German 8 Wheeled 233 Build

[OldManModeler]

Pulled this out of my stash. Started it on this first day of 2025. Lots of PE and fiddly parts no one will ever see. Instruction booklet is nice and large. Actual build instructions for part placement is poor. Parts count is unknown, but probably in the 300 to 400 range. I built the frame, and by itself without suspension it is almost 30 parts. Just the frame, kids.

It is not Tamiya crispness on the sprues, with some flash. Fitment is OK so far. As long as you can figure out where the hell the part goes due to poor instructions for part placement. Lot's of fiddley stuff that could have just been molded onto the frame without detracting from the kit accuracy.

Kit includes a full interior minus the engine's top half. So I am giving it a go while playing Lili Marlene and war films. I expect this one to be a month long build. Including paint and weathering... At least.

I would give this kit 8.5 stars on a 10 star scale. With 10 being the best. But I just got started... my rating may go up or down.

 

[Jakko]

Lot's of fiddley stuff

It's an AFV Club kit, yep I've said it elsewhere too, but don't build an AFV Club kit if all you've put together so far have been Tamiya ones. You get all of the small detail parts that Tamiya moulds onto other parts or conveniently forgets exist, with slightly less good fit (but far better than many other manufacturers — you may have to drill out locating holes, but it's never a loose fit) but in the end you'll have a much more detailed model straight from the box. And they do many subjects nobody else would even touch.

 

[BarleyBop]

Nice! Should keep you out of trouble for a while!
"...And this little fiddley ran all the way home!"

Keep us posted!

 

[BarleyBop]

It's an AFV Club kit, yep

Anxious to hear how it goes, @OldManModeler.

I have a few AFV kits in the stash, including SD.Kfz.11 and the redoubtable 88.

Sounds like @Jakko has few under his belt, so we won't be without a guide in the wilderness!

 

[Jakko]

I have, yes I would rate them, together with MiniArt, as probably the plastic kit manufacturer who tries to go for the most complete details they can provide. Which makes for complex kits, of course.

 

[OldManModeler]

It's an AFV Club kit, yep I've said it elsewhere too, but don't build an AFV Club kit if all you've put together so far have been Tamiya ones. You get all of the small detail parts that Tamiya moulds onto other parts or conveniently forgets exist, with slightly less good fit (but far better than many other manufacturers — you may have to drill out locating holes, but it's never a loose fit) but in the end you'll have a much more detailed model straight from the box. And they do many subjects nobody else would even touch.

Thank you. This is not my first AFV Club kit. I actually prefer Dragon over any manufacturer, as I've had mostly good results and typically better detail than Tamiya. I think the detail is pretty good with Dragon. I have built many Italeri as well just because they offer a kit I want. I have many Tamiya, Italeri and Academy in my stash. And a few Das Werk and Trumpeter as well. But just because I can stash and build kits doesn't mean that I rate with you guys!

If I want a real challenge I'll start a AFV Club kit. So here we are. I have already had to remove flash from tiny <1/8th inch sized parts and used my pin vice for one locator pin. And I just started. LOL

Be well. Model on.

Eric

 

[OldManModeler]

Getting the drive axles, diffs and suspension A-arms put together. Fiddly but not to the point of wanting to quit! Frame with rear driver pedals installed, and two of the four drive axle units are in the pic.

Yes, those are tiny cv-joint axle boots made from flexible vinyl so the axle shaft follows the suspension arms up and down. How cool is that!? The suspension is totally movable at this point.

Once the hubs are installed it gets glued up tight. But now it is still flexible so you can pose the suspension articulated if needed for a diorama, etc.

Close up pics shows that I still have some sanding to do.

 

[plastickjunkie]

These 8 wheelers are fun to build. I did this one a while back. Had a ton of parts specially the suspension.

 

[BarleyBop]

View attachment 133215View attachment 133216These 8 wheelers are fun to build. I did this one a while back. Had a ton of parts specially the suspension.

Nicely done! You must have a dog to have nailed the begging interaction, can almost see the tail wag!