. The longer the baseline of this triangle (the length of the tube) the more accurate these distance measurements become. Naval artillery rangefinders can easily have two to three times the baseline length when compared to this portable, "field" model.

At this point the predictor (mechanical computer) is started and the angle, elevation and range to target is input into the predictor. This process is repeated two more times and at this point the predictor can continue to plot closing range to target, azimuth, angle of elevation and speed of the target. The predictor then feeds progressively changing/updated target information electrically to the flak guns.

Up to six 88's can be controlled from one predictor for deadly affect. All this presumes that the aerial target is flying a straight, level course as bombers would be on final approach to their target.

p.s. The optics in the rangefinder itself are of high magnification. The primary observer's only job is to bring the two images to coincidence and determine range to target. The other smaller, less powerful optics mounted on the tube are for multiple spotters who have the job of manually moving the entire assembly to keep the target(s) centered in the field of view.


Recovered armored rangefinder from the Admiral Graf Spee:

Here is one of the only photos I could find where it was actually towing the KDO 40

And if you want to buy one it is for sale in Germany

Count me in for a stand-alone canvas top frame, maybe several.

Bill C Check you messages.