I usually prefer to build all my own canvas tilts and cargo covers, partly because of the cost, partly because I just like to. But if you’re not so inclined then resin aftermarket add-ons like these are your most likely option.
These three sets are from Decal Star, a now defunct Japanese resin manufacturer, with these three sets plus one other ( a folded cabin tilt ) now offered under their old name through a new distributor. Each of these is sold separately but rather than say essentially the same thing about each I thought it easiest to take a look at all three collectively.
The quality of the casting on these is excellent with only minimal pour stubs to be removed and clean-up limited to a little flash in the window openings on the rear of the cabin tilt, and a little trimming and sanding required to fit the rear panel of the cargo tilt into place. The finished appearance is very good with no resin moulding airholes or blemishes, and the detail includes nice looking folds and nicely done tie downs around the edges.
The only area that really needs attention is the edges and the centre panels in the windows at the rear of both tilts. The main casting on these is very think with the edges being tapered down to give the appearance of the correct thickness, but the centre panels in the windows and around the window edges are still far too thick and need thining down quite a bit more. It’s also quite evident around the leading edges of the cabin tilt.
The fit to the Tamiya Sd.Kfz. 9 is excellent and needs no real work though you will need to add your own clips for the front of the cabin tilt where it attaches to the windscreen frame. Of the three sets I found the door covers to be the best when it came to looking the most natural when on, the cargo tilt second and the cabin tilt third as it still does look a little bulky to me. This isn’t as noticeable on the cargo tilt as it is fully enclosed but with the cabin tilt being completely open the heaviness of the sides is a bit more apparent.
If you’re looking to add tilts and covers, and you don’t have the skill, or the inclination, to build them yourself then these will do the job well. The mouldings are bit heavy looking but the surface detail looks good and for the most part the thickness isn’t that noticeable. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy soution to adding covers to your Sd.Kfz. 9 then these are a good option.
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