Model: Panzerfaust
Reviewed by: Eric Christianson, IPMS # 42218
Scale: 1/35
Company: Hauler
Price: $15.99
Product/Stock #: HLU35075
Website: Hauler
Product Web Page: View
Product provided by: Hauler

Review

The Panzerfaust ("armor fist" or "tank fist") was an inexpensive, single shot, recoilless German anti-tank weapon of World War II. It consisted of a small, disposable preloaded launch tube firing a high explosive anti-tank warhead, and was operated by a single soldier. The Panzerfaust was in service from 1942 until the end of the war.

Hauler, a small company out of Czechoslovakia, continues to add to its list of quality aftermarket and modeling supply products; this time with a package of Panzerfaust weapons complete with two cargo boxes in 1/35th scale. The package contains a small PE sheet, a small sheet of decals, a sheet of instructions and a single baggie containing all the resin parts, including eight Panzerfausts. My sample arrived with one of the two delicate ‘rope’ handles broken off of each of the two boxes.

The resin boxes, the box lids, and the interior Panzerfaust stands are very, very thin and care must be taken in separating them from their thin resin blocks. The Panzerfaust weapons themselves are attached to their resin blocks at the ‘business end’, simplifying painting and finishing.

When assembling the boxes, keep in mind that there is a ‘fat’ end and a ‘skinny’ end to the weapons, and the stands inside the boxes need to line up accordingly. This is not readily apparent from the instructions. Each Panzerfaust sports a handle and firing mechanism that consists of three separate PE parts that must each be folded along their length, and then down on each end. I own some of the best PE folding tools available and it took me 10 frustrating minutes to make the folds need for a single weapon. Looking at the company’s website I noticed that their in-house model builder finished at least two, so that’s what I did – (I know it can be done!) I attached the PE using Gator’s Grip Acrylic Hobby Glue – which is like a thick, ‘white glue on steroids’ that dries perfectly clear. I finished everything by applying a primer coat of Gunze Mr. Finisher 1500 Black, followed by a coat of Tamiya Dark Yellow thinned 50/50 with Gunze Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. I then lightened the flat areas with a little Vallejo 71.075 Sand, thinned 50/50 with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner. After applying the (very thin) decals I sprayed them with Vallejo Flat Varnish cut 50/50 again with their own Airbrush Thinner.

I recommend this Hauler product for any modeler who wants to add a little realism to their work with quality after-market products, although some may have trouble with the photo-etch. Once clipped, sanded, painted and weathered they look right at home in any WWII diorama or German AFV.

I would like to thank the Hauler for providing this product for review, and to IPMS USA for giving me the opportunity

Photos