German Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm

ROCO 1:87 Scale Vehicle Review

German Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm Tank Destroyer, 1:87 Model Kit ROCO 173.

One of four Kanonenjagdpanzer about to be deployed in the Panzerjägerzug of a Panzergrenadierbataillon (mot.) wargame unit. Two platoons will be required, but the ROCO model is currently not available at stores. ROCO periodically upgrades certain vehicle kits, and a more accurate model of the Kanonenjagdpanzer may again be available in the future. Until then, used KJPz may be found at flea markets and military modelling events. The vehicle was painted straight from the box, only the carpet rollers were removed, and antennas added. The Jagdpanzer was sprayed in Bundeswehr »Yellow Olive RAL 6014«, tinted with 30 % white to take aerial perspective into account. Raised detail was then shaded and drybrushed using Jim Gordon’s weathering technique. Camouflage netting will be added later.

Contents

  • Kanonenjagdpanzer

Evaluation

The model has only 8 parts and it is sold fully assembled, ready to play. The model is constructed like a snap-together toy. Upper and lower hull are held together by large lugs which remain clearly visible from front and rear. Serious modellers will want to glue the parts together, cut the lugs off and fill the holes. Decals are not included, they need to be purchased separately.

The model seems to be a reproduction of an early Kanonenjagdpanzer without AA machine gun and with the older type of hatch covers. The co-axial machine gun is not modelled at all, and the headlight protectors are missing. These parts may be scratchbuilt from brass wire.

Some flash around the gun barrel, stowage bin, and jerry cans. The two fuel cans are permanently attached to the rear stowage bin, and one of them is badly distorted. The defective cannister should be cut off the stowage bin carefully. Alternatively, drape a camouflage net over that part of the stowage bin.

The lower hull has mounting brackets for plastic rollers which allow the vehicle to be driven over carpet. These will have to be cut off to give the model a realistic appearance when viewed from front or rear.

Compatible with HO scale model railroad equipment and miniatures by Märklin, ROCO, Faller, Pola, Preiser, and Noch.

Cast-on detail, like picks, shovels, e tow rope, looks very realistic. Antennas e camouflage netting may be added to make the Jagdpanzer even more attractive.

Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm, 1:87 Model Kit ROCO 173.

Possible Conversions

  • VB-Panzer (Panzermörserkompanie), Forward Observer Vehicle (M106 Mortar Company). Simply cut the gun barrel off.

The ROCO model is the only Kanonenjagdpanzer available in this scale and it will be an important vehicle for wargamers simulating Bundeswehr forces in miniature.

Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm