German Neubaufahrzeug (Rheinmetall), 1/35 - Trumpeter 05528

The model German Neubaufahrzeug (Rheinmetall) Trumpeter 05528 reproduces at the 1/35 scale a German Neubaufahrzeug tank in its Rheinmetall configuration. This injection-plastic kit to assemble lets you depict one of the most recognizable multi-turret German armored vehicles from the period preceding the Second World War.

The Rheinmetall Neubaufahrzeug

The Neubaufahrzeug, whose name means “new construction vehicle,” is part of the early German heavy tank programs. Development began in the early 1930s, with studies assigned in particular to Rheinmetall and Krupp. It is distinguished by its multi-turret architecture, a hallmark of certain armored designs from the interwar period.

The Rheinmetall version can be recognized, in particular, by how its armament is arranged in the main turret: the 37 mm gun is positioned above the 75 mm gun. This complex silhouette, combining the main turret and secondary turrets, makes it an original subject for a collection of German armored vehicles or a diorama devoted to the early stages of the conflict in Europe.

The Trumpeter 05528 model kit

The reference 05528 from Trumpeter is a tank model kit in 1/35 scale. Once assembled, it measures about 195,21 mm in length and 82,87 mm in width. At this scale, the dimensions of the real vehicle are reduced by a factor of 35—an extremely popular format for detailing, painting, and display in a scenic setting.

The kit includes more than 1 120 parts. The lower hull and turret are produced using a sliding-mold technology, in order to reproduce the vehicle’s shapes. The set also includes photo-etched parts, metal barrels, link-and-length tracks with separate links, and a decal sheet for decoration.

Assembly and finishing

The link-and-length tracks with separate links allow you to carefully recreate the running gear and the natural sag of the track around the wheels. Small parts, photo-etched elements, and metal components require careful preparation before gluing. A fine sprue cutter, files or suitable abrasives, plastic cement, and a specific glue for metal parts are useful complements for assembly.

Painting is best done after applying a primer, especially on metal parts and photo-etched components. Decals can be applied to a smooth, glossy surface, then protected with an appropriate clear coat before weathering. Washes, dust effects, and wear streaks can then be used to bring out the reliefs of the hull, the turret, and the running gear.

Technical features

• Brand : Trumpeter
• Reference : 05528
• Type : assembled tank model kit
• Subject : German Neubaufahrzeug (Rheinmetall)
• Scale : 1/35
• Main material : injection-molded plastic
• Assembled length : approx. 195,21 mm
• Assembled width : approx. 82,87 mm
• Number of parts : more than 1 120
• Included elements : photo-etch, metal barrels, link-and-length tracks with separate links, and decals