Border Models Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn 1:35 – build review

Feature Article with Keith Warrington

I found myself in a position to build and review the 1:35 Border Models Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn. I have never built a Border kit especially of this particular subject and was looking forward to an interesting build. In addition I would be testing SMS paint for the 3-tone camouflage, also a paint brand I have not used before.

Being a First Edition kit there was a bonus of a metal barrel with muzzle and brass shells.

Briefly this vehicle started out as the Hornisse, built from Panzer III parts and a Panzer IV chassis with the 88mm Pak 43 mounted on it. Production started in May1943, renamed Nashorn by Hitler in 1944, this version was upgraded with the new improved Pak 43/1 88mm.

Just before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…

Now down to the kit

Great box art, 14 sprues, lower hull in dark grey plastic with sharp crisp detail, some photo etch, metal barrel, brass shells and decals.

The instructions, well what can I say, typical Border Models apparently, not brilliant. It can be built from the instructions but you would probably get a bit of a hybrid as it is not clear in the ‘Option’ what version you are opting for. I am not a rivet counter but do like to get it fairly accurate. Time to hit the internet.

The assembly instructions steer you towards the Hornisse version with many sections showing early parts which were not on the Nashorn 1944 version we are building. The box art and archive photos show the rear chassis plate holding the two spare wheels (moved from the early front mounting) yet Section 4 indicates that you should build one of two versions of the exhaust muffler that goes across the rear plate. Nowhere in the instructions does it list or show the parts you need to assemble the 1944 rear plate you need.

Parts for this are:

• A6 exhaust
• A7 exhaust
• A14 crew step
• A19 rear plate
• A29/A30 rear hook supports
• A35 lamp (lower left of rear plate)
• A46/A47 rear tow hooks
• B21 x2 spare wheel frame.

Construction…