Cookie Sewell's Armory - Armor Kit Reviews for 2006

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(Originally written on December 25, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6294; Aufklaerungspanzer 38(t) mit 2cm Kw.K. 38 Smart Kit; 630 parts (324 in grey styrene, 240 "Magic Track" links, 62 etched brass, 4 clear styrene); estimated price US $34-38 Advantages: clean, "state of the art" kit of this popular vehicle; portends a line of Praga TNHP tanks from DML Disadvantages: no major ones noted Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German and Czech based vehicle fans F I R S T L O O K Recently Tristar began to release a new series of the popular Praga TNHP based tanks as used by the Germans, with a Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F and then an Ausf. G kit. Based on all other kits released by Tristar, DML was certain to rise to the occasion, and now the first of its kits based on the Praga chassis have shown up in the form of the Aufklaersungspanzer version used by the Germans late in WWII. Basically this vehicle was little more than a "sports" version of the later model Ausf. G versions of the Pzkw. 38(t). The turret was removed and the upper works replaced with a casemate reminiscent of the late model T-26S1 but fitted with the complete 2 cm Haengelafette 38 turret used on the Sd.Kfz. 234/1 armored car and other late-war scout vehicles. There were two good reasons for this: one, to provide the vehicle with some antiaircraft capability due to increasing Allied air operations, and two, to give the crew the maximum possible chance to carry out visual reconnaissance while still providing nominal armored protection. (The old US Army rule was never to give recon forces anything big enough in the way of firepower to be able to counter tanks or they would forget their mission and pick a fight, but that's another story...) 50 of these vehicles were built in February-March 1944 and were to be issued in lieu of the Luchs, which was slow in coming. DML has graciously decided to jump into the 38(t) market with this kit, which is good as it does not compete with the Tristar kits and therefore crowd the market. They have also made it one of their "Smart Kits" which still seem to confuse modelers. I must reiterate: the concept of the "Smart Kit" is to get a top quality, easy-to-assemble and accurate model of a specific vehicle that does NOT require massive amounts of after-market purchases to approach a more than acceptable level of accuracy. While this particular kit does have more brass than past "Smart Kit" efforts, I think that is based on what modelers like to see in brass as opposed to some of the more ridiculous efforts that require a master's degree in soldering to complete. Most of the sprues in this kit are labeled "Ausf. G" so nobody should have any misperceptions as to what is coming behind it. You can pretty much bet all vehicles based on the Ausf. G chassis or related variants will come from DML over the next year or two (I already know many people who are hoping for a new 15 cm Bison or at least the various Marder III variants.) The kit is typical of the new DML breed, with a "slide molded" lower hull pan and judicious use of those techniques for some of the other parts as well. Six new sprues in the kit cover the Ausf. G components plus the "Magic Tracks," and another three come directly from the DML Sd.Kfz. 234/1 kit (#6298) intact. The amount of "gating" on the 38(t) sprues will be obvious, as the D sprue (interior) and H sprue (upper hull details) show this right now. The suspension is conventional but very well done, with details on both sides of the road wheels, drivers and idlers. Each suspension bogie consists of nine parts. Like Tristar, DML provides the choice of idler adjusters (parts D28) or covers (parts D29) for the kit, but unlike Tristar tells you it is an "either/or" proposition and not that one goes on top of the other. The kit comes with the basis for an interior, and as such provides shafts, a transmission and a final drive unit with the kit. Seats are also provided. One of the more interesting bits in the kit is part A18, which is a "doormat" type non-skid rubber pad for the floor of the crew section. The "Magic Tracks" are clean and only have a hint of ejection pin marks on the outer flanges of the track link face as well as the "pip" used to mold them in the center of the link face. There is a hoo-hah sheet about the wonders of "Smart Kits" that comes with it claiming the links have casting numbers on their outside flanges, but after a few minutes with a lighted 10x jeweler's loupe I did find them. No woof tickets for that one, they DID provide them! The brass goes for the most part onto the engine deck and covers the various bin lids, grilles and covers which many modelers like to leave open to show their handiwork. The DML kits also make good use of their "slide molding" to create more compact details, e.g. the same detail Tristar achieves with three parts is done with but one. A command antenna from the original command Panther kit is provided to give the modeler a pre-molded "crow's foot" antenna head. Markings and directions for finishing are provided for two vehicles: unknown unit, Western Front 1942 (!) and unknown unit, Eastern Front 1942 (!). I think they may have meant 1945 and this is only a typo, as the research and input came from Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundsen and they wouldn't make a goof like that. Decals come as a small sheet from Cartograf. Overall this is a good choice and as it is currently only presented in model form by a somewhat rough kit from Russia it should appeal to modelers who want to build and not wrestle with a kit. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Sprue layout: A 60 (Ausf. G) wheels and suspension arms, rubber matting B 67 (Ausf. G) fenders, upper hull, engine compartment D 60 (Ausf. G) interior parts, radio E 1 (Ausf. G) hull pan H 43 (Ausf. G) casemate, glacis, ammo boxes H 45 (Sd.Kfz. 234/1) turret and fittings J 4 (Ausf. G) clear styrene J 10 (Sd.Kfz. 234/1) Kw.K. 38 2cm gun K 13 (Pzkw. 38(t)) OVM and pioneer tools K 17 (Sd.Kfz. 234/1) ammo racks and magazines Y 240 "Magic Track" links WC 4 MG42 MA 41 etched brass MB 19 etched brass MC 2 pre-formed turret grilles g 4 Antenna elements Back (Originally written on December 21, 2006) Kit Review: Armoured Brigade Models 1/35 Scale Update Set No. ABM012; Early M3 Lee Basic Update Set; 14 parts in grey resin; price US $17.00 Advantages: fixes the most egregious faults with the upper components of the Academy M3 Lee kit; provides for maximum use of the kit parts where applicable Disadvantages: sources of supply for ABM kits have been erratic in the past Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for anyone with an Academy Lee kit who wants to correct the turret and upper hull components Back during the AMPS 2000 International Show well-known Canadian modelers Sid Arnold and Dave Dean brought down their first samples of a new line of kits which were dubbed Armoured Brigade Models. These were focused on correcting the rather elderly and quite awful Tamiya M3 Grant and M3 Lee kits, and were either modularized for use by modelers to fix specific parts of the kit or combined into a complete kit of the M3 Lee which made its debut at AMPS 2001. Their one drawback was availability, for at both shows ABM could have sold far more items than they brought. Fast forward six years, and the new Academy M3 Lee was released in May 2006. But while it corrected many of the massive failings of the 30 year old Tamiya kits, unfortunately it added some new ones of its own, primarily a bad suspension set and an exaggerated cast turret. ABM has now modified its older moldings, which were first rate when released, reorganized them, modified them to fit the Academy kit, and re-released them. This is the turret set, which now provides 14 parts to fix the turret and cupola from the Academy kit. It provides a new, accurate turret shell with casting numbers and a nicely done mantelet in place, a new rotor with optional counterweight (not provided by Academy), a counterweight for the stabilized M2 (short barrel) 75mm gun, and two new rear stowage bins. The directions are excellent, as they show where most of the kit's failings are found and also provide very good descriptions of how to correct them. Most of the first two pages cover how to fix the problems with rivets and the missing brackets and fasteners on the upper hull. Modelers will be happy as "before" and "after" photos are provided, so since the rivets and bolts used are in light colored plastic it is quite obvious as to what changed. Assembly of the turret is integrated into the assembly instructions for the M3 kit itself, and photos show how the update kit's parts differ from the base kits's parts. Other than some very quick cleanup, little is different than just the kit assembly and it should be a snap for any modeler to carry out this update with few problems. Note that this set also includes correct size and shape stowage bins for the rear deck. Overall, this fixes one of the most annoying problems in the kit and one many modelers are reluctant to do on their own. Thanks to Sid Arnold of ABM for the review sample. For further info on distributors contact Sid at sidneya@sympatico.ca Thanks to Sid Arnold of ABM for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on December 21, 2006) Kit Review: Armoured Brigade Models 1/35 Scale Update Set No. ABM011; Early M3 Lee Delux Update Set; 130 parts in grey resin; price US $60.00 Advantages: fixes all of the most egregious faults with the Academy M3 Lee kit; includes both ABM's suspension and turret sets as well as many new parts; provides for maximum use of the kit parts where applicable Disadvantages: sources of supply for ABM kits have been erratic in the past Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for anyone with an Academy Lee kit who wants to look "right" Back during the AMPS 2000 International Show well-known Canadian modelers Sid Arnold and Dave Dean brought down their first samples of a new line of kits which were dubbed Armoured Brigade Models. These were focused on correcting the rather elderly and quite awful Tamiya M3 Grant and M3 Lee kits, and were either modularized for use by modelers to fix specific parts of the kit or combined into a complete kit of the M3 Lee which made its debut at AMPS 2001. Their one drawback was availability, for at both shows ABM could have sold far more items than they brought. Fast forward six years, and the new Academy M3 Lee was released in May 2006. But while it corrected many of the massive failings of the 30 year old Tamiya kits, unfortunately it added some new ones of its own, primarily a bad suspension set and an exaggerated cast turret. ABM has now modified its older moldings, which were first rate when released, reorganized them, modified them to fit the Academy kit, and re-released them. This is their "top of the line" set, which combines the 14 parts from the ABM012 turret update set and the 50 parts from their ABM013 suspension update set with 66 new parts to correct or upgrade many other parts of the kit. The new parts in this set include a new upper glacis, a new rear plate with more accurate and optional air cleaner/exhaust fittings, an engine insert section and new grille section for the engine deck, a new firewall, and nearly completely new outer vehicle materials, pioneer tools, and lights. The suspension set provides an integrated set of parts to fix the unfortunately erroneous Academy suspension. As many modelers now know, Steve Zaloga built the kit and found the main suspension mounts used the springs from the previous M4 kits and as a result wound up a bit more than 2mm too high, which caused the model to sit high and look wrong when completed. They also made some simplification errors and as such really hurt the finished product. With this kit, ABM provides six new suspension brackets (dubbed "bridges" in the instructions, six new return rollers, two new drivers, and two very nicely done idlers with new mounts. First off, the directions describe what has to come off the hull pan of the kit and provide photos of the parts to be removed and the new parts in situ on the modified hull pan. The "bridges" come with new springs and a new lower spring mounting plate, but all of the remaining parts less the return roller come straight from the Academy kit. The directions give a very good description of how to simply modify Academy parts to fit on the new "bridges" and thus get the tank to sit at the correct height. The only major cleanup in this kit are the return rollers, which come with a "flake" of resin for protection and should clean up in a couple of minutes with a sharp Xacto knife and a mouse-tail file. The new drivers are very nicely detailed on both sides and are an upgrade from the workmanlike but pedestrian kit ones. The idlers use an ingenious method of assembly with a center casting and two separate outer sections in order to provide the accurate rim to the wheel not found in any plastic kit. This is the turret set, which now provides 14 parts to fix the turret and cupola from the Academy kit. It provides a new, accurate turret shell with casting numbers and a nicely done mantelet in place, a new rotor with optional counterweight (not provided by Academy), a counterweight for the stabilized M2 (short barrel) 75mm gun, and two new rear stowage bins. The directions are excellent, as they show where most of the kit's failings are found and also provide very good descriptions of how to correct them. Most of the first two pages cover how to fix the problems with rivets and the missing brackets and fasteners on the upper hull. Modelers will be happy as "before" and "after" photos are provided, so since the rivets and bolts used are in light colored plastic it is quite obvious as to what changed. Assembly of the turret is integrated into the assembly instructions for the M3 kit itself, and photos show how the update kit's parts differ from the base kits's parts. Other than some very quick cleanup, little is different than just the kit assembly and it should be a snap for any modeler to carry out this update with few problems. Note that this set also includes correct size and shape stowage bins for the rear deck. The other new parts provide a new upper glacis and driver's viewer that fix some of the rivet issues on the glacis. The new rear plate provides both the early model "coffee can" mufflers or the later square air filters with "fishtails" protruding either below them. Both are provided in the kit. While you can't see much inside the engine bay, ABM has provided the front of the engine in a nice little drop-in module for the bay and a new section of firewall with detailing right in front of it. Fuel shutoff valves are also included, but you will have to find grille material on your own. The kit provides totally new tools, brackets and lights for the kit, as well as fire extinguisher brackets, a siren, starter crank, machine gun tripod, and tow cable. The only thing some modelers may want for is etched brass or single link tracks to finish off their model. Overall, this fixes nearly all of the problems with this kit, and covers nearly all of the ones modelers do not want to do on their own. Modelers must note that this set is specifically designed for the Academy kit, and will not work very well on the ancient Tamiya kit. Thanks to Sid Arnold of ABM for the review sample. For further info on distributors contact Sid at sidneya@sympatico.ca Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on December 21, 2006) Kit Review: Armoured Brigade Models 1/35 Scale Update Set No. ABM013; Academy M3 Lee Suspension Update Set; 50 parts in grey resin; price US $17.00 Advantages: fixes the most egregious faults with the suspension of the Academy M3 Lee kit; provides for maximum use of the kit parts where applicable Disadvantages: sources of supply for ABM kits have been erratic in the past Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for anyone with an Academy Lee kit who wants to correct the suspension and get a "right" sit to the model. Back during the AMPS 2000 International Show well-known Canadian modelers Sid Arnold and Dave Dean brought down their first samples of a new line of kits which were dubbed Armoured Brigade Models. These were focused on correcting the rather elderly and quite awful Tamiya M3 Grant and M3 Lee kits, and were either modularized for use by modelers to fix specific parts of the kit or combined into a complete kit of the M3 Lee which made its debut at AMPS 2001. Their one drawback was availability, for at both shows ABM could have sold far more items than they brought. Fast forward six years, and the new Academy M3 Lee was released in May 2006. But while it corrected many of the massive failings of the 30 year old Tamiya kits, unfortunately it added some new ones of its own, primarily a bad suspension set and an exaggerated cast turret. ABM has now modified its older moldings, which were first rate when released, reorganized them, modified them to fit the Academy kit, and re-released them. This is the suspension set, which provides an integrated set of parts to fix the unfortunately erroneous Academy suspension. As many modelers now know, Steve Zaloga built the kit and found the main suspension mounts used the springs from the previous M4 kits and as a result wound up a bit more than 2mm too high, which caused the model to sit high and look wrong when completed. They also made some simplification errors and as such really hurt the finished product. With this kit, ABM provides six new suspension brackets (dubbed "bridges" in the instructions, six new return rollers, two new drivers, and two very nicely done idlers with new mounts. First off, the directions describe what has to come off the hull pan of the kit and provide photos of the parts to be removed and the new parts in situ on the modified hull pan. The "bridges" come with new springs and a new lower spring mounting plate, but all of the remaining parts less the return roller come straight from the Academy kit. The directions give a very good description of how to simply modify Academy parts to fit on the new "bridges" and thus get the tank to sit at the correct height. The only major cleanup in this kit are the return rollers, which come with a "flake" of resin for protection and should clean up in a couple of minutes with a sharp Xacto knife and a mouse-tail file. The new drivers are very nicely detailed on both sides and are an upgrade from the workmanlike but pedestrian kit ones. The idlers use an ingenious method of assembly with a center casting and two separate outer sections in order to provide the accurate rim to the wheel not found in any plastic kit. Overall, this fixes the most annoying problem in the kit and one many modelers cannot or will not do on their own. It can also be used to backdate an early M4 if Academy suspension parts are used to flush out the suspension bits. Thanks to Sid Arnold of ABM for the review sample. For further info on distributors contact Sid at sidneya@sympatico.ca Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on December 20, 2006) Product Review: Archer Fine Transfer dry transfer markings sheets AR74009, U.S. softskin "gas paint" stars, 1/72 scale; $7.95 AR49012, 9th Lancers 1st Armoured Division in North Africa, 1/48 scale; $9.95 AR49013, M10 Tank Destroyer, 1/48 scale; $10.95 AR49014, HJ Panther G #2, 1/48 scale; $5.50 AR49015, L.A.H. Panther Ausf. G, Ardennes 1944, 1/48 scale; $4.95 AR49016, USMC M4A2 Tarawa, 1/48 scale; $7.95 AR35222, M2 Halftracks in North Africa, 1/35 scale; $15.95 AR35224, M2/M3 Halftracks, yellow/white stars, 1/35 scale; $11.95 AR35225W, M2/M3 Halftracks, white stars, 1/35 scale; $6.95 AR35225Y, M2/M3 Halftracks, yellow stars, 1/35 scale; $6.95 AR35226, M2/M3 Halftrack registration codes, 1/35 scale; $10.95 AR35227, U.S. softskin "gas paint" stars, 1/35 scale; $11.95 Advantages: best dry and dry/wet transfers going; provide for a number of different variants of recently introduced 1/48 and 1/35 scale kits Disadvantages: will require some basic research on the part of the modeler Rating: See Text Recommendation: for armor fans in the appropriate scales and subjects The latest batch of dry transfers from Woody Vondracek is through and it is a bumper crop! These releases cover a wide variety of subjects and scales, and will be addressed individually. Set AR49012 covers Sherman II tanks serving with the 9th Lancers of the British 1st Armored Division and provides sufficient markings for two vehicles. One is named "Hellzashoot'n" and the other is apparently unnamed. It comes with three serial numbers and also extra numbers for other vehicles as well, but the primary emphasis is on only two. Markings are in full color. Set AR49013 covers US M10 3" GMCs in both the Mediterranean and Northwest Europe theaters, with one set of bumper numbers provided for vehicles with the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th Armies; I cannot tell if they should have two (front and rear) or not, but the sheet only provides one set. Generic directions come with the set but a bit of research is recommended. Still, the sheet provides more than enough markings to get one pretty close to right. Markings are in yellow and white with some black panels for one of the battalions that go under the counterweights at the rear of the turret. Set 49014 covers three vehicles from the 12th SS Panzer Regiment of the Hitler Juengen Division. Markings are simple black and white and provide three tac numbers for one, three chassis numbers and some detail markings. Set 49015 covers three vehicles from the 1st SS Panzer Regiment of Leibstandart Adolf Hitler. Again in black and white, they provide tac numbers, chassis numbers, and crosses along with detail markings. Set 49016 is a reduced size version of the excellent M4A2 Tarawa sheet that was released to accompany the DML M4A2 kit of the same name, and again provides markings for six tanks: CHINA GAL, COMMANDO, CHEROKEE, CHICAGO, CECILIA, and CLIPPER. Markings are in blue drab, yellow, white and red, and are correct for the vehicles. Set AR35222 is the first of the new sheets Archer is offering for the new DML M2/M2A1 halftrack kit, and also will work well on the upcoming M3/M3A1 kit. This sheet, in red, white and blue, provides the initial landing markings for US armored vehicles with white stars on blue surrounds and 48-star flags of differing sizes. Even if you don't plan to pick up a halftrack, this set is worth it for the flags alone. AR35224 provides the mixed yellow ring/white star markings used for a time in the Mediterranean theater. Stars are provided in varying sizes and with both solid and "broken" rings, with normal locations given for each size. Sets AR35225W and AR35225W are identical with each one covering both all yellow (early) and all white (later) Mediterranean area markings, basically for the halftracks but usable for other vehicles as well. Sufficient stars are provided for at least three vehicles. Set AR35226 is a generic sheet of serial numbers for the M2/M3 series of halftracks, and while specific vehicles are used at some points they are essentially generic. Both early ("W" series) and late (USA 40XXXXX) ones are provided, and sufficient serials in both white and blue drab are provided to cover 18-22 vehicles including M2/M2A1, M3/M3A1, M4/M21, T19, T30 and M13 halftracks. Set AR35227 and its companion, set AR74009, are the first presentation that I can think of for the "gas paint" markings used during D-Day. Fearing German defenders would use "every means at their disposal" to include chemical weapons, a chemical sensing paint was developed and put on the hoods or fronts of all vehicles used in the invasion force. To conceal the paint and its purpose from the Germans, it was placed next to the organic white stars on the vehicles and surrounded with a white ring. While the paint was not needed, it was later found to react to a number of other things and also tended to turn odd colors once it weathered. These sets provide for an early June level of color based on restored color photographs, and are reasonably close to the mustard/green color of the actual paint when new. Note that since it was applied over the organic stars, quite often the new rings would not fit on the vehicles, and were truncated. This is particularly true of M2/M3 series halftracks and M3A1 scout cars, so be prepared for the markings to "not quite" fit and the sides to be cut off. All of the sheets are done to Archer's traditional fine standards, and researchers are credited where they provided info. As I was a contributor to sheets AR74009, AR35226 and AR35227, I pass on judgement; Robert Gregory did the 1st Armoured sheet, Roddy MacDougall the German sheets, and Norm Samuelson the remaining halftrack sheets. Overall, these are well done and well timed, and should prove handy to modelers looking to get beyond the box decals. Thanks to Woody Vondracek for the review samples. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on December 14, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit Number 6345; Gebirgsjaeger 1940-1941; 69 parts in grey styrene; price estimated at US $10.98 Advantages: uncommon subject given good treatment; nicely done 5 cm mortar Disadvantages: some details skimped on Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for German figure modelers who want a change of pace In 1986 I recall being down at the AFRC complex in Garmisch, Germany, and discovering that the Germans had the Gebirgsjaeger (literally mountain hunter) training school there next to the US facilities. The Germans took great pride in their mountain units, and even then kept much of the same uniform style (short pants with knee socks) and their famous "Edelweiss" badges. DML's latest figure set is of their linear forebearers, namely four Gebirgsjaeger from 1940-1941. This is one of the conventional DML sets, not Gen2, but is still a nice set with good basic poses. All four figures come in combat uniforms with long pants but with "bergsteiflen" or mountain boots. Two figures are talking and observing, each wearing a different style of mountaineer's jacket and with one of them gesturing with his pipe. The other two make up a 5 cm infantry mortar team. Both of them have the special carrier harness for the mortar and ten rounds of ammunition on their backs. These two are the more interesting, as they have to wear their kit differently from normal German infantry and thus are unique figures. They are more difficult to display, however, as one is leaning up against the side of a hill to emplace the mortar and his comrade is sprawled next to him to feed him the ammunition. The figures are typical DML "non-Gen2" types with each one consisting of six basic parts - legs, arms, torso, and head. As a result there is no definition to the soles of their boots, which are actually quite rugged in appearance with good-sized tread. There is no slide molding used with this set, and only three single-piece Kar 98K rifles are provided for weaponry. Also, the 5 cm mortar rounds are molded in bas-relief in their case, which does not look very realistic. One does have an entrenching tool carrier less the tool itself, which also adds interest. Overall, however, and with the usual excellent paintings by Ron Volstad they can be made into a nice group with more of a training aspect than some of the other sets. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on December 12, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 63589; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther A Late Production - Premium Edition; 865 parts (515 parts in grey styrene, 170 "Magic Track" links, 165 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, and 1 turned aluminum barrel); price estimated at US $41-45 Advantages: "Premium" treatment for a popular kit; "Magic Track" will be appreciated by most modelers; "mix and match" uses many parts from the new Ausf. G "Smart Kit" Disadvantages: once again may overload market with another Panther kit, again with different versions with different levels of corrections and optional parts Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German modelers F I R S T L O O K I am really starting to get confused with the number of Panther and Tiger kits from DML which have hit the market, and as of now here is the "box score" of what I have seen come out in the last few years: Kit No. 9041 PzBeobWg V Ausf. G Rel 5/1997 441 parts Kit No. 9045 Ausf. G Night Fighting Rel 8/1997 481 parts Kit No. 6244 Ausf. A 60th Anniversary of D-Day Rel 6/2004 485 parts Kit No. 6268 Ausf. G "Smart Kit" Rel 7/2006 714 parts Kit No. 6299 Ausf. D - Premium Edition Rel 7/2006 746 parts Kit No. 6346 Ausf. D Stadt-Gas Rel 9/2006 809 parts Kit No. 6358 Ausf. A - Premium Edition Rel 12/2006 865 parts As can be seen, each kit increases the number of parts and complexity over its predecessors, as well as cost. They do cover three different base versions of which only the first two were reworked Gunze Sangyo kits. I also realize that due to a computer glitch a couple of years ago I am missing the initial Ausf. D and Ausf. A Early Production and Late Production kits, so that is at least ten. But these do sell, and sell well, and therefore it's not surprising that DML continues with its "Premium" series of kits with this popular subject. In this kit, they follow the same formula: take a popular base kit, swap out older sprues and replace them with ones from later kits, add in technological updates, new brass and detail parts, tweak the older molds and add new decals and instructions. This kit takes 209 parts from the previous Panther Ausf. A and later Ausf. D kits (per release dates, not actual vehicle service dates) and adds in 306 more from the later Ausf. G "Smart Kit" as well as some modified sprues from the earlier kits. They also include their "Magic Tracks" which are apparently (by afficionados) to be among DML's better sets, as they come with the correct open cast teeth on the track links. The kit uses the hull pan from the Ausf. D kit and while it receives the new wheels from the Ausf. G "Smart Kit" alas cannot use the full-size torsion bars but instead the stub ones with road wheel arms from the D kit. The upper hull base and turret base are also from the D kit, but all of the external bits where possible are from the G. The model does come with a new set of etched brass but uses some of the same items that came with the Ausf. D Premium. The travel lock - a chain affair - comes with two sets of five etched brass parts each for either open or closed, and there is both a turned aluminum barrel or a two-piece styrene one (an old-fashioned two-piece "Flex-i-File" special is also included on the parts trees.) No zimmerit comes on the model, which since the As were most likely to have this coating applied is a shame. It does come with twelve etched nickel side skirt sections and the brass hangers for them, which was one ding many modelers placed against the G "Smart Kit" as it came without either metal or plastic skirting. Among other items on this model of note are the close-in defensive weapons which can be made to swivel, clear periscopes, a seven-piece jack, combat headlights with a clear styrene insert, and a nicely done MG34 ball mount for the glacis. The directions are the full color "photo" type which I have to admit I personally detest as very hard to see where the parts go, considering the parts are installed before the photos were taken. Also note that due to the "mix and match" sprues once again there are two B sprues and two E sprues, not related, and as such you have to pay attention to whether or not it is a capital or lower case letter. A total of six finishing options are provided: 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking," Poland 1944 (winter whitewash); 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking", Poland 1944 (three color camouflage - brush painted); 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking", Poland 1944 (three color camouflage - sprayed); Panzerregiment "Grossdeutschland", Eastern Front 1944 (three color "misted" sprayed camouflage); 26th Panzer Division, Italy 1944 (sand with red-brown bands); and 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf", Poland 1944 (three color camouflaged - sprayed.) A sheet of Cartograf decals is provided but is pretty generic, and right or wrong no SS divisional markings are included. Overall this is a nice kit, and most fans will want one to "complete the record" if nothing else. But since they can do it in 1/72 scale, I do wish DML would do at least ONE Panther or Tiger I kit with the "zimmerit" molded in place! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Layout and Source A 26 Ausf. D/A upper hull B 43 Ausf. D/A sponsons and hull side details b 52 (Ausf G) turret details C 1 lower hull D 43x2 Ausf. D/A gun and details E 33 Ausf. D/A mantelet and back plate e 22x4 (Ausf G) spare track and wingnuts F 11 (Ausf A) mantelet and cupola G 24x4 (Ausf G) road wheels H 1 (Ausf G) cupola J 8 (Ausf G) bow and turret MG 34 parts K 20 (generic tools) L 14 Ausf. D/A clear styrene M 30 (Ausf. A) mantelet and glacis P 20x2 Ausf. D/A suspension arms MA 165 etched brass Magic 170 Magic Track links MB 1 turned alumimum MB 12 etched nickel Back (Originally written on December 12, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Military Series Kit No. 87 044; Stredni Tank T-54B (T-54B Medium Tank); 40 parts in olive green styrene; price in Czech Koruna Kr 240 or 10 Euros (US $11.42 from SDV direct) Advantages: clean model of a T-54 that looks the part Disadvantages: some tweaks and too common shared parts with a T-55 for total accuracy Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all Soviet, Warsaw Pact and "Third World" armor fans in small scale as well as wargamers The T-54 had a long and busy development, starting with an improved version of the wartime T-44 medium tank in 1946 and finally ended up with the modified T-54B models in use by various Warsaw Pact countries in the late 1980s. The production version of the T-54 (Model 1951) underwent two major changes in its production life, once in 1956 when a bore evacuator and a single axis stabilizer were added to become the T-54A, and once in 1957 when the final production model from Soviet lines, the T-54B, was created with a two-axis stabilizer for the main gun. This tank was one of the first placed in production in Warsaw Pact factories in Poland; the T-54A was sold to China and entered production there as the Type 59 medium tank. SDV's kit is another of their family of T-54/T-55/T-62 kits, most of which use the same parts, and while simplifying their production it does cause some confusion and misses on the other end. This tank has the hull of a rebuilt Polish-made T-54B which is great (adds the "starfish" wheels vice the "spider" wheels of the early models) but then has a T-55 Model 1958 turret instead of a proper T-54 series turret. The main difference is the flush loader's hatch, and while the directions show a DShK machine gun being added, there is no ring mount for it on the hatch; also it comes with the T-54 Model 1951's D-10T gun vice the proper D-10T2S with bore evacuator. This is a shame, for the rest of the kit is very well done. It comes with the now-standard assembly mode used by SDV - hull pan, fenders and upper hull sides, and tracks with separate outer wheels forming the main assembly. The center upper hull, engine deck and radiator deck are next - here using a Soviet-style engine deck and the winterization capable Polish radiator deck. The turret is as noted clearly a T-55 type (albeit the box art shows the tank with an early model T-55A turret with the flat-topped radiation-shielded hatch) with an add-on ventilator. Directions are in both Czech and German, but are not an impediment to finishing the model. No painting and marking instructions are included other than basic painting instructions for the Czech light olive drab scheme or the Warsaw Pact grey-green colors. SDV includes their standard decal sheet from MPD with six number runs from 0-9, and markings for Soviet, Czech, Polish, East German, Finnish, Rumanian, West German (not used), Hungarian and one other country. (I suspect Bulgaria but am not sure.) Overall this is a handy wargame model but the small-scale modeler will have a bit of work to "tweak" it into a normal T-54B. Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sources: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NY 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com; Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail fidelismodels@cox.net; Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail futureplanes2000@yahoo.com. Direct from SDV at their e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz The Czech Koruna converts to US dollars at a rate of Kr 21 = US $1. Back (Originally written on December 12, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Military Serie Kit No. 87 045; Stredni Tank s Obrannym Systemem Drozd T-55AD (T-55AD Medium Tank with "Drozd" Defensive System); 76 parts in olive green styrene; price in Czech Koruna Kr 240 or 10 Euros (US $11.42 from SDV) Advantages: first kit of this specific vehicle in styrene; accurate for this particular vehicle Disadvantages: many tiny parts to create an accurate replica Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all small-scale Soviet/Warsaw Pact fans and wargamers The Soviets were one of the first nations to field antitank guided missiles on the battlefield, and fielded them in far greater numbers than most of the NATO countries. But after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war they suddenly realized they had created a two-edged sword (as had NATO, which then began to work much harder on fielding viable ATGMs) and as a result found themselves at a crossroads. Upgrading the armored protection on the tanks was difficult, as the upper level the Soviets wanted for most tanks was only 40 metric tons, and most other types of temporary standoff protection such as mesh or plates was too fragile for long-term combat. The Soviets then went two different directions - "dynamic" protection or reactive armor, and "active" protection, which involved shooting down ATGMs or RPGs in flight. The result of the latter was the creation of the "Drozd" (Thrush) Active Protection System or APS, also known by its factory designator of 1030 M-01. The first prototype was fielded in 1977, and eventually 250 sets were made for T-55 and T-62 series tanks. (The directions, in Czech and German, note that due to the complexity and the high cost - approximately US $680,000 per tank - it was dropped as not cost effective.) The Russians do offer newer versions for the T-72 and T-80, however, but no sales appear to have been forthcoming. The system consists of a power booster box on the back of the turret, millimeter wave radar on the front of the turret, and eight 107mm munitions mounted in four boxes on the sides of the turret, two pointing dead ahead and two angle off axis at about 5 degrees. Each contains two munitions. The way the system works is generally via a tipoff from a laser warning receiver that the tank is being targeted. When the radar set identifies an incoming missile or projectile, it slews the turret towards the projectile and when it is within the acquisition range it fires one or two munitions. They fly out and detonate in the path of the missile about 7-20 meters in front of the tank, usually shredding the incoming missile in midair. The main drawback - you DON'T want to be an infantryman moving in front of the tank when that happens! SDV has now produced a kit of a Czech-built T-55A with the "Drozd" system in place or as it was known by all of the Pact countries but Poland, the T-55AD (the Polish tank has a bustle cast into its turret and additional radio equipment, so is not related to "Drozd". The model is formed from the basic components of their T-54/T-55/T-62 series, namely a hull pan, fenders and upper hull sides, tracks and outer wheels, with a Czech-built engine and radiator deck and a standard T-55A early model turret. To this are added the components of "Drozd" but the builder must note that the overhead sketch of the system in the directions does not correctly orient the muntions boxes. Two are on the sides and parallel to the direction of aim as noted, but the upper two are behind them and angled outboard at about 5 degrees, as shown in the photos and directions proper. Also note that on the actual vehicle the components are connected by cables in lightly armored runs along the top sides of the turret. The tank also comes with the Soviet designed laser rangefinder over the main gun. While the directions show the DShK machine gun in place, this is an early T-55A turret and has the flush hatch and no ring, so it should be left off. The kit comes with no basic finishing instructions other than basic painting instructions for the Czech light olive drab scheme or the Warsaw Pact grey-green colors. SDV includes their standard decal sheet from MPD with six number runs from 0-9, and markings for Soviet, Czech, Polish, East German, Finnish, Rumanian, West German (not used), Hungarian and one other country. (I suspect Bulgaria but am not sure.) Overall this is one of the more interesting tanks produced in the 1970s and 1980s by the Soviets, and one which should be a fun build for small-scale modelers. Not sure how wargamers will react, as not sure how many miniatures rules take APS into consideration! Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sources: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NY 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com; Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail fidelismodels@cox.net; Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail futureplanes2000@yahoo.com. Direct from SDV at their e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz The Czech Koruna converts to US dollars at a rate of Kr 21 = US $1. Back (Originally written on December 12, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Military Series Kit No. 87 042; Vyprostovaci Tank VT-55A (VT-55A Recovery Tank); 97 parts (95 in olive styrene, 1 in black styrene, 1 in clear orange styrene); price in Czech Koruna Kr 270 or 11 Euros (price US $12.86 from SDV) Advantages: only kit of this vehicle in any scale that I know of; very nicely done and well detailed kit Disadvantages: a large number of small and very busy parts to this kit Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: to all Warsaw Pact and Middle Eastern wargamers and small-scale modelers The Soviets did many things right militarily, but many other things were based on expediency demands from the "Great Patriotic War" (WWII) and one of those was a dedicated tank recovery and repair vehicle. Many of their "recovery" vehicles were simply war weary tank chassis minus their turrets and equipped with many sturdy tow cables to pull broken-down or knocked-out tanks back to a collection and repair point. This lasted until the early 1980s when they finally fielded the BREhM-1, a T-72 based vehicle with a crane, spade and heavy winch to recover and repair vehicles with a single vehicle system. The Czechs were much brighter than that, and as such when they began producing the T-55 tank they created a dedicated recovery and repair vehicle based on that chassis. The vehicle, dubbed the VT-55A, was the first handy system for use by Pact members and as such was sold to and used by most of the Pact members, as well as other countries to include Iraq. 1,820 of these vehicles were produced by the Czechs between 1969 and 1983. The vehicle saw the turret replaced by a casemate for the crew of three as well as the addition of a spade for using its 75,000 pound pull winch, a 17,500 pound auxiliary winch, a crane with a lifting capacity of 1,500 kilograms, a storage rack for spare parts and equipment (normally complete engines or power packs) of 3,000 kilograms over the engine deck, and a BTU-55 bulldozer blade for clearing a path to a damaged vehicle. SDV Model now offers this handy vehicle in 1/87 (HO) Scale, and it is a dandy little kit with all of the bits - the only thing it doesn't come with is a spare V-55 engine! The kit uses SDV's modular construction for the kit - lower hull, fenders and upper hull sides, and tracks with inner wheels being the four main parts to the kit. To this are added the casemate, engine deck with sides and braces, crane assembly, spade assembly, and the BTU bulldozer blade assembly. Some parts are for the normal T-55 series kits and are redundant, but most are useable on this vehicle in new locations. Note that both Soviet-style and Czech-style engine access hatches are provided, but this vehicle can only use the Czech one (part 15). A "whoopie light" (orange rotating beacon) is also included for highway use. If assembled with care the crane, bulldozer and spade may all be made operational. The directions are in Czech and German, and while photos of an actual vehicle are provided due to several generations of xeroxing are hard to make out. No specific finishing directions are provided, but general color callouts are given for the Czech light olive drab paint or Warsaw Pact grey-green, and if other nations are used (e.g. Iraq) one has to consider various shades of sand or sand-and-green paint. A generic "Warsaw Pact" sheet with six number runs from 0-9 and specific markings for Soviet (not used), Czech, Polish, East German, West German, Finnish, Rumanian, Hungarian and one other country are included. Overall, this is a good little kit and will serve wargamers and scale modelers well. Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sources: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NY 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com; Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail fidelismodels@cox.net; Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail futureplanes2000@yahoo.com. Direct from SDV at their e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz The Czech Koruna converts to US dollars at a rate of Kr 21 = US $1. Back (Originally written on December 12, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Military Series Kit No. 87 030; Stredni Tank T-62 Vzor 1962 (T-62 Medium Tank Model 1962); 54 parts in olive green styrene; price in Czech Koruna Kr 240 or 10 Euros (price US $11.42 from SDV) Advantages: clean, all styrene kit of this vehicle; closer to scale than older US made plastic T-62 kits; will eventually cover other versions of the T-62 Disadvantages: some of the same problems as other T-62 kits carried over to this model; turret is wrong for a Model 1962 Rating: Recommended The directions are in Czech and with some German, as is a small historical booklet about the use of the T-62 during the "Prague Summer" of 1968 and the Soviet invasion in August of that year. Photos of T-62s and Czech citizens are included in the booklet, but alas, as it is not in English it loses something in the translation! By now many modelers know the story of the T-62: Marshal of the Soviet Union Chuykov blew his top when he heard that the British Centurion was going to mount a 105mm gun, thus larger than the 100mm one in the T-54 and T-55 tanks, and demanded that Soviet industry get a bigger gun out into the field at once. The solution from the Ural Railway Wagon Construction Factory at Nizhniy Tagil was to stretch a T-55 hull, modify the experimental 100mm D-54 gun to a 115mm smoothbore, and put the two items together with a new turret. The result, Object 166, was accepted for service as the T-62 tank at the end of 1961. Later, during the production run of the T-62 tank, it was also produced in Czechoslovakia and North Korea. There are three basic versions; the Model 1962, with a smooth turret and no AA machine gun and a T-55 style engine deck and radiator installation; the Model 1967, with the same turret and a new engine and radiator deck; and the Model 1970, which added a ring mount and DshK machine gun for the loader. Just over 20,000 T-62 tanks were built between 1962 and 1989. SDV has now created a new kit of the T-62, which is more accurate in terms of scale with the old Armortec/Petner Panzers/Boley kit. It is based, as was the real one, on the late model T-55 chassis produced by SDV and uses many of the parts from those kits. The model assembles in the same way as the T-55s - hull pan, fenders and upper hull sides, tracks and separate outer wheels. To this are added a turret decking with bulged sides, an engine deck, and a radiator deck based on the specific model of tank. The rest of the parts are the usual details - lights, fuel and oil tanks, ZIP (spare parts) bins, and the like. The turret has the same shape problems as all other plastic T-62 kits, namely a straight front edge with no roll-under as seen on actual cast T-62 turrets. Due to the thin moldings, this may be hard to correct but with some careful filing and painting the general shape can be modified to more accurately represent the T-62's turret. However, the kit comes with the hatch for the Model 1970 and not the Model 1962. To accurately replicate the Model 1962 the hatch will have to be sanded off and a new hatch, slightly domed, scratchbuilt for it with front-mounted hinges. Seven finishing options and a nice set of decals by MPD are provided with the kit: Soviet Army, Czech Invasion August 1968; Soviet occupying forces in Czechoslovakia, 1972; Egyptian Army, 1973; Syrian Army, Lebanon 1982; Iraqi Army, 1991; Northern Alliance, Afghanistan, 2001; and Soviet-built T-62 in Czech service, 1999. Markings for specific vehicles are included, with those of the Iraqis being recognizable as tank 33B, 3rd Regiment, 6th Armored Brigade, 3rd "Saladin" Armored Division, 1991. (Note that this tank will have to have a yellow bore evacuator with a white band in the center.) Also included are extra markings for East Germany. Overall, while not quite spot on for a Model 1962, this kit is better in most respects to both the Armortec and even the 1/35 scale Tamiya kits, and is a good choice for wargamers and good start for small-scale modelers to make an accurate T-62. Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Sources: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NY 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com; Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail fidelismodels@cox.net; Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail futureplanes2000@yahoo.com. Direct from SDV at their e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz The Czech Koruna converts to US dollars at a rate of Kr 21 = US $1. Back (Originally written on December 12, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Military Series Kit No. 87 048; Obrneny Transporter MT-LB s 85 mm Diviznim Kanonem D-44 (MT-LB Armored Transporter with 85mm D-44 Divisional Gun); 45 parts (40 in olive green styrene, 4 in black styrene, and 1 clear styrene); price in Czech Koruna Kr 320 or 13 Euros (US $15.23 from SDV) Advantages: good pairing of two related items; better than the white metal offerings from other European manufacturers Disadvantages: D-44 may be a bit fragile but is close to scale Rating: Recommended Recommendation: to all Soviet/Russian and Warsaw Pact small-scalers One of the older - and now out of production - warhorses which soldier on with the modern Russian Army is the MT-LB tracked armored personnel carrier. Now more than 30 years old, these vehicles have been rebuilt to provide acceptable (e.g. non OSCE or CFE Treaty limited equipment) to the Russians for use in the "near abroad" or in places such as the far north or Chechnya. They have also reintroduced (from deep war reserves) the 85mm D-44 field gun, as it is another treaty exempt item (CFE requires all guns and mortars over 100mm caliber to be declared.) The Russians issued both to their MVD Internal Troops units, who also used them in Chechnya. While the gun is quite elderly - being a field gun equivalent of the 85mm ZIS-53 guns used in WWII T-34-85 and IS-1 tanks, it is still capable of sufficient lethality against terrorists or rebels. SDV is now offering a "twofer" with both kits in one box. This is a good idea, as it gives the MT-LB some "purpose" as well as provide a prime mover for the field gun. Both kits are packed separately in ziplock bags. The MT-LB consists of 24 parts and comes with a clear windscreen as well as optional position armored flaps, so the model can be shown in march order. However, none of the hatches have options and the rear doors and roof hatches are also closed, so it will take a bit of work and ingenuity to fit an interior in the hull. The model comes with a separate outside ring to the drivers, which is fine as MT-LBs only had single road wheels and idlers. The D-44 is very petite but will be somewhat flimsy if assembled per the directions; if the model is to be wargamed, I suggest beefing up the trails with either sprue or strip and also using a heated screwdriver tip to fix the trails in their mounts. Both the trails will operate and the gun will elevate if care is taken in assembly. This kit comes with three different finishing options called out: Warsaw Pact grey-green, Soviet Army in Afghanistan 1988, or Iraqi Army, Kuwait 1991. The colors are called out in either Czech, English or German, but only one is matched to Humbrol colors - 173, which is "track color." A full decal sheet is included with six 0-9 sets of numbers, as well as markings for Finland, East Germany, West Germany, Poland, the CSSR, Rumania, Soviet and Soviet Guards, Hungary and one other. Overall this is a handy kit with two items that mutually complement each other in one box, and should be a nice change of pace for small-scalers or wargamers. Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sources: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NJ 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com; Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail fidelismodels@cox.net; Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail futureplanes2000@yahoo.com. Direct from SDV at their e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz The Czech Koruna converts to US dollars at a rate of Kr 21 = US $1. Back (Originally written on December 12, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Military Series Kit No. 87 051; SD-44 Divizni Kanon 85mm (SD-44 85mm Divisional Gun); 28 parts (17 in olive green styrene, 11in black styrene); price in Czech Koruna Kr 120 or 5 Euros (US $5.71 direct from SDV) Advantages: only kit I know of covering this particular weapon in any scale Disadvantages: trails may be somewhat fragile for wargaming purposes Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all Soviet era or Warsaw Pact small-scale modelers or wargamers One of the problems with any gun large enough to do sufficient damage to an opponent is that it usually is not easily moveable by the gun's crew alone, and thus requires extra help. This may be either via a team of horses or mules, a wheeled tractor or a tracked prime mover. In some cases, this means the gun is out of action for a dangerously long time while it is closed up, prepared for travel, hooked up to the prime mover, and then moved to a new position. One solution which the Soviets used in the early 1950s, primarily with consideration of airborne forces, is to simply attach a "clip-on" or built-in engine and drive train to the gun and move it by itself over short distances. One of their first successful efforts in this area was to power the D-44 85mm divisional gun and equip it with a monowheel drive unit that fastened to one of its trails. This gave the crew, usually seen as VDV airborne forces, the ability to move the gun around on the battlefield over most normal tactical distances without needing a prime mover, and thus made the gun more applicable to air drop. This lasted until the advent of the BMD-1, which came with its own 73mm grenade launcher and did not need extra firepower. Top speed was 25 kph and 58 liters of fuel gave it a range of up to 220 kilometers. The gun was driven spades forward with the monowheel also providing steering. The concept is now back in vogue again, through weapons like the South African G6 155mm gun, and other nations are once again considering this class of weapon. SDV has taken their nice little D-44 kit and added a sprue of parts to it that provide the monowheel drive, engine and driver's seat for the self-propelled version. They also add an ammunition crate to the kit for the gun. As noted in a previous review, the trails are fragile and wargamers may wish to reinforce them with sprue or strip. The heads of the trails should be fastened by flattening the pins with a heated screwdriver blade for security as well. No detailed finishing instructions per se are included, and the two colors of paint recommended are based on SDV's own line of acrylic paints. The Czech version should be in an olive color paint whereas the NVA (East German) one would be in Warsaw Pact grey-green. Overall this is a conversation piece if nothing else, and something different to add to a miniatures wargame! Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sources: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NY 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com; Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail fidelismodels@cox.net; Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail futureplanes2000@yahoo.com. Direct from SDV at their e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz The Czech Koruna converts to US dollars at a rate of Kr 21 = US $1. Back December 12, 2006 (Originally written on December 10, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Military Series Kit No. 87 052; Tatra 813 4 x 4 Vojensky Tahac Navesu (Military Tractor for Trailer Haulage); 81 parts (39 in olive green styrene, 32 in black styrene, 10 clear styrene); price in Czech Koruna Kr 225 (equal to US $10.71 at the source) Advantages: different tractor to use with both military or civilian cargo trailers, many options with this kit Disadvantages: old-fashioned molds (normal for small run kits) may be hard to work with Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all modern small-scale softskin fans Unlike many western truck manufacturers, many European companies come up with one good design for specific engine and transmission combinations, as well as wheel arrangements, and then offer them in whatever combinations the customer needs. This is common with companies such as Daimler Benz, MAN, KaMAZ, and Tatra, among many others. One of the best known of these families are the Tatra 813 series trucks, which come in 4 x 2, 4 x 4, 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 arrangements among many others. This kit is SDV's offering of the dedicated military tractor for heavy semi-trailers, the Tatra 813 4 x 4 variant. These trucks are semi-rear area ones as it is hard to move a semi-trailer cross country, but permits moving heavy palletized or containerized cargoes close to the combat units; they are often seen towing heavy bulk fuel tankers as well. SDV's kit is a "limited run" kit, so it is designed to be offered by a small manufacturer and in some cases the molding seem a bit crude. However, with care and careful cleanup, the kits build up into neat replicas of vehicles not offered by other manufacturers such as ROCO or Kibri. This kit uses some of the conventions that Kibri does, such as snap-on axles for the wheels, but provides a wide variety of nice bits such as individual headlights, driving lights and taillights - 8 in all. Construction requires a number of subassemblies so care will need to be taken with cutting the parts from the sprues as well as assembly. No markings or painting instructions are included, but as with many HO scale vehicles the model comes molded in the correct colors for each part so painting is not expected. Some logical finish points can add to its appearance or painting the parts the colors they come in on the sprues will help give them a more realistic finish. The directions are in Czech and German, but some monkey-see-monkey-do "international" flags cover the basic points in the directions, and there are not a fistful of parts at stake here, so it should be sufficient to get a clean job of assembly. Overall, this is a handy little beast for HO scalers and with a suitable trailer should be a nice addition to either an HO model railway or wargame army. Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Sources for SDV kits: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NY 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail fidelismodels@cox.net Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail: futureplanes2000@yahoo.com SDV Model website and e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz Back Kit Review: SDV Models 1/87 Scale Civilian Line Kit No. 272/Military Line Kit No. 87 055; Podvalnik Transporta P-50 (P-50 Lowboy Transporter); 87 parts (64 parts in black styrene, 23 in grey plastic or olive green plastic); price in Czech Koruna Kr 235 (about US $11.19 at the source) Advantages: popular world-wide lowboy carrier for many nations' armored vehicles; offered in both civilian and military options Disadvantages: has to have a tractor which is a separate purchase Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all small scale armor modelers and HO railroaders looking for something completely different With all of the nastiness of the Cold War, during late 1990 and early 1991 it came as something of a shock to see former Czech military transporters carrying American and British armor out into the deserts of Saudi Arabia during preparations for Operation Desert Storm/Operation Granby. Many of the heavy haulers were the Tatra 813 heavy truck (8 x 8) towing the P-50 50 metric ton lowboy trailer. Happily, the Czechs sort of lied about its actual capacity, which is 63 metric tons - about one metric ton more than the weight of one of its most common loads, the US Army's M1A1 Abrams tank. The P-50 is a typical European style lowboy deck-style transport trailer designed to be pulled "suicide style" behind a standard truck, rather than carried by a saddle type tractor-trailer combination. It uses five axle sets, each with two stub axles and a total of 20 heavy truck wheels underneath them to carry the weight of the load. The normal tractor in Czech service was the Tatra 813 mentioned above, also called the "Kolos" (Colossus) for its sheer towing power. SDV's two kits are nicely done and come with all of the accessories normally associated with this type of carrier. There are two working fold-down ramps at the rear and two auxiliary ramps carried on the front of the deck. Also, the deck has five access portals in it which can either be left open or sealed with hatch covers. The only part which most modelers may want to replace with sections of brass or styrene rod are the axles, which come on the wheel sprues. The kit is about two generations behind a lot of more modern kits, but is very well done and with care and cleanup will build into a nice model. With a Tatra 813 (also available from SDV) you can create a Desert Shield/Desert Storm transporter for an M1A1 Abrams or other US vehicle, or use it as the Czech tank transporter with any Warsaw Pact equipment. The directions are rough xeroxes but are more than suitable for building the kit, even though they are in either Czech or German. The only difference I could see was that it may be preferable to use a hot screwdriver/knife blade to permit the front axle set pinion to operate. Only a set of safety chevron stickers is included with the kit, but these types of vehicles rarely carried any other markings outside of a registration number/license plate at the rear. Overall this is a very nicely done little kit and something completely out of the ordinary for both model railroaders and HO scale armor fans. Thanks to Jan Podubecky for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sources for SDV kits: Stevens International, 706 N. White Horse Pike, P.O. Box 126, Magnolia, NJ 08049; phone (856) 435-1555 fax (856) 627- 6274; e-mail: info@stevenshobby.com Fidelis Models, PO Box 1021, Poway, CA 92074; e-mail: fidelismodels@cox.net Howard Hookham, 11 Belle Vue Terrace, Blackwood Hall, Luddendenfoot, Halifax HX2 6HG, Yorkshire, Great Britain; e-mail: futureplanes2000@yahoo.com SDV Model website and e-store: http://www.sdvmodel.cz Note: for direct purchase from SDV the Czech Koruna converts to US dollars at a rate of Kr 21 = US $1. Back (Originally written on December 8, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6333; "Ambush!" Eastern Front 1944 - Gen2; 287 parts (271 in grey styrene, 16 etched brass); estimated retail price around US $13.98 Advantages: nice new figures of German troops in smocks and later war uniform accouterments Disadvantages: figures do not seem to work well as a set but more like four individual figures Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all late war German fans The latest in DML's marvelous "Gen2" series of deluxe figure sets are four German SS panzer grenadiers in the popular "ambush" scheme smocks worn over their regular uniforms. Each one comes in the now typical DML "Gen2" breakdown - two legs, two torso sections, two arms, hands, footgear, front and rear to the head, separate collar and four-part coat tails - plus other bits such as shoulder straps or belts as needed. One of the figures is an officer, and this time he comes with a two-piece peaked cap, which will make painting it and the sweatband trim very easy. The set comes with the usual cornucopia of DML accessories, including two Panzerfaust 60 grenade launchers and their packing crate from previous kits, two sets of the WB weapons sprue with four MP40, two MP44 and two Gewehr 43 rifles, and bits of the WC sprues with grenades and pistols - one PP, one P.08 Luger, and one P.38 plus a pair of flare pistols (loaded and loading.) But oddly these figures do not seem to be designed for use together as much as to be used as single figures. The officer is in a pose with his pistol raised as waiting for the moment to strike. One man with a bandaged head looks far more casual if a bit overarmed for the situation - a grenade in one hand and a Tellermine in the other. One helmeted figure is advancing with his hand raised as to stop traffic, and the fourth figure is holding a Panzerfaust at the ready. At least the nice Ron Volstad artwork and directions for painting help sort things out a bit. Decals are also included for the Panzerfauste and their packing crate. Overall, while as noted the figures appear a bit disjointed as a set they do work well as individual pieces, and most fans will be glad to pick them up. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue layout A 37 2 x figures B 41 2 x figures GA 64 (mess kits, canteens, entrenching tools, bayonets) GB 56 (magazine pouches, holsters, bread bags) GC 14 Grenades GC 15 Pistols WB 18x2 Gewehr 43, MP 44, 2 x MP40 WE 8 Panzerfauste MA 16 etched brass Back (Originally written on December 8, 2006) Video Review: "Ghosts of the Third Reich Volume III: German Tracked and Semi-Tracked Vehicles" by Tankvideo.com (Richard Isner); DVD-R format, approximately 63 minutes in length; price US $20 directly from Tankvideo.com; http://www.tankvideo.com Advantages: nicely done and edited (two cameras) video of restored German armored vehicles in action Disadvantages: minimal coverage of non-German subjects (well, the title DID say German!) Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all German tank fans and especially modelers I've known Rich Isner for a number of years now, both professionally and socially, and while Rich pleads guilty to being an SGF - "Slobbering German Freak" - I don't hold him to that for a number of reasons. First off, no SGF would be caught dead wearing a full German tanker's black wool uniform actually operating an armored vehicle in 95 F heat (Rich is the re-enactor Hetzer commander at the Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles). Secondly, no SGF I know takes the time, care or consideration of his chosen subject to literally get down to the level of skinned knuckles and "sweat equity" in getting restored vehicles to operate. And third, nobody else I know takes the care to provide excellent digital video of restored vehicles of all sorts in action as Rich does. This is the latest in a series of high-quality videos from Rich, and it covers the Bovington open day in the early fall of 2006. The Tank Museum is legendary for its collection of armored vehicles, and the Open Days are also a magnet for British restorers and re-enactors to show their stuff on the demonstration paddock at the Tank Museum. This video shows the action over the course of two days, and covers both the Tank Museum's vehicles as well as some very nicely done preserved armor. First up is a privately preserved Sd.Kfz. 7 8 ton halftrack which is about 90% restored, only missing items such as its windshield and folding top. The restorer comments on the vehicle and what he has done to it - as it was a "basket case" the answer is quite a bit! - and his hope of finding a demilled 8.8 cm gun to tow behind it. Second is a late model Pzkw. III with the long 5 cm gun and applique armor that belongs to the Tank Museum. I was impressed at the quiet but commanding growl this beastie makes during its run-pasts. Two different Hetzers are next to perform, and from what I recall Rich saying one is real and the other is the more prosaic Swiss G.13 version. They are also quiet as well. A pair of the light halftracks follow, the Sd.Kfz. 250 (alte) and an Sd.Kfz. 250 (neue). Both are put through their paces by their owners. A privately restored Jagdpanther is next, and a beast it is! Modelers really need to concentrate on the tracks and wheels of this vehicle, as the loose fitting tracks do quite a bit of gyrating when the vehicle is running and act nothing like most modelers would expect them to. Lastly, and somewhat sulkily and reluctantly, Bovington's Tiger I made its formal debut as a "runner" for the first time since the late 1940s (from what I was told its original engine was "sectioned" for engineering students and thus finding a new engine was a real problem.) It apparently barely rolled out of the shops on the first day, sounding very ragged, and went back for some TLC. On the second day, it was running in fine form around the paddock, and while it is obvious that there was a steady rain falling the crowd seemed delighted to see the big beast rolling along with a suitable growl. The video does concentrate on the external bits of the vehicles, but it is the running which is fun to watch and the sounds as they roll by. Modelers will note that armored vehicles clatter more than one would expect but rarely squeal as they do in movies and TV. Overall this should be a winner as I know many people want to see - and hear! - a running Tiger I. Many thanks to Rich for the review copy of the video. ookie Sewell Back (Originally written on December 8, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6320; StuG III Ausf. G Early Production - Smart Kit; 697 parts (378 in grey styrene, 288 Magic Track links, 20 etched brass, 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price estimated at US $41-45 Advantages: Totally new ground-up kit of this very popular vehicle; nicely done interior bits will be appreciated; ready for easy(er) assembly or suitable for super-detailing Disadvantages: "Boo birds" not in touch with the "Smart Kit" concept likely to complain about shortage of brass or multimedia parts Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all WWII German fans and a few diehard Finnish and Syrian modelers Once modelers get past the big lumpy German tanks like the Tigers and Panthers, their next most popular vehicle is usually the Sturmgescheutz series of self-propelled guns, with the later models being the most popular. For a number of years, arguments and discussions have been carried out about whose kits are the best - Tamiya (old) or Tamiya (new), DML (ex-Gunze Sangyo) or DML (Dragon's own kits.) With this new (and surprise) kit, DML seems to be out to settle all bets in one go. It's getting harder and harder to describe the kits, as DML's standard of engineering in their new "Smart Kit" series is hard to top. Each one is designed to be as accurate as DML can make it in regard to the prototype and at the same time make it much easier to assemble a highly detailed miniature of the original without resorting to a bunch of after-market detail kits. This is the latest in the series, and light years away from the Tamiya kit of 1972 (which was one of my favorites for many years as it provided so many options.) This kit provides the "early production" - e.g. welded mantelet/recoil cover vice the later "Saukopf" mantelet - version of the Ausf. G. The kit comes with many of the accouterments seen on kits like the DML Tiger I and Panther, starting with individual torsion bars and road wheel arms as well as all of the external details on the lower hull such as shocks and bump stops. Each idler wheel consists of five parts with twin brass inserts between the plastic castings. All wheels are detailed to the point of having the rubber tire manufacturer's data readable! The brass is provided only for those bits where plastic cannot do the job, such as the aforementioned wheel rims and the air intake and exhaust grilles on the engine deck plus some non-slip gridding. I noted on the internet the last time the "Boo Birds" showed up to complain about the "Smart Kit" Panther Ausf. G that it didn't come with enough brass to suit them; these people apparently can't grasp the concept of a "Smart Kit" being one which does not NEED that amount of brass to look good. But I digress. All fender details are separate and go on in subassemblies. In point of fact, most of this model consists of subassemblies, which is how it gets its tremendous level of details. This also shows in the sprues, as for example the "A" wheel sprue actually consists of seven sub-sprues, so future kits can be done by gating off or ungating other sections of the master sprue to meet the need of those kits. DML seems to be getting smarter in their old age, using this technique vice tossing in 5-10 other sprues from other kits to get one part from each one. The kit comes with a high level of interior parts, including the gun, commander's cupola assembly, floor, and the radios and stowage racks for various bits on each side of the casemate. Likewise the engine deck consists of several subassemblies combined to form the deck. Note that every hatch on this vehicle can be opened for display of the interior, but there is no engine or transmission provided. Final assembly again has a number of different modules combined into one final assembly - lower hull, fenders, engine deck, interior, gun barrel, casemate, and tracks. Oddly enough, while the radios and antenna bases are supplied, no comment is made about the antennas for them! Five different finishing options and a targeted Cartograf are provided: 2nd StuG Abt. 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich", Russia 1943; Pz.Gren.Div "Grossdeutschland" Eastern Front 1943; U/I unit, Eastern Front 1944; 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf",Ukraine 1944; and a token captured example, "Aleksandr Suvorov" of the 1288th SP Gun Regiment, Ukraine 1944. The latter two are in whitewash winter schemes. Input on this kit was provided by Minoru Igarashi, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson. Overall, this is another hit. (As a point of observation, our friends the "Boo Birds" complain that too many reviews appear to be "shilling" for the manufacturers; apparently these depraved souls haven't figured out yet that today is now the Silver Age - perhaps even Platinum, based on credits card rationale - of modeling and each manufacturer is trying to outdo the others with the quality and accuracy of their products. Unless one wants to go to moronic levels of review - e.g. "The third bolt on the transmission shows that it uses left hand threads vice right hand threads, so this kit is a disaster and should not be built by anyone with any real knowledge of an accurate model" - it's hard to give most new kits from the major manufacturers, and a good number of the smaller ones, a really bad review. But they'll try.) Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue layout A 61x2 Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected) B 48 Road wheel arms and lower hull details C 31 Casemate and fenders D 28 Basic upper hull details E 34 Interior and radio sets F 16 Gun barrel and mantelet G 15 OVM and light components G 55 Fender and upper hull details G 24 OVM and hull details H 1 Lower hull pan J 10 Clear styrene K 144 Magic Track - Left M 144 Magic Track - Right Z 1 Twisted steel wire WC 4 MG34 MA 20 Etched brass Back (Originally written on November 30, 2006) Kit Review: ICM 1/35 Scale Kit no. 35541; "May 1945"; 54 parts in grey styrene; retail price US $8.98 Advantages: very well done and casual Soviet figures will complement late production model tanks (e.g. IS-2 or T-34-85); comes with an accordion! Disadvantages: comes with an accordion! Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Soviet "Great Patriotic War" Fans Many times, it's hard when composing a diorama or vignette to get the casual look that makes the scene work. This isn't a problem if you are handy with modifying figures or scratchbuilding figures, but it's tough for many modelers to get the figures to look "right." DML has thus far dominated in getting good figures to the market, and quite often eastern European ones tend to be stodgy, stumpy or just plain clumsy in appearance. Therefore this new kit from ICM was a major surprise, as these are some of the nicest figures that I've seen coming out of the former USSR. Offered by ICM from Ukraine, the kit offers four very nicely sculpted figures after the great victory who are taking some time to relax. The kit comes with an officer, a female medical orderly ("medsestra"), a casualty with a freshly dressed wound, and another soldier seated in a chair with an accordion. Yes, accordion! While many Americans are annoyed with this instrument and tend to denigrate it, it is very popular with Russians and probably ranks up with guitars and balalaikas for most popular folk instrument. (It should be noted that the most extreme reaction I ever saw in the US was a bumper sticker on a car that read, "Pro-Accordion - and I VOTE!") The accordion player is seated in a very nicely done five-part chair that appears to be a side chair from a dining table in Berlin. He is very casual, with the four-piece instrument in his lap and his quilted jacket open and slung over his shoulders. His companion is standing with his left hand bandaged, still wearing his quilted jacket. Both come with kit bags and PPS submachine guns. The officer is standing with his medals displayed and carrying what appears to be a map case. He is armed with a pistol and has his arm around the medical orderly. The medical orderly is wearing a skirt and also the officer's greatcoat is draped over her shoulders; she apparently has a cup of tea as well. A medical kit bag is provided and shown displayed at her feet. While each figure consists of six basic parts - legs, torso, arms and head – there are small details that add to each one. That enhances some of the best molding that I have seen in a while, and as noted something not usually seen from the east. Each face has a great deal of personality in it and all are very clean with a minimum of mold partition lines. Overall this is a great set of figures and complements many other sets from other companies. ICM is to be congratulated for doing a great job, and hopefully can continue at this level. Note that ICM kits in the US are now distributed by Dragon Models USA. Cookie Sewel Back (Originally written on November 30 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7311; M4A4 Sherman; 175 parts (122 in grey styrene, 51 etched brass, 2 DS plastic track runs) ; price estimated at US $13.98 Advantages: nice clean complete model of M4A4/Sherman V tank with some optional bits in the kit Disadvantages: overdone brass sheet, some question on markings accuracy Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Commonwealth armour fans and "Shermaholics" in small scale Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7303; (Sherman) Firefly VC; 190 parts (134 in grey stryene, 54 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs); price estimated at US $13.98 Advantages: Nice, clean kit with new M4A4/Sherman V hull, tracks and turret; detail rivals 1/35 scale kits; provides the modeler with the ability to make the model as detailed as possible Disadvantages: brass details are now bordering on the ridiculous in regard to size and usability Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Commonwealth armour fans and "Shermaholics" in small scale As with many other  DML kits, they have now released a straight Sherman V kit (but under the odd release designation of M4A4) to complement their earlier Sherman VC Firefly kit. As can be expected, this model uses all but the turret sprue, brass and decals from that kit. It should be noted that the US Army did use some M4A4 tanks, but the only ones used in combat were in conjunction with Nationalist Chinese forces in the CBI theater. The American use was primarily confined to the Desert Training Center at Indio, California, with tanks used there being rebuilt and sent overseas to Commonwealth forces. The book "Tanks are Mighty Fine Things" clearly shows color photos of M4A4s with the 7th Armored Division in training, as well as awaiting rebuilding before overseas shipment. The kit basically combines the A, B and C sprues from the Firefly kit (details and mid-production VVSS suspension, with welded road wheels and "straight" return roller arms with pillow blocks) with 26 parts adapted from their M4A1 kit for the turret, as well as the two DS plastic British pattern steel chevron (T62 style) track runs. The hull is beautifully done with "Slide Molding" providing the side details as well as the top and front/rear ones, including very petite weld bead details (less casting numbers!) and other niceties such as the fender/sand shield mountings. The turret likewise has been "Slide Molded" as has the gun barrel which has a hollow muzzle. Everywhere one looks are fine details such as bolts, screw heads, weld bead, etc. All of the armored applique panels are included, three hull, one turret and true to its Firefly roots the patch over the bow gun port. Again, the trailer hitch was molded in the stowed position on the side of the rear doors, but unless you are planning on using an ammo trailer that is pretty minor. All of the crew hatches and the pistol port are separate parts and can be shown open or shut. There is no interior detail in the turret. The transmission cover is the "bolted" three-section type with separate bolt flanges, which is normal for portraying this component, and has a choice of cast in or etched brass "ears" for the tow shackles. Other etched brass components include the taillight lenses, light guards, part of the tool brackets, and in the RP (right puny) department, the locking tabs and ears for the hatches. (These are maybe 0.5 x 1.0 mm.) Surprisingly DML has not included the fenders/sand shields for this model of the Sherman, as they were more commonly used by Commonwealth tankers than Americans. Considering it would be a good idea to use etched brass for this, the omission is a bit odd. They do, unlike their 1/35 scale brethren, include the .50 caliber M2 heavy machine gun for the commander's cupola ring mount. Painting instructions and markings via a nice Cartograf sheet cover four vehicles: RHQ 13th/18th Royal Hussars, Normandy 1944; 1st Chinese Provisional Tank Group, Burma 1945; 1st Motorized Artillery Regiment, Polish 1st Armoured Division, Falaise Gap 1944; and Free French Army, Marseille 1944. Oddly, sources indicate that the one British tank modeled may have been a Sherman III (M4A2) and not an Sherman V (M4A4), which is a major goof. All tanks appear to be in olive drab. At least there are no silly "captured" options with this kit! Overall, other than the one error in markings this kit continues the string of "hits" for small scale armour modelers with a U! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Sprue breakout 7311 M4A4 A 26 75mm early turret B 33 machine gun and fine details A 33 M4A4/Firefly details C 30 Mid-production VVSS suspension D 2 M4A4/Sherman V hull MA 51 brass X 2 DS plastic tracks (T62 type) Back (Originally written on November 25, 2006) Kit Review: Italeri 1/72 Scale Kit No. 7037; Sd.Kfz. 234/3; 66 parts in light ochre styrene; retail price about US $12.50 Advantages: nice, clean kit of this vehicle; options for either detailed or simplified wargame version of the model Disadvantages: somewhat simplistic parts will not be popular with current small-scale modelers Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all small-scale German WWII fans as well as wargamers While some of the other companies now making kits in 1/72 and 1/76 scale have gone to great lengths to increase the accuracy and resolution of their kits, with some now numbering more parts and types of materials than some of the better 1/35 scale models, Italeri has taken a different tack and is now trying to appeal to both the small-scale modeler and the wargamer who wants a simple but accurate model to use with miniatures gaming rules. As such, their new kits provide different options, from either a 2-in-1 choice like this kit (either detailed or wargaming) to one of each type in the same box to two wargaming versions in one box. This particular kit is based on the "Stroke 3" variant of the later model heavy armored car series. The Germans continued their prewar designs throughout the war, and the Sd.Kfz. 231 heavy eight-wheeled armored car series was replaced by the Sd.Kfz. 234 series beginning in September 1943. Four different vehicles were produced in this series: Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (Geraet 95) 200 built  2 cm cannon/7.92mm MG in open turret (built Jun 44 - Jan 45) Sd.Kfz. 234/2 (Geraet 93)   101 built 5 cm gun/7.92mm MG in closed turret (also called the Puma) (built Sep 43 - Sep 44) Sd.Kfz. 234/3 (Geraet 94) 88 built 7.5 cm L/24 in open mount (built Jun 44 - Dec 44) Sd.Kfz. 234/4 (Geraet 96) 89 built 7.5 cm Pak 40 in open mount (built Dec 44 - Mar 45) The first one to see service was the Puma, as it entered production nine months ahead of the other models. It was followed by the "stroke 1" and later the "stroke 3" and finally the "stroke 4." The latter was purely a heavy tank destroyer version, as by that time the Germans needed all of the heavy (75mm and up) antitank guns they could muster. Both the 3 and 4 were similar, with the exception of the heavier gun in the 4, and used the standard hull but with no turret and modified decking. Italeri's new kit is of the "Stroke 3" with the L/24 7.5 cm howitzer and as noted comes with two build options which they call "Fast" or "Skillful" on the end of the box. They both use the same parts but the difference is that the "fast" version leaves most of them out. The "Skillful" version takes 58 of the 66 parts on the single sprue whereas the "Fast" version only requires 26 and provides sturdy if inaccurate axles. The kit comes with the main hull split in half lengthwise, four separate leaf springs and eight complete suspension units. It has a very spartan interior of only six pieces - base, two steering wheels, rear bulkhead, and two simplified ammo lockers (e.g. no openings for the rounds or round bases molded on them). The late-model four-bin fenders are each one unit and the mufflers attach at the rear of each unit. A number of details are separate parts - jerry cans, fire extinguishers, jack, shovels, lights, and fender guide rods. But the gun consists of a main unit, a muzzle, light mount, MG42 machine gun, and a frame for the armor protection, all of which fit into a casemate base. These are very simplified, and I know that some modelers are going to squawk about that. However, they should realize that this kit is aimed at the wargamer and not the collector, and as such is designed to be easy to assemble in numbers, look great when done, and survive years of table top battles and the normal wear and tear of coming and going to wargame venues. The fact that it can be built as a normal model with the basics provided so that the hard-core modeler can upgrade it is a bonus - if you wonder what I mean, think back to the Edori PVC kits of about 30 years ago and you will find wargamer items that could not be brought up to collector's standards. A nice sheet of basic markings is provided along with finishing options for four vehicles. Two are unknowns, one in Normandy and one on the Western front, one is 21st Panzer Division in Normandy, and one is the 116th Panzer Division in Normandy. Italeri calls them "A. A." vehicles which I assume was their stab at Aufklaerungsabteilung (reconnaissance battalion) or something like that. The ones on the direction are in black and white but there are color prints on the back of the box. Overall, look at this kit as what the Airfix Sd.Kfz. 234/4 kit of 40 years ago SHOULD have been and you will be able to determine its overall worth. Molding is not bad and the kit should answer the mail for more than a few modelers. Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on November 17, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 Scale Kit No. 12 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6350); Tiger I Early Production "Michael Wittmann";   1,053 parts (625 parts in grey stryene, 188 etched brass, 216 "Magic Track" links, 1 turned aluminum barrel insert, 1 spring, 2 pre-bent wire, 8 white metal castings, 8 aluminum pins, 1turned brass, 1straight wire,  2 twisted steel wire); price estimated at US $45 Advantages: targeted "boutique" kit of one specific vehicle of popular subject Disadvantages: another selective low-distribution kit tends to confuse some modelers and also enters a very crowded marketplace for this vehicle Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for die-hard Tiger fans There is a joke going around among non-German WWII armored vehicle modelers that there will eventually be something like 5,500 kits of the Tiger I on the market in 1/35 scale - one each of every single one built by Trumpeter, Dragon, AFV Club, and Tamiya. (I could include another 1,385 from Italeri but their Tiger kit hasn't been seen in a few years, and I suppose I should wait for it to come out with new markings as well!) While it's more of a grouse about a lack of other worthy subjects, it does seem to have some basis in fact as there seems to be four or five out from each one (less Trumpeter, but give them time) right now. This kit has once again been the subject of intensive speculation and pre-orders on the Internet due to the excellence of the DML Tiger I kits as well as the choice of subject. Michael Wittmann is a cult figure amongst many WWII German armor fans, and as such there are a rabid few who really follow every tiny detail of his life with an intensity that is hard to fathom, given his rather extreme political views. (Tom Jentz has seen some of the personnel records on him that are stored in the US National Archives and what is there shows him to be more of what US troops call a "hot dog" than an "ace." He appears to only have survived and received promotion and awards due to his NDSP membership and mythos, as any other officer would have been relieved and court-martialed for constant violations of standing orders. But that is another story.) The kit is typical of current DML/cyber-hobby.com "boutique" kits or an absolute boxfull of parts! Compared to the last DML version of the Tiger I to be released (No. 6253, a 3-in-1 Tiger I Late Production from July 2005 with 1,134 parts in the box) thnis kit changes out a number of sprues, adds others from the earlier Tiger I Early Production kit, as well as a bunch of new ones. Comparison with the Tiger I Late Production 3-in-1 shows that 166 parts have been changed or modified by new or reworked molds and another 235 swapped in from either the Early Production or Tiger (P) kits. What the modeler winds up with is a Tiger I with the rear turret basket and the complete "Feifel" air cleaner installation, early production wheels, early production details, the turret with a one-piece roof and the right rear hatch; the directions show no "zimmerit" paste was applied so therefore no "ding" on the kit for not providing it. As I personally have little interest in Mr. Wittmann and have never followed much about his career, I cannot testify as to either the accuracy of the selection of parts chosen or if they are correct for this specific vehicle.   There are some new tweaks that I have not seen in past Tiger I kits, such as TWO sets of forming guides for the tracks. While the tracks are apparently the early model, they are still "Magic Tracks" which have proven relatively popular as they only need to be snapped together and then cemented. As such, the directions call for 96 links on the left side and 95 on the right, and therefore due to the difference in the torsion bars and placement of the wheels the two sets of guides (D-23/24 and G-32/33) provide for an accurate set on each side.  The kit comes with a handful of the original track links with separate guide teeth but these are the spares for the hangers on the turret; therefore, since they came on the same sprue as the Tiger I Late's torsion bars, a new sprue with 16 torsion bars is provided (Blue P). Incidentally, since DML/cyber-hobby.com used "mix and match" sprues, where there are duplicates one is listed as "Black Letter" and one is "Blue Letter." And just when you thought DML directions couldn't get any more confusing!!! As noted the kit comes with full, semi-operating (once you cement the tracks in place, I doubt you'll want to test it!) suspension and a full set of torsion bars, as well as the now familiar partial interior for the engine bay with fans, fuel tanks and radiators. Note that when assembling this kit there are a large number of holes that need to be drilled out from the inside, especially in the engine bay area, so plan accordingly. The kit does come with some expected features and some odd ones. A nicely detailed MG34 is provided for the bow gunner/radio operator and can be left free, but DML also added an operating driver's viewer. The gun "recoils" via a spring, not what I personally consider one of the better "working" features on a kit, with an aluminum core and styrene bits at both ends. A regular styrene barrel is also included. Note that no AA MG is provided, and right or wrong is something more and more common with other kits of late; why DML does not do this is beyond me, even if the modeler does not choose to use it or does want to make a similar vehicle that carried one. All of the hatches on the model can be opened or closed, including the two on the turret basket. To avoid "midnight requisition" operations by the unscrupulous, the kit also includes padlocks for the latter with each one consisting of SEVEN parts with hasp. I give, my eyes aren't that good anymore even WITH an Optivisor! One set of markings and finishing instructions are included for Wittmann's tank with turret number "1331" as marked for Operation "Zitadelle" (Kursk) with the 1st SS Panzer Division "Liebstandart Adolf Hitler" which, in order to dodge EU and other laws about glorifying the Nazis, is simply listed as "LSSAH" in the directions. Decals are again by Cartograf from Italy. Production credits for those who, um, wish to comment are Hirohisa Takada and Minoru Igarashi, David Burden, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson. All have struck me as competent and serious about their research in past projects. Overall this is a good choice of kit, especially based on its subject matter, and is already closing on sell-outs in some markets from info posted on the Internet (take that with a grain of salt, as many sites are prone to exaggeration in both directions.) But in all seriousness, it enters a crowded and increasingly confusing variety of 1/35 Tiger I kits, and comments from the same Internet sites do indicate a level of frustration of having bought the "wrong" version of the kit in a past release. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue breakdown (* = new sprues compared to previous release): A 26 (Tiger I generic) B 40 (Tiger I generic) C 46 (Tiger (P)) Turret parts C 39 (Tiger I Late) D 30 (Tiger I Late) (turret)* E 44x2 (Tiger I) wheel sets* F 8 (Tiger I Late) F 21 (Tiger I) Turret and hull details G 42 (Tiger I) hull details G 44 (Tiger I) hull details H 54 (Tiger I Late) H 1 (Tiger I) Hull base K 28 (Tiger I) hull L 12 (Tiger I generic) clear styrene P 40 (Tiger I Late)* P 25 (Tiger I) torsion bars R 15 (Tiger I Late) S 9 (Tiger I Late) clear styrene V 31 Tiger I Turret Details W 4 (Feifel hoses) Y 12 (cleaning rod sections, details) Z 180 (MagicTrack) TA 8 (German OVM)* TC 4 (German OVM) TD 4 (German OVM) TE 4 (German OVM) TF 7 (German OVM ) jack TG 4 (German OVM) tow cable heads MA 147 Etched brass MB 36 Etched brass MC 4 grilles MD 1 barrel insert MD 1 spring MD 2 pre-bent wire MD 8  white metal casting MD 8 aluminum pins MD 1 turned brass MD 1  straight wire ME 2 twisted steel wire Back (Originally written on Novewmber 10, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6192; Sturmgescheutze Crew Reloading Russia 1941; 48 parts in grey styrene; estimated price about US $10.95 Advantages: very flexible set of figures can be used with SP guns or tanks from 1941 to 1944 (as the sprue flag says so!), choice of ammo a good idea Disadvantages: figures are not "Gen2" standard Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German armor fans Occasionally a set of figures comes out with little fanfare or apparent advantage, but when examined closely is a good "maid of all work" that can be used for a very wide variety of functions and either with a single kit or in a diorama setting. DML's choice of figures here is very much one of those sets. This kit provides a single sprue with three basic figures of Germans wearing the generic armor crewmen's uniform and one more with a pullover sweater performing the basic uploading - "bombing up" to Commonwealth armour fans - of ammunition into an armored vehicle. I say generic as it basically depends if you paint them in field gray with red trim as assault gun or antitank crewmen or black with pink as tankers. Each figure comes with a choice of either a peaked soft cap or a side cap for headgear. The figures are basic - torso, head, two arms and two legs - but molding is up to DML's standards and these figures, as not in combat or wearing more involved uniforms, do not really need the extra "zing" provided by Gen2 molding techniques. Eight heads are provided for variety, however, but four have their tops cut at a slant for the side caps and four squared off for use with the peaked caps. Poses are simple: one man with a sweater is an observer, one is holding a round, one is handing it down, and one is receiving the round from the previous figure. A nice touch is the presence of three distinct type of ammo: four rounds for what appears to be the stubby L/24 gun, four HE rounds for the L/46-48 guns, and four AP rounds for the latter weapon.  But as they are pretty generic figures, it should not be hard to use them with the longer 7.5 cm L/70 ammo or 8.8 cm rounds. Overall, the greatest advantage of this set is their flexibility, and I wouldn't be surprised for German armor fans to stock up on them. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on November 8, 2006) Kit Review: Academy 1/35 Scale Static Model Kit No. 13207; M4A3 Sherman 105mm Howitzer and M1 Dozer Blade; 448 parts (446 parts in green styrene, 2 silver vinyl track runs); price US $42.00 Advantages: first kit to include the dozer blade; all styrene kit with one-piece tracks should make building a snap Disadvantages: Academy still about one generation behind DML on details; shortcuts on some parts understandable but still compromise accuracy Rating: Recommended Recommendation: For all Sherman and Marine fans as well as modelers who don't like multimedia kits F I R S T   L O O K The new Academy M4A3 105mm Sherman with M1 Dozer Blade kit arrived hot behind the new DML M4A3 105mm HVSS kit, so I can compare both of them as to their subject. First off, Academy fudged on one fact - the dozer blade provided for this tank should have been the M1A1 dozer blade, which was designed to fit on the wider M4 series tanks with HVSS suspension, not the M1 series blade. The difference was the earlier blade had a width of 124 inches and the new one was 138 inches. That works out to just about 100mm even in 1/35 scale, but the one in the kit is only 96mm assembled. Reversed, that comes out to 132 inches, so Academy split the difference. The later T7 installation used variable blades, but as it had no arms on the sides, this could only have been meant to be the M1A1. Moving on to the kit proper, the details are not bad but some could have been better done. One case in point is the fact that the upper hull still has the "trench" type of weld beads used, and hopefully Academy can fix this bugaboo of Sherman modelers with subsequent kits. Otherwise, the hull is nicely done with a separate engine deck and access panels, fenders and braces, hatches with separate viewers, viewer mounts, guards and cover flaps, gas filler caps, two styles of travel lock, and a cast nose with separate tow shackles. The mounts are molded in place, which could be awkward if the modeler chose to use them, but with the dozer blade in place they are nearly impossible to see so it is probably a moot point. Also, the kit does not come with the correct bore cleaning rods for the 105mm howitzer, giving the 75/76mm set instead, as well as not including the rather prominent first aid kit for use outside the tank.  The HVSS bogies comprise ten parts each, but all are fully detailed and the wheels have details on both sides. The idlers do not, but they are detailed on the outsides and the inner parts are hard to see so again not a major problem. The drivers consist of six parts each (disks, track guides, and two drums) with a choice of the "cast" or "plain" toothed disks. Note that you need to pay attention to details, as if you use the dozer blade you have to not install the front two bogie bearings (E-3) on each side of the tank as the dozer frame mounts (C25 and C26) fit in there. The tracks are one place where Academy took a shortcut. T80 and T84 series tracks cause problems for manufacturers producing Sherman models, as the center guides are basically hollow cubes with a hole for attaching them by bolt and nut to the center track connector. DML's solution with its new series kit was to make the track from its styrene cement compatible DS plastic, and provide 176 separate slide molded guides for it. Academy basically cheated, combining the features of the T80 tracks from the M4 series and the T80E1 series tracks from the M26/M46 series tanks by having a square guide open at the top with separate "teeth" on the longitudinal ends. Most modelers who hate track will be happy, however, as you only have to heat seal the ends and mount them. The turret is completely new and makes use of slide molding in the same fashion as DML, namely to capture the pistol port detail accurately and also to hollow mold the gun barrel for the howitzer. However, this turret does not come with the "Cheek" casting of the DML one nor does the kit provide the attachment fittings and "gutter" for the mantelet cover used on many M4A3 howitzer tanks. Both of the subject tanks of this kit had mantelet cover attachments, so you will have to come up with these on your own. On the other hand, the turret has nicely done parts for the rest of the bits, and it does come with both a .50 caliber and a .30 caliber machine gun for use on the turret. The turret also has separate ventilators, so those into "mix and match" can easily convert it to a good late-model "high bustle" turret with a 75mm gun or even a MAP 76mm. (Think "Kelly's Heroes" and the Yugoslavian Army tanks they used.) The turret sprue also comes with the late model twin exhaust deflector grille for the rear of the hull.  The kit comes with two finishing options, both Marine Corps and both from Korea. They are B43 and D43 of 1st Tanks at Hagaru-ri, November 1950. Since there is a good shot of both tanks on page 500 of Hunnicutt's "Sherman" book (among others, as this shot gets around) that shows both tanks less their dozer blades, you can see exactly how to finish them. B43 has the fenders removed and the spare tracks mounted directly on the hull sides, the dozer blade piston attachment missing, and its commander's machine gun either stored or removed. D43 is more complete, with fenders and the piston, as well as mounting an M2HB and with the first aid kit on the left side of the hull. Both tanks have twin whip antennas at the rear of the turret. The directions show them in olive drab with white markings and stars, and it is hard to tell from most photos as to the accuracy of the colors or not (e.g. Marine Corps green, which has a bluish tinge, or real OD that has burnished out.) The large numbers (B43 and D43) appear to be yellow, as do the serial numbers. Overall, this is not a bad kit but once again Academy cut a few corners that could easily have been kept. It is an easier kit to assemble than the DML one, and modelers who want a reasonably good kit that will not take a long time to assemble should keep it in mind. Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue breakout:   A 89 M4A3 47 series degree hull B 99 M4A3 75/105mm high bustle turret and detail parts C 36 M1 dozer blade E 59x2 HVSS bogies F 103 M4 series details 1 M4A3 lower hull 2 T80 vinyl tracks Back (Originally written on November 7, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit Number 6354; M4A3 105mm HVSS; 706 parts (639 in grey styrene, 27 etched brass, 18 clear styrene, 12 springs, 6 brass tubes, 2 tan DS plastic track runs, 1 turned aluminum barrel, 1 twisted steel wire); estimated price US $41-45 Advantages: totally new kit of this vehicle; many nice touches to make it either WWII or postwar versions; correct tracks for late-war HVSS tanks Disadvantages: Separate guide teeth for the tracks will not be popular with many modelers Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all US WWII and Korean War fans as well as "Shermaholics" There was an old saying I recall of "it never rains but what it pours." Right now that seems to be the case with Dragon, for after several year of exclusively German (with a few Russian) subjects now they are churning out one great American armored vehicle after another. This kit is no different; hot on the heels of three brand new Sherman kits (their M4A3E8 "Thunderbolt VII", the USMC M4A2 "Tarawa" tank, and the Commonwealth Sherman III) comes another missing link, the M4A3 105mm self-propelled howitzer with HVSS suspension. Created primarily to replace the M7 Priest as the close support weapon of choice in tank companies and armored infantry battalions (each one had two or three 105mm howitzers for close support missions) the 105mm howitzer tanks proved relatively popular with the forces as they were fully armored and thus able to face a pillbox or strong point at point blank range and level it. Externally these tanks looked just like a normal Sherman with the exception of the different mantelet and rotor assembly and of course the thick, stubby gun barrel. Internally the tanks were rearranged, and while initial production models with the VVSS suspension did not have power traverse it was quickly reintroduced after complaints from the field. Also, early tanks had the old split-cover hatch for the commander with the new oval loader's hatch. Due to priority for the so-called "vision" cupola to go to the "gun" tanks, it was not until the summer of 1944 that the howitzer tanks began to receive them. Photographic evidence is hard to evaluate, as it appears in some cases either an early tank was updated or a later one swapped out the vision cupola for the split-hatch version as tanks with a variety of features can be seen in photos. Later production tanks had the new HVSS suspension, and the last group to be built also added fittings for a canvas mantelet cover along with that cover. The Marine Corps in the Pacific also had a modified version that added a flamethrower, dubbed the POA-CWS-H5. In Korea, the USMC used both that vehicle and a regular M4A3 (105mm) but also fitted with an M1A1 dozer blade. The US Army took delivery of 1,641 M4 (105mm) (800 with VVSS and 841 with HVSS) tanks and 3,039 M4A3 (105mm) tanks (500 with VVSS, 2,539 with HVSS). The UK received  593 M4 (105mm) tanks. Previously these vehicles have been covered as the Tamiya M4 105mm VVSS kit and an early DML POA-CWS-H5 version with and without corrected hull, neither of which was very good or very accurate. But DML's new kit combines bits of their latest kits with several new or redone sprues and a totally new set of tracks. The model can be built as an early production HVSS tank with split-hatch cupola (or upgraded one) as a very nice one is provided in the kit, as well as the vision cupola with clear styrene blocks. It also provides the attachment gutters for the canvas mantelet cover as separate parts, so a WWII version without it or a postwar/late war one with it can be built from the kit. The upper hull is the recent one with raised (!) weld bead and an M4A2 engine deck, with the A3 deck provided separately. An older T23 turret shell is provided, but it only is included in the kit for the early model (WWII) rear exhaust deflector. A new first-aid kit is now provided for the rear of the tank or side, based on time and version modeled. All of the periscopes and their mounts are separate parts as well. The fantastic "E8" HVSS suspension from "Thunderbolt VII" is included, but this time DML has changed the tracks to the T80 type, and it may provide the one plus or minus with the kit based on modelers' preferences. DML realized with the VVSS tanks that Sherman tracks per se do not lend themselves to their concept of "Magic Track" snap-together links (other than the correct T66 tracks with "Thunderbolt VII") and thus have turned to their DS cementable vinyl-like plastic for the T80 tracks. But here they have used slide molding to accurately produce the center guide teeth - a hollow cube with a hole in the top so that it can be connected to the center hinge in the tracks by a bolt, and DML has nailed it. But as a result, the kit comes with 176 individual guide teeth in grey styrene that must be individually glued to the DS track runs. While this should work without any major problems (if you use styrene glues and not ACC or non-compatible adhesives) the concept of having to glue a large number of itty bitty guide teeth to the tracks may not be very popular. Given that adviso, the tracks are excellent with even the outside detail on the end connectors. The turret is a "high bustle" type with oval loader's hatch and pistol port, and as noted the sprue provides both the vision cupola and the split-hatch cupola. The latter has been completely retooled with spring detail as well as the casting mounts for the machine gun clip and lock. Many turret detail parts can be selected from either styrene or metal, such as the barrel and vision device guards. Tiny styrene tie-downs are included, which makes better sense from the standpoint of good adhesion to the kit and not going "airborne" when you turn on an airbrush. The styrene barrel even comes with rifling! The kit also now provides the correct bore brush/cleaning rods on the left rear of the hull and the panels over the grouser bins are now gone. The only thing which could have been added are the late-war/postwar split exhaust deflector grilles and a commander's M2HB machine gun, which is AWOL in this release of the kit. The kit provides markings for four tanks: 713th Tank Battalion, Okinawa 1945; 67th Armored Infantry Battalion, 13th Armored Division, Austria 1945; the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division, Germany 1945; and the 752nd Tank Battalion, Italy 1945. All but the first one are solid OD vehicles with white markings; the one from Okinawa is OD with what appears to be a greyish color mud daub over parts of the tank. No postwar markings are included, but with new markings postwar Marine tanks in Korea are easy to do. Overall this is another super kit for those of us who are Sherman fans, and DML has done it up very nicely. I just wish they would have spaced them out! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue breakout: A 96 M4A2/A3 Late upper hull with A2 engine deck B 76  High bustle 75/105 turret C 18 clear styrene G 24 M4A3 engine deck and VVSS details H 24 Early T23 style turret J 24 Road wheel tires K 4 Idler tires Q 35x2 Drive wheels Q 48x3 HVSS road wheels and bogies S 1 Twisted steel wire T 44x4 Center Guide Teeth - T80 track X 1 Lower hull pan Y 2 DS plastic track runs MA 27 Etched brass details and fenders MB 12 steel springs MB 6 brass tubes MB 1  turned aluminum barrel Back (Originally written on November 4, 2006) Kit Review: Tristar 1/35 Scale Kit No. 35023; German Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf D/TAUCH Convertible Kit; 991 parts (921 parts in tan styrene, 64 etched brass, 5 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel cable); price US $55 Advantages: beautifully molded kit with state-of-the-art techniques; nearly all plastic kit provides the same type of resolution as some multimedia kits Disadvantages: very, very complex structures are intricate and may frustrate some modelers; directions can be highly confusing as they offer start, interim and end variants inr preparations for wading Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German Eastern Front fans and early war armor fans Considering how few German tanks were actually rigged up for snorkeling, with some figures showing only a few more than 200 Pzkw. III and IV tanks were so converted, they have really engendered a lot of interest from the model manufacturers, and this is now the second kit to come to the market of a 1/35 scale Pzkw. IV Ausf. D with the "Tauchpanzer" fittings. Having previously seen and reviewed the Dragon/cyber-hobby.com ultimate "boutique" kit of this vehicle, I can compare the new Tristar one with it and comment on the new version. Tristar has a totally different approach to how it breaks its kits down, but the end result - if carefully assembled - is a really super-accurate kit with no real need for putty or any gap-filling. Having assembled two of them recently, I must say their fit is impeccable and this kit from dry fitting seems little different. As a result, Tristar can produce in styrene what other manufacturers choose to produce in multimedia. Only the DML "Smart Kits" can give them a run for their money in this area. Tristar tends to approach its kits with a view to the prototype: while they can obviously use slide molding (as this kit does) they prefer to use construction techniques that are close to the prototype. Thus, instead of a one-piece lower hull, this kit has a lower hull comprised of six parts - pan, two braces, two sides, and sternplate. All brackets are separate parts, and care must be taken in cutting them off the sprues and installing them due to their petite size (e.g. right puny.) Here is where the directions get very confusing; while they call out the parts correctly, what they don't indicate very well is that the kit can be built four ways: stock Pzkw. IV Ausf. D; "Tauch" panzer in combat mode; "Tauch" preparing to wade; "Tauch" buttoned up for wading. These are numbered in small grey circles as 4, 1, 2, and 3 respectively. As a result, you had best have decided BEFORE starting which one you wish to build! DML uses an 18-part bogie assembly, whereas Tristar's consist of 19 with a choice of three different bogie mounting bosses on the hull (S-9/10, S-16/17, or S-18/19 as they are also "handed.") They stay close to DML by providing individual bolt heads for the final drives, but these are molded onto tongue-shaped sprue addenda and must be carefully removed with a sharp knife or razor blade. The tracks are similar to the DML "Magic Tracks" but are fixed to their sprues and have to be cut off and trimmed up. Note that this model comes with only 216 links (108 left, 108 right, with only 98 links per side called for in the directions) and not the extras found in the DML kit. Assembly is similar - gently snap them together and then glue once in position.  Then model has two different upper hull sections - A-1 for a standard IV D and I-1 for the "Tauch" version, which comes with mounting locations and components of the wading kit. Note that while the kit comes with only a rudimentary interior for the turret (nicely done gun and seats) all hatches are optional position ones and if you have an after-market interior set it will permit display of that extra work. DML solved the problem of the "buttoned-up" tank by using its trademark DS flexible plastic for the boots and covers for the "Tauch" version, but Tristar sticks to regular molded styrene fittings. This is relatively smooth and does not capture the same texture as the DML ones, but from what the kit shows these appear to be more of a hard-shell fixture and may be a different design. There are thus three different gun barrels for this turret (smooth, with guard, and covered for wading) but as for the two without covers, the directions do not explain the differences. One comes without the brush/antenna guard, which may be for the "Tauch" version with its equipment stowed. There are different fittings for the exhaust as well, with simple "bubbler" type fittings for the tank when prepared for deep wading and a normal early Pzkw. IV when not rigged for wading. As with the DML one, no floating snorkel intake is included, and in the case of this kit there is only the base for the intake on the top of the turret (part B-26). (Admittedly modeling these tanks wading would be a bit of a challenge!) The OVM mounts with a combination of molded on strapping as well as etched metal, which seems to make sense and unless you really enjoy annealing brass to bend it for straps most modelers will probably not complain. Overall the etched metal is kept to a minimum and provides mostly bits such as brackets, safety chains, and the eight folding flaps to close off the air flow through the sides of the engine deck. One part which does not seem to be provided (and the directions say so) is a large rectangular beam on the right fender of the "Tauch" version. The directions don't explain it (e.g. is it wood or metal, or a case for something else) and I plead guilty to not having a reference to what its function would be. It appears to be like the unditching beams carried on Soviet tanks of the period, but could be a case or tube like that mounted on the DML kit. The kit provides markings and finishing options for five different tanks, but surprisingly does not call out which ones are "Tauch" vehicles and which ones are not! The ones provided are for: 2nd Panzer Division, Semols 1940; 9th Company, 18th Panzer Regiment, Russia 1941; 18th Panzer Regiment, Russia 1941; 3rd Company, 18th Panzer Regiment, Germany 1940; and one unidentified tank. All are in solid Panzergrau from the directions. Overall, this is another very lovely kit and the choice between the DML one and this kit is up to the modeler's tastes, for both are outstanding kits. If you do not like to mess around with photo etched metal and have no problem with itty bitty styrene parts, this would probably be the better choice. Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue breakout: A 15 Pzkw. IV upper hull B 52 Turret details C 60 Upper hull details D 62 Tools and OVM E 25x5 bolts and RP parts E 2 hull braces E 20x2 Small parts F 1 belly pan GP1 2 clear styrene GP2 3 clear styrene H 5 turret shell I 38 Tauschpanzer upper hull and fittings SG 72x3 track links S1 62x2 Suspension bogies S2 10x2 Drivers and idlers W 32x4 Road wheels Wb 8x4 Road wheels Wc 4x4 Return Rollers 1 twisted steel cable (called copper in directions) PE 64 etched brass Back (Originally written on November 4, 2006) Kit Review: Tristar 1/35 scale it No. 35024; German The 6th Army "Mamaev Hill"; 61 parts in tan styrene; price US $14.50 Advantages: nice combat poses, great for complimenting tank kits Disadvantages: too clean and "parade ground neat" for Stalingrad Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all German diorama and vignette fans Stalingrad was by far the most brutal battle fought on the Soviet front. Both sides were chewed to ribbons in their dogged determination to either take or hold the namesake city of the USSR. For example, the Soviet 62nd Army under then General Chuykov (later a Marshal of the Soviet Union) took in more than 12 full infantry divisions plus augmentation units and attachments, but at the end of the battle could barely muster 33,000 troops (they should have had well over 120,000 by tabular strength.) The centerpiece of their tenacious defense was a hill overlooking the Volga River called the Mamayev Kurgan. More soldiers on both sides died fighting for this hill than any other part of the city. Today, one of the premier monuments in Russia stands here - a 540-foot high statue of Mother Russia (the "Rodina" personified) wielding a sword. Tristar now offers a new figure set of four German infantrymen which is labeled for the 6th Army (von Paulus') at Stalingrad. But having some knowledge of the actual battle and how grubby the area really was (think of the movie "Enemy at the Gates" which does not appear to be too far off with its presentation of how the soldiers on both sides actually looked, with only Ed Harris' German major appearing anything close to "parade ground" fresh) these four are too neat and too close to perfectly dressed to look the part. That being said, they are nicely done and will work well in other environments or situations. Each figure follows conventional breakdown (two legs, torso, two arms and head plus accouterments) but they are well animated and sculpted. Two of them are leaning up against a berm or ditch (and designed that way) and two are running. The two men against the berm are armed with MP40s, one of the running men has an MG42 and the other a Kar 98K. Oddly, while the running figures appear to be a matched set, the man with the rifle is not carrying an ammo can or two for the machine gun. All figures carry the same kit, but as noted it looks more parade ground than combat solider. Each one has an M1935 helmet, bread bag, canteen, gas mask canister, poncho and entrenching tool. Other than the aforementioned machine gunner, each one wears appropriate ammo pouches for his weapon. Overall, while these figures are nicely done people who do conversions or modify their figures will probably get more from them than anyone wanting to do a down-and-really-dirty Stalingrad vignette. Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on November 2, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Kit Number 6313; Sherman Mk. III; 478 parts (389 parts in grey styrene, 64 etched brass, 22 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US $38-41 Advantages: great follow-up to M4A2 Tarawa kit; changes of mold gates shows the other parts available for Shermans Disadvantages: Choice of tracks may not be well understood or popular; no commander's machine gun Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all Commonwealth armour fans and "Shermaholics" The British were one of the major users of the M4 Sherman series tanks, and used a good number of them in many different versions. The most common were the Sherman I (M4), Sherman II (M4A1), Sherman III (M4A2) and Sherman V (M4A4) models, with over 5,000 Sherman III tanks of all types seeing service. While the diesel powered M4A2 version was not popular in the US, it was very popular with the Commonwealth and Soviet Union forces. When DML announced its M4A2 series kits, the "experten" immediately began to carp that DML was simply going to take that kit and change the decals to make it a Sherman III. While that technically would not be wrong, there were a number of subtle differences more apropos for the Commonwealth tanks than the American or Soviet ones. As is now become the norm that was not what happened: as Gomer Pyle used to say, "Soo-prise, soo-prise!" DML has made a number of tweaks or changes to the M4A2 kit to provide a more representative kit of the Sherman III series tanks. While this model does come with many of the sprues from the M4A2 kit, they also changed a number of them. The hull is different - it is the cast hood version with a few different bits added and is not just the earlier welded hood variant found in the Tarawa kit.  This hull comes with the blanking plates over the grouser stowage. as well as the cast hoods. The turret is the same as the one in the Tarawa kit, but DML has cleverly released a mold gate and it not only comes with the M34A1 gun mount (in two styles) but also now provides the M34 mount - the "narrow mantelet" version with or without "ears" to protect the recoiling section of the barrel and the optional welded-on machine gun section. Only a styrene barrel is offered, but it is "slide molded" with a hollow bore. Optional US or UK antenna mounts are provided. Surprisingly there is no commander's machine gun even though many Commonwealth tanks sported either a .30 caliber or .50 caliber Browning. A stowage bin and fittings are provided for the bustle with this turret. Two different sets of VVSS bogies are provided, either the ones with "flat" return roller mounts and also pillow blocks to raise the idlers or the later "upswept" versions. The kit comes with the two-pieced welded pressed cover wheels, but for the earlier Sherman III two odd sprues also provide the five-spoke welded wheels. These are older moldings so they have a seam that will have to be muted or removed, unlike the new generation ones with their edge attachments to the sprues. The cast transmission cover is no longer provided, and in its place is a "slide molded" base for the three-piece transmission cover and a sprue of detail parts and a new set of "ears" to attach it to the lower hull. Again, like all DML kits it HAS sponson floors in it. The hull is correct all the way around, with a correct lower hull with twin access plates to the two GMC diesel engines. The upper hull is beautifully done with scale weld bead that stands proud of the hull - no more "trenches!" The A2 engine deck comes with separate hatches but no interior. Filler caps may be shown in either open or closed positions, as can all of the periscopes and crew hatches.  The one point of contention with this kit may be its retention of the T54E1 steel chevron tracks instead of the British pattern cast track. Close examination of photos of Commonwealth Shermans shows that they could and did use nearly all US produced tracks - T51 irreversible rubber block, T48 rubber chevron, T49 three-bar steel cleat, and T54E1 steel chevron - as well as British steel chevron and WE210 "Double I" pattern rubber links. While most likely not inaccurate, the "boo birds" are likely to grouse. The etched brass supplied covers mostly larger details this time, such as the complete sand shield and fender installation which was more common on Commonwealth tanks. Again, headlight guards and fender components as well as the commander's "blade" sight are provided but not tie-downs or tool straps. The ten bolt heads for the stern of the hull are provided as etched pieces as well. Note that to attach the tools holes must be opened up in the hull from the inside, and there is a small guide given in Step 7 in the directions as to which holes are used. Also three factory casting identifiers are included for use on the rear of the turret, but they are not keyed to any specific tank nor any variations in the turret design. Markings are included for three tanks: THE OLD BELL, A Squadron, Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, 1943; BARFORD ST MARYS of the same unit; and CORSTON, C Squadron, the same regiment. All are finished in a two-tone sand and brown scheme; whether or not the tracks are correct or not for these vehicles, I have no references that show details to that level of resolution. Overall, this is a really good attempt to get two different kits from one full set of molds and should be greatly appreciated by the Commonwealth fans. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakout: A 96 hull details (A2/A3) B 56 Low bustle turret with M34 and M34A1 gun mounts C 22 Clear styrene D 19 56 degree welded hull - cast covers D 16x2 M4 suspension E 12 Three piece transmission cover F 2 DS plastic track runs S 1 twisted steel wire V 81x2 VVSS flat top/pillow block suspension with pressed/welded wheels X 1 Lower hull pan - M4A2 MA 64 Etched brass Back (Originally written on November 2, 2006) Accessory Review: Archer Fine Transfers 1/48 and 1/35 scale dry transfer sheets: AR49101W: 1/48 German Afrika Korps Insignia (white); $3.95  AR49101B: 1/48 German Afrika Korps Insignia (black); $3.95  AR49011; 1/48 German WWII Balkencruz #1; $8.95  AR49008BLY: 1/48 German WWII Turret Numbers (Blue with Yellow outline); $9.95  AR49008R: 1/48 German WWII Turret Numbers (Red with White outline); $9.95  AR49008BL: 1/48 German WWII Turret Numbers (Blue with White outline); $9.95  AR49008B: 1/48 German WWII Turret Numbers (Black with White outline); $9.95  AR49009Y: 1/48 D-Day Shipping Stencils for Shermans (Yellow); $5.50  AR49009W: 1/48 D-Day Shipping Stencils for Shermans (White); $5.50  AR35220: Chars B 221 Lyon; $9.50  AR35221: Chars B 204 Tunise: $7.50  AR35223: USMC M4A2 Tarawa (Co C, 1st Marine Amphibious Corps Tank Battalion); $12.95 Advantages: nice upgrade from kit markings to dry transfers; more options for some kits; correct markings for the Marine Sherman Disadvantages: No major items noted Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for fans of 1/48 scale armor, the Tamiya Char B, and the DML M4A2 kits I hadn't heard from Woody Vondracek for a while, but from this packet of items it seems he and his crew have been pretty busy folks. With the advent of the new Tamiya (and soon Trumpeter and Hobby Boss) 1/48 scale kits, "quarter-inch" is making a big comeback. Archer now offers several nice new sheets for them to either replace or supplement the ones that come in the kits. First off are two sets of German Afrika Korps markings, one in white, one in black. Each sheet provides 74 separate items consisting of the swastika and palm tree in different sizes and different styles. Next up are a series of colored sheets of German turret or hull numbers in different color combinations: black with white outlines, blue with white outlines, red with white outlines, and blue with yellow outlines. Each sheet comes with two sizes of "number jungles" and provides 57 large size and 68 smaller numbers. Note these sheets only provide numbers and not letters or Roman numerals, but each one is good for a number of models. Next is a sheet of generic "balkenkreuze" in four styles and several different sizes. The sheet provides 75 different items. All are razor sharp. Next are two sheets of D-Day shipping stencils for US M4 series Sherman tanks. One is in yellow and one in white, and these are virtually reduced versions of the larger 1/35 scale ones offered by Archer. They can also be used with 1/35 scale tanks for those modelers liking smaller designs than the original sheets. The new Tamiya Char B is the subject of the next two sheets, and each set provides all the markings for one vehicle. Set 35220 covers "Lyon", tank 221 of the 2nd Section, 1st Company, 15th BBC with some very fancy markings –blue and white hearts and Cross of Lorraine, the insignia of the 510th RCC, a pennon for the antenna, and other markings. The second one, Set 35221, covers "Tunisie", tank 204, 2nd Section, 3rd Company, of the 15th BBC. This tank has red and white hearts and much more involved tactical markings. Each set comes with two identical sheets of dry transfers and a sheet of paper with four pennons on it. The last sheet is for M4A2 USMC Shermans from the 1st Tanks on Tawara, designed to compliment the DML kit of the tank. The sheet provides names, serial numbers and trumpeting elephant markings for six tanks from C Company: CHINA GAL, COMMANDO, CHEROKEE, CHICAGO, CECILIA, and CLIPPER. The names are in yellow and the serials in blue drab, with the elephants in yellow, red and white. Overall these new sets continue the great tradition of outstanding modeler-oriented markings and move out to cover both new kits and the reemerging 1/48 market. Archer now has a secure website for ordering direct from them: http://www.archertransfers.com. You can also e-mail them at info@archertransfers.com . Thanks to Woody Vondracek for the review samples. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on November 2, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7233; AAVP7A1 RAM/RS with EAAK; 161 parts (100 in grey styrene, 29 etched brass, 22 in DS plastic); price about US $13.98 Advantages: Finally adds the up-armored kit to the AAV7A1 kit; etched brass and optional parts a plus Disadvantages: DS styrene wheel bushings will make assembly require extra care; nice, big hatches open up on...nothing! Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all USMC and AMTRAC fans as well as modern armor buffs DML has now finally answered requests from small-scalers for the most current version of the big USMC AAVP7A1 and provided the applique armor fit for it. This Israeli-designed applique armor first appeared on these beasts back during Operation Desert Storm but really were most common during and after Operation Iraqi Freedom. DML has now taken their AAVP7A1 RAM/RS kit (No. 7237) added one new sprue with the new parts. The applique basically comes in two sections, one for each side of the hull, but they are relatively thin and look to be in scale once installed. All of the external fittings such as antenna base units (matching units) and guards are provided as well. The DS styrene tracks are a plus as they can now be cemented down to "sag" correctly, but since the wheels all use a bushing between two halves for assembly it will require care to avoid getting cement on them and getting them out of plumb or having wheels failing to roll (a great advantage in painting the tires!) Note that both the wheels and the tracks are shared with the M2/M3 Bradley kits, which is correct. This variant again provides for the post- 1990 upgrades when the vehicles received the ability to mount supplemental armor protection and also an upgraded firepower suite via the "UWS" or upgraded weapons station. This combined a 40mm grenade launcher and a .50 caliber machine gun in one turret. However, the original smaller cupola with .50 caliber only is also provided on the sprues, so the model could be "backdated" much more easily than the diecast one. The wave-breaker can be installed either closed (part A3) or deployed (A4), as can the water jet drives (A21/22 open, A23/24 closed). Thanks to "Slide Molding" the headlights are integral with the upper hull; this gives this kit the same technical capabilities as the diecast predecessor.    An etched brass fret is included with bits for the engine gratings as well as the muffler guard and handholds. The RP (right puny) parts include handles and brackets. Markings are provided for four vehicles: 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, USMC, Iraq 2005; ROC (Taiwan) Marines, 2005; 26th MEU, USMC, Iraq 2005; and Italian Marines, 2004. The first three are in the NATO tricolor scheme - the 26th MEU one with its applique armor in sand - but the Italian one is in what appears to be FS34102 Forest Green, the as delivered finish for many modern US armored vehicles. Overall this vehicle finally permits building the "combat" version of this vehicle. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue breakdown: 29 A turrets and details 40 B M2/M3 wheels and drivers 2 AAVP7A1 hull 29 D AAVP7A1 applique armor and details 22 DS plastic (M2/M3) 39 Etched nickel Back (Originally written on October 28, 2006) Book Review: Wings and Wheels Publication Present Vehicle Line No. 15; SA-6 Gainful in detail by Frantisek Koran, Tomas Bouchal and Jan Horak; RAK, Prague, December 2005; 72 pp.; price US $30-38 (ISBN 80-86416-56-9) Advantages: beautifully shot and presented color photo layout of several different versions of the SA-6 launcher and its missiles, as well as some support equipment and the 1S91 STRAIGHT FLUSH radar vehicle; Disadvantages: While the English captions in this book are much better than past volumes (especially compared to the Trumpeter directions!) some rather interesting captions result Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all "Duck Hunters" and Soviet equipment fans I really enjoy the "Wings and Wheels" publications as they are the best source of full color detail shots of specific Soviet-designed or produced vehicles, and this little volume is no different. In conjunction with the very well done SA-6 Gainful kit from Trumpeter, this book is a very valuable guide to the different variants and details used on the actual vehicles. The book commences with a short overview of the SA-6 system (Soviet 2K12 "Kub" or Cube or 2K12Eh "Kvradrat" or Square, with the 2P25 missile launcher, the 3M9 series missiles and the 1S91 guidance radar vehicle or STRAIGHT FLUSH) and points out this was one of the most widely disseminated Soviet surface-to-air missile systems. 22 other nations purchase or use the SA-6, and it is still currently considered to be a viable threat on the battlefield. The missiles can engage targets at ranges up to 24-25 kilometers and with later production variants down to about 50 meters above the ground. Normal battery structure is four launcher vehicles with three missile each and one 1S91 fire control radar, a command and control vehicle, and several 2T7 reloader vehicles.  The book provides some details of the differences in the four main variants of the launcher (2P25, 2P25M1, 2P25M2, and 2P25M3) and the four main missile variants (3M9, 3M9M1, 3M9M2, and 3M9M3) along with ways to tell them apart. (For example, 3M9M1 and 3M9M3 are identical other than the latter has a very light grey warhead ogive vice olive green.) Some useful bits are covered. On page 36-37 the data link with the 1S91 radar is covered in detail. Since it is a dielectric cover, it is marked in Russian, "Careful! Do not Remove! Do Not Paint the Plexiglass!" Due to the immense amount of electrical power required by this and the companion ZSU-23-5 chassis, there is a turbine-powered generator in the right rear of the hull. On pages 42-43 the book provides good closeups of the cover and jet efflux. The book also devotes a good nine pages to the missile launcher assembly and stowage fittings as well as the launch rails. Coverage of the missiles is somewhat sketchy (mostly as the 3M9 is out of service, considering it only had half the range of the M1 and later variants.) But what is given is useful for the later M1 and M3 variants. Most are of training dummies but the authors do explain how and where those are used and how to tell them apart from "combat" missiles. Six pages cover the driver/commander's positions inside the vehicle. Three more pages cover transloading procedures with the 2T7 (ZIL-131 based) transporter and transloader vehicle. Finally, the last three pages cover the 1S91M1 variant of the STRAIGHT FLUSH radar. While I wish they had used more photos of that (as it is unknown if Trumpeter will ever produce one) the shots included are useful as they show it with and without the antennas deployed. Overall this is a nice little book and very handy if you want to build the Trumpeter kit. Now if only someone would produce a set of the correct missiles for that kit! Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on October 28, 2006) Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 Scale Kit No. 00411; WWII Soviet Tank Crew Ammo Supplied Team; 87 parts (81 in grey styrene, 6 in black vinyl); price not known but estimated to be less than US $13 Advantages: Good poses and well done sculpting; nice choice of accessories Disadvantages: painting and assembly directions even more spartan than the worst of the DML ones Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Soviet WWII and early Cold War fans Trumpeter has been doing figure sets for a while now, but due to subject matter this is the first one that I have had reason to pick up. (I don't build German railway guns!) I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are very good quality and nothing like the really lousy copies of Tamiya figures in their first generation of kits nearly ten years ago. The kit provides four Soviet tanks with tanker's padded helmets and ammunition for use in a diorama setting. Apparently they are tailored for the KV series tanks or a forthcoming line of KV-1s/KV-85 series tanks, but you can use them with any major Soviet WWII armored vehicle. You have a choice of either three open 85mm rounds or three twin 76mm round boxes for them to use in action. They are all useful if in need of some "TLC" to make them stand out. The tankers themselves are fairly standard figure breakdowns - two legs, one piece torso, two arms, head and helmet top. To Trumpeter's credit, the one-piece torsos are well done and at least in my example there were no sink marks, the bane of heavy or thick plastic parts. All of the figures are wearing the mid-late war black cotton coveralls with leather boots, gloves and padded canvas helmets. The molding is outstanding, showing even fabric weave where it should be, wrinkles in the gloves and excellent expression on the faces. The heads are split more in the manner of infantry types that use a separate steel helmet, separating right above the forehead of all four figures. This leaves the tops with goggles and straps molded in place, which may be a good way to do it as they look "right." The kit also provides some "kit" in the way of pistol holsters, but one of the supplementary sprues also comes with infantry helmets, bread bags, entrenching tools and the small packets found on many Soviet infantrymen. There is another supplementary sprue with two Moisin rifles with bayonets, two PPSh submachine guns with separate ammo drums, and an antitank rifle. The latter is an odd choice, as it comes without its essential bipod nor any ammunition. (My personal choice would have been for a DT machine gun with its bipod, as many Soviet tank crews used them in this fashion for security when outside the tank.) For some odd reason, the kit also throws two chickens - one hen, one rooster. Lastly, the kit comes with six black vinyl tanker's helmets in varying conditions (straps unbuckled, buckled high, or rolled and buckled up) for use as accessories. They will not fit on the figures (and would not look as good even if they did) but provide for a stray or two in a diorama. The directions are pretty unimpressive, being even more simplified than the DML ones and apparently they just expect you to use the box art and not the back. It's a shame that they don't give them better quality directions or at least better pictures.  Overall, this kit is a pleasant acquisition and one which should prove popular with Soviet or Warsaw Pact fans from about 1943 to 1965 or so. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on October 17, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7209; Sd.Kfz. 181 Panzerkampfwagen VI (P); 300 parts (272 in grey styrene, 28 etched brass); price about US$13.98 Advantages: new kit of this popular subject in this scale Disadvantages: molded-on hull acessories may not find favor; single link tracks very small; no zimmerit molded on hull Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all Tiger and Elefant fans in small scale DML's latest 1/72 scaler is a kit which may have sat around for a while, judging from its low sequence number. This seems to be happening with some kits that apparently were in "The Back Room" and are now being released, apparently as the market is ready for them. The Porsche Tiger (P) is always a popular subject, as the appearance of the Tiger I turret on a boat-shaped hull instead of the boxy Henschel one is more appealing to some modelers. DML has taken their very nice Elefant/Ferdinand and used it to create the Tiger (P) in combination with one sprue from the Tiger I kits. Note that starting with Kit No. 7201 this is the fourth release of this family, but the first one with the turret.  The kit comes with a nicely done "slide molded" one-piece hull, but for all its nice details it is sure to raise complaints. All of the cables and tools that go on the sides are molded in place, which is one of the "pluses" called out in the box art. Many modeler do not like molded on tools and kit, and resent having to remove them to give the model more of an accurate look. Worse, they have done this without adding the "zimmerit" paste which appears to have been used on the vehicle in service, and which is shown on the box art. This is virtually impossible to apply without removing the cables and tools. Likewise, the kit uses a complete Tiger I turret, but the one selected is the non-zimmerit one which likewise will need paste applied to it. The rest of the kit is very well done. Options are provided for either a Pzkw. IV turret basket or two sets of spare track and it comes with scale machine gun barrels in place of the overscale ones from the first Tiger I kit. Etched brass ranges from the necessary (engine air grill mesh) to the right puny (turret hatch locking levers and turret basket fasteners). Etched brass also covers the jack brackets and the curious "basketball net" at the rear of the turret. Note that corrected turret parts are provided for the Tiger (P) vice the Tiger I turret. Tracks are link and length, but while the lengths are fine the links are quite small and will need care in assembly. This is provided to get the right "droop" as they wrap around the drivers and idlers. Only one set of markings and painting directions are provided - Red 003 from s.Pz.Jg.Abt. 653, Eastern Front 1944 (three color.) This is correct, as only one tank ever saw service. Overall, the kit is nice, but I think modelers would have been happier with molded on zimmerit details and a set of DS plastic tracks. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue layouts: A 3 Spare track B 6 suspension units - Elefant C 59x2 Link and length tracks - Elefant D 1 hull E 32  wheels - Elefant F 53 Tiger (P) upper hull and details G 16 turret top and rear - Tiger (P) H 43 turret details (Tiger I kits) MA 28 etched brass - Tiger (P) Back (Originally written on October 17, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6279; Eastern Front Tank Hunters Gen2; 285 parts (261 in grey styrene, 25 etched brass); price about US $14.98 Advantages: nice, clean antitank gunners can be used singly in other groups; Panzerschrek a nice little model unto itself; two extra heads very useful; can be used in any theater Disadvantages: single gunners in different styles of uniforms hard to use together  Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German "Close Combat" fans There were two classes of German soldiers unlikely to see a POW "cage" during WWII: snipers, who General Omar Bradley implicitly stated he saw no reason to capture; and antitank gunners using close combat weapons. Quite often, and as recounted in numerous Allied after-action reports and memoirs, a German lying in wait would pop an M4 tank or other armored vehicle with a Panzerfaust rocket-propelled grenade, and then, having destroyed the tank and probably killed one or more of the crewmembers, would then throw the empty launcher away and surrender to the next vehicle in line. The normal procedure was then to have the bow gunner cut him in half. The Soviets were no less kind to them, and if the unfortunate gunner missed, the Soviet response was usually to mash the poor soul with the tracks of the tank. DML has now produced a kit of four dedicated antitank gunners, two with Panzerfaust launchers and one Panzerschrek team with one gunner and one loader. Each figure follows the now standard DML "Gen2" standard of at least 17 parts per figure (torso halves, leg halves, boots, hands, arms, head and face, collar, and four coat skirt sections) as well as some additional bits to "mix and match." The most interesting thing here is that the Panzerschrek gunner comes with two heads and two sets of hands. One is normal and shows him either in "training" mode with no protective gear and the other shows the Panzerschrek gunner ready for action. Due to the fact that the Germans either did not have dynamic enough propellants or fast burn times, the rocket motor did not follow modern procedures and burn out before it ever left the tube; instead, it burned for some distance after leaving the muzzle, which could fry the eyebrows and other bits off the face of the unfortunate operator. As a result, the operator wore a gas mask and mittens to protect his exposed parts when firing. This is accurately represented by the figure. The Panzerschrek itself is a gem, coming with a "Slide Molded" open bore and many nice details; the weapon consists of five parts and also comes with an ammo crate and four rounds, plus an etched brass sling. While the directions show the "pigtails" for attaching the firing assembly to the launcher's electrical circuit (firing is by a piezoelectric device initiated by squeezing the trigger, much like a hand-powered flashlight) they do not seem to be in the kit, but some fuse wire should suffice. The other two are the very nice Panzerfaust 60 (I think) launchers with choice of carry or launch positions for their firing stud and sight assemblies, as well as a crate for the launchers. Rifles are provided for each man so they can be shown with the weapon or with their rifles. The details are the now boiler-plate GA and GB sprues with all of the normal German kit and equipment on them. Etched brass or styrene belt buckles and shoulder straps are included as well. A small decal sheet is included for the two crates and the antitank weapons. No helmet decals are provided. As usual for the Gen2 sets, artwork is provided from Ron Volstad. Overall this is a nice set and the advantage is one of the figures or the Panzerschrek team may be used to spark up a diorama with other figures. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakout: A 36 (2 figures) B 47 (2 figures) WA 18x2    (2 x Kar 98) WE 14 (Panzerschrek and accessories) WE 8 (2 x Panzerfaust 60) GA 64 (mess kits, canteens, entrenching tools, bayonets) GB 56 (magazine pouches, holsters, bread bags) MA 25 Etched brass Back (Originally written on October 14, 2006) Kit Review: SDV Model 1/87 Scale Kit No. 87 009; Limitovana Serie - Bojove Vozidlo Pechoty BMP-1; 48 parts in olive green styrene; price about US $14.50 Advantages: most accurate kit of this vehicle in this scale so far; options permit some modifications as needed; model has separate drive wheels Disadvantages: molds are rough Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all fans of the BMP series vehicles Once again, I was at the Great Scale Train Show in Timonium (Maryland) today and found the same vendor from which I purchased the SVD T-55 selling this kit. SDV is a Czech company who, like many smaller Eastern European companies, has a marketing arrangement in the West with other companies such as Modellbau Tom of Germany, who appears to offer some of their other kits in the West. (Their Tatra 813 and 815 series trucks are probably the best known.) This kit was directly imported from what I understand, as it is not marketed by Modellbau Tom nor carried in the US by Walthers. This kit is a very well thought out kit of the BMP, proving "break points to permit other variants such as the BMP-2 and the various Czech-produced vehicles to use a single set of molds. It splits the hull just behind the engine compartment, perhaps not the best place to choose, and then provides "drop in" hatch modules for the rear deck to match whichever variant is chosen. As Assembly is a bit odd, though, for while seats are provided for the driver and commander the hatches are molded shut. The front deck is optional, and a simulated transmission and engine top as well as the firewall are included; apparently this is due to the fact that the driver's compartment is visible with the hatch open to the engine. The lower hull is correct - which is more than I can say about the 1/35 scale kits of the BMP! - and comes with accurate five-spoke drive wheels. The turret is the original BMP one with the 2A28 Grom 73mm gun and the AT-3 Sagger ATGM mounted on a rail above it. Again, the gunner's hatch is molded closed. All of the rest of the BMP-1 bits are included, and although some are crude it will build up as a very nice replica of the BMP-1. Markings and directions for painting are extensive and cover CSSR, USSR, DDR (and FRG!), Romanian, and Polish vehicles, as well as a camouflaged Finnish one (the others are in Soviet green or Warsaw Pact grey-green.) National insignia and six sets of numbers in two sizes are included, as well as Finnish registration numbers.    Overall, this is a nice kit of sorts and is far better than its competitors - ROCO, Roskopf and Piro ones from 30 years ago or more - and half the price of the resin CMK or white metal Trident ones. Cookie Sewell (For further information, either see http://www.sdvmodel.cz or http://www.leestrains.com for availability and cost.) Back (Originally written on October 14, 2006) Book Review: "Secret Weapons of The Canadian Army" by Canadian Service by Roger V. Lucy; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2006; 128 pp. with B&W photos; price CDN $29.95; ISBN 1-894581-40-7 (available from http://www.servicepub.com) Advantages: First comprehensive history of Canadian weapons systems for the Allied cause Disadvantages: Name is something of a misnomer Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Commonwealth and weapons fans When I opened the packet that the review copy of this book came in, my first impression was "yeah, right, and the next one will cover Guatemalan Atomic Secrets!" It is something of a misnomer, as what the book actually provides is a very good listing of all of the Canadian efforts to contribute to Commonwealth and Allied scientific developments in ground arms during WWII. Canada had some problems during WWII due to its location and trading partners. By culture, government and forces it was linked to the United Kingdom, as it was still an integral part of the Empire at the time albeit with virtual self-government. However, industrially it was tightly linked to the United States, and many Canadian companies were offshoots of American ones (Ford, Chevrolet and the best known one of all, the Montreal Locomotive Works or MLW, which was the Canadian branch of the famous American Locomotive Company - ALCO.) As such the Canadians were caught in the middle: generally armed with British pattern weaponry and trained in the British mold, but with industries better suited to produce American weapons. The individual responsible for Canadian war materiel production was the Master General of Ordnance or MGO Branch, and all of the programs flowed through this office. As such, they received a number of requests both directly from Canadian forces and from the War Office in the UK for specific items, all of which they tried to meet. The book covers a host of systems - roughly 70 different systems broken down as infantry weapons, antitank weapons, self-propelled artillery, mines, antiaircraft weapons, artillery, combat vehicles, tracked vehicles, miscellaneous items, and tank-based projects. Where the weapons system did make it into production, such as with the M3-derived Ram cruiser tank and the Sexton 25-pdr SP gun, only minimal mention is made of the system (as it is better covered in other Service publications.) Some of the weapons seem logical, such as rechambering the Bren Gun to fire the US standard .30-06 rimless cartridge (which was successful but considered irrelevant by the end of the war.) Some were marginal, such as trying to upgrade the 2-pdr antitank gun to deal with modern German armor. There are also some really bizarre ones, which seem somewhat incredulous but still show there was an "NIH" syndrome at work in the UK. One case in point was the concept of converting the US M10 3" GMC tank destroyer to take the British 17-prd antitank gun. The US could not send them a complete M10, so they sent the plans to MLW and they took a Ram (M3) hull and with minor changes produced an early model M10 from it. Theirs worked a bit better as it kept the air-cooled radial engine of the M3/M4 series tanks, but suffered the same problems with overbalanced gun. While that was felt to be a solvable problem, the idea of installing the 17-pdr was more of a challenge. One officer did some work and showed that a simple boring down of the rear 17 inches of the gun barrel in front of the breech by 5mm, which would not harm its reliability, would then permit it to be installed easily and quickly in the existing 3" mount. The British ignored the idea and instead went through a number of unsuccessful concepts, with the result that it took too long to get what would have been a valuable weapon into service. Overall this is an excellent little book, and if nothing else proves that Canada was more than an unassailable production adjunct to Britain. Thanks to Clive Law for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on October 13, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale Upgrade and Conversion Kit No. 3835; Upgrade and Conversion Kit for Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Schwerer Panzerspaehwagen (Puma cm);  parts (58 etched brass, 10 in grey styrene, 8 pre-bent wire); price estimated at around US$13 Advantages: factory-made custom parts are a "drop-fit" onto any Sd.Kfz. 234 kit; upgrade the fine details and the steering gear as well as allow for a late-production vehicle; finally provide for open stowage bins! Disadvantages: competes with after-market products; some question as to why parts were not provided in base kit Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for fans of the German 234 series heavy armored car DML's boutique hobby affiliate cyber-hobby.com has now released "The Other Show" for their nice new Puma kit, but this one may prove just as popular for the other variants as well. The set provides the late model fenders (four bins) for the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 kit, but this time they come with the option to open the hatches; it also provides for working steering for the kit. The kit comes in a "blister" pack and not a box, with the directions placed in a folding cardboard stiffener used as the backing. "Directions" is something of an overstatement, as they are again basically "stick here" drawings and do not cover where or when to insert the new parts when building the kit. The new parts include eight new driveshafts and eight new tie rod heads for the steering gear. They also provide eight lengths of bent wire which appear to be brake or air lines (I am not sure which, but they are in the position to be one or the other based on the system the vehicle used.) The etched brass is minimal, but provides for eight hatches for the eight fender bins and a very detailed door lock mechanism for each one, as well as a key lock and safety chain assembly. However, there is nothing inside the bins, so the modeler will have to improvise! The kit also provides two sections of mesh grillework for the engine air intake and exhaust vents on the engine deck. Three new color profiles and markings for five different vehicles are provided along with a new "targeted" set of Cartograf decals; as is a common failing with the directions for these add-on kits, there is no identification given to unit or location. I am not sure if the original directions cover these vehicles or not, but it is a bit of a disservice to the kit and the upgrade set not to provide such information. Overall, this is a more useful upgrade set than some of the others and at least finally provides separate bin lids. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on October 13, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6329; M2A1 Half-Track 2 in 1 Smart Kit; 344 parts (319 in grey styrene, 23 etched brass, 1 brass chain, 1 nylon string); estimated price US $31-34 Advantages: first new kit of this vehicle in 30 years; provides details for early or late model vehicles, as well as for different armament options; brilliantly designed track and bogie assembly captures look of the original Disadvantages: M2 being the short-bodied special purpose variant may not be as popular as more commonly known M3 - but wait... Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all American WWII armored infantry fans F I R S T   L O O K Okay, that is something of a misnomer - I had the privilege to see the test shot ("Beta" version) kit of this vehicle sent to Steve Zaloga, and have the advantage of his comments on the kit before I even saw this review example. 47 years ago Monogram came out with two kits of the famous WWII halftrack – the M3A1 with the M49 ring mount, and the M13 twin .50 caliber Maxson gun turret. Both were typical of the kits of the day, with heavy "working" drivelines (that never really worked, as the tracks would either snap or fly off!) and many "working features" such as operating doors, moving machine guns, and in the case of the M13 a working turret. While billed as "3/8 inch scale" (or 1/32) they were actually accurate 1/35 scale kits. Both came with figures (five with the M13, nine with the M3A1) and cost all of $1.49 each. They remained popular with modelers even with all of their flaws, as they were for many years the only game in town. Stray kits came out from other companies, such as an odd T19 with "working" 105mm howitzer from Palmer Plastics in 1/24 (or so) scale and some Japanese clones with motors installed, as well as 1/87 ones from ROCO and 1/76 ones from Airfix. But it was not until 1975 that Tamiya released another large-scale kit with their M3A2 and US Infantry Set. Unfortunately the Tamiya kit was surprisingly little different than the Monogram kit from 17 years earlier, as it had a very similar suspension and interior with only more accurate doors and chassis to differentiate the two. The figures here required assembly (Monogram's did not, but they were also armed with M14s and not WWII M1s) but overall it was a disappointing kit. To add insult to injury, rather than make the more common and combat veteran M3 or M3A1 they picked a prototype that was to replace both the M2 and M3 series with one vehicle, but never got into production. Never one to give up on a good set of molds, Tamiya later released an M21 81mm mortar carrier and the most useful of the family, the M16 quadruple .50 caliber MGMC. But the basic chassis and hull problems remained. Nevertheless, these three kits kept a number of after-market manufacturers busy for 30 years making etched brass or resin components to replace the suspension, tracks and hull components. No more. After several years of heavy prodding by people like myself, DML has now turned its attention to the American halftracks of WWII. The first of what promises to be a healthy series is a two-in-one kit that permits the modeler to either build the early war M2 or the late war M2A1 from a single kit. For those people not familiar with the M2 series halftracks, they were nearly identical to the better known M3 series used by the armored infantry units in armored divisions but were special purpose vehicles that were designed for use by other elements. Two of the major users of this version were armored engineers and antitank artillery battalions. To that end, the M2 had two large stowage bins, one on each side of the hull behind the "cab" of the vehicle, and special racks as needed inside for stowage of essential items. The M2 later received add-on accessories such as "jerry can" racks for water or fuel and racks for mines on the sides of the body. The major difference between the M2 and M2A1 was the replacement of the weapons mounting system inside the hull, better known as a "skate" rail, with multiple machine gun mounts sliding on it, with a more practical M49 ring mount above the co-driver/commander's position on the right side of the "cab." Other variations were incremental and could be found on either M2 or M2A1 vehicles, moreso as many M2s were rebuilt in the field into M2A1s with the skate rail removed and the M49 mounted instead. The three main optional features were: either a roller or a winch, of which the roller was far more common on M2 series vehicles; automotive style headlights mounted on the tops of the fenders, or "combat" headlights mounted on the sides of the armored grille; and luggage racks at the rear of the hull and mine racks, which were MWO (modification work order) items added in the field. DML has managed to cover the gamut of items and provides most of them here in one package, and a "Smart Kit" with really amazing details as well. Four sprues provide the parts for the chassis and drive train, including a complete White engine and transmission. While the hood is molded in one piece, DML has notched the back side as well as the insides of the "cab" sides to permit easy cutting to open them up for display. The steering does not operate (no big loss of oversized parts) but is very petite and neatly detailed. The bogies and track runs are very impressive, as the idlers and drivers are "slide molded" with respectively thin details and openings. (Some "boo birds" have already complained they are too thick, but I invite them to compare them to the Tamiya offerings first and then ask if they really want to solder the parts together from etched brass.) Each bogie assembly consists of 18 parts and is very petite; the mounting suspension provides five more with the track tension adjusters nicely portrayed. The tracks are very interesting: DML molded them in hard styrene plastic in two halves, cut in such a way that the "chain" plate drive tooth guides in the center are represented as they are found on the actual vehicle. Since the tracks were metal with rubber "endless belt" casings vulcanized onto them, this is a neat way to portray it. (Steve answered one of my questions in that they do fit on fairly easily, as they are installed at the same time as the drivers and idlers so the entire assembly can be snugly fitted to the model.) The model comes with two sets of body panels for the rear body - one with the mounts for the skate ring and one without, based on which one you wish to do or an "upgrade" in the field with the skate ring mounts and the M49 ring mount. DML provides two beautifully done .50 caliber M2HB machine guns and four equally well done .30 caliber Brownings, all with the correct mounts (the .30s come with one "rocker" mount and one similar to that used by the .50 for each one, so a maximum of three .30s can be fitted to the model.) While the sides are molded in one piece, like the hood DML has grooved the inside and provided open space for the stowage bins if the modeler wants them opened. While the correct folded ground tripods are included for the normal fit of two .30 and one .50 caliber machine guns, surprisingly one of the few missing options in the kit was the MWO luggage racks at the rear of the hull. Another item to note is the correct WWII taillight configuration: an oval on the left top for the taillight, a rectangle on the right top for the stop light, and two rectangles on the bottom for the combat blackout taillights. About time! The "cab" is neatly done, and two sets of grille mounts are included. One is for use with the "Combat" light and the other with the "Automotive" headlights. One of each is provided closed and one with the folding louvers removed (these have to be made from etched brass, as no plastic parts are provided for the louvers.) The model has the "civilian" style dashboard, so note that the instruments are a brushed aluminum color on preserved/restored vehicles and not the more common black with white numerals. The winch and roller each come with their own bumper and accouterments. The winch has a length of nylon string for the cable and a chain for the final hook arrangement, which matches photos of wartime models in service. Note that the driveshaft for the winch needs to be installed in Step 5! The etched brass, as with other "Smart Kits," is held to a minimum, and covers the headlight guards for the "automotive" version, mud flaps, the aforementioned engine air louvers, windshield wipers, and the sliding covers for the view slits. Other bits include the fact it comes with the so-called "potable" water carrier versions of the "jerry cans" with flip-up lids (the gas cans normally had screw-type caps with better seals). It also comes with two different types of radio sets and antenna mounts: either the SCR-508/608 type of armored troops radio set (one on each machine gun sprue) or the more common SCR-510/610 type, racked up side-by-side rather than tuner on top of power supply. While the model comes with three (!) Cartograf decal sheets - generic stars, generic serial and bumper code "jungles," and a targeted set for this kit – the markings and finishing information is somewhat spartan. Five different vehicles are covered: an M2 in 1st Armored Division, Italy 1944 (two color camouflage); an M2 in 1st Armored Division, Tunisia 1942 (OD with US flags on the sides); M2, generic US Army, 1941-42 (OD with stars); M2A1,  XX Corps, Belgium, 1945 (two color camouflage); and an M2A1, generic US Army, 1941-1942 (OD with stars). I strongly suggest getting either Steve Zaloga's "US Halftracks in Action" from Concord or Jim Mesko's "M3 Halftrack in Action" from Squadron/Signal as they both provide a lot of photos and good information for finishing, but there are a lot of other good books on the market covering these popular vehicles. Overall, this is a winner and I am very happy to see that an M3/M3A1 kit is coming right behind it. Based on those two, the rest of the family will hopefully follow - M4/M21 mortar carriers, M13/M14 MGMC, T28/M15/M15A1 AA halftracks, and the various SP models with 57mm, 75mm and 105mm weapons. A great time for American modelers for a change! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakout: A 40 Chassis and suspension B 28 Armored cab assembly C 29 M49 mount and front bumper assemblies D 48x2  Bogie assembly and wheels E 7 Clear styrene parts H 4 Front grille (open/closed) J 37x2 Machine guns and radio set K 40   Rear body components W 8 Slide molded drivers and idlers MA 23 Etched brass MC 1 brass chain MD 1 nylon string Back October 9, 2006 (Originally written on October 7, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 Scale Kit No. 08 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale Kit No. 6327); Tauchpanzer IV Ausf. D; 1,276 parts (745 in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links, 189 etched brass, 36 clear styrene, 10 preformed steel wire, 2 turned brass, 2 twisted steel wire, 2 in grey DS plastic, 1 turned aluminum, 1 brass tube); price estimated at US $45-48 Advantages: ultimate Panzer IV D model kit; provides for nearly every major line tank variant made Disadvantages: essentially Pzkw. IV Ausf. D 3-in-1 kit with some new parts; perhaps parts should have been offered as an upgrade/aftermarket kit and not a complete model Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German early war armor fans F I R S T    L O O K DML, through its boutique affiliate cyber-hobby.com, is now offering what has to be the ultimate Pzkw. IV Ausf. D kit - one that can be built "five" different ways. The kit will produce one of the followign options: a line Pzkw. IV Ausf. D; Pzkw. IV Ausf. D with applique armor; Pzkw. IV Ausf. D Tropical (Afrika Korps) version; Tauchpanzer IV Ausf. D in combat mode; or Tauchpanzer IV Ausf. D in fording mode. Basically this model is the previous DML Kit No. 6265 Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D 3-in-1 verbatim, to include all of the parts in that kit, with a new set of directions provided as extra and a total of 35 more parts added to cover the specific Tauchpanzer variant. These include all of the seals and covers provided for the vehicle, two DS plastic parts (a new mantelet with rubberized canvas cover in place and a similar cover with viewers placed over the commander's cupola, and the fittings for the snorkel device itself which is a length of brass tubing. The nice thing is that the styrene fittings provide for the mounting plates for the covers, so that the model may be shown with or without the covers in place. The rest of the kit is identical to the previous one with only minor changes. As before, the model has a wealth of detail. A pretty substantial basic turret interior and basket are included, and all hatches are separate pieces with interior detailing. The cupola now consists of an amazing 30 parts with options to display the visors either open or closed, as well as the hatches open or closed. All small details such as pistol ports and access hatches are separate and may be assembled open or closed. As is now pretty common on DML kits, you have a choice of a "slide molded" styrene barrel or a turned aluminum one. Both appear to come with rifling. The running gear is no less detailed. For example, the drivers assemble nearly in the same manner as the original: core sections, toothed rings with 12 separate bolts each, and caps and spindles - each one requires 31 parts and a LOT of patience. Bogie assemblies still consist of 18 parts each. The same "Magic Track" with 144 links per side of snap-together tracks are provided, but as I noted with that kit they are "handed" with the pin heads on the inside and the "keepers" on the outside. They are bagged separately and the "code" appears to be the bag on the left side of the header provides the left side track, and the one on the right the right side track. A jig for setting "droop" is also included. One-piece "slide molded" idlers are again included, as well as the normal two-piece kind. Two hulls are included; while this was not popular with the Ausf. E kits for some reason, since the Ausf. D was fitted with applique it seems to be a logical method of attempting to capture that detail and maintain scale and ease of assembly. The hull is pretty much the same as that on the E but comes with the different bits for the D in regard to its foredeck and muffler assemblies. The drivers appear to me at first glance to be about the right height - e.g. the sprocket faces (not the tops of the teeth) look to be level with the tops of the return rollers. As with nearly all DML kits, you have the option of using styrene parts for all assemblies or replacing many of them with etched brass. The main ones where most modelers will probably opt for the latter are the louvers and slats on the rear engine deck in the "tropical" version and the cold weather flaps on the sides of the hull. The directions are very busy, and I do wish DML would spend more time on them. It's not fair to a very good and detailed product like this to simply ram the directions on how to get it to all come together into something which can be simply run off on a two-sided sheet 350 x 920 mm and stuck in the kit after folding by machine when it makes reading and working on the various assemblies tedious or frustrating. Here the three basic versions - standard production, uparmored and tropicalized - are separated by the former being in blue ink, the middle one in black ink and the latter in grey. They are very busy and you have to be sharp to see the different call-outs. Note that a complete separate direction sheet is provided for the two Tauchpanzer variants, and it is to be used to build them as it covers the ENTIRE model and not just the conversion parts. A total of 11 different vehicles among the three variants offered are covered in the painting and markings section for the Pzkw. IV Ausf. D 3-in-1 kit. . For the standard production version, tanks from the 5th Panzer Division in the Balkans, the 10th, 2nd, and 6th Panzer Divisions in France, and the 7th Panzer Division in Russia are covered, all in Panzergrau. For the add-on armor versions, two vehicles from the 21st Panzer Division in Libya are covered, both in camouflage schemes. Finally, four vehicles of the uparmored tropical version are offered, two from the 5th Leichte Division, one from the 21st Panzer Division, and one from the 15th Panzer Division, all Libya 1941. Two more schemes and a total of 7 vehicles are provided with the Tauchpanzers; two Tauchpanzer IVs from the 25th Panzer Regiment, 7th Panzer Division Eastern Front with the fording gear fitted (Panzergrau), and five tanks from the 18th Panzer Regiment, 18th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1941 with the fording gear mounts in place and gear removed. Both are "targeted" Cartograf decal sheets so the numbers all come preformatted, and no "number jungle" is provided with the kit. Overall this is another lovely kit, and if you have not purchased a Ausf. D kit this is the one to pick up. But for those who have already bought one, I am surprised that DML did not have cyber-hobby.com offer it as an aftermarket add-on/upgrade kit. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.   Cookie Sewell Combined Sprue Layout for this kit (with corrections from the Pzkw. IV Ausf. E kit noted): A 10+10  IV (drivers and rollers) A 33 x 2   IV D driver rings (NEW) A 84 x 2 IV (wheels and suspension elements) (REDO) B 24 IV (bow section) B 32  IV (armored final drives) D 90 IV (fenders and details) (REDO) E 55 IV (hull top) (REDO) F 44 IV (turret interior) G 24 IV (turret details + droop template) (REDO) H 58 (OVM) J 55 IV Specific Parts (NEW) L 2 (one-piece idlers) K 36 x 4 (Magic track) M 36 x 4   (Magic track) N 12 (Jerry cans) O 38   IV (tires) O 5   Slide molded styrene parts P 17 IV (Clear) (REDO) Q 25 (cupola) (REDO) R 11 (cupola - clear) S 2 IV (fenders) T 8  clear fittings for Tauchpanzer cupola X 2 IV (lower hull) W 22 Tauchpanzer IV fittings Y 2 DS plastic fittings for Tauchpanzer IV Z 1 twisted steel wire MA 141 IV (etched) MB 36 (etched) MC 10 (etched) MD 1 turned aluminum MD 2 etched brass MD 2 turned brass ME 10  pre-bent wire ME 4   preformed brass ME 10 preformed steel wire ME 1 brass tube Back (Originally written on October 2, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale Kit Number 6319; T-34/85 Mod. 1944 - Premium Edition; 536 parts (231 in grey styrene, 160 "Magic Track" track links, 139 etched brass, 2 turned brass, 1 turned aluminum, 1 length twisted steel wire, 1 length stiff steel wire, 1 clear styrene); price estimated at US $41-45 Advantages: takes the best T-34-85 kit on the market and makes it better Disadvantages: for many modelers may be unimpressive; odd choice of features or lack thereof in the kit Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all "34-ka" fans DML has now added one of their T-34-85 kits to the "Premium" offering by changing out one sprue and adding a number of new parts to their previous kit. This is the T-34-85 Model 1944 (Late Production) with the single flap hatch and twin ventilators at the rear of the turret. The original T-34-85 kits came with just over 400 parts, all but one of which were in grey styrene, and setpiece tracks on sprues. The rear engine grille was a solid component and no other media came in the kit other than one length of nylon string. This is the same kit but with some key changes. The C sprue (upper hull and gun) has been redone, with opened louver bays and places to add either styrene parts from the "H" sprue or etched brass parts. However, for some odd reason the kit comes with the original engine air exhaust decking (part B15) with the solid grille. There is a two-part etched grille on the brass fret, but the modeler still has to cut out the kit's grille to install it. Since it is solid, this will be somewhat tedious. Also, once cut open, there is no cute "gimmick" such as the photograph of the transmission to insert underneath it nor the louvers for the air exhaust flow from the engine bay. The styrene gun barrel now is slide molded as are two new exhausts for the rear of the hull. Also included is a complete DT machine gun for the bow. The rest of the kit is virtually the original kit (not that it was a bad kit!) with the addition of the "Magic Link" tracks. These come separately bagged as "Link 1" and "Link 2," but unlike German tanks with left and right side tracks, these are easy to sort out. However, it is recommended that the idler adjustment arms (parts A6) be left loose until the tracks are ready to test fit so that the length will come out right. As always, T-34 tracks HAVE to have an even number of links so the flat and toothed links will mesh. Most of the changes in detailing comes in the form of the etched brass, and there are some new styrene parts to help out as well. The kit comes with twelve ice grousers and brass straps and tiedown straps to fit them to the right fender. The model also comes with etched brass straps for the three 95 liter fuel tanks as well as two smoke canisters (oddly not provided with the kit.) The rest of the brass "spiffs up" the model with details on the hull and turret hatches. A very nice Cartograf decail sheet - targeted - comes with the kit and provides markings for one of six tanks: 4th Guards Tank Brigade, 2nd Guards Tank Corps Belorussia 1944 (4BO green); 55th Guards Tank Brigade, 7th Guards Tank Corps, Berlin 1945 (4BO green); 3rd Belorussian Front, East Prussia 1945 (whitewash); 3rd Belorussian Front, Koenigsberg, East Prussia 1945 (whitewashed); 22nd Guards Tank Brigade, 5th Guards Tank Corps, Prague 1945 (4BO green); and 63rd Guards Tank Brigade, Eastern Front 1944 (4BO green). The last unit is out of the 10th Guards Tank Corps (later 10th Guards Tank Division in GSFG, an old "friend" of mine). Overall this does take an older kit and make it better, but as the extra cost for a bit more quality I am not sure if it will matter much to most modelers. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakdown: A 12x2 Road wheel arms and driver mounts B 27 Cupola and rear deck hatch C 20 Upper hull and gun (new) D 15x2 Spoked road wheels F 37x2 Fuel tanks and drivers/idlers G 7 T-34-85 Model 1944 turret H 6 Louvers and driver's hatch I 1 Lower hull pan J 1 headlight lens L1 80  "Magic Track" flat link L2 80 "Magic Track" toothed link M 9x2 tiedowns and details N 4x2 Spring suspension P 4 Spare track links for fenders Q 3x4 grousers W 1 twisted steel wire MA 139 etched brass MB 1 turned aluminum gun barrel MC 1 steel wire1 MD 2 turned brass shells Back (Originally written on October 2, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit Number 6344; 28th Infantry Division, Poland 1939: 63 parts (61 in grey styrene, 2 etched brass straps); price estimated at US $8.95-10.95 Advantages: first representation of a Polish officer; relaxed poses Disadvantages: may have been lying around for 13 years Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all early war German fans DML lately has appeared to be cleaning out the "back room" on figures, and this set - with artwork by Ron Volstad dated 1993 - may be one of them. The set provides three German infantry men and one Polish officer prisoner. The figures are all of the original DML style - each one consists of two legs, torso, arms and head rather than the more involved breakdown of the "Gen2" figures. The Germans all come with steel helmets and full kit (and three old one-piece Kar 98K rifles, not the new "WA" series ones) and etched brass slings for two of them. The Pole comes with no kit whatsoever but can be immediately identified by his "Czapka" style hat. Overall this is a nice set but does suffer in comparison to the "Gen2" ones.  Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on October 2, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Kit Number 6062; M4A2 Tarawa; 395 parts (329 parts in grey styrene, 43 etched brass, 20 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US $38-41 Advantages: first integrated and accurate mid-production Sherman kit on the market; very nicely done "low bustle" turret; track problems appear solved Disadvantages: will not assemble itself (okay, no model kit will!) Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all "Shermaholics" and USMC fans For many years the earlier models (early being defined as "Direct Vision" 56 degree hulls and mid-production as non-"direct vision" 56 degree hulls) of the M4 series of US medium tanks have been ill served as model kits. There was an ancient Airfix M4 kit of a mid-production M4 but it was not really very good. Most of the early kits were limited to M4A1 cast hull types, and not the M4, M4A2 or M4A3 types. Some years ago Tamiya offered an "Early Production" M4 but it was basically little more than a new hull top for its older M4A3 47 degree late production hull with a slightly modified turret. The lower hull was still that of the M4A3 with late production bogies and also no sponson floors. The M4A2 has been very poorly served, as all kits offered thus far have been the 47 degree (late model or "wet stowage") hulls but with numerous errors in the Academy kits and an original Italeri one which was actually an M4A3. So far the best M4A2, albeit the late production 76mm one with the 47 degree hull, was the one from DML as its Soviet offering. DML has finally - after many years of advertising the M4A2 mid-production tank in its catalogue - delivered, and the model is one of their best. Building on their recent M4A1 and M4A3 kits, this one uses the "A" or detail sprue from those kits (labeled as "M4A2/A3"), the "C" or clear parts sprue, and the two "V" sprues from the M4A1 76mm kit with a new hull, turret and other details.  What the modeler gets is a mid-production 56 degree hull M4A2 with welded drivers' hoods and the "low bustle" turret (no loader's hatch) with the M34A1 gun mount with wide cast mantelet. The wheels are the pressed steel welded type with backing plates provided for the road wheels and idlers, and a choice of either "cast" or "disk" driver rings of which the "cast" rings are more accurate for this version. The VVSS bogies are those with the "flat" return roller mounts and also pillow blocks to raise the idlers. A "soft" or early cast transmission cover is provided separately for the hull. (Yes, like all DML kits it HAS sponson floors in it.) The turret is very neatly done and makes extensive use of slide molding to capture the shape of the turret, especially around the pistol port on the left side. The M3 gun barrel is also molded with a hollow bore. Likewise, the coaxial machine gun and even the turret spotlight are also slide molded for accuracy. All details except the ventilator are separate items on this turret, so it would be hard to ask for more in styrene plastic. The hull is correct all the way around, with a correct lower hull with twin access plates to the two GMC diesel engines. The upper hull is beautifully done with scale weld bead that stands proud of the hull - no more "trenches!" The A2 engine deck comes with separate hatches but no interior (and I was wondering what to do with that Tank Workshop GMC power pack for a mid-production A2 that I have had sitting around for years...) Filler caps may be shown in either open or closed positions, as can all of the periscopes and crew hatches.  The kit does not come with a commander's machine gun, but most of the Marine tanks do not seem to have used them early in the war in the Pacific, so this is not a flaw per se. From information I have on this kit, DML ran into problems with the tracks as there was no good way to make a set of "Magic Track" - DML's current preferred method - that would capture the three-piece design of the medium tank tracks. The solution - which should be acceptable to most modelers as well as win DML friends with many frustrated souls - was to make them in DS plastic, DML's gluable vinyl type tracks. The type selected with this kit is the T54E1 style with solid steel chevrons and openings inside the ends, and thanks to the flexible DS plastic it has also captured the end connector details as well. Two links are used for connection at the ends, so one link could be trimmed out to get a tighter fit if needed. The etched brass supplied covers mostly small details such as the sand shield attachment points along the sides of the hull, headlight guards, and fender components as well as the commander's "blade" sight. No tie-downs or tool straps are supplied. Note that to attach the tools holes must be opened up in the hull from the inside, and there is a small guide given in Step 7 in the directions as to which holes are used. Also three factory casting identifiers are included for use on the rear of the turret, but they are not keyed to any specific tank nor any variations in the turret design. Markings are included for six tanks from C Company 1st Tanks (COLORADO, COBRA, CUDDLES, CHARLIE, CANNONBALL and CONDOR) and one from D Company (DESTROYER) of which the latter also carries aircraft-type "stars and bars" insignia. Design credit is given to Mike Canaday and Pawel Krupowicz. Overall, this is a great effort and captures its subject very nicely. DML should be congratulated for getting more of the A2 right than anybody else. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakout: A 96 hull details (A2/A3) B 50 Low bustle turret with M34A1 gun mount C 20 Clear styrene D 18 56 degree welded hull F 2 DS plastic track runs G 1 "round nose" transmission cover S 1 twisted steel wire V 81x2 VVSS flat top/pillow block suspension with pressed/welded wheels X 1 Lower hull pan - M4A2 MA 43 etched brass Back (Originally written on September 30, 2006) Kit Review: AFV Club 1/35 Scale Kit No. 35031; M40 US 155mm Gun Motor Carriage "Big Shot"';    486 parts (441 in olive drab styrene, 23 etched brass, 12 black vinyl spring sections, 6 clear styrene, 2 black vinyl track runs, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel, 1 length of nylon string); retail price around US $46 Advantages: long awaited kit now out and worth the wait, nicely done details, very complete kit Disadvantages: tracks only used by stateside prototypes, still using vinyl springs in the suspension bogies Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all US Army and Military Assistance Plan "Redlegs"  F I R S T<    L O O K For some reason big self-propelled guns have always resonated with modelers, and back in the 1950s one of the most popular was the Adams kit of "Big Shot," which was the M4 series tank based chassis mounting a 155mm "Long Tom" gun on it. Even though the kit, done by Revell friend and military mold cutter Adams in their odd choice of 1/40 scale, was pretty bleak by today's standards, for the 1950s it was great. The tracks moved, the gun elevated, traversed and "recoiled" with help, and the back plate folded down along with the spade as well as had the crew platform extend. Add a crew of scale figures, fanciful if totally incorrect decals, and it was a great model for the then princely sum of $1.49. Over the years the kit remained popular, even as its molds began to break down as it changed hands, to SNAP, then UPC, and finally to Life-Like. But no kit of this vehicle appeared in the more popular 1/35 scale. Matchbox produced one in 1/76 and ROCO in roughly 1/87, but nothing else of note for nearly 40 years.  About ten years ago AFV Club from Taiwan produced a new and exciting 1/35 scale model of the famous M2 (M59) 155mm gun, better known as "Long Tom" for its reach, and many people hoped they would soon follow that with an M4 high-speed tractor or better still a complete M40 kit. But while AFV Club did released a limited distribution version of the very similar M115 8" howitzer, no tractor or SP variant followed. For a number of years modelers have been waiting for AFV Club to "drop the other shoe" on its self-propelled 155mm gun kit, having come out with ammunition for this weapon with their very first release of a Vietnam era M548, and then the gun itself, and finally the M4 series HVSS suspension and T80 and T84 series tracks three years back. Now the full kit has finally been released, and overall it has been worth the wait. While not inexpensive, it provides a great deal of value for the money and is a really decent effort. AFV Club packs it very neatly, with the rear of the one-piece slide-molded lower hull protected by a small box to ensure it does not break or warp in transit. The entire hull less the transmission cover and top sections (obviously!) is one molding. The suspension trees (there are two) each come with a late-production M4 series "sharp" cast bow section, so you even get a spare with the kit. The suspension as noted is the one from the M4 HVSS set, but alas still includes the frou-frou vinyl springs for the bogies which accomplish little other than add one more notch up the rung of complication in assembly. The rest of the bogies are nicely done and fit the bill. The drivers provided are the later "cast" ones, but most photos of M40s in service show the plain "disk" ones with solid rims so if you have a large selection of Sherman stocks you may wish to replace them. The tracks are the one odd thing in the kit. For some reason AFV Club provided a very nice set of T66 single-pin cast tracks in black vinyl, rather than the more common and accurate T80 steel-faced cleated track or the final T84 rubber chevron tracks. Photographs of the so-called "Zebra Mission" to Germany that saw the prototype T83 155mm gun and T89 8" howitzer prototype used against Cologne (the latter with a standard M2 barrel vice its M115 barrel) show them with T80 tracks, which were then the standard in Europe and had replaced many of the T66 sets. Both of those are available from AFV Club as a busy four-piece single link set but look great when assembled and installed, so anyone wishing to make a Korean war version should get the T80 set instead. Only the very early production models in the states of the M40 and M43 (8" howitzer carriage) used T66s. (They can be used to fix other kits though, such as the DML M4A3E8 "Albin Irzyk" kit that comes with incorrect-for-its-time T80s). The hull is pretty straightforward with a central bulkhead joining the rear floor and the front decking. Alas, for those planning to convert the model to the M43 the kit only comes with the 155mm racks and lockers and thus you will have to find and create your own racks for that vehicle. (Perhaps AFV Club will release an M43 with the different barrel tip and ammo racks later on.) The gun is virtually the original M2 (M59) 155m gun upper carriage components verbatim. The stability brace used on the M2 kit is not used here, and instead the gun comes with "batwing" gun shields for the crew as well as the loader's tray (parts A5 and A11.) Note that on the original vehicle this item is stowed on top of the gun breech with the handles straddling the "horns" of the gun mount. It can easily be seen in a number of reference photos of the early production vehicles. Note that while only the front end of the barrel is aluminum it is muzzle heavy when left loose. The fighting compartment comes with a wealth of details and options, including a semi-working ramp winch for the firing spade as well as pulleys. The string is solely to be used for winding around the winch and through the pulleys, and a rigging diagram is included for installation. A work platform is included (parts B1 and B8) but the support bracket has to be fixed, so you can choose either open or closed for that part. Ditto for the work platform (which makes it a bit odd that AFV Club would permit the spade to operate but not the platform.) The hull front details include an odd choice - T84 track links in the stowage racks (parts A40) which is odd if they meant to use the T66 tracks from the start. However, since the M40 was still in service with the ROC Armed Forces and probably uses the asphalt-friendly T84s this may have been an oversight. The only part I noted missing from the kit was the odd "comb" device in front of the co-driver's position, which was apparently used for setting the parking brakes externally when shipping the vehicle. Seven finishing options are provided, all for American vehicles. One is unfortunately for the "Zebra Mission" which as noted this gun has too many variances to match; British Royal Artillery, 1960s (again, wrong tracks); one is for the 204th FA in Korea, with a large dragon on the left side of the fighting compartment; and the remaining four are for all three batteries of the 937th FA in Korea - A Battery ("Aitas Ankies"), B Battery ("Big Bruiser") and C Battery ("Courageous Confederate" and "Cyd Charisse", which unfortunately has "Cyd" spelled "Cyo.") No bumper codes are provided for the 937th FA vehicles, which is also unfortunate. (There is a web site with some amplifying data however - see http://www.koreanwar-educator.org/memoirs/clark_jimmie/index.htm for more info.) Overall this is a really nice kit and most of the quibbles with it are things many modelers would fix anyway, such as the tracks. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakout: A 71 seats and details B 47 gun mount and rear wall details B 54 braces and OVM C 59 155mm cradle and upper carriage parts E 28 ammo racks and braces F 8 Front deck and platform details G 23 etched brass   H 2 Vinyl track runs I 1   lower hull K 6 clear hatches and viewers, lights L 25 hatches and jerry cans M 1 turned gun barrel P 1 Decals and string R 12 Vinyl springs S 74 x 2 suspension and drive line Back (Originally written on September 25, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7308; Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C Rivetted Version mit Grandatwerfer; 160 parts (142 in grey styrene, 15 etched brass, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 section of stiff wire); price about US$13.98 Advantages: very nice, clean model of this popular vehicle in "small scale"; unique but effective method of assembling running gear; nicely done and VERY petite 8 cm mortar (CAN be built as a "Stroke 2") Disadvantages: RP parts (as in right puny!) Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German WWII "Small Scale" fans DML continues to roll along with their small scale halftrack series, and while nominally the same as their kit No. 7306 (Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C mit Wurfrahmen 40) it has a totally new upper hull, brass detail set, and most importantly for a "Stroke 2" (8 cm Mortar Carrier) the 8cm mortar and ammo bins. The new upper hull, like the previous Cs and Ds, is not a pantograph of the larger kits but is based on the same research and drawings. The lower hull is a single piece pan, less the rear area, and the axles are molded on the lower hull. The running gear for each side consists of a rear (inside) wheel section, a center wheel section, three outer road wheels, and drivers. Once installed the connectors between the individual wheels on the inside and the center are not visible, so it helps speed up assembly while making it easier to get things aligned. Tracks are the gluable DS plastic, so you can also get them to settle down on top of the road wheels with some care. Most of the kit is the previous #7306 less the rockets but with some tweaks. The model comes with both the C (welded) and new C (rivetted) upper hulls. To match the upper hull, it provides five sections of etched brass (tinted a French brass reddish color) for the lower hull applique to provide scale rivets. This is an odd way to do it but the panels look close to scale for the rivets and some openings have been left to mount the fenders through the brass to the hull. Interior bits include the various control levers, rifles, MP submachine guns, and other items. The hinge mechanisms for the doors are single pieces, but are non-operating types. They cement to the lower rear section, as the upper hull has the rear angular parts of the hull attached to it. The four front viewers are separate parts and can be cemented either open or closed as well, as is the hood assembly with two flaps. No engine or interior is provided for the engine bay. The fenders are one-piece units, but the stowage bins are only offered as closed parts. The front MG 34 shield is offered as either a single piece of styrene or a three-piece etched brass option. Other RP parts include the "Notek" headlight and mount and the drum magazines for the two MG 34 machine guns. The weapons appear to be very close to scale, something I don't recall from other manufacturers in the past! The 8cm mortar and base are comprised of six parts, using a convention of sorts with mortars of having the muzzle and leg/sight connector molded as one section and the lower barrel as another. Four styrene ammo carriers and a brass rack are provided to replace the right rear seat in the interior. Directions are standard DML fare, but due to the fewer parts in their 1/72 series kits they are not as busy and much easier to read. Painting and marking options are provided for three units: Unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1942 (Sand); Unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1942 (Grey); and Unidentified unit, Russia 1942 (mud stripe camouflage over grey.) Two Cartograf sheets (targeted and license plates) are provided. Overall another nice effort, and for once (or twice, as there was a cyber-hobby.com "Stroke 2" in 1/35 scale) this model will build up as a "Stroke 2" variant. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakdown: A32C upper hull B38C/D interior and road wheels C28x2C front wheels and interior details D2DS plastic track runs F10 8cm mortar and kit G5C Rivetted upper hull I1C lower hull MA 15 etched brass MB 1 antenna wire Back (Originally written on September 21, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6256; Sd.Kfz. 234/4 Puma; 529 parts (485 in grey styrene, 24 etched brass, 16 clear styrene, 4 turned brass); US price estimated at $38 Advantages: new, well detailed and very complete kit of this popular vehicle follows the "Stroke 1" and "Stroke 4"; complex driveline appears to be fully replicated; includes partial turret interior Disadvantages: side bins and lower hull access doors molded in closed positions; engine bay will be difficult to open up; interior detail will be mostly hidden Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: to all German armor and wheeled vehicle fans F I R S T    L O O K Three months after releasing their Sd.Kfz. 234/1 2cm heavy armored car kit (No.  6298) and six months after their Sd.Kfz. 234/4 kit (No. 6221) DML now drops the card out of four with the very popular "Puma" 5cm heavy armored car kit. This is one of the kits due to debut at Dragon Expo 06 Europe very shortly, and it should be a big hit.  As per the first two, the  Germans continued their prewar designs throughout the war, and the Sd.Kfz. 231 heavy eight-wheeled armored car series was replaced by the Sd.Kfz. 234 series beginning in September 1943. Four different vehicles were produced in this series: Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (Geraet 95) 200 built  2 cm cannon/7.92mm MG in open turret        (built Jun 44 - Jan 45) Sd.Kfz. 234/2 (Geraet 93) 101 built    5 cm gun/7.92mm MG in closed turret (also called the Puma) (built Sep 43 - Sep 44) Sd.Kfz. 234/3 (Geraet 94) 88 built   7.5 cm L/24 in open mount        (built Jun 44 - Dec 44) Sd.Kfz. 234/4 (Geraet 96) 89 built   7.5 cm Pak 40 in open mount        (built Dec 44 - Mar 45) The "Stroke 2" was the only one to receive an actual name and fit in with the service models of many other vehicles in the late war period - the tracked Luchs reconnaissance tank, the Panther medium tank, and the Tiger I and II heavy tanks. Fast (80 kph/48 mph), well armed with the Pak 38 5 cm derived gun, and had a long range (900 km/560 miles). Armor provided proof against small arms of 7.62mm caliber and shell fragments. Since its Tatra 103 engine was a 12-cylinder air-cooled diesel, it had a major advantage over other nations' armored cars. Again, the kit shows changes from the "Stroke 4" and "Stroke 1" kits. They have "mixed and matched" but to add to modelers' confusion they are now carrying sprues as specific to a kit. Oddly, as if DML's directions aren't confusing and distracting enough, this kit has both the 234/1 "C" sprue (basic interior frames and components) and a NEW "C" sprue with the entire turret assembly for the Puma on it. Go figure. This one also includes some "standard" German sprues, namely the German Tools sprues TF (fender guides and poles), TG (shovels and fire extinguishers), TH (headlights and jack) and  TJ (jack). For some odd reason there is no machine gun for the turret provided, only a muzzle tip to install in the mantelet. As with the "Strokes 1 and 4" the parts are somewhat generic and you have to check and open up some assembly and mounting holes before beginning construction, but as they are during the construction of the vehicle you have to look close in the somewhat busy directions. The undercarriage of this model is amazing in the complexity with which DML has replicated it, and each suspension unit seems to require no less than five parts for each wheel te that a choice in centers to replicate different numbers of cleanout holes is provided), 11 parts for each paired set of axles, and five parts for the tie rods plus six parts for the rocker springs. I always liked the fact that this vehicle had eight wheel progressive steering, and was quite impressive to see when the wheels were cocked at an angle. (There is a cyber-hobby.com add-on kit for the "Stroke 1" to permit these to turn, which should also work for this version as well.)  The interior is provided and appears quite complete, but again the hull side doors are molded shut as once the turret is in place it will be hard to see all of the details. Both driver's positions are provided as well as the top of the transfer case/transmission and the ammo bins with covers. Internal bracing is provided along with clear styrene blocks for the vision ports. But once the turret is in place, there is no way to see much at all of the interior! There are optional choices for the vents at the rear - open or closed - as well as for the view blocks. The fenders are the later style with four stowage bins per side, but alas they remaino molded shut. The etched brass provides the inserts for the "jerry" can centers (the crimped seam on the actual cans), tool mounts, and an etched brass "Crow's Foot" long range HF antenna for the vehicle in place of the plastic one also provided. The turret in this kit does not come with a turned metal barrel, but it has a three-part muzzle brake that is partially "Slide Molded" to get depth to the finished assembly. There is a relatively complete breech assembly for the 5cm gun but as noted no coaxial machine gun. Clear styrene viewers and periscopes are provided, as is hatch interior detail, but most of the rest of the turret detail is absent. This is not such a bad thing, however, as the hatches are small and the gun is far forward so very little is actually visible. Some detailing at the back and seats would possibly have been a good idea, however. The wheels are two-part moldings with only light tread patterns, but as they are hard plastic many people will be happy as there is no hard-to-remove vinyl seam. This kit also provides a spare wheel carrier mount at the rear of the hull for a ninth wheel. Markings are provided on two Cartograf decal sheets (targeted and a "number jungle" for the license plates) for four different vehicles: 20th Panzer Division, Bohemia 1945 (tricolor); Unidentified unit, France 1944 (dark green over sand); 2nd Panzer Division, France 1944 (green squiggles over sand); and Panzerlehr Division, Normandy 1944 (tricolor.) The latter three do not seem to have license plates shown. Overall, again DML has nailed their mark, and now I am sure most German fans will wait for the  "Stroke 3" 7.5 cm L/24 close support gun to complete their four "aces!" Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on September 19, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7303; (Sherman) Firefly VC; 190 parts (134 in grey stryene, 54 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs); price estimated at US $13.98 Advantages: Nice, clean kit with new M4A4/Sherman V hull, tracks and turret; detail rivals 1/35 scale kits; provides the modeler with the ability to make the model as detailed as possible Disadvantages: brass details are now bordering on the ridiculous in regard to size and usability Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Commonwealth armour fans and "Shermaholics" in small scale DML is going great guns on their small scale line, and following their gorgeous M4A1 mid-production tank they have now introduced a Sherman VC Firefly of the same level of detail and quality. Up until now the only small scale Firefly was the ancient Matchbox one in 1/76 scale, so this is a welcome bit of news for Commonwealth modelers in 1/72. The kit basically combines the B and C sprues from the M4A1 kit (details and mid-production VVSS suspension, with welded road wheels and "straight" return roller arms with pillow blocks) with 71 new styrene parts for the hull and turret, as well as two new DS plastic British pattern steel chevron track runs. The hull is beautifully done with "Slide Molding" providing the side details as well as the top and front/rear ones, including very petite weld bead details (less casting numbers!) and other niceties. The turret likewise has been "Slide Molded" as has the gun barrel which has a hollow muzzle brake all the way through. The radio bin at the rear of the turret comes with three rectangular plates and is an add-on. Everywhere one looks are fine details such as bolts, screw heads, weld bead, etc. All of the armored applique panels are included, three hull, one turret and the patch over the bow gun port. The only "ding" I could see was that the trailer hitch was molded in the stowed position on the side of the rear doors, but unless you are planning on using an ammo trailer that is pretty minor. All of the crew hatches and the pistol port are separate parts and can be shown open or shut. There is no interior detail in the turret. The transmission cover is the "bolted" three-section type with separate bolt flanges, which is normal for portraying this component, and has a choice of cast in or etched brass "ears" for the tow shackles. Other etched brass components include the taillight lenses, light guards, part of the tool brackets, and in the RP (right puny) department, the locking tabs and ears for the hatches. (These are maybe 0.5 x 1.0 mm.) Painting instructions and markings via a nice Cartograf sheet cover four vehicles: 27th Candian Armour Regiment, 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, France 1944; Unidentified captured vehicle, Germany 1944; Unidentified captured vehicle, Germany, 1944 (looks like something from a test range, as I have never seen these markings before!); and the famous "Velikye Luki" from 3 Troop A Squadron Northamptonshire Yeomanry, France 1944. I am always a bit surprised with all of the Commonwealth options why two out of four are dedicated to "captured" vehicles. Overall, this is a great little model and the equal of the M4A1 released earlier. A good year for armour modelers with a U! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Layout A36 Firefly turret A33 M4A4/Firefly details B33 machine gun and fine details C30 Mid-production VVSS suspension D2 M4A4/Sherman V hull MA54 etched brass Back (Originally written on September 19, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7309; HMMWV Cargo and Troop Carrier w/field add-on armor and HMMWV Cargo and Troop Carrier w/canvas tilt; 158 parts (117 in grey stryene, 22 clear styrene, 10 vinyl tires, 9 etched brass); retail price about US $13.98 Advantages: two more variants to the growing DML line of 1/72 scale Humvees Disadvantages: line is becoming confusing with similar models in each box (kit is very similar to No. 7297)  Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all modern "softskin" and gun truck fans   It would seem that DML is now bent on producing as many variants of the M998 series HMMWV as there are in US Army service! The latest two provide for a straight cargo carrier with canvas top and another variation on a "Gun Truck" from Iraq. What the modeler gets in the box are two identical chassis sets with the now-standard DML HMMWV body (unarmored) and the 35 part "boilerplate" sprue with details and interior parts, the "boilerplate" styrene sprue for the windshield and doors, and then the new bits. Two canvas tops are included as are several options for finishing the model, so the modeler may make two cargo carriers with tops if he so desires. One cargo carrier may be finished with the bows up and details, and the other may be made into a gun truck. This gun truck variant combines a "Drop-In" seat package with a pedestal mount for an M60 machine gun and locally made - usually called "hillbilly" - armor applique sheets for upgrading its protection. This is based on a prototype from Iraq used by the 9th Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in Iraq during late 2003. Markings and finishing directions are provided for three vehicles: the above mentioned gun truck, a 101st MI Battalion 1st Infantry Division cargo carrier in Iraq, 2003, and another vehicle from the 82nd Engineer Brigade (actually battalion) attached to the 1st Infantry Division in Germany in 2003. The latter vehicle has the tactical seats and other kit from the gun truck but no gun and no armor. Overall these are nice little models, but as noted they are becoming a bit confusing. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Layout A 35x2 HMMWV common base parts (wheels, axles, details) B 9x2 clear styrene doors and windows C 1x2 HMMWV body D 4 clear styrene doors L 18 Gun truck parts K 25 Gun truck parts - 1x2 Canvas tilt MA 2 etched brass seat backs MB 7 etched "hillbilly" armor Back (Originally written on September 17, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6314; Sd.Kfz. 164 Nashorn - Premium Edition; 900 parts (445 parts in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links, 163 etched brass, 3 clear styrene, 1 turned aluminum barrel); price estimated at US $45-47 Advantages: "Magic Track" a good idea and helps this kit out Disadvantages: not all state of the air parts that could have been added or should have been added included in kit; even with addition of etched brass some parts still wrong Rating: Recommended Recommendation: For all German "Eighty-Eight" and SP fans The cheers that went up nearly 15 years ago when DML came out with the first 1/35 scale kit of the popular German "Nashorn" (No. 6001, first of the '39-'45 WWII armor and figure kits) were stillborn when the kit turned out to prove itself a dog, and nearly impossible to assemble. The gun did not fit, the tracks could not be wedged under the fenders, and the interior and exterior air intake vents could not match up. This reviewer did an in-box of this kit, which proved to be a major mistake on my part, and ever since I have been more circumspect or at least indicate the review was "in box." But later DML did try to atone for that, DML redid the kit from the ground up as kit number 6165 (Hornisse, the early model) and 6166 (Nashorn, the late model). Still, while much was corrected and fixed, there were still whinges about such items as ammo lockers which did not hold the correct number of rounds, track fit and fender problems, wheel details, etc. This is not to say these kits were bad; they just had a few errors that required replacement or correction. "Third time is the charm" is an old saying, and now DML has re-released kit number 6166 with upgrades as a "Premium" version. So what have they done to upgrade or correct it?  Unfortunately, not much. This is a shame as they could included many of the new parts for the Panzer IV chassis with the new bogies or drivers and details from other kits, but this one uses its original suspension parts with some parts from the Jadgpanzer IV series kits. No separate wheel centers, no separate tires. The main two areas which received full upgrades (there are some "tweaks" in styrene like a new travel lock and new exhaust pipes) are the tracks and a full set of etched brass, mainly focusing on the air vents and the ammo lockers. The tracks are now "Magic Tracks" which are handed due to the different pin and bolt insertions, so you have to look closely to see which is which. The directions cheerfully dub them "ZL" and " ZR" - but then don't tell you which bag is which! But after 10 minutes with a lighted 10x jeweler's loupe I think the ones on the LEFT side of the header card are the ZL links and the ones on the RIGHT side are the ZR links, which makes a sort of sense of them. I cannot be sure how well they fit under the fender, but they are at least easier to assemble. The brass provides for a lot of RP (right puny) details, but its three big sections are not easy to deal with. The vents are fiddly and will take time, but provide scale thickness. Surprisingly the directions don't indicate you have to cut out and remove the ones molded on the superstructure sides (parts B45 and B46.) The lockers appear very intricate but are actually just other bits for the existing lockers. They unfortunately still only provide for four rounds each when the actual stowage was eight; this means either close them up or make new ones and scrounge eight more rounds (or eight more racks) to correct them. The last part is a new set of radio racks, but it should be noted that the Nashorn kit does not come with a radio set! Well, at least it does provide a good looking area for one to go. New "Slide Molded" Gen2 weapons are provided, two sets of the WB standard sprue with a pair of MP40 submachine guns, a Gewehr 43 autloading rifle, and an MP44 assault rifle in each set. The directions are not of much use, as they again show a full color photo set of a kit under assembly but the one shown is obviously all styrene, which is not of much help with some of the brass bits. As noted above it does not indicate that the side louver grilles have to be removed before the new etched ones are installed, and there is no photo of the ammo lockers with the new etched brass parts installed. Once again, DML did a nice job on its bits that is let down by the kit's instructions.      The kit does provide two nice Cartograf decal sheets and a total of NINE finishing options. This time all are identified: s.H.Pz.Jg. 526, Italy 1944 (three color); 2./s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 560, 1943 (sand with brown waves); s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 519, 1943-1944 (whitewash over sand); s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 88, 1944 (whitewash squiggles over sand); a second vehicle from s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 525, 1944 (same scheme); a third vehicle from s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 525, 1944 (more involved three-color scheme); 3./s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 88, 1944 (green over sand with heart markings); s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 519, Russia 1943-44 (whitewash superstructure, sand hull, red crest on front left.)  A "number jungle" is included on the sheets. Overall, this kit is a bit disappointing considering all of the great new sprues and parts which DML has produced with their "Slide Moulding" technique. If the modeler has purchased all of the "upgrades" in the way of brass and tracks for the older kit, there is no need to purchase this one. But if not, it does give the modeler great tracks and the majority of brass parts he will use in one package. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.  Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakdown: A 31x2 Nashorn/Hummel B 46 Nashorn/Hummel C 21 Nashorn/Hummel D 70 Nashorn/Hummel E 31x3 Jagdpanzer IV F 7x2 Jagdpanzer IV (F) 10? L 8 Nashorn/Hummel M 38 Nashorn N 39 Hornisse/Nashorn ammo racks S 3 clear styrene Y 1 Lower hull WB 20x2 Weapons B (2 x MP40, 1 Ghw 43, 1 MP44 TF 3 8.8cm muzzle brake ZL 144 Magic Track left ZL 144 Magic Track right MA 163 etched brass MB 1 turned aluminum barrel Back (Originally written on September 7, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6353; 3cm Flak 38/103 Jaboschreck w/Trailer; 240 parts (172 in grey styrene, 63 etched brass, 5 pre-formed etched brass); price estimated at US $19-22 Advantages: late-war German conversion weapon has interesting configuration; large number of detail parts Disadvantages: obscure item; no crew figures Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all late-war German fans and "duck hunters" As WWII progressed, the Germans found themselves losing air supremacy and as such switching from being the hunters to being the hunted. The 9th Tactical Air Force in particular had a field day with retreating German formations, and at least the 3rd US Armored Division had a cab rank of at least four P-47s on call for each combat command during daylight hours in 1944. The trusty 2cm guns were no longer as effective against them unless quadrupled, and the larger 3.7cm guns were few in number. Apparently the solution the Germans turned to was to convert aircraft cannon - here the powerful 3cm MK 103, a "lead slinger" which was very nasty in use by late-war German aircraft, was simply mounted on a converted 2cm Flak 38 carriage and used against the "Jabos" - fighter-bombers. The title given this piece - "Jaboschreck" - roughly translates as "fighter-bomber wrecker." (It should be noted that many free-roaming P-47 pilots only had a four hour combat career in 1945 thanks to weapons such as this and the quad 2cm weapons.) DML has now done the same thing, taking its very nice 2cm Flak 38 and making the exact same conversion that was performed on the actual guns. Two of the sprues (C and D) in the original kit have been replaced with 34 new parts that replace the unneeded 2cm parts as well as 68 new etched brass parts, including pre-formed gun shields and cartridge casing catch bins. Construction closely follows that of the earlier 2cm gun (kit number 6288, released in January 2006), and many of those parts are now excess (such as all of the 2cm magazines and clips) as well as the various dedicated 2cm bits on the Sonderanhaenger 51 two-wheel carrier trailer. The replacement parts include the MK 103, magazines and a belt of ammo plus single rounds, and the aforementioned new brass parts. The MK 103 has a very complex muzzle brake to cut down on its vicious recoil (which was rumored to stop German fighters cold in mid air if four of them were fired at once) but DML has done a yeoman job to replicate it via "Slide Molding" of the parts. The gun itself consists of some 10 parts; note that the use of etched brass is unfortunately mandatory for the gun's muzzle brake and shell feed chute. A choice of either styrene or etched brass gun shields is provided, however.  As with the 2cm gun the modeler is offered one of four fixed elevations: 0, 20, 40 or 60 degrees, and appropriate parts are provided from the 2cm kit for the elevation gear to fix the gun in one of those positions. The trailer is the same, with two-part wheels with fair representation of the tread pattern. One finishing option is provided, a generic Panzerbraun on the Eastern Front in 1945. A small but busy Cartograf decal sheet provides a number of options for use on the gun shield and barrel, such as kill rings, victory silhoutettes, or even Eisenkreuz stencils.  Overall a nice if somewhat obscure antiaircraft gun that should find a home on a number of dioramas. It is a shame that it, like the 2cm, does not come with a crew set. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue breakdown: A 88 Flak 38 2cm mount B 44 Sonderhanhaenger 51 C 12 MK 103 gun C 6 mount angle adjustment rods D 22 New parts for MK 103 to Flak 38 mount MA 5 preformed etched brass MB 53 etched brass MB 2 etched brass MC 2 etched brass MD 6 etched brass Back (Originally written on September 6, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6343; Stalingrad Inferno; 55 parts (51 parts in grey styrene, 4 etched brass); estimated price around US $9-11 Advantages: actually two mini-vignettes, may be used in nearly all German scenes or dioramas post 1942 Disadvantages: older style figures do not use "Gen2" technology, may be harder to paint due to older design of figures; older details Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German diorama or vignette fans DML is getting to be its own worst enemy. First they establish themselves as the best modern styrene figure manufacturer going and then they ratchet things up a bit with their amazing "Gen2" figures. While this is actually a very nice set of two mini-vignettes, it is made in the older style of DML figures and after the "Gen2" sets seems a bit of a letdown. Suffice to say it is still an excellent set. The modeler gets four figures, two in late winter uniforms with sno-pac type boots and white jacket and overcoat, and two in summer wear, one tanker/Sturmgeschuetz crewman and one soldier/medic. The first part are sharing a cigarette, with the officer/NCO in the jacket lighting the cigarette for the enlisted man. The officer/NCO has on sno-pac type boots, a white jacket, and even ear muffs, and carries an older model DML MP40. The enlisted man has the heavy sno-pacs and an overcoat with a Kar 98K, again the older model from DML. Even a cigarette is provided for the enlisted man. The other pair have the armored crewman having a wound on his wrist bandaged by the medic. The latter comes with two first-aid pouches on the front of his kit and looks the part. Etched brass is provided for the Kar 98K sling and MP40 sling. It also provides the tape type bandage for the crewman's wrist. As is provided with the better figure sets, artwork by Ron Volstad provides the finishing and painting information. Overall these are nice figures (which seem to have been shelved a few years back compared to current releases) and will make a nice touch for many dioramas. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on September 6, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6289; Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A Early Production - Smart Kit; 381 parts (192 "Magic Track" links, 137 in grey styrene, 44 clear styrene, 8 etched brass); price estimated at US $28-31 Advantages: "Smart Kit" concept provides fine details in a nearly all-styrene kit; "Magic Track" will please many modelers... Disadvantages: ...but track links are quite small and not intended for the multi-thumbed Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all early WWII and German armor fans, plus other venues such as the Spanish Civil War F I R S T    L O O K Everyone has to start somewhere, and the Germans started their legendary armored forces with this little tank. While the original was only designed as a trainer, it wound up being pressed into service as a reconnaissance and light infantry support tank in both the Spanish Civil War and other minor wars, and was still in service in 1939 when WWII proper broke out. This is the second new kit of the little beastie to come out in recent months, and it is interesting that DML chose it to be its second "Smart Kit" release. "Smart Kits" are defined by DML as kits which permit the builder to get as much detail as possible without the usual hassle of multimedia or insane numbers of parts involved in the assembly of the kit. This translates as upon opening the box, surprise! a DML kit NOT packed all the way to the rafters with separate parts sprues. In point of fact, DML gets all of the kit's parts into a bare six sprues and the lower hull pan. The kit is interesting to compare with the recent Tristar release that provides both sufficient parts for the early or late model Ausf. A tank in it - DML's kit only makes the early model. But given the overly complex Model Kasten tracks provided with the latter - and one of the reason for that kit's high pricetag - this one comes with DML's popular "Magic Track" snap-together dry-fit tracks that only need minimal cleanup before assembly. There will be some arguing, however, that this kit probably should have used DML's DS plastic tracks as it is such a small vehicle they would have solved the problem of track installation, but the selection of "Magic Tracks" is not so bad. They are very tiny, however, and if you are all thumbs or suffer from any sort of joint problems they will not be fun to assemble. Surprisingly, while DML just came out with a nice new chassis for the Pkzw. I Ausf. A with their Flakpanzer I kit (No. 6220) this kit does appear to share it's A and B sprues with that one. The rest (C- upper hull details and D - upper hull, as well as the K and W clear sprues) are all new, as are the "Magic Tracks." As a result there are some holes that have to be opened up on the fenders (parts B-12 and B-13) in Step 2. The kit uses the same nice suspension provided with the Flakpanzer, including three-piece idlers and separate springs.    While the kit provides none of the interior bits that came with the Flakpanzer, it does provide a large number of clear parts for the various observation ports and brackets inside the upper hull and turret. Assembly is accomplished by "trapping" the clear pieces between the upper hull casemate former (D-11) and the sides (D-1, C-10, C-11 and C-13). Even the turret race comes with gear teeth molded in place. But oddly enough, the MG34 machine gun barrels did no receive the "Slide Molding" treatment nor are any breech details provided. A basic "stick-on" seat, essentially little more than a base for a standing figure in the turret, is provided. The upper hull is nicely detailed, and all of the hatches are loose parts permitting an optional setting for each one; however, there is no interior to display if opened. As this is a "Smart Kit" etched brass is held to the minimum, consisting primarily of the muffler guards and mounting straps and two small cooling vents at the rear of the hull top. Finishing instructions and decals are provided for three different tanks: Pz.Regt 5, 5th Light Panzer Division, Libya 1941 (sand); 3./Pz.Abt.z.b.V. 40, Norway 1940 (grey); and unidentified unit, Nuremberg maneuvers 1935 (camouflage brown and green over grey.) Decals from Cartograf are "targeted" to these three vehicles. Overall, this is a nice kit and while not as detailed as the competing Tristar kit, it is much easier to assemble and will probably retail for around $20 less in the US. Interior components, many previously developed for the old Italeri kit, will probably be reworked for this kit by the after-market boys and there are many different painting and marking options for "third world" armor fans as well. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back September 3, 2006 (Originally written on September 2, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35th Scale Kit No. 11 ('39-'45 Series Kit No. 6346; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther D w/"Stadtgas" Fuel Tanks; 809 parts (391 in grey styrene, 204 etched brass, 170 "Magic Track" links, 14 clear styrene, 12 etched nickel, 10 preformed brass, 4 cast metal, 2 turned brass, 1 length of copper chain, 1 turned aluminum barrel); estimated retail price US $47 Advantages: over base Panther D "Premium Edition" kit only addition of compressed gas tanks noted Disadvantages: should have been offered as an optional parts set for the Panther D kit, not a complete new kit Rating:  Highly Recommended Recommendation:  for German Panther fans I recently commented about how iconic "oners" remain popular with modelers, and that new kits of subjects which represent either single or a handful of items produced are still good sellers and enjoyed by many. But then a kit like this comes along, which has to be one of the ultimate "boutique" kits, and one has to wonder what the manufacturer was thinking. Here cyber-hobby.com, the "boutique" line produced by DML of alternative kits with extra parts and a more unique selection of items, has produced a model of what seems to be an oddity and another one-off vehicle. From comments on the Internet it appears that when the Germans began to get crunched on gasoline production they turned first non-essential rear area vehicles like cars for minor party functionaries to coal or charcoal gas, or to propane or similar gases used to provide heat and cooking in major cities (e.g. "Stadtgas.")  This particular vehicle, a D model Panther (and therefore no longer seen as front line service capable after Kursk showed its failings), was apparently converted for use with propane gas and assigned to a research and test unit at Eisenach range in 1944. The model is unique, but what has taken place is nothing more than cyber-hobby.com taking the recent (July 2006) kit number 6299 of the upgraded "Premium Edition" Panther Ausf. D kit and added another 18 styrene parts and 45 etched brass ones to make this kit. While the upgraded Panther D is a nice model and fixes or upgrades many of the areas of the first version of the model, and is providing to be fairly popular, this kit is an oddity that is hard to explain. First off, the comments that I made regarding the earlier kit. It takes the DML Panther Ausf. D kit and gives it the "premium" treatement of more etched brass, turned aluminum barrel, "Magic Track" snap-together pre-cut track links, and some modified or replaced sprues from the original kit. It also provides pre-formed brass smoke grenade launchers as well as twelve sections of etched nickel for the skirts. The kit is pretty much the older kit - most of the sprues are from their A and D kits and so labeled, with others specific to the D and some new and redone parts I do not recall from the previously noted A anniversary kit. One of the "K" tool/OVM sprues is included as well as the MG-34 from German weapon set WC. It did provide a new hull with separate suspension arms, something many Panther fans had asked for over the years. The etched brass covers a wealth of extra detail, from the normally expected (in this day at least) grille covers for the engine deck through the skirt brackets, but installation of all of these metal parts is shown in rather busy drawings next to color photos of the model components after assembly. This is not the best way to do it, as while color photos are fine, it would be better to leave them unpainted so the modeler could see exactly where the parts are supposed to go and not have to guess which are plastic and which are metal from the photo. The model comes with some nice touches, such a choice of wheel hubs for the drivers and eight specially molded track links with separate guide teeth (all of which are hollow molded, including the "Magic Track") for "wrapping" around the drivers. Two different covers for the machine gun port are provided as is the above mentioned MG-34 for mounting in the port if left open. The travel lock - a chain affair - comes with two sets of five etched brass parts each for either open or closed, as does the turned aluminum barrel and the three-piece muzzle brake for it specifically (an old-fashioned two-piece "Flex-i-File" special is also included on the parts trees.) The new bits for the "Stadtgas" fittings are busy, with six "Slide Molded" compressed gas tanks and a very involved set of etched brass racks (no styrene option is provided). Only a single finishing option is provided - Panzer-Versuchs und Ersatz-Abteilung 300 at Eisenach, 1944. It comes with a tiny Cartograf decal sheet of three crosses and the "Fahrschule" plates for driver training vehicles. Overall, while the kit is an excellent production effort I cannot fathom why DML released it as a separate kit. It would seem, given the cyber-hobby.com line of add-on/upgrade kits for other DML offerings to have been smarter to offer it as one of their releases for about $10-14 as an option for the Panther Ausf. D kit, giving those who purchased the original version something to make with the older kit. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on August 27, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6216; German 1st Cavalry Division Russia 1941 - Gen2; 294 parts (211 in grey styrene, 83 in etched brass); price estimated at US $14.98 Advantages: Gen2 "magic" worked on both horses and riders, very nicely rendered animals; Disadvantages: All horse furniture is etched brass and may prove difficult for intermediate level modelers or below to install Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German and "real cav" fans Over 40 years ago a small French company, who began making premiums for insertion into cans of ground coffee, branched out into Napoleonic figures in the odd scale of 1/30. They prospered and to this day Historex of France is considered one of the premiere companies in the world making styrene kits of Napoleonic era figures and related wagons and artillery. When it came to making horses, Historex created one of the most enduring systems to create a model horse going. They molded the horse itself in seven parts: two sides, head and neck, ears, fetlock, mane and tail; six initial horses were created, based on twelve body halves and six head/hair sprues. By creating a number of different combinations of parts, an infinite variety of horse positions could be modeled. Later, more were added to create a wider variety, including giving the horse modeler a option on the gender of the animal. Others tried, such as Airfix in 1/32 and ESCI, Zvezda and DML in 1/35 but most other horses were rather inflexible and static. Now DML has used their "Gen2" system on horses in this new kit, and the results are the first ones to approach Historex. DML provides two horses and riders in this kit. Each horse consists of ten separate parts: sides, face, ears, mane, tail and separate hooves with horseshoes in place. The horses are well detail with even vein detail modeled and two faces are provided for each one to change the horse's personality as well. The hair is somewhat static, but most Historex modelers understand the concept of pyrograveur styling using a hot pin to "fluff" up the hair and create a more natural look from styrene. This is done by using a heated straight pin to separate strands of plastic to form "hair" and add both body and depth to it, so when painted and drybrushed it looks more like natural hair. The horses each come with a blanket molded on their backs, as well as a pack saddle and riding saddle that fits on top of it. The horses are also provided with bedrolls, packs and other kit as needed. However, all horse furniture is etched brass, which is somewhat tricky to use in such circumstances and the first step for all flexible items (e.g. cinches, reins, leads, bridles, etc.) is to anneal them over an open flame to make them easier to manipulate. The hardware (bits, horseshoes) is also etched brass as well, so you may wish to remove them from the fret before annealing. The figures are typical of the DML Gen2 series. Each rider comes in 19 parts: torso (2), legs (2), boots (2), hands (2), head (2), collar, shoulder straps (2) and coat skirt (4). However, this kit offers no option hands or faces/heads for different poses. The kit has the now-standard German kit sprues GA and GB with all of the normal German infantry kit (canteens, ponchos, mess kits, bread bags, gas mask canisters, bayonets, helmets, etc.) as well as one weapons sprue WA with two Kar 98K rifles with separate bolts and ammo clips. Cover art is by Ron Volstad as are the painting instructions, which are as usual very well done. But in this case it would have helped if DML had provided more than a single page flyer with a finished rider and only foolscap outlines of how the bridle and reins assemble. Overall this is another great effort by DML but once again one where the directions do not provide a way to get the most out of the model for first-time figure modelers or those not experienced in either doing horses or working with etched brass. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on August 27, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6352; Sd.Kfz. 181 Panzerkampfwagen IV (P) Premium Edition; 734 parts (355 grey styrene, 228 Magic Track links, 127 etched brass, 12 clear styrene, 4 prebent steel wire, 2 prebent copper wire, 2 twisted steel wire, 2 prebent etched brass, 1 spring, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel); price around US $45 Advantages: nice if older kit receives upgrades and bonus parts from later Tiger I and Elefant kit releases; Magic Track always a nice change and upgrade for single-link track kits; some corrections to original kit Disadvantages: lot of extra work for a one-off vehicle; no zimmerit paste on hull or turret Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all die-hard Tiger fans There are a number of one-off items that have always proven popular with modelers, and many of them deservedly so due to the fame of their prototypes: the Ryan "Spirit of St. Louis," the USS Constitution, HMS Victory, the Bismarck, NCC-1701 USS Enterprise, RMS Titanic, and even the "Leopold" railway gun. (Yes, I know that there are related or sister items to each of these, but only these specific items gained iconic status.) But among armored vehicles, this particular tank is one of the very few to gain such a following, along with other short-lived or unfinished German designs such as the "Maus" heavy tank or "Dora" 80 cm heavy gun. DML released a pretty nice kit of this tank in November 2004 as their kit No. 6210, but as usual the "boo birds" were not happy as it was not perfect. DML provided most of the kit in styrene with DS plastic one-piece tracks and only sufficient etched brass for the grillwork, and not much more. There were some twitches over hatches and details as well, as the kit shared much of its architecture with the then-recently released "Ferdinand" and "Elefant" kits. DML now adds this kit to their "Premium Edition" stock with more than double the parts of the original kit, adding "Magic Track" for the kit as well as a good-sized fret of etched brass and parts from their more recent "Slide Molded" Tiger I kits. The "Magic Track" provides two kinds of links - an "A" link (parts R) with a guide tooth and a "B" link (parts S) that snap together. This should solve the complaints from those who want the track to sag properly (but probably getting grouses from the "one-piece track" fans for dropping the DS plastic ones!) The good news is the "Magic Track" links are some of the best around, needing minimal cleanup and replicating the originals very nicely. The etched brass covers the original grilles as well as many other details and brackets that dress up the model. Some such as the device to the rear of the commander's cupola (MA31) are going to be somewhat difficult to shape but they do provide nice details. A styrene version (A9) is also provided. As the model uses parts from the later Tiger I series of kits, it makes a step forward with the turned aluminum barrel and a step backwards with the frou-frou "realistic recoil" spring feature. The kit comes with no less than three mantelets but the one in the "Special Features" card bag is the correct one to use.  It also has two different right sides to the turret, one with a pistol port and one with the hatch, so the modeler has some flexibility on making the most accurate kit possible based on the original's career.   Only one set of markings and painting directions are provided for the vehicle as the command tank of s.Pz.Jg.Abt. 653 on the Eastern Front in 1944. Again, no zimmerit is provided for the hull or turret so the modeler will have to add them if desired. Overall this adds to DML's Tiger "family" but I am not sure, since it was a one-off "orphan," if those who purchased the original kit will want this one as well. DML may well be on their way to becoming their own worst enemy with this "Premium" kits as fence-sitters may prefer to wait for an upgrade/corrected version of a specific vehicle in the future. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on August 7, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7237; AAVP7A1 RAM/RS; 124 parts (73 in grey styrene, 29 etched brass, 22 in DS plastic); price about US $13.98 Advantages: All styrene hull with supplemental armor fitting points major improvement over first version of the AAV7A1 kit; etched brass and optional parts a plus Disadvantages: DS styrene wheel bushings will make assembly require extra care; nice, big hatches open up on...nothing! Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all USMC and AMTRAC fans as well as modern armor buffs When DML released their first kit of this busy modern armored vehicle in June 2004, it was a nice addition to their modern armor selection. But since it was basically a kitted version of their pre-assembled line of 1/72 scale armor, it came with a diecast metal hull and screws for assembly, as well as vinyl tracks. The result was a less than easy to build kit, requiring the use of ACC cement and making it virtually impossible to upgrade or modify without major work. DML has now released a new version that replicates the current Operation Iraqi Freedom variant, but replaces the diecast parts with styrene and also makes a number of molding changes as well as adds DS styrene parts. This is a plus for the tracks, as they can now be cemented down to "sag" correctly, but since the wheels all use a bushing between two halves for assembly it will require care to avoid getting cement on them and getting them out of plumb or having wheels failing to roll (a great advantage in painting the tires!) This variant again provides for the post- 1990 upgrades when the vehicles received the ability to mount supplemental armor protection and also an upgraded firepower suite via the "UWS" or upgraded weapons station. This combined a 40mm grenade launcher and a .50 caliber machine gun in one turret. However, the original smaller cupola with .50 caliber only is also provided on the sprues, so the model could be "backdated" much more easily than the diecast one.  The hull is identical to the two sections of diecast metal held together with screws. While the original made any modification or correction the modeler desires a bit difficult, as it is much harder to clean parts made of metal than styrene or attach the plastic components to it, the new one can have the offending screw towers and nubs removed so an interior can be fitted by the inveterate detailer. Since it comes with optional position hatches, it would be a good touch to add. The wave-breaker can be installed either closed (part A3) or deployed (A4), as can the water jet drives (A21/22 open, A23/24 closed). Thanks to "Slide Molding" the headlights are integral with the upper hull; this gives this kit the same technical capabilities as the diecast predecessor.    An etched brass fret is included with bits for the engine gratings as well as the muffler guard and handholds. The RP (right puny) parts include handles and brackets. Markings are provided for two vehicles, one with the 1st Marine Division in Iraq 2003 and one in Italy during 2005. The former is in the NATO tricolor scheme but the other is in what appears to be FS34102 Forest Green, the as delivered finish for many modern US armored vehicles. Overall this is a nice upgrade and makes itself much more "Modeler Friendly" than the diecast hull precessor. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on August 27, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7307; Jagdpanzer IV/70 Early Production;163 parts (137 in grey styrene, 21 etched brass, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1turned aluminum gun barrel); price estimated at US $13.98 Advantages: correct presentation of early production vehicles on Pzkw. IV chassis; some new tweaks over past variants of this vehicle Disadvantages: DS tracks require adjustment but since they cement up using plastic cement should not be a major drawback Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German WWII fans Following on their earlier Jagdpanzer IV L/48 Early Production (No. 7276), Jagdpanzer IV/70 Lang (No. 7293) and the Jagdpanzer IV/70 Command Variant (No. 7328) kits, this kit mixes and matches to provide an early production variant with the four return rollers and Pzkw. IV road wheels. It also comes with the Pzkw. IV Ausf. H cylindrical muffler but "Slide Molded" now with a hollow exhaust. This kit has another new etched brass fret. Again the etched brass skirts (schuertzen) from the "Stroke 48" kit have been dropped, and while the kit has the styrene brackets the vehicle is shown as built without them. Parts now provided include new stiffener/joint plates for the rear hull and a new joint plate for the casemate to hull joint at the rear of the casemate. The rest is similar to the earlier three kits. As is now the standard with this line of kits, it comes with positionable hatches and separate hatches for the engine deck (but no interior). Details are quite small (Right Puny Parts) so care will have to be taken in assembly to prevent the "Carpet Monster" from acquiring some of the details.    The two holes in the belly which appeared in Kit No. 7293 are now gone, so the the diehard "right belly" fans will be pleased!   The road wheels come in the now-standard two-wheel molded units with separate faces. Nine wheel pairs are provided for spares as well as the regulars, but this kit comes without the solid steel ones (as is correct for "as built.") Other details include periscopic sights and viewers.    Four different finishing schemes are provided: Germany 1945 (tricolor); 9th Panzer Division, Hungary 1945 (tricolor); "Feldherrnhalle" Panzer Division, Budapest 1945; and one unit in all green, Eastern Front 1945. The decals are a "targeted" sheet for these options only. Overall, this basically finishes up the Jagdpanzer IV family. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on August 11, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit Number 6183; M4A3E8 "Thunderbolt VII"; 633 parts  (431 in grey styrene, 160 "Magic Link" T66 tracks, 18 clear styrene, 12 steel springs, 11 etched brass, 6 brass tubes, 1 turned aluminum barrel); estimated price US $41-45 Advantages: DML "works off the gig sheet" on past kits with CORRECT weld beads and "slide molded" turret shapes; back detail on all wheels; very detailed parts breakdown to HVSS bogies; correct period T66 tracks Disadvantages: not enough etched brass for some modelers (see text) Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all US Armor fans and "Shermaholics" F I R S T   L O O K There is a document used by the United States Army which goes by its printing reference number as Form DA 2404. It is used to list the daily check faults on vehicles and as such is usually called either a 2404 or "gig sheet." Essentially the majority of kit reviews or build reviews many modelers write or see is pretty much along the same lines, albeit some are more finicky than others as to what they write up as "gigs". For years fans of the Sherman tank - more properly the US Army M4 Medium Tank series - have been doing this to one kit or another for many reasons. And nearly every major and several minor manufacturer has done a 1/35 scale Sherman – Revell, Monogram, Tamiya, Italeri, Nichimo, MP Models, Dragon Models Limited, and Academy with Sherman based kits either coming out or available from AFV Club and Trumpeter as well. All have been written up for their flaws, mistakes or simple "gigs" and as a result have keep "experten" on the Shermans (and a few real knowledgeable people like Steve Zaloga and Joe Demarco) busy sorting them out for more than 25 years. The major problems that are usually noted with the kits are these: The turret shapes are wrong, or wrong for the version being modeled;  - The weld beads are wrong, as they show up as "trenches" rather than weld bead which stands proud of the surface;   -The wheels come with no backing detail and are too thin; -    The tracks are not correct, either wrong width, wrong design, wrong patter, or too flimsy;  - And, the details for a specific variant are not correct - exhausts, vents, fenders, grilles, or hatches are not put in the right place (the culprit usually being research of an incorrectly restored vehicle.) DML has taken much of the criticism of their kits to heart, and even though they have produced the arguably best Sherman kits to date, they have constantly been "gigged" for some or all of the above errors. Now they have come back with a vengeance with this first in a new series of M4 series tank kits, and most of the "gigs" have been "worked off" or eliminated.    The subject of the new kit is the last WWII M4 tank used by Colonel Creighton Abrams after he took off Combat Command B of the 4th Armored Division. It represents an early production M4A3 with the horizontal volute spring suspension, better known as either HVSS or "Easy 8" after its test designation, single-pin T66 cast tracks, a 76mm gun with muzzle brake in the later version of the T23-derived cast turret, and ordnance designed and fitted applique armor panels. While not labeled as a "Smart Kit" like the new Panther Ausf. G, the new M4A3E8 kit uses a minimum of multimedia parts - it comes with a sparse brass sheet of only 11 items for use as the fenders for the wider HVSS suspension and track, a turned aluminum barrel, and 12 springs and six brass tubes that may be fitted to the suspension to permit it to "operate." While I personally am not a fan of "frou-frou" features like this, at least it is a better and more scalelike way to approach it than the toy-like vinyl or rubber fittings used in some other kits from other manufacturers. The name of the game with this kit is "slide molding" which permits DML to get more onto the model in the right places and with less distortion. The lower hull pan now sports a lot more detail than past kits, including the assembly notching used on the real vehicle and other niceties. The upper hull FINALLY sports something no other kit has done up until now - RAISED weld bead instead of trenches where the welded hull assembles. This by itself will win the affection of many "Shermaholics" who tired of having to constantly fill and reshape the weld beads. The turret is an evolution of the recent moldings from DML , and is again "slide molded" with texture, built-in pistol port mount, and the subtle angles of the original cast turret captured far better than past efforts by all companies. The bogies are very complex, but are detailed on all sides and look quite impressive. Each one consists of two seven-piece subassemblies (the tires are separate) and a 12-piece center assembly using the springs and brass tube to provide for spring operation of the bogie if carefully assembled. There is no "non-working" option so care will have to be taken to get the parts aligned correctly. This is the "early model" and comes with the original "three-vane" exhaust deflector at th rear of the hull as well as the T66 single-link tracks. While DML had a great set of T66 tracks that they came out with ten years ago, the new ones are "Magic Track" and snap together. Each one has four tiny ejection pin marks on it, partially to permit the correct molding of the center guide horn as hollow; but they stand "proud" and will be easily trimmed off. (The real ones were short-lived as they proved fragile; if you want to go with the late war T80 tracks, the AFV Club ones would be your best bet as they are less fussy than the old DML ones that need their connectors drilled out and center guides glued in place.) Suffice to say that they did not opt out for what appears to have been the wrong T80 tracks as they did with their DX05 "Allen F. Irzyk" M4A3E8 kit last year (to which this kit is only related by generic type and not moldings.)    The kit is the first one that captures subtle details (usually not seen) such as the APU exhaust (part B35) under the left sponson. (I don't highlight that as all DML Shermans have always had sponson floors, unlike some other kits.) The idlers are also detailed on both sides and nicely done. Also, DML has engineered the proper fittings for the tow shackles at the front of the hull with the double brackets. Most of the rest of the details are new and nicely done - even the tools are more substantial than in past kits. All gun barrels are hollow-bored and all "glass" is provided with a clear plastic viewer or lens. The one major grouse some will have with this kit - as with the "Smart Kit" Panther - is that it is engineered to only use a small amount of etched brass. In this kit that translates to only two items - a complete set of fenders (albeit with styrene braces) and a bracket for the additional .30 caliber Browning used by Abrams. (Note that the direct6ions do not really cover the specific fit for "Thunderbolt VII" as opposed to other late war M4A3E8 tanks, but do show it in the finishing instructions.)  All of the "normal" etched parts – brackets, viewer guards, headlight and taillight guards, etc. - are all very thin and petite styrene moldings. (I feel there will be a cyber-hobby.com "Upgrade" set coming...) However, there are more than enough etched sets available to please the most demanding soul, and for those who do not like etched metal this kit will more than meet the need. Four finishing options are provided: "Thunderbolt VII" with all of its upgrades and fittings, 4th AD Germany 1945; another 4th AD tank, Germany 1945; 35th Tank Battalion, 4th AD, Bastogne 1945; and 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, Germany 1945. All are basic OD with the minimal amount of codes and lettering, which is a bit odd as at this stage of the war many of the vehicles began to sprout full sets of lettering, coding, numbers and stars. One would have though DML would have selected one of them, but they chose to go with "minimalist" subjects. Overall this is another great effort from DML, and while the "boo birds" will no doubt carp about the lack of etched brass the fact of having a great and solid base kit is of more interest to the average modeler and will be more appreciated in the long run. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Layout: A 96 M4A2/A3 Late upper hull with A2 engine deck B 37 Late T23 style turret C 18 clear styrene D 8 Applique armor panels G 24 M4A3 engine deck and VVSS details H 24 Early T23 style turret J 24 Road wheel tires K 4 Idler tires Q 35x2 Drive wheels Q 48x3 HVSS road wheels and bogies X 1 Lower hull pan Y 160 Magic Track - T66 links      MA 11 etched brass fenders MB 12 steel springs MB 6 brass tubes MB 1 turned aluminum barrel Back (Originally written on August 7, 2006) Kit Review: Tristar 1/35 Scale Kit No. 35022; German Panzer Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. G/Panzerbefehlswagen Pz.BfWg 38(t) Ausf. G; 543 parts (484 parts in tan styrene, 51 etched brass, 8 clear styrene); price US $42 Advantages: subtly different from the earlier Ausf. E/F kit; options for either command or line variant of the tank, very nice track sets' Disadvantages:  tracks are not particularly fun to assemble (see text) Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German and "Third World" armor fans The TNHP-S has so far been served by the old Italeri kit and another from Alan in Russia, but now Tristar has come out with not one but TWO kits of this popular little tank. Following right on the heels of their very nice Ausf. E/F kit is one of the Ausf. G. This one does not come with figures but it does come with a lot of options and also the ability to make it as an early command tank with the "handrail" antenna. According to the 2002 Francev/Kliment book on the TNHP-S tank, or "Praga" (I messed up earlier; while the tanks were later built at the famous "Skoda" works they were a CKD design and the term "Praga" is named in honor of the Czech capital - Prague) reached its final tank design with the German Wehrmacht in the Ausf. G in 1941; an H model was forecast but the tank was then considered obsolete, but the reliable and useful chassis were used instead for self-propelled antitank guns. 306 of these tanks (and an extra 184 turrets for fortifications) were built (serials 1101-1359 and 1480-1526) with production terminating on 20 June 1942.  The G was little different from the F that preceded it, having basically some changed fittings and new stowage and rearrangement of items like the "Notek" light to provide better protection to fragile components. Roughly one tank in 20 was built as a command vehicle, and to augment the normal Fu 5 radio set with pole antenna it mounted an Fu 7 or Fu 8, which required both the removal of the main gun and the installation of a "handrail" antenna around the rear of the hull. To avoid being singled out for destruction, a high-quality dummy gun nearly identical to the normal 3.7 cm gun was installed. These tanks had two radio operator/machine gunners instead of one radio operator/machine gunner and gunner. With input again from Tom Jentz (who again gets a free plug for "Panzertracts" books on the bottom of the box!) this kit also provides for all known basic options of the Ausf. G. More than 60 parts from the Ausf. E/F are changed out for new sprues (surprise! Tristar makes NEW sprues, not "mix and match" ones!) and a new sheet of etched brass is included. This kit does not come with figures, however, to keep things balanced and prices about even. There is a choice of fenders and stowage bins provided, as well as a lot of smaller bits. There are some minor quibbles (some of the bolt and rivet patterns appear to be carried over, but since it is removal and not addition it is pretty minor stuff to me) but overall it matches well with plans and photos. Having built the E/F, I can make the following comments on the G. This is a very precisely engineered kit, and as noted above if parts don't fit then it is YOUR fault and not Tristar's! I had some fit problems which soon turned out to be "operator error" on my part and not theirs. Assembly starts with the wheels, which are very delicate and require a great deal of care in assembly. Tires for the road wheels and return rollers are separate parts, nice if you want to paint them before installation, and since the last step is installing the tracks you may prefer that. Like nearly all "flat kits" (belly, sides, and rear plate as separate parts) the hull is next, and you will have to take care to find the detail parts on the very compact and busy sprues. In Step 4 you begin using the clear parts; note that part G-3 is mounted as far to the right in the glacis opening as possible in order to clear handle C-19 if the visor C-18 is left in the open position. There are two visor styles for the right side, G-1 and G-2, but I have no idea what the difference is and simply used the G-2 one. Mounting the bow machine gun is tricky as the handles are difficult to get through the opening in the glacis and take some finesse. Step 5 - tools and stowage - come with very nicely done brass straps with buckles, clasps and even "belt notch" holes in them. I suggest annealing them over an alcohol lamp to make them easier to bend. The rest of the step lists a large number of options. I must say that Tristar's directions are much easier than DML's to follow in figuring out where all the parts go, and what is and what is not an option. Step 6 covers the upper hull and again note that all parts are a snug - but correct - fit. I suggest mount the rear deck frame (A-4) first as it has to have its rear edge butted against the rear plate and not on top of it. The driver's hatch is nicely done - padding is molded on the inside and no ejection pin marks. (There are some on the inside of the hull and under the fenders, but none in any place of importance.) The smoke candle box in Step 7D is somewhat tricky to assemble, for the slotted section (part D-45) is the only one that did not seem to self-align. Once assembled the box fits well on the stern plate. The only problem I found in the entire kit worth mentioned took place here. The E/F kit offers you the adjustment splines for the track tensioning devices (parts E-33) or covers for them (E-34) but suggests that the covers go over the splines. That flat out will not work, as the covers are supposed to fit flush and if assembled per kit instructions there is a good 2 mm of daylight under them. I left the covers off, but I think the right choice would be to install the covers and skip the splines. The G kit splits the difference and shows an open spline E-33 on the left, and a covered one E-34 on the right! Go figure. Step 8 is the initial turret assembly and it requires care. If you do it right, the gunner's telescopic sight (B-26) rotates with the gun and this is visible from the front of the turret. Step 8-3 covers the commander's cupola and if you take your time and care the entire assembly literally goes together without any seams that should not be there. In Step 8-4 - turret body - I cemented one side in place, then the back, then the other side, and finally the roof and front skirt. This way I was able to align all the parts and again, no gaps. The turret front is a dead-on fit and the side plates (C-14 and 15) also snug up without seams. Step 9 starts with the rail antenna installation, which is pretty straightforward. But note that the plastic bits have to have brass footers to attach, so it will require some care to align the entire assembly. Last is the track installation; I did one their way and one my way. Their way is simply snapping the links together and installing them, but most of the pins are too weak to hold so it was more than a bit frustrating. I did make a small jig for assembly out of a section of 0.080" square (2mm) strip glued to a section of 0.040" sheet (1mm) to assist in alignment. "My way" was to use Tamiya "Orange" cement and make sections of ten with the pins filled off the end sections, and then assemble them on the model. It was faster and a LOT less frustrating! The kit provides decals and finishing instructions for three different tanks: a command tank with a generic "R01" in red and white on "Panzergrau;" a line tank from the 1st Armored Division (Hungary), Estergom 1942; and a tank from the 9th Company of the Armored Brigade, Bulgaria, 1944. I suggest a good source of photos though, as the finishing directions are pretty spartan and do not match with comments in the Francev/Kliment book. Overall, this is a dandy little kit and will be a fun project for just about anybody. It is an incredibly precise kit to assemble and it's fun for me when you don't have to get out the body putty! Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample. Cookie Sewell  Back (Originally written on August 7, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale Modern AFV Series Kit No. 3535; M1A1 AIM; 719 parts (421 in grey styrene, 156 "Magic Track links, 102 etched brass, 31 clear styrene, 5 prebent wire, 1 spring, 1 prebent etched brass, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US $45 Advantages: Best M1 kit of any sort on the market; amount of detail has to be seen close up to be believed; finally got the right unit with the extended bustle rack! Disadvantages: a lot of parts! Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all Abrams and modern US armor fans There are a number of M1A1 kits on the market, and over the years there has been a large and vociferous following as to who makes the best. The consensus (such as it is) was that the DML kits were the most accurate but troublesome to clean up and assemble, as well as had some niggling problems; the Tamiya one was easy to assemble but tried to combine a dressed up XM1 hull with an M1A1 turret. Up until now, the "solution" was to combine a Tamiya turret with a DML hull. No more. This kit is as close to "one stop shopping" for an M1A1 as you will get, and for the hard-core detail fans only needs the addition of an engine and some more interior bits. Happily, DML even planned for that as the entire rear engine bay may be opened up for display. Compared to earlier DML M1 kits (#3534 M1 Panther II mine clearer being the most recent, #3516 being the first one with a mine plow, #3517 with a crew figure set, #3524 an M1A2, and #3533 an M1A1 OIF USMC version) this kit has nothing of note in common with any of them other than its subject. Based on "Sprue Bingo" this kit's sprues start with the letter M and continue on through the rest of the alphabet, thus divorcing themselves from the previous kits. While those kits really aren't bad, this one is so much better that it is no real comparison. First off, the lower hull (WITH SPONSONS, Tamiya!) is "slide molded: with even the lower brackets molded with the holes opened up in them. The suspension matches late model Abrams vehicles, with no "safety" rins for the drivers but the parts normally missed (such as V28, the mud scraper) included. The front idler and first road wheel station are interconnected to set track tension, but here consist of a five part assembly vice one part or simply molded in place axles. Note that there are holes to open up as you go, and DML calls them out in the PREVIOUS step as fair warning. The upper hull and turret shell come with no-slip tread molded in, and while a bit heavy for some modelers is going to be fine for most people; a light wash and drybrushing will bring out the texture. Also all of the weld beads are include (suprise! they stand proud, not "trenches!) and there are etched grilles for the air intakes on the engine deck. Note there are two different driver's hatches, one with a reinforced lip and one without. Oddly enough the kit claims two different styles of "Magic Tracks" but they are all in one bag. This is odd, but I am not sure of the difference (bolt heads and pin ends is usually the reason) so you will have to look sharp, as I see no difference whatsoever. The rear plate of this model is a masterpiece of molding, as it comes with 20 parts whereas the 25 year old Tamiya hull has but one. Grilles are "see-through" and as noted may be posed open or closed. The Chobam armor side plates come with a choice of open or closed panels, as well as etched brass top trim strips and accurate internal braces. The turret is excellent, with the only odd choice of option a frou-frou spring for "realistic recoil" that is pretty much a waste of time. (If it compensated for the heavy aluminum barrel, that would be a better use for it.) The M256 gun barrel has to be assembled pretty much in the same manner as the real one, with the bore evacuator slipped over the barrel and a "slide molded" MRS and cap cemented on the end with ACC when that is in position. There is a complete styrene barrel provided, however, for those who do not like multimedia kits. The simulated turret interior from the 3516/3517 series kits is gone, and only the gun breech is provided for an interior component. The very intricate commander's weapon station (used to be a cupola!) is provided with a ring to permit traverse, and the loader's M240B also comes with an etched brass base to the "rocker" mounting. Side bins may be opened or closed, as can the extra smoke grenade stowage bins. The rails and bustle rack were the main complaints with the old kits, being nearly impossible to clean up and assemble; this kit cuts them down to only three assemblies as well as etched brass flooring vice the old mesh netting. Styrene or steel/etched brass/styrene tow cables are provided for the turret sides. Also included are two styles of blowoff plates, two different wind sensor masts, two different styles of thermal sight housings, different radio antenna combinations, and for the A Company 1-64 Armor, the correct (!) auxiliary bustle racks that they were noted for during Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The kit comes with a bunch of accessories, such as thermal ID panels, front turret panels, five-gallon plastic water jugs, a tow bar, MRE boxes, two Minigun ammo boxes, and even two final drive drip pans (parts e2/e6) for the bustle rack. A city-fighting thermal exhaust deflector is also provided. A total of nine different vehicles may be modeled: M1A1HC "All Bout Da Bones," A Co 1-64 Armor, 3ID Iraq 2003 (sand); M1A1D "Ancient One", 1-68 Armor, 4ID Iraq 2003 (sand); M1A1 AIM 1-77 Armor, 1ID, Germany 2003 (NATO tricolor); and six different vehicles from 1-4 CAV ("Quarterhorse"), 1ID, Iraq 2004 (B-21, B-22, B-23, B-24, B-42, and B-43) (all in NATO tricolor.) Overall this is a most impressive kit, and quite useful as it permits any one of the current M1A1 tanks on active duty to be modeled. Note that this kit made its debut at the 2006 IPMS USA National Convention, August 2006. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.  Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on August 2, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale Kit No. 3833; Upgrade and Conversion Kit for Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther G Late Production; 145 parts (133 etched brass, 10 etched nickel, 1 turned aluminum, 1 brass tube); price estimated at US $16.98 or $10.98 with kit purchase via Dragon sources Advantages: provides nice metal parts for the new Panther G kit from DML Disadvantages: based on the "Smart Kit" premise seems to be self-defeating Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all new Panther G "Smart Kit" owners No matter what happens and how things go in this world, there is always somebody who is not happy with things. It's the guy who gets a banana split for 25 cents and then gripes because it came without a cherry on top. The guy who wins a brand new Corvette in the lottery and gripes because it's not in his favorite color. The guy who gets a 1599 on his college boards and gripes because he didn't get 1600. The same surprisingly happened when Dragon Models Limited released their first "Smart Kit," an injection-molded plastic kit designed to provide the highest degree of detail possible in a kit and keep it as close to all plastic as possible. Right away the grousers were out on the internet, complaining that it did not have this bit or that bit, the barrel was not turned aluminum, there were no skirts (even though photos show most Gs lost theirs in a matter of days once they went into action) and other things were "wrong" with the kit. Now cyber-hobby.com, DML's "boutique" affiliate, has come out with a new kit for detailing the new Panther with the details that these people complained about. Here are the etched brass parts that the grousers wanted - a brass barrel lock like that which recently came with the Panther Ausf. D "Premium Edition," track hangers from etched brass, and various brackets and covers, plus a complete brass cleaning brush case for the left side of the hull. The skirts are now provided from etched nickel, and a custom-fitted turned aluminum barrel is provided for the main gun as a "drop fit." The directions are the same mediocre effort that has come with all of the cyber-hobby.com add-on kits, namely "stick here" ones that do not key to the original directions nor provide information on some of the replacement bits. There is also another nice new supplementary decal sheet and two more recommended paint schemes, but again without a unit or location. Overall it's a nicely done upgrade and should quiet many of the carpers, but considering the concept behind the "Smart Kit" it seems to be self-defeating. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell (Originally written on July 29, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7273; M4A1 Sherman Normandy; 171 parts (110 in grey stryene, 57 etched brass, 4 tan DS plastic track runs); price estimated at US $13.98 Advantages: clearly best Sherman kit in this scale; detail rivals 1/35 scale kits; provides the modeler with the ability to make the model as detailed as possible. Disadvantages: brass details are now bordering on the ridiculous in regard to size and usability. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all "Shermaholics" and WWII US armor fans in small scale. Dragon continues to amaze with what they can do with their moldings, and this latest 1/72 scale effort is truly impressive. As many "Shermaholics" - die-hard US M4 Medium Tank fans - will note, it is a "mid-production" M4A1 cast hull Sherman, with 75mm M3 gun in the full-width M34A1 gun mount, with a "low bustle" turret without a loader's hatch and "split hatch" commander's cupola, "soft" cast hull transmission cover, VVSS suspension with flat-top return roller mounts and pillow blocks, pressed steel welded wheels with "solid" disk drive wheels and pressed steel welded idlers, and a choice of T48 rubber chevron or T49 "three bar cleat" tracks. Or, at least something close to that, as many modelers have different names for the various components. Suffice it to say it is very nice and very accurate. The overall level of quality in this kit is truly amazing, as it is better than any of the current 1/35 or 1/48 scale kits in regard to its overall accuracy and amount of detail. Since DML has promised to redo many of their older Sherman kits, it is hoped that this level of detail will be put into those kits. Take, for example, the turret. It comes with an large number of add-on parts, as well as a "slide molded" pistol port on the left side which does not have to be puttied into the side and is open, so the modeler may leave it that way or close it. All viewers and vision devices are separate items, and the modeler also has a choice of either styrene or etched brass covers and guards for the devices. The M34A1 mount comes with a correct base unit, screw-mounted frame, and mantelet, as well as a hollow-molded gun bore. The hull has sponson floors molded in, as well as a large amount of extra details that are added on. If the etched brass is used, it is one of the most complete hulls around, as it comes with the little seen and seldom modeled screening that covers the exhaust pipe exits under the back edge of the hull top. All fine details such as light guards may be replaced with etched brass; only the fenders here are left as styrene parts. The suspension is well done, using a bit of trickery where the bogie mounts are molded in two parts and the wheels are molded on as part of the rear suspension arms in one assembly. The vertical volute springs are separate (one unit) and the return roller is molded to the front half of the bogie unit. When assembled, the fiddly modeler may want to drill tiny holes in the front of the bogie unit to simulate its "reversible" feature but that is about all it needs (or perhaps an etched brass track return guide at the top.) The drivers come with two different "teeth" patterns, a "fancy" ring on the interior and the "solid" one on the outside, so future suspensions may come with different outside rings. Once installed, the inside cannot be seen so it is a moot point. The same is NOT true of the idler, which shares the failing of most 1/35 scale kits of not having a backing to it. The model comes with TWO sets of tracks, a first. One is the very common T48 rubber chevron tracks, most commonly seen during this period on 3rd Armored and 4th Armored Division M3 and M4 chassis based vehicles. Until MG Harmon passed out an order late in the fall of 1944, most 2nd Armored Division tanks, for example, had T51 smooth rubber tracks. The other set, while lovely, is the much rarer T49 steel "three bar cleat" track, which was less common on tanks and found more often on support vehicles in US service. All tools are separate parts, and the model comes with two essential options for this version of the Sherman: add-on applique armor panels for the hull and turret, and a very delicate "Culin" hedgerow cutter with five blades for the bow. The latter is all etched brass, but very nicely done; however, it will probably have to be soldered to get sufficient strength to the parts. The etched brass here goes from the useful (such as the grouser vents and the aforementioned exhaust surround screening) to the ridiculous, such as lock hasps for the hatches that are very hard to even see on the fret. The main problem with parts this small is getting a sufficient "footprint" to attach them to the model without having them vanish into a blob of epoxy or ACC cement. Four finishing options are covered: D-32 "Derby" from 2AD, Normandy 1944; "Aide de Camp", A Company 741st Tank BN, Omaha Beach, June 1944; "Battling Bitch", 7th Armored Division, France 1944; and one unidentified vehicle, Southern France 1944. All except "Derby" are straight olive drab; the other is shown in brown over OD but I think it has been found to have been using the 1st Army Group black and OD scheme. Overall this is a really good kit that bodes well for future releases in this scale, and basically "sunsets" most other M4 models. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.  Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 29, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 Scale Kit No. 09 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit Number 6349): 1,204 parts (1,019 in grey styrene, 153 etched brass, 19 clear styrene, 4 white metal, 2 preformed etched brass, 2 lengths of twisted steel wire, 2 preformed wire, 1 section of brass chain, 1 section of wire, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel); estimated price US $45 Advantages: "boutique" kit will build a model of one of at least the first 22 Tiger II tanks with the Porsche turret Disadvantages: kit being released so soon after the first version of this kit may cause confusion Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German fans F I R S T    L O O K I am a bit bewildered by why DML - via their cyber-hobby.com affiliate - would release  a new version of an upgraded kit that was just released itself in May 2006. True, this particular kit is changed and has several new sprues added to replicate the earlier production variant of this popular tank, but it seems to cause some confusion among modelers as to which is which and what kits they really want. The "faithful" understand the nuances and minor changes between variants, but I am not sure that many other modelers do. This version adds more than 200 parts to the May release of the "Premium Edition" of the Porsche-turreted version. Most of these come from an attempt by DML to capture the early tracks used by the Tiger II, and they are very, very involved. Each tank had "interchangeable" tracks consisting of an "A" link with cleats and a "B" or connector link. DML has re-created these with a total of six parts used for each pair: a solid "A" link and a "B" link consisting of a center plate and three connectors (a single inner and two outers) to present the tracks faithfully as used on the tank. While happily the size of a Tiger II makes most tracks sets "Pipe Fitters" size in parts, I am not sure how many modelers are going to have fun assembling these tracks. Most of the rest of the kit is identical to the May kit, but there are a total of 90 other new plastic parts. These cover the original 18-tooth drivers, new hull and exhaust fittings, and other bits. Also included is a section from the Panther Ausf. D kit as "Sprue I" for only three small fittings. Most of the new parts seem to fit with what Tom Jentz has written about the early production tanks, so it should build into one of the first 20-22 production models of the Tiger II. Directions are the less than useful "Color Photo" variety, which I have personally found very difficult to use when trying to isolate where brass parts go and other details. Some are expanded (such as how to assemble the jack mounts from brass in Step 5) but others are not. DML has tried to help out, but overall the original black/blue/white instructions are far more helpful. Finishing instructions cover five different vehicles, but all from the same unit: s.Pz.Kp.(Fkl) 316, France 1944. The major differences are whether or not the vehicle uses a two color green-over-sand or a tricolor green-red brown-sand scheme. Incidentally, while I am not a fan of the Tiger II I must admit it is a sleek and powerful appearing vehicle in photos and in the flesh. The artwork on the box of this kit does it a great disservice, compacting it down to look shorter and far more dumpy. Some have complained about the artwork on kits like the M4A1 76mm Operation Cobra, but to me this one isn't far behind. It is also very , very dull, and does not match the colors shown in the directions. Overall, this is a very well done kit and offers the chance for Tiger II fans to "fill in the blanks" in collecting the different variants of this tank, but I am still puzzled as to why it would be released so close to the "Premium Edition" of the base kit. One only has to check various modeling websites to see the confusion that has arisen over the Panther releases to see that "volley firing" similar kits does not seem to go over very well. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 29, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6274; 1st Luftwaffe Field Division, Novgorod 1944 - Gen2; 280 parts (260 in grey styrene, 20 etched brass); price estimated as US $14.98 Advantages: another different type of German uniform modeled, good poses and nicely done definition Disadvantages: uniforms and poses may not appeal to many German modeling fans Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German modelers and dioramists, as well as Soviet diorama fans One wag once said that German figures sell so well that eventually somebody could put out a model of Michael Wittmann's baby buggy (pram to non-Americans) and if it had a "splinter' pattern blanket it would be a best seller. While that is somewhat over the top, it is a concession to interests that German figures do sell, and sell well. This latest set from DML is a bit more obscure than most, as it points out the fact that by 1944 things were not going well for the Germans on the Eastern Front, and as units were destroyed or lost their equipment, they were reorganized. This unit, a relatively inpromptu one, came about from what references I have due to a shortage of both aircraft and infantry yielding excess German Luftwaffe personnel that were converted into infantry. This is not to be confused with the elite "Hermann Goering" division. The four figures in this set are wearing a winter "quilted" uniform set that appears to have been copied from Soviet ones. I have no information on it, but based on the fact that the Germans slowly realized the Soviets had been active in Siberia and the "Transpolar" areas they seemed to know how to keep their troops warm, and it appears to be a better piece of reverse engineering than some other efforts. Two styles are shown, one a diamond pattern on two figures and the other a rectangular one on the other pair. All of the figures appear dispirited and one is shown either injured or wounded, with a large tear in his trouser's lower left leg. DML has done a reasonably good attempt to replicate this, and the torn part is thin enough to be realistic. As with almost all of the "Gen2" figures, each one consists of a total of 18 parts - torso (2), legs (2), arms (2), hands (2), boots (2), head (2), collar, hood and jacket skirt (4).  The parts are split in such a way as to provide the highest degree of definition and scale thickness possible. Each figure may be used with either the Model 1943 "Soft Cap" or a steel helmet. The now "boilerplate" "Gen2" spues GA and GB are included, which provide the standard German field kit of canteen and cup, mess kit, bread bag, ammo pouches, gas mask canister, bayonets, pistol holsters, and ponchos. Weapons sprues include two WA ones (each with two "Gen2" Kar. 98K rifles with separate open or closed bolts, hollow-molded bores, and ammo clips) and one WB one (two MP40 submachine guns, a Gewehr 43 autoloading rifle and an MP44 assault rifle plus accessories.)  But due to the rather drab uniforms and dispirited positions of the figures, they may do better as Soviet POWs than combat troops, so weapons may not be needed in that case. A small fret of etched brass is included, covering breast eagles, belt buckle plates, and rifle slings. Painting directions and another great boxtop painting by Ron Volstead are included. Overall, this is a nicely done set, but it does not seem to appeal to many German modelers or diorama builders who tend to desire flashier uniforms or combat attack poses over the more realistic look of fatigue and what John Keegan calls "The Face of Battle." Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Breakdown A 44 (Two figures) B 42 (Two figures) WA 18 (2 x Kar 98) WB 18 (1 x Gewehr 41, MP-44, 2 x MP-40) GA 64 (mess kits, canteens, entrenching tools, bayonets) GB 56 (magazine pouches, holsters, bread bags) Back (Originally written on July 27, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale Upgrade and Conversion Kit No. 3829 for Sd.Kfz. 131 Panzerjaeger II fuer Pak 40/2 Marder II; 53 parts (45 etched brass, 4 copper springs, 2 steel springs, 2 preformed etched brass) plus decals; price estimated at US $16.95 separately, $10.95 with base kit purchase Advantages: provides metal replacement parts for base kit, provides "Premium Edition" upgrade parts Disadvantages: did not come with base kit Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for Marder "owners" This is the third in a new series of factory-designed "upgrade and conversion kits" offered by DML via their cyber-hobby.com boutique nameplate. This time, the modeler gets two frets of etched brass, two short and two long tightly coiled copper springs, two large sections of steel springs, and two preformed side armor plates for the casemate plus a new set of decals for three different variants. As before, the directions (such as they are) assume you have the original kit and understand when and where to install these parts. Other than the two side plates, most of the new parts are interior details: shell storage rim catch plates, new racks for the radio sets, and springs to represent flexible hoses or cable runs inside the driver's compartment and fighting compartment. The other fret is for detailing the side armor plates. Happily, as there is very little "footprint" on the side plates, they have the internal "baffle" plates to mount to for added strength. Again, while the kit comes with a nice set of Cartograf decals, there is no information provided on the three new finishing options. This is a shame, as one has white stars with it and I have no clue if that is a tactical marking or a captured one by Allied forces. Overall, these are nice kits and do let the modeler have the option of going "whole hog" or simply enjoying the very nice Marder II kit in its lesser - but still excellent –state. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.  Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 27, 2006) Kit Review: Tristar Limited Edition 1/35 Scale Kit No. 35008S: German Panzer I Ausf. A Late Model; 620 parts (420 parts in tan styrene [Model Kasten track set], 184 in grey styrene, 15 etched brass [by Aber], 1 in tan styrene); retail price US$50 Advantages: pretty full up kit for less than the sum of its parts; very clean little kit Disadvantages: price seems high for a little bitty tank! Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German and "Between the Wars" Third-World armor fans F I R S T   L O O K Tristar is now making a foray into the "boutique" armor kit market and this particular model does it the easy way - they use etched brass from Aber of Poland and Model Kasten single-link tracks from Japan to complete this kit. These kits come with "serial numbers" - this one was number 609 out of 1000 - and also a recommendation (read shameless plug!) on the bottom of the box for two books by Tom Jentz, who also assisted in the production of the kit. The basic kit is the earlier Pkzw. I Ausf. A Early model from Tristar but with a new upper hull in tan styrene to make the Early Version as well as grey styrene parts to make a late model. This isn't a bad idea, as it provides the modeler with a lot of options. As noted the tank is pretty small - about the size of a Panther in 1/72 scale - and has a tremendous amount of detail provided with it for its size. Tristar does not seem to be interested in a "who can be tiniest parts molder?" competition with other companies, and thus many small parts are molded into other components, which makes assembly easier for the modeler. The suspension is nicely detailed but still consists of parts that can be seen when assembling them, and are not likely to be sacrificed to the "carpet monster." The turret is nicely done with all view ports separate, and both upper hulls come with all hatches as separate parts. However, there is not one whiff of an interior, but if the two nicely done crew member figures are used they will hide it anyway. The kit is pretty simple overall and the brass frets provide two muffler shrouds and the headset bands, but also nine truly tiny tie-downs for the vehicle which for the life of me I could not locate in the directions! The kit does come with extra air intake and exhaust shrouds, which I take to be for the Africa version. The only change in the "simpler is better" category is the inclusion of the Model Kasten tracks, which while admittedly superbly detailed are frustratingly busy to assemble. Each single link comes with a link and two pins which must be cemented in place to permit the track shoe to work. I have heard that Model Kasten has designed the sprues such that cutting off each side of the sprue will permit six links to be joined at once, but still it is tedious and nobody who I have talked to has said much good about the method. But if you want tiny working tracks, it's about the only way to have it come off. (Personally I could have hoped for a nice system like that used with Tristar's Pzkw. 38(t) kit that I recently reviewed - snap together and touch lightly with cement when in position!) The crew figures are a bit static - both standing, with one full and one 3/4 figure - but they also come with two heads, one with the prewar Panzer crewman padded beret and one with soft caps, one a sidecap and one a peaked soft cap used in Africa. Two pairs of shoes are provided (one boots and one "chukka" boot type for Africa, a nice touch) and three-piece headsets with separate cups and an etched brass band. The model came with two complete decal sheets, one for the early model in Spain and one for the later versions in Poland and North Africa. Overall this is a "one-stop" kit and while I am sure some modelers will want extra etched brass, this kit is pretty complete as is and only wants for an engine and interior. But given its small size, I can't blame Tristar for concentrating on getting the basics down. Thanks to Bob Lewen for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 21, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7306; Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C mit Wurfrahmen 40; 271 parts (239 in grey styrene, 30 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs); price aboit US $14.98 Advantages: very nice, clean model of this popular vehicle in "small scale"; unique but effective method of assembling running gear; nicely done and VERY petite rocket launchers Disadvantages: RP parts (as in right puny!); cannot be built as a "Stroke 2"  Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German WWII "Small Scale" fans F I R S T    L O O K DML has now released the fourth in its series of 1/72 scale 251 halftracks, but even with previous comments on the internet by this reviewer and others still has the misconception that the rockets are mounted on a "Stroke 2" variant of the halftrack. This is not the case as the racks can go on just about any variant of the series, most of them being used on a "Stroke 1" or straight armored personnel carrier, which is what is provided in the box here. The "Stroke 2" is a dedicated mortar carrier for an 8 cm mortar, and DML actually does produce one as a kit in 1/35 scale. Like the previous ones, this kit is not an actual pantograph of the larger kits, which would make it a nightmare to try and assemble, but still appears based on the same research and drawings used for the 1/35 scale kits. The lower hull is a single piece pan, less the rear area, and the axles are molded on the lower hull. The running gear for each side consists of a rear (inside) wheel section, a center wheel section, three outer road wheels, and drivers. Once installed the connectors between the individual wheels on the inside and the center are not visible, so it helps speed up assembly while making it easier to get things aligned. Tracks are the gluable DS plastic, so you can also get them to settle down on top of the road wheels with some care. Most of the kit is the previous #7223 with a few upgrades. The model comes with simplified (well, compared to the 1/35 version) interior fittings but they are quite tiny as noted and will require a good deal of care. Interior bits include the various control levers, rifles, MP submachine guns, and other items. The hinge mechanisms for the doors are single pieces, but are non-operating types. They cement to the lower rear section, as the upper hull has the rear angular parts of the hull attached to it. The four front viewers are separate parts and can be cemented either open or closed as well, as is the hood assembly with two flaps. No engine or interior is provided for the engine bay. The fenders are one-piece units, but the stowage bins are only offered as closed parts. The front MG 34 shield is offered as either a single piece of styrene or a three-piece etched brass option. Other RP parts include the "Notek" headlight and mount and the drum magazines for the two MG 34 machine guns. The weapons appear to be very close to scale, something I don't recall from other manufacturers in the past! The rockets provided with this kit appear to be the heavy 32 cm ones (as they are 4.5 mm in diameter or 324 mm in scale!) But they require the use of etched brass plates for the launcher mounts and aiming quadrants so the modeler no longer has a choice between plastic and brass. This is sort of logical, as in this scale they could not make plastic thin enough and seeming did not want to offer two plates of which one would thereby have to be fixed. Fair warning: the controls and levers for the aiming plates are among the smallest etched brass pieces I have ever seen in a kit, with the indicator (MB2) being about .010" wide and .050" long. Other brass parts are optional according to the directions but would seen to be necessary to provide such features as tool brackets.  and come with a choice of either plastic or Painting and marking options are provided for three units: 500th Sturmpanzer Pioniere Abteilung, Warsaw 1944 (overall Panzerbraun); 1th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1942 (grey); and Unknown unit, Eastern Front 1945 (white.) A "targeted" decal sheet is provided. Overall another nice effort. Note that since the rockets are listed as "C/D" sprues a D version will probably follow in a few months, if you wish to build one of those and not the C model. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 17, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale Upgrade and Conversion Kit No. 3831; Upgrade and Conversion Kit for Sd.Kfz. 234/1 Schwerer Panzerspaehwagen (2 cm); 155 parts (129 etched brass, 18 in grey styrene, 8 pre-bent wire); price not available Advantages: factory-made custom parts are a "drop-fit" onto the 234/1 kit; upgrade the fine details and the steering gear as well as allow for a late-production vehicle Disadvantages: competes with after-market products; some question as to why parts were not provided in base kit Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for fans of the German "stroke 1" heavy armored car Back in the 1960s, Revell took a look at the fact the most popular models in the US at the time were 1/25 scale car kits. But the modeler was pretty much limited to what came with the kit, and as such even with "Three in One" car kits – stock, custom or racing - he had to buy a large number in order to build up a spares box for customizing his model. Revell decided to "preempt" that situation and released a large number of after-market sets designed to drop into any of their own car kits on the market. These included custom wheels, custom engines, transmissions, suspensions, a completely chromed motorcycle, and a complete hot rod that could be purchased one sprue at a time. Since each set cost only 69 cents (the minimum wage was about $1.25 at the time) they were a deal and were very, very popular. Since then there have been only a few attempts to carry this out, as most conversion kits soon began to come from "cottage industries" and were made from resin or etched metal parts. Fit of the parts depended on the company, the pattern maker who made their originals, and getting the specific kit it was designed for in order to get a good match. But it was never the company which produced the main kit that usually did the after-market upgrade or conversion parts.    Through its parent company DML cyber-hobby.com has now started doing the same thing Revell did 40 years ago, and is now releasing upgrade or conversion sets for recent DML kits. The first one was a set of late model fenders (four bins) for the Sd.Kfz. 234/4 kit, and this one provides the reverse (two bin fenders) and other parts for the Sd.Kfz. 234/1 kit. The kit comes in a "blister" pack and not a box, with the directions placed in a folding cardboard stiffener used as the backing. "Directions" is something of an overstatement, as they are basically "stick here" drawings and do not cover where or when to insert the new parts when building the kit. The new parts include eight new driveshafts and eight new tie rod heads for the steering gear. They also provide eight lengths of bent wire which appear to be brake or air lines (I am not sure which, but they are in the position to be one or the other based on the system the vehicle used.) The etched brass is very extensive - even though the original kit came with some 31 parts, most of them were just for the turret and not the rest of the model. This kit comes with the complete etched brass sheet that reads for the Sd.Kfz. 234/4 (but was NOT what came with that kit, so it must be another upgrade set as well) and two gratings, plus a complete etched brass 2 cm magazine rack for inside the hull that provides stowage for 10 full magazines. Stowage for  7.92mm ammunition is also provided, along with air intake and exhaust louvers, seat back details, and "jerry" can racks. However, many parts are provided but their locations are not described in the directions. One new color profile is provided along with a new "targeted" set of Cartograf decals, but the directions fail to say what unit or where it was located. The model is suggested for a tri-color "patch" scheme with a hard edge. Overall, it is a nice idea to come up with "drop fit" conversion kits for the company's models, but I am sure some modelers will question why didn't these parts come in the original kit rather than as "after market" offerings? To be sure, it keeps prices down, but at the end of the day it's the modeler who makes the decisions as to what is and what is not good value in a kit. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 13, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6268; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther G Late Production - Smart Kit; 714 parts (515 in grey styrene, 170 "Magic Link" tracks, 14 clear styrene, 13 etched brass, 2 twisted steel wires); price unknown but estimated at US $45 Advantages: near totally new molding of a popular subject; "multimedia" kit results with a minimum of multimedia parts (15) in the kit; ease of assembly placed above all else Disadvantages: large number and variants of Panther kits offered by DML and on the market has caused some disappointment and confusion Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German armor fans F I R S T    L O O K No sooner did DML release a "Premium Edition" of their older but still very good Panther Ausf. D than they follow it up with one of their "mystery kits" - a brand-new ground up version of the popular Panther Ausf. G. This kit is virtually new, with only a couple of minor sprues shared with the recent Ausf. D kit (the K sprues - tools and OVM - and the J sprue - the MG-34 bow machine gun.) It also comes with the same track arrangement as the Ausf. D - eight "wrap around" separate links with separate guide teeth for the drive wheels and the same "Magic Track" links that snap together for assembly. The rest of the kit is absolutely astounding from a technical point of view. It makes more use of "slide molding" than any previous DML kit, and the goal seems to be to permit modelers to get "multimedia" kit finish and part definition with a minimum of actual multimedia parts - here being only 13 etched brass parts, mostly grilles for the engine deck, and two steel tow cables (large and small). The lower hull is a one-piece "slide mold" part with all of the torsion bars complete and separate parts (the D had them as just the arm ends, not the entire bar.) Fine details such as "bump stops", "pin knockers" and braces are all separate. The kit provides the rubber tired road wheels, but for a change of pace it also has two sets of "steel" road wheels for the last road wheel station on each side as an option. The model may be built with or without the small return roller wheel on the final drives, and both types are provided in the kit. The hull rear plate comes with the late production "flame damper" exhaust pipes, which also have an optional two-piece hood for them (there are some things even DML hasn't figured out in molding techniques yet, and going around corners is one of them - can't change the laws of physics!)  On the hull top braces, locks and handles are provided for the "flip up" style of crew hatches. The engine deck is very complete, with radiators, radiator fans, screens, louvers and a large number of separate access ports and lids provided. All grilles replicate full castings and are separate parts as well. No engine or interior are provided with the kit, but the interior is set up for relatively easy installation so the after-market boys are going to be racing to see who gets their interior done first! The hull side trim is all plastic, but comes with "slide molded" mounts and access holes for pins or attachment in order to permit track links to be hung in a prototypical fashion on their racks. The same goes for the tools and OVM. The turret comes with either the early (rounded) or late ("chin") mantelet with a one-piece plastic barrel and a three piece muzzle brake. The gun does have a minimal breech assembly but no other interior parts are provided except for the self-defense weapon (mine thrower) in the turret roof. The commander's cupola comes with clear vision blocks and two interior sections that fit inside the "slide molded" cupola to give it the right thickness. Three finishing options are provided - 11th Panzer Division, Bavaria 1945 (two color scheme); unidentified, Lake Balaton, Hungary 1945 (three-color scheme); and unidentified unit on the Eastern Front, 1945 in a two-color scheme. Two decal sheets are provided with different size numbers, but no explanation is given as to which is which or why two sheets. Overall, given the choice of subject and level of detail achieved, I would have to say that as much as I personally do not care for the Panther this would have to be in my top three choices for a "Kit of the Year." Honest! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Kit 6268 Sprue Listing: A 52x2 Engine deck details and fine details  3 Hull and engine hatchs B 55 Turret C 55  Hull details and sponsons D 27 Radiators and hull rear details E 47x4 Road wheels, torsion bars, individual "wrap" track links, wingnuts F 4 Mantelets  G 37 Drivers, final drives, steel wheel sets H 1 Commander's cupola J 8 MG-34 bow gun K 30 Tools and OVM L 14 clear styrene N 2 Idler bases R 1 twisted steel wire S 1 twisted steel wire X 1 Lower hull Y 170 "Magic Track" links MA  7 Etched brass MB 6 Etched brass Back (Originally written on July 12, 2006) Kit Review: Academy 1/35 Scale Kit No. 13406; M151A2 TOW Missile Launcher; 247 parts (217 in dark green styrene, 25 clear styrene, 5 vinyl); price US $18 Advantages: new kit of this small vehicle replaced obsolete and cloned kits; engine and many extras provided in the kit Disadvantages: still has not fixed the incorrect or partially provided suspension and underpan components Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all US Army and Marine Corps fans of 1980s equipment NOTE: THIS IS A NEW KIT AND NOT A RE-RELEASE OF KIT NO. 1325 Back in 1983 I was a controller for a strategic war game played at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and involving the US XVIIIth Airborne Corps deploying to the Middle East to stop a Soviet thrust into the oil fields. One of the more curious results took place (note this was using the US Army's "First Battle" wargame rules with tables and dice) when a jeep-mounted TOW section of four jeeps and 12 personnel took out an entire Soviet tank regiment - 93 tanks - in a couple of turns without loss! Not bad for a section that only carried 12 missiles (three per system, and one system per jeep!) We as controllers later judged whoever pled his case on that result must have the new optional "Belt Fed" TOW launchers! All kidding aside, the TOW was mounted on the M151A2 1/4 ton truck platform in the late 1970s to provide light units with mobile heavy antitank firepower. They were allocated to light scout sections in armored cavarly squadrons (divisional) as well as to the airborne or airmobile infantry regiment battalions. About 30 years ago Tamiya released a kit of this vehicle on their M151A2 kit which was acceptable for the time, although Tamiya had skimped on a lot of the details and really screwed up the underside of the 151 as well as many of its details. When Academy first got into 1/35 scale they produced a clone of this kit (kit #1325) with a clone of the Tamiya M107 4.2" mortar thrown in for good measure, but it was even worse than the Tamiya kit. Academy have now atoned for their earlier sins with a new kit based on their M151A1 kits from 2002. Academy have gone the DML route with "mix and match" sprues to provide this kit: they have taken the engine sprue (A), the suspension sprue (B) and interior and wheels sprue (C) from their M151A1 kits, the window sprue (G) from the "hardtop" M151A2 kit along with its body shell, and added two new sprues (L and M) with the TOW launcher, racks, missiles, driver, and other fittings as required. The M151A1 kits were nicely done on top, but made the major error of copying the Tamiya M151A2 suspension and underpan detail. They have again supplied those parts with this kit, but at least since it is an A2 platform the goof is not so bad. But they still do not provide the battery box bottom nor the bottom of the fuel tank (directly under the seats), use the ancient Tamiya-style drive shafts with no universal joints (the real vehicle has IRS so there are plenty of them missing - 12 to be exact), and the springs still leave the vehicle 4 to 6 inches too low. (Jeeps are NOT low riders unless overloaded to the breaking point!) If you are not concerned with the suspension, the rest of the kit is very nice. It comes with a new windshield frame and one-piece windshield (electric wipers were used vice the vacuum ones of the M151 and M151A1), all of the parts which should be here (the three-spoke "Detroit" plastic steering wheel vice the flat metal spoked one of the other two variants) but they do leave the seat adjustment found on the A2 off (the driver's seat had two tabs under its center for 2 1/2" of travel to adjust for taller drivers.) All lights are provided with clear lenses, which is somewhat odd as the turn signals and tail lights will still have to be painted. This is, however, better than the Tamiya kit which provided a one-piece grill that had to be drilled out to mount lenses. The interior is still provided to the M151A1, which means that it comes with a complete AN/VRC-47 radio set (RT-524A transceiver, R-442 receiver, and the two antenna mounts for them plus rack mounts for the body) that can go straight into the spares box. The TOW sprues provide the correct AN/GRC-160 radio setup (an AN/PRC-77 on a vehicle power and speaker mount) which is not bad. The TOW launcher is the correct early or "Short Barrel" variant used on these vehicles, and comprises 20 parts with a missile tube extra. Two spare missiles are provided on a rack, and a spare cap is also provided if you wish to have a crew loading the launcher rather than pre-loaded. Two "jump" seats and side mounts for the spare tire and five-gallon fuel can are also provided. Battery boxes and power supplies, as well as a complete tripod ground mount, round out the basics. Buckles for straps (which will have to be provided by the modeler) are molded on the edge of one of the sprues. Oddly, while the model states it is a Marine Corps version it comes with the short Army bumper and not the full-width Marine Corps one with shackles on the ends. This will have to be either made from scratch or borrowed from a Tamiya M151A2 kit. Army markings are not provided but may be used with some research. The decals for the missiles and general stenciling are much better than recent Academy efforts, and they are to be complimented on that nice touch. Overall, this is a much improved model over either the ancient Tamiya kit or its forgettable Academy clone from 20 years ago. But I wish they would spend more time on research, as while their molding is first rate their research lets them down on many of their recent projects. Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.   Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 5, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6299; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther D - Premium Edition; 746 parts (373 in grey styrene, 170 "Magic Track" links 159 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, 12 etched nickel, 10 preformed brass, 4 cast metal, 2 turned brass, 1 length of copper chain, 1 turned aluminum barrel); estimated retail price US $45 Advantages: "Premium" treatment for a popular kit; "Magic Track" will be appreciated by most modelers Disadvantages: market may be a bit soft for another Panther kit, especially with different versions with different levels of corrections and optional parts Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German modelers F I R S T    L O O K I spent most of the last weekend cataloguing video tapes and DVDs and my wife commented about how frustrating it is with some popular subjects to have a regular version, a "deluxe" version, a "wide screen" version, a "Director's Cut" version, a "special anniversary" version, and a "multiple disk special collector's edition" all in circulation at once. She has a point, and this could be the modeler's version of the same thing. Having seen that DML is getting ready to release a new line of what it calls "Smart Kits" - ones with fewer parts, more "slide molding" and DS tracks - I was surprised when this kit came in as a review sample. The last DML Panther kit, a 60th Anniversary of D-Day special edition of the Panther Ausf. A, (#6244) was released just about two years ago, and since then most of the DML Panther kits in circulation have been their regular A, D and G versions. Now comes this kit, which takes the DML Panther Ausf. D kit and gives it the "premium" treatement of more etched brass, turned aluminum barrel, "Magic Track" snap-together pre-cut track links, and some modified or replaced sprues from the original kit. It also provides pre-formed brass smoke grenade launchers as well as twelve sections of etched nickel for the skirts. The kit is pretty much the older kit - most of the sprues are from their A and D kits and so labeled, with others specific to the D and some new and redone parts I do not recall from the previously noted A anniversary kit. One of the "K" tool/OVM sprues is included as well as the MG-34 from German weapon set WC. The etched brass covers a wealth of extra detail, from the normally expected (in this day at least) grille covers for the engine deck through the skirt brackets, but installation of all of these metal parts is shown in rather busy drawings next to color photos of the model components after assembly. This is not the best way to do it, as while color photos are fine, it would be better to leave them unpainted so the modeler could see exactly where the parts are supposed to go and not have to guess which are plastic and which are metal from the photo. The model comes with some nice touches, such a choice of wheel hubs for the drivers and eight specially molded track links with separate guide teeth (all of which are hollow molded, including the "Magic Track") for "wrapping" around the drivers. Two different covers for the machine gun port are provided as is the above mentioned MG-34 for mounting in the port if left open. The travel lock - a chain affair - comes with two sets of five etched brass parts each for either open or closed, as does the turned aluminum barrel and the three-piece muzzle brake for it specifically (an old-fashioned two-piece "Flex-i-File" special is also included on the parts trees.) Seven different finishing schemes are provided with a "targeted" Cartograf decal sheet. These include 4./Pz.Abt. 51m Kursk 1943; 7./Pz.Abt. 52, Pz.Rgt. 39, Kursk 1943; 4./Pz.Rgt. "Grossdeutschland", Karachev 1943; Pz.Abt. 52, Pz.Rgt. 39, Germany 1943; Pz.Rgt. "Grossdeutschland", Karachev 1943; Pz.Rgt. 39, Kursk 1943; and 1./Pz.Rgt. 24, France 1944. All are in the tricolor scheme with various patterns. The 7./Pz.Abt. 52 one strikes me as the one upon which Aurora patterned its ancient 1/48 scale Panther Ausf. G kit  – the black "745" seems all too familiar! Overall, this is another great effort but I am not sure of its sales potential due to the confusion over various different versions and levels of "trim" at different prices, especially with German modelers already gearing up for the "Smart Kit" versions. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on July 1, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7251; Sd. Kfz. 181 Ausf. E Tiger I Mid  Production w/Zimmerit; 86 parts (57 in grey styrene, 24 etched brass, 2 pre-formed brass, 2 tracks in tan DS plastic, 1 section of twisted steel wire); retail price about US $13.95 Advantages: simplified version of Late Production kit with different molding and etched brass with the zimmerit paste application molded into the plastic Disadvantages: some parts simplified, e.g. tools molded in place, one or two bad seams may be hard to align Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for beginning modelers and small-scale German armor fans This is one of the better series of kits being released by DML right now. If you model German armor, especially the mid-war items that left the factory with the "Zimmerit" concrete paste on them to attempt to defeat Soviet magnetic mines and grenades, then you know that for years you have had to do it the hard way. This is DML's second Tiger I kit with zimmerit paste applied. As such, all parts come with the surfaces engraved to represent the coating and appear to be very nicely done. (Realize in real life this coating was only about 3-6 mm thick on average, which amounts to about 0.04-0.08 mm in this scale.) The zimmerit is represented on the lower hull front, sides, rear plate, turret sides and mantelet, and upper hull glacis. All of these parts are new to the earlier "clean" Tiger kit and totally replace them. The only bugaboo may be getting a good seam at the rear of the turret, but with some judicious use of a good slow-drying liquid cement like Testor's and a good Xacto knife, the seam should be easy to conceal. As with other recent DML kits, it has a great deal of "slide-molded" parts. All of the running gear comes down to only four parts per side - drivers (one piece), idlers (one piece), and road wheels (nesting inner and outer sections interleaved and held together by styrene bands.) It also has a hollow-molded 8.8 cm gun muzzle brake and other niceties. Unlike the first kit of this type - No. 7203 - this one comes with a 24 piece etched brass fret and pre-formed brass exhaust shrouds, as well as other niceties. But there is no option about using them if you want an accurate model. (Note that the "Armor Pro" series of 1/72 scale kits is an upgraded one which is designed for modelers who want more accurate kits with the "goodies" included.) All of the grille work is included, and while the "box" for an engine and radiator section is included it is not listed in the instructions nor is there any interior provided for it. The kit's engine deck comes sealed with open louvers but that is it. The brass also includes a number of very tiny brackets and tie-downs for the molded-on tools to at least dress them up, as well as the hatch seal ring for the commander's cupola.    The kit also ditches the first kit's black vinyl tracks in favor of the now-standard DS plastic ones in this scale, which will help modelers get the "sag" right by being able to simply cement them to the top of the wheel runs. The model still has holes in the belly for attaching the model to a base, such as the pre-assembled kits.   This looks an even easier-to-build model than the first Tiger I with zimmerit, and the only complaint I foresee from some more serious modelers is the fact that the shovel and other small bits are molded in place on the top of the hull. It does, however, include a scale thickness steel cable for the tow cables. Four finishes are suggested: 2./s.Pz.Abt. 510, Kurland, Eastern Front 1944 (tricolor); the popular "charging knight" scheme of 3/s.Pz.Abt. 505, Nowe Koszary 1944; s.Pz.Ab. 502, Malinava, Latvia 1944; and 2./s.Pz.Abt. 510, Kurland, Eastern Front 1944 (two-color.)  in Normandy, June 1944, and s.Pz.Abt. 101 in Normandy, July 1944. Overall, this continues the incremental improvements and "fine tuning" by DML in their small scale kits and one that should be well received, especially among new modelers not sure as to how to best replicate zimmerit. It also cries out for drybrushing! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 30, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6262; Sd.Kfz. 131 Panzerjaeger II fur Pak 40/2 "Marder II"; 772 parts (461 in grey styrene, 210 "Magic Track" links, 96 etched brass, 3 clear styrene, 1 turned aluminum, 1 preformed etched brass); price estimated at US $38 Advantages: nice, new ground-up version of this popular German SP gun; very complete interior and also open racks in the fighting compartment Disadvantages: daunting number of parts for a relatively small vehicle! Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German armor fans F I R S T    L O O K The reviewer is sometimes placed at a disadvantage when, for whatever reason, the manufacturer goes out on a limb and picks a very obscure or insignificant vehicle which is not covered outside of very limited distribution publications. Other than determining the quality of the items inside the box, there are limits to what he can and cannot say about it, and any review of the kit that is not couched in those terms soon runs afoul of the "experten" who only wish to sharpshoot the review for their own gratification. Such was a recent review I did about a totally useless vehicle - the "Flakpanzer I" - which brought the faithful frothing to their feet. Kinder souls did point me to web-based documentation which both proved of the vehicle's existence and its lack of utility, but by then the rabid SGF faction was already demanding blood. I now know that 24 were built, not two, and that they were used, and that the clumsy halftrack conversion in the background was an Sd.Kfz. 7/6 armored prime mover for 8.8 cm guns. I also now know that the Flakpanzer I was close to useless, losing two of its number within 30 seconds of entering combat as a ground weapons system and that it was unlikely to have ever shot down an Il-2.   I have never at any time in my life claimed to be an expert on ANYTHING, and certainly not obscure low-production rate German armored vehicles. (I also don't expect too many "experten" to tell me the difference between a Soviet T-43 Model 1 and a T-43 Model 2 either, but that would be needless digression.) Happily, this new kit from DML - released at the recent Dragon Expo DX '06 –is anything but obscure, and a pleasant diversion (for me as a reviewer at least) from strings of Tiger IIs and Sd.Kfz. 251 halftracks! The Pzkw. II was a superior vehicle to the Pzkw. I, but when introduced into combat was found to be only marginally better that that vehicle as a combat system. This was something of a shame, for it was a fairly reliable chassis and quite handy. As a result, the Germans turned to using it for a chassis for self-propelled guns, and it excelled in two of those variants – the Marder II SP 7.5 cm antitank gun and the Wespe SP 10.5 cm howitzer. The Marder II (Marder is the German name for the pine marten, which is a weasel on steroids - five feet long from nose to tip of tail!) began as a conversion of the Pzkw. II Ausf. D (and also Ausf. E and ex-flamethrower) chassis to carry the Soviet 76.2mm Model 1936 divisional gun as rebuilt to become the 7.62 cm Pak 36(r). But these were awkward designs and even with the powerful Russian gun left much to be desired. So, in May 1942 a new, purpose-built design was created that provided a more integrated combat vehicle now carrying a German 7.5 cm Pak 40/2, essentially the towed gun less its lower carriage. This weapon, now designated as the 7.5 cm Pak 40/2 auf Fahrgestelle Pzkw. II (Sf) or Sd.Kfz. 131, entered production in June 1942 and remained there until July 1943 when production terminated in favor of the even more useful 10.5 cm Wespe SP howitzer. 576 Marder II guns were produced new and another 75 converted from Pzkw. II chassis. While new guns were on the late-model Ausf. F chassis, the conversions used Ausf. c, A, B, C or F tank chassis. The Marder II has always been a very nice little vehicle that did not overtax its chassis, adding only about 800 kilograms to it in reference to the Ausf. F tank. Tamiya came out with a version of this vehicle 30 years ago (kit 35060) but while they released a new kit of the Wespe (35200) they instead released TWO versions of the Marder III on the Pzkw. 38(t) chassis (35248 and 35255). Thus only the old kit has been available until now. Dragon is somewhat coy with this kit, as all sprues for the Marder II are labeled as such, but all of the running gear ones (D, E, F and G) are left unlabeled, hinting at future releases such as a family of Pzkw. II vehicles and most likely a Wespe and perhaps an SP 15 cm sIG 33. The kit provides a wide range of accessories and options, and that tends to support the probability of other kit releases. What you get in the box is the B, C and D sprues from the Pak 40 kit (no carriage needed) as well as a slew of new ones. Sprue A covers the upper hull and fenders, B the interior and racks, C the interior of the engine and driver's compartments and other elements of the hull, and the aforementioned D to G the running gear less tracks. Tracks are provided as "Magic Track" with again, as with the Pzkw. IV kits, "left" and "right" tracks based on their pin and connector positions. (I WISH DML would tell you which is which, as using a jewelers' loupe to sort them out is tedious!) Two standard "J" tool sprues are included as well as standard German weapons sprue WB (two MP-40, one MP-44 and one Gewehr 43) as well as the MG-34 part of the WC sprue. The Pak 40 comes with the standard kit with three choices of muzzle brakes and two choices of recoil mechanism covers, optional position breech, and also two ammo cases, 10 tubed rounds, three cases and eight open rounds. Decals are provided for stenciling all of them. The hull provides a large number of options - two different styles of driving wheels, three different idler wheels (separate rim and body), three-piece suspension units and springs, shocks, bump stops, and a five-part muffler with etched brass wrapper. Tool tie-downs consist of etched brass assemblies for the very fastidious. There is no engine, but the engine and driver's compartment comes with the basics for the driver - seat, levers, and pedals - as well as the complete engine transmission, clutch and brake/final drive assembly. There is no engine but separate access flaps are provided for those who pick up the inevitable after-market one. The casemate section provides what I take to be spaced armor arrays on each side of the fighting compartment, not a bad innovation for 1942 (and common in all main battle tanks today). All of the brackets and mounts are present and the complete FuG spr d set is included on a tall rack. Periscopes with clear styrene bodies are also provided as well as all of the tools and parts one would expect to find in the vehicle. I have seen one snipe on line that it is missing the fuel filler cap, but that is something I have no knowledge of and could not locate on a bet! Seven different finishing schemes are provided as follows: Unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1944 (tricolor); Unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1943 (tricolor); Unidentified unit, Russia 1943 (two color); 10th Panzer Division, Tunisia 1943 (two color); Unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1943 (whitewash over grey); Pz.Jg.Abt. 49, Eastern Front 1944 (tricolor); and Unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1944 (tricolor). (If I was among the unwary I would have to venture that while I don't know who "Unidentified" is boy is it a big unit!) The decal sheet is "targeted" to these seven. Overall, this is a good choice and a great job of bringing a popular vehicle back out and at a modern level of technological standards. Hopefully some Panzer II tanks will follow! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 22, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6298; Sd.Kfz. 234/1 schwere Panzerspaehwagen; 532 parts (485 in grey styrene, 31 etched brass, 12 clear styrene, 4 turned brass); retail price estimated at US $38 Advantages: new, well detailed and very complete kit of this popular vehicle; complex driveline appears to be fully replicated Disadvantages: side bins and lower hull access doors molded in closed positions; engine bay will be difficult to open up; some large ejection pin marks in the base of the hull interior Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: to all German armor and wheeled vehicle fans F I R S T    L O O K Hot on the heels of their excellent Sd.Kfz. 234/4 is the new DML Sd.Kfz. 234/1 2 cm armed heavy reconnaissance car. This is a special release timed to coincide with "Dragon Expo '06" in California, and from the looks of it this should be a big hit. As I noted with the "Stroke 4" the Germans continued their prewar designs throughout the war, and the Sd.Kfz. 231 heavy eight-wheeled armored car series was replaced by the Sd.Kfz. 234 series beginning in September 1943. Four different vehicles were produced in this series: Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (Geraet 95) 200 built  2 cm cannon/7.92mm MG in open turret        (built Jun 44 - Jan 45) Sd.Kfz. 234/2 (Geraet 93) 101 built  5 cm gun/7.92mm MG in closed turret (also called the Puma) (built Sep 43 - Sep 44) Sd.Kfz. 234/3 (Geraet 94) 88 built 7.5 cm L/24 in open mount        (built Jun 44 - Dec 44) Sd.Kfz. 234/4 (Geraet 96) 89 built 7.5 cm Pak 40 in open mount        (built Dec 44 - Mar 45) The "Stroke 1" was built in the largest numbers and with its 2 cm gun was pretty much used as a reconnaissance car and not a mobile weapons platform like the "Stroke 3" and "Stroke 4."  The 234 series was fast (80 kph/48 mph) and had a long range (900 km/560 miles). Armor provided proof against small arms of 7.62mm caliber and shell fragments. Since its Tatra 103 engine was a 12-cylinder air-cooled diesel, it had a major advantage over other nations' armored cars. This kit shows a number of changes from the "Stroke 4" kit, combing a number of sprues from that one with the new 2 cm turret that debuted in the Sd.Kfz. 251/23 kit (No. 6293). They have "mixed and matched" but to add to modelers' confusion they are now carrying sprues as specific to a kit. Therefore the "C" sprue with the hull parts from the 234/4 is not provided but a new 234/1 "C" sprue is, just when you think you have them all figured out! This one also includes some "standard" German sprues, namely the German Tools sprues TF (fender guides and poles) and TJ (jack) and weapons sprue WC (MG34 and MG42 machine guns.)  As with the "Stroke 4" the parts are somewhat generic and you have to check and open up some assembly and mounting holes before beginning construction, but as they are during the construction of the vehicle you have to look close in the somewhat busy directions. The undercarriage of this model is amazing in the complexity with which DML has replicated it, and each suspension unit seems to require no less than five parts for each wheel te that a choice in centers to replicate different numbers of cleanout holes is provided), 11 parts for each paired set of axles, and five parts for the tie rods plus six parts for the rocker springs. I always liked the fact that this vehicle had eight wheel progressive steering, and was quite impressive to see when the wheels were cocked at an angle. (But having been the platoon sergeant to the US Army's biggest rolling headache, the M561 Gama Goat., which had front and rear axle steering, I am happy I never had to do maintenance on this one!) The interior is provided and appears quite complete, but again the hull side doors are molded shut as once the turret is in place it will be hard to see all of the details. Both driver's positions are provided as well as the top of the transfer case/transmission and the ammo bins with covers. Internal bracing is provided along with clear styrene blocks for the vision ports. There are optional choices for the vents at the rear - open or closed - as well as for the view blocks. The fenders are the later style with four stowage bins per side, but alas they are also molded shut. The etched brass provides the inserts for the "jerry" can centers (the crimped seam on the actual cans), tool mounts, gun mantelet, the mesh covers for the turret, and an etched brass "Crow's Foot" long range HF antenna for the vehicle in place of the plastic one also provided. The turret in this kit does not come with the lovely turned brass barrel provided in the Sd.Kfz. 251/23 kit, but it does come with two different 2 cm gun barrels of which the longer (J10) is shown to be used with the model. I am not sure why the difference in the barrels (it looks to be about 8mm) as both guns are listed as KwK 38 guns. The turret itself is very well detailed and covers most of the parts modelers like in plastic, but it also has alternate etched brass parts for the sights and the rear stowage bin flaps. The wheels are two-part moldings with only light tread patterns, but as they are hard plastic many people will be happy as there is no hard-to-remove vinyl seam. This kit also provides a spare wheel carrier mount at the rear of the hull for a ninth wheel. Markings are provided on two decal sheets for two different vehicles, one in tricolor camouflage for the 6th Panzer Division in Austria (1945) and one for the 25th Panzer Division in Germany (1945) in whitewash. The kit comes with a "targeted" decal sheet for the two vehicles and also a "number jungle" set of license plates.  Overall this is a really nice kit and picks up where the "Stroke 4" and Sd.Kfz. 251/23 left off. Many German wheeled vehicle fans will now be eagerly awaiting the "Stroke 2" (Puma) and "Stroke 3" 7.5 cm L/24 close support gun. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 17, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7238; Jagdpanzer IV/70 Command Version; 161 parts (132 in grey styrene, 26 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs, 1 length of steel wire); price US $13.98 Advantages: new kit of this vehicle continuing DML's run of 1/72 Panzer IV tank chassis Disadvantages: DS tracks require adjustment but since they cement up using plastic cement should not be a major drawback Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German WWII fans One of the nicer recent articles in "Military Modelling" (No. 36/6) was one called "Snake in the Grass" by Frank De Sisto on modeling the 1/35 Scale Jagdpanzer IV/70 vehicle. Even though Frank's article is on the big one, anyone who wants to do up this little gem is offered that article as a guide to finishing this kit. Based on the earlier Jagdpanzer IV L/48 Early Production (No. 7276) and Jagdpanzer IV/70 Lang (No, 7293) kits, this one has some new bits for the "Stroke 70" and also some different components. It includes the solid road wheels for the first two stations each side as well as a new hull with only three return rollers and twin pipes (Pzkw. IV Ausf. J chassis) rather than the four used by early versions of both the "Stroke 48" and "Stroke 70." The PaK 42 L/70 gun barrel benefits from "slide molding" with a hollow bore.  A new casemate and detail parts are provided for the later variant. The "command variant" - which alludes to its coming with the "crow's foot" antenna in brass and steel for the command version with different radio fit - is a small bit of detailing added to the kit. Surprisingly, the etched brass skirts (schuertzen) from the "Stroke 48" kit have been dropped here for styrene ones. The etched brass here only provides small details and the antenna head. As is now the standard with this line of kits, it comes with positionable hatches and separate hatches for the engine deck (but no interior). Details are quite small (Right Puny Parts) so care will have to be taken in assembly to prevent the "Carpet Monster" from acquiring some of the details.    The two holes in the belly which appeared in Kit No. 7293 are now gone, so the the diehard "right belly" fans will be pleased!   The road wheels come in the now-standard two-wheel molded units with separate faces, as well as a set of nine solid-steel road wheels. Four are required for a standard late production IV/70, but as some were seen with more DML has provided for "mix and match" replacement. Other details include periscopic sights and viewers.    Five different finishing schemes are provided, one in winter whitewash and four in various tricolor (red-brown/green/Panzerbraun) ones. All are for 1945 in either Germany or Hungary. "Targeted" decals for these finishing options are provided rather than a "number jungle." Overall, DML has really done a great job on their IV series and this one fills in its niche very nicely. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 16, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6220; 2 cm FlaK 38 Auf Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A; , 584 parts (534 parts in grey styrene, 31 etched brass, 16 clear styrene, 3 preformed etched brass); estimated price US$34-38 Advantages: beautifully done new chassis of Pzkw. I Ausf. A, 2 cm Flak 38 a very nice kit in its own right Disadvantages: I cannot find any record of more than one or two prototypes of such a vehicle being built; box art sheer speculation Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for German Armor Fans "Sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear eats you" is an old hunting maxim, and it works in modeling. Most of the time kits are produced of well-known and documented vehicles which may or may not be close to accurate, and both reviewers and modelers will usually note where they fail. But from time to time vehicle kits are produced of "one-offs" or very limited production vehicles which left no trace of their existence anywhere, and as such are very hard to document and therefore assess for accuracy. This unfortunately is just such a kit. Most of the common sources which document the developmental and combat histories fo the diminutive Panzerkampfwagen I series tanks focused on the command models, the Panzerjaeger version with the Czech 4.7 cm gun, or the close support variant with the sIG 33 15 cm howitzer. But so far I can not find any "hard" information on this vehicle as to whether it actually "saw metal" as the Russians say, or how many, or if the kit is accurate or not. Since 818 Ausf. As were built, and only about 60 other conversions were firmly registered, it is possible, but it is odd that so little information is available on this vehicle. (Even the one German reference book I have - translated and sold in the US by Schiffer - has only a few stock shots of As and the entire lyrics to the "Panzerlied!") Taking that as a starting point, the reference materials for this kit were supplied by Ed Kusiak. What is provided inside the box is a totally new kit of a Pzkw. I Ausf. A chassis, which only shares the 192 track links and the clear styrene sprues with the earlier "B" kits. The rest of the kit's sprues are totally new, and provide for a new suspension (A), new fenders and details (B), an interior (G), engine deck (D),lower hull (E),  and casemate base (H).  This variant appears to be based on one of the training variants with a cowling (provided as a pre-bent etched brass component), seats and a base for mounting the complete 2 cm Flak 38 gun (Kit 6288) and then using the Sd.Anh. 51 carrier base as an ammunition trailer, which was done with other conversions such as that on the Demag 1 ton halftrack. Seats and other fittings for the gun crew are provided as well. The kit is beautifully engineered with "slide molding" used on many of the parts and etched bras provided where it will be the most useful, such as the "catch" baskets for expended 2 cm rounds, muffler shields, and the aforementioned thin cowling for the driver. (I would be highly surprised now if DML does not release a "combat" tank version of the Pzkw. I Ausf. A with turret, or even a gun tractor or the sIG 33 variants.) The correct four road wheels with large idler are provided, as well as many very nice touches on the kit. Four schemes are provided for finishing: one unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1942; and three vehicles from Flak Abt. 614 on the Eastern Front in 1941-42, all in different schemes (one white, one grey and one grey with black patches. There have been a number of comments lately about DML's box art, but here it borders on the fantasy. One of these guns is shown rolling down a road next to a shot-down Il-2 being followed by what appears to be the command vehicle for a V-2 unit on the Sd.Kfz. 7 8-ton halftrack chassis! Overall, while this is a beautifully engineered kit it leaves something to wonder about the relatively speculative approach to these vehicles, and it is hoped Mr. Kusiak had really good information for this beastie as it surfaces nowhere else. Still, it is a shame such energies could not have been put to better use by DML on what would have been something more widely popular. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 12, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale Kit No. 03 (1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6293); Sd.Kfz. 251/23 Ausf. D Reconnaissance Vehicle; 1,031 parts (714 parts in grey styrene, 264 "EZ Track" link sections, 31 etched brass, 8 in clear styrene, 5 in tan DS plastic, 4 turned brass, 2 silver paper stickers); estimated price US$45 Advantages: "boutique" kit of late war German heavy reconnaissance vehicle; preview of DML's Sd.Kfz. 234/1 armored car kit Disadvantages: low-distribution and limited production of "boutique" kits; another 251 halftrack kit may glut the market Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German armor and halftrack fans Hard on the heels of many recent DML Sd.Kfz. 251 kits is another "boutique" kit from their cyber-hobby.com affiliate, this one being the very late war "Stroke 23" heavy reconnaissance version with a 2 cm turret from the light reconnaissance vehicles mounted on a plate roof. Due to a loss of many of their reconnaissance vehicles, the Germans began to convert anything that was considered marginal (e.g. Pzkw. 38(t) or other light tanks) or suitably mobile chassis into reconnaissance vehicles. The Sd.Kfz. 251/23 or Geraet 923 was a standard D model of the halftrack with a 2 cm Haengelafette 38 from the Sd.Kfz. 234/1 mounted on a flat plate roof and used as a heavy reconnaissance vehicle. It was placed in production as of 28 December 1944. An Fu 12 HF radio set was provided for communications. While there is very little information on this vehicle available (the one photo I have is retouched and looks to be the 1944 equivalent of Photoshop) such a vehicle would have been useful both as a reconnaissance vehicle and as a progenitor of the modern Warrior, Bradley or BMP-2 as an infantry support weapons system. The new kit from cyber-hobby.com uses many of the sprues from the now familiary DML 251 series halftracks combined with a new body sprue and all of the turret sprues from the forthcoming Sd.Kfz. 234/1 heavy reconnaissance car kit. These comprise a total of about 90 parts and provide the turret, etched brass mesh covers for the turret, and an optional turned brass 2 cm barrel; this requires cutting off the kit's barrel and drilling a 1.2mm (0.050") hole but an assembly jig for the gun is provided right on its parts tree to simplify alignment. As provided the covers are fixed either open or closed, but with some work and knowledge of soldering it is possible to make the parts work. The new gun is a very nice piece of work, with brass fold-down AA sights and a number of optional parts in either plastic or brass for detailing. Oddly enough, the lower body parts of what appear to be two crewmen (one standing, one sitting) are provided in the kit but no upper body or other components; if one has a large figures spares box, these two could be used to fit a crew into the rather cramped confines of the turret. A radio sprue with a "Crow's Foot" antenna is also included, but as noted it will be hard to see inside the confines of the hull. As with all of the late model 251s the kit comes with the early tracks on the sprues and "EZ Track" precut late model tracks in two separate poly bags. Most of the rest of the kit is familiar to those who have built one or more of the kits, and provide the latest iteration with clear vision blocks, optional position doors and hatches, and etched brass detailing options for the inside and outside of the hull. Considering the viewing angles, however, this is pretty much a waste for the driver's compartment as it is in front of the turret and the solid roof limits what can be seen. This includes the now standard DS plastic driver. Two finishing options are provided, both for the Eastern Front in 1945. One is sold Panzerbraun, the other has green and red-brown striping. Generic "number jungle" license plates and Balkankreuze are included as well. Overall this is a nice kit of a rather handsome vehicle, and DML has provided overkill on the detailing (something like aircraft manufacturers who provide a full interior for scale 9 x 12 inch windows to see it!) Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 11, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6278; Last Battle Austria 1945 - Gen2 Series; 344 parts (296 in grey styrene, 48 etched brass); price about US $13.98 Advantages: first new DML figure set with the late war German uniforms, nice range of accessories, extra hands a plus Disadvantages: may not be as popular due to generally dull appearance of figures Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German modelers and historians Too often modelers get caught up in the idealized version of uniforms and tend to overlook the fact that most soldiers in the field rarely look like that. For example, quite often Napoleonic figure fans do up figures in their "parade ground" appearance and ignore the fact that most soldiers can only look like that for a very short while before the uniform tends to wilt and get dirty. The same thing goes with many German fans, who like the late war camouflage smocks and uniforms, or the black or grey tanker's/SP gun crews uniforms. But for the average German soldier, as the war progressed and materials became scarce as well as the time needed to produce them, the uniforms became coarser, planer and more shoddily made. But those rarely see the light of day among figure modelers, as they tend to be rather dull and unappealing to the eye. That's why this figure set is a major change of pace, as it is the very plain and nearly homespun appearance of the late-war German infantry uniforms. This is really one of the nicer figure kits DML has produced, as one must realize that out of the massive number of parts provided only 108 are needed to produce the four infantry figures in combat poses. What DML did do is provide extra arms and hands for the figures, so that they may be shown in a number of poses with different weapons or levels of action. Each figure has the "boilerplate" components - two-piece head, collar, two-piece torso and two legs, and separate boots - but they also come with three or four arms and hands each to pose them as desired. The now-standard DML "mix and match" weapons and equipment sprues are included as well. These are the GA sprue (mess kits, canteens, entrenching tools and bayonets), GB (magazine pouches, holsters, bread bags) and part of the GC sprue (14 grenades in both "egg" and "potato masher" varieties) plus two WA weapons sprues (2 x Kar 98 with open or closed bolts and "stripper" clips) and a WB sprue (1 x Gewehr 41 rifle, 1 x MP-44 assault rifle and 2 x MP-40 submachine guns plus accessories.) The etched brass set provides for rifle slings, collar tabs, assault badges and Eisenkreuz medals. On the kit sprues are a pair of Panzerfaust 60 antitank weapons with a choice of either carry or ready to fire sights and trigger assemblies. Decals are provided for these as well.    As with many of their vehicle kits, this now provides for shoulder straps to use in place of the etched brass ones for those modelers who do not like fiddling with etched metal. This is another nice touch from DML. Overall this is a nicely done kit and more accurate in overall application than many of the figures which show up on dioramas, but I am not sure how popular they will be due to the plain grey color of the figures. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review subject. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 11, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6247; Sd.Kfz. 251/16 Ausf. D Flammpanzerwagen; 1,004 parts  (666 parts in grey styrene, 264 "EZ Track" link sections, 41 etched brass, 17 in tan DS plastic, 8 in clear styrene, 4 silver paper stickers, 2 pre-bent steel wire, 2 turned brass, 1 section woven nylon cord; price estimated at US $41.98   Advantages: The Flammpanzer now available in on the D model chassis; includes EZ Track Disadvantages: crew made from vinyl may not be popular  Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German WWII fans 710 parts (649 in grey styrene, 17 in etched brass, 17 in tan vinyl, 16 in clear styrene, 7 stickers, 2 turned brass, 1 section black nylon string, 1 section white vinyl string); price about $34.95 DML continues their production of Sd.Kfz. 251 variants by now offering the "Stroke 16" flamethrower vehicle on the D model chassis, with some minor changes from the earlier C model (Kit No. 6202). While they retain the three man crew made of DS plastic (two gunners with a choice of heads with our without asbestos hoods and a driver) a total of 161 parts are now provided for the flame guns and other kit on board the vehicle. The kit shows how the 251 series has evolved, for they now offer such niceties as doors for the side stowage bins over the fenders and the usual positionable hood flaps, rear doors and viewers. Two different track sets are offered, either the early-model original on the parts trees or the late-model style as presented in the popular "EZ Track" which is pre-trimmed and ready for installation. The three crew figures are the new cementable vinyl, and according to Freddie Leung of DML are designed to be used with liquid cement like Testors or Tamiya Orange. He also noted that to trim them up simply "paint" mold seams with the liquid cement and the seam should vanish if not touched while the cement evaporates. This kit does not come with a dismount weapon as the C model did, and seems to reflect the concept changes made between the introduction of the C model "Stroke 16" and the D model. The mirror mounts/fender guides are turned brass, and a bending jig is included to set the correct angle on them for use on the model. The model also comes with two pre-bent steel wire sections for use to replicate folding external limiters/guards to prevent the flame weapons from snagging on any obstacle near the vehicle. Two finishing options are provided, one with the 5th Panzer Division in Warsaw during 1944 and one unidentified vehicle on the Eastern Front in 1944. Both are basically Panzerbraun with camouflage applied to them. The kit comes with a "number jungle" license plate set of decals and a "targeted" set for the two options given. Overall this is a very nice kit, but I still worry that the "volley fire" of 251 kits (and those from their competitors) may be overwhelming the market. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 10, 2006) Kit Review: Miniarm 1/35 Scale Hobby Kit Conversion Sets (available from Chesapeake Models Designs in the US): Kit No. B35026: T-72BM Turret Model 1989 For Tamiya and Trumpeter Kits; 51parts (48 in tan resin, 2 turned aluminum, 1 length of brass wire);price US $45 Kit No. B35027: T-72BM Conversion Set for Tamiya and Trumpeter Kits; 25 parts (24 parts in tan resin, 1 length of brass wire); price US $32 Advantages: provides for the modeling of either a T-72BM or very early production T-90, fixes a number of problems with the Tamiya parts Disadvantages: attachment flange from the 2A46M barrel shroud is missing Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all '72 fans and Russian armor modelers The Ural Railway Carriage Factory - better known as Uralvagonzavod, UVZ, the "Vagonka" or Factory No. 183 - has a long and proud record of tank construction, of which their pride and joy in recent years has been the T-72 family. They started this tank family in the 1960s and continuously evolved it through the 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, they felt their latest tank, the T-72BV with reactive armor and the 9M117 missile system for through-the-bore ATGM armament. But they went to upgrade this tank, creating what they dubbed "Object 188" (The T-72B was "Object 184"). Chief designer Vladimir Potkin had this tank, which had some changes over the T-72B, just about ready for introduction in 1990 and in fact was beginning to provide them to the Soviet Army. But after Desert Storm - and the disaster that took place among the Soviet and Czech built T-72s in service with Iraq, the T-72 suddenly became a drug on the market and no orders were forthcoming. Upset at what they felt was unfair publicity (the Russians still claim today that the Iraqis only lost 14 T-72s in combat and the rest were blown up in place by their crews) the T-72BM, which was accepted for service on 27 March 1991, was no longer wanted. Seeing foreign sales dry up, Potkin went to work to upgrade the new tank and resell it to the Army. The T-72BM had a new engine, the V-84, which boosted power to 840 HP as well as "second generation" reactive armor dubbed "Kontakt-5" which was reported to be effective against both chemical (HEAT) and kinetic (APFSDS) rounds. The new "Object 188 Improved" offered now added several things to it, such as the 1A45 "Irtysh" fire control system from the T-80U and the "Shtora-1" electro-optical countermeasures system. With some other tweaks, the new "T-72B Improved" was tendered for service. But in this case, when Russian President Boris Yeltsin accepted the tank for service, he changed the service designation to T-90. This did two things: one, it gave it a different slant for advertising when selling it to third world customers, and two, he proclaimed it the first "Russian" tank (as opposed to Soviet.) So far the Russian Army has acquired about 300 of all models of T-72BM or T-90, and India has purchased 310 of the T-90S version of the tank. Later models of the T-90 also have a welded plate turret vice the cast T-72B type of the early models. Miniarm has continued their great series of upgrade products for Soviet tanks with two complementary kits that transform the Tamiya T-72M1 into a T-72BM or early model (e.g. non-Shtora-1 equipped) T-90. They provide nearly all of the bits needed to change the kit over to the new version. The turret set provides a new T-72B type turret base with improved or corrected hatches and searchlight fittings, new side stowage bins, a Type 902B 8-tube smoke grenade projector, and both standard and "Kontakt-5" reactive armor boxes for the turret. All of them look right and match available photos of the fittings. The conversion set is based on the fact that the glacis armor on the T-72BM and T-90 is what the Russians call "vstroyeniy" or "built-in." (Normal reactive armor boxes are "nastroyenviy" or "stuck on".) To that effect, this kit comes with a complete new glacis and fender section with the fancy rubber tip skirts cast in place. It provides the new "Kontakt-5" skirt armor panels and mounts, and also new fittings for the fold-down scraper blade under the hull.  The latter kit requires that the entire Tamiya hull top be cut back to the turret race on the hull itself and to the joint line right behind the first stowage bin/fuel tank on the front of the fenders. Lips are cast in place to get a good, sturdy joint.        Where Tamiya parts are used, they are called out in the directions along with photos and arrows showing how and where the new parts are located. The only things I noted as odd with these two kits are their call for a good deal of copper wire; the kits provide only one small section of brass wire which does not seem to provide sufficient material to match the requirements (it serves as the cabling for lights, controls for the KMT series mine plow/rollers, and the hinges for the three "Kontakt-5" panels on the front of the skirts.) Also, the very prominent flange along the top of the 2A46-4 gun tube is missing. There is a groove there to attach it but I could not find any flanges. Normally barrel manufacturers provide this as a folded strip of etched brass and a groove in the tube to attach it, but such is not the case. Just to be sure that it had not changed, I got out the references I have on T-90 and initially found several that did not appear to have it either. Finally, I found a sequence of shots that showed the barrel shrouds mounted at a 45 degree angle off axis to the right, so the flange would not show in any "glamor" shots taken from the left side of the tank. This can be replicated from thin styrene strip, but it's odd, considering the rest of the Miniarm products, they would have missed this. Overall, the kits are a great place to start on a T-90 or simply the T-72BM for anyone wanting a complete family of '72s. Thanks to Bill Miley of CMD for the review sample. http://www.miniarm.com http://www.chesapeakemodels.com NOTE: While Miniarm recommends either the Tamiya or Trumpeter T-72 kits, I will not recommend the Trumpeter one as it is both a cheap knockoff of the Tamiya kit (to include using its directions with the "Tamiya" headers removed) and a poor copy at that. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 10, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7270; T-34/85 Mod. 1944 Late Production; 165 parts (93 in grey styrene, 69 etched brass, 2 track runs in tan DS plastic, 2 twisted steel wire); retail price about $13.98 Advantages: nice new sheet of etched brass adds to this kit; optional "Bedspring" armor package will be appreciated Disadvantages: late model T-34-85 hatch proportions off Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all Soviet and '34 fans DML has cornered the market on 1/35 scale T-34 tank kits, and is now working its way through all of them in 1/72 scale as well. This is their latest offering. The main differences in "early" and "late" production T-34-85 tanks has usually been the turret and the commander's hatch. The early models, as with many other Soviet tanks, had a rotating ring mount with a two-panel "split" hatch opening. The later models went for a fixed forward panel and a larger, one piece flap; one of the reasons was that Soviet tank commanders often liked to fight "heads up" and the larger one-piece armored covers gave them more protection than the smaller split flaps did. Given that this is the raison d'etre for this kit, I was surprised to see that DML blew the proportions of the hatch sections, (parts B7/8) making them about 50/50. The actual proportions are closer to 38/62 with the hatch being larger than the fixed section on the ring. This is quite noticeable and means if you use figures you can't get one into an open hatch. That is a shame, for the rest of the kit is excellent. It is basically the same overall as kit number 7269 with the rounded fender tips not as common with most later production Model 1944 tanks. The wheels are again molded together with the "six web" cast wheels with lightening holes; again, they have the less common holes molded in the rims which were usually dropped from later production tanks as the supply of synthetic rubber met Soviet production needs. The large etched brass sheet covers the well-known "Bedspring" standoff protection added to a few tanks to protect against the new threat of the Panzerfaust launchers, and provides very nicely done arrays for the kits with separate shields and standoff brackets. Since the "drop tanks" cannot be used if the arrays are fitted, the directions now show that the holes should be filled in. Brass upgrade/replacement parts also include the engine radiator exhaust screen (vice the etched nickel provided in previous kits), the radiator air exhaust louvers directly below them, and many of the guards and brackets normally used on the T-34-85. Again, as is now nearly "boiler plate" with DML kits, the model comes with "slide molded" gun barrel muzzle and hollow molded tow cable heads with twisted steel wire cables. Tracks are once again DML's DS tan plastic which can be attached with model cements. Six finishing options are provided: the "Bedspring" armor on an unknown unit, Eastern Front 1944; a two-tone brown over green tank, also unknown, Eastern Front 1944; 2nd Guards Tank Corps, East Prussia 1944; unknown, Poland 1945; 3rd Belorussian Front, East Prussia 1945 (totally whitewashed); and 3rd Belorussian Front, East Prussia 1945 (partially whitewashed.) I suddenly stopped to think that these are GERMAN terms of reference, as to the Soviets it was always the WESTERN front! Oh well. Overall this is a nice little kit but it does appear somebody cut a few corners on research, which is unfortunate. It would have been nicer to see it with the more common solid-tired wheels, squared off fenders, and correct size hatch. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 3, 2006) Kit Review: Miniart 1/35 Scale Kit No. 35025; T-70M Early Production Soviet Light Tank w/Crew; 360 parts (356 in medium grey styrene, 4 clear styrene); retail price US $29.95 Advantages: best kit of this Soviet light tank to date; nicely done features and generally correct proportions; crew in winter gear a bonus Disadvantages: gun barrel seems anemic Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Soviet and light tank fans The T-70 was another tank to roll out of the famous GAZ factory's Design Bureau headed by N. A. Astrov. It used many of the design concepts found in the T-60 light tank and corrected many of that tank's failings, namely armament and protection. The former was aided by providing the tank with a 45mm gun and the latter by making the armor thicker and changing some of the angles. Over 1942-1943 8,226 T-70 and T-70M tanks rolled off the production lines in Sverdlovsk (Factory No. 37) and Kirov (Factory No. 38). While still a two-man tank, it served its purpose as a light reconnaissance vehicle in tank units and as a command vehicle in SU-76 battalions. The last attempt at this tank was a kit from Techmod several years back which suffered from a number of major failings, the primary ones of which were that the kit was about 4mm too narrow through the body of the hull (and quite noticeable in such a small vehicle - T-70s in 1/35 are about the size of a 1/72 Tiger II) and the turret was woefully underscale with parallel sides. Many other components were underscale or out of whack, and as a result I had to change most of the components when I built the kit in 2000. Miniart has now released a modern version of this kit, and in this version it comes with five Soviet tankers in winter uniforms, a nice addition to the kit (in spite of the fact it's only a two-man tank!) Miniart calls it a "T-70M Early Production" model, but Russian sources using archival materials do not make such references as the M was the final variant before they changed over to the short-lived T-80. What the model represents is a standard production T-70M tank. For years it was accepted that new viewers and the cast domed driver's hatch indicated a T-70M tank as opposed to a T-70. New archival materials show that the real differences were in the wheels, torsion bars, and tracks, and not the hatches. (Soviet factories were notorious for simply making changes as they went and not listing the modifications except in their equivalent of "MWO"s as "from serial X to Y use this part.")   The T-70M increased the size of the track links from 260 mm wide and 97 mm in pitch to 300 mm in width and 111mm in pitch, thus reducing the number of links needed from 91 to 80. The road wheels were beefed up in width from 104 mm to 130 mm, and the torsion bars changed from 34 mm to 36 mm diameter. Brake straps (the Soviets preferred ribbon brakes wrapped around a drum) were widened from 90 mm to 124 mm, and the result was that the tank carried more weight (from 9.2 metric tons to 10 metric tons) and while its mobility went up, its range went down to 250 km on highways. The other visible changes were made during the T-70's production run. Checking the basic parameters of the kit, the hull has the correct width and the fenders are those for the wider M tracks. Track width is about 8.5mm or 300mm in scale and pitch is about 3.3mm or 115mm, but the wheels are 3 mm wide which is 105mm or in other words the basic T-70 wheel. That's a shame, but on the other hand for most modelers the difference will not be noticeable. All suspension parts have positive locking joints, which is good as many of the smaller kits from Eastern Europe do not and I seem to recall the Techmod kit needed a base to mount the road wheel arms correctly. Unlike the earlier Techmod kit, the hull bottom comes in one piece with details molded in place. All screens are molded parts, but Miniart has wisely designed the kit so that they may easily be replaced with etched brass or scratchbuilt parts and they will fit into the model. It also comes with the correct twin muffler arrangement.   There has been a bit of sniping on the Internet about the turret, claiming that the shape is wrong. M-Khobbi published a good set of plans in 1997 on the T-70 and the kit matches them perfectly, as the sides are tapered correctly and the turret ring has the wedge shaped projection on the rear side. Much of the criticism comes from one or two photos, but once the photos are examined with care the turret comes out as symmetrical. The reason in one photo I found in "Otechestvennye Bronirovannye Mashiny XX Vek Tom 2 - 1941-1945" (Exprint, 2005) was taken in slanted lighting conditions, and the reinforcing strips do not show on one side and are highlighted on the other, making the left side seem larger than the right. This is not true, and all other shots show the turret as symmetrical. Records only refer to it as a "faceted, truncated pyramid shape." The mantelet and fittings are accurate - both are asymmetric, which helps cause confusion when looking at the turret and fooling the eye - and small fittings like lift rings are nicely done. The gun barrel appears to be underscale (it is the "Model 1934/42" barrel, which is much lighter and smoother than the old Model 1934 barrels used on the T-26, T-50 and other tanks) which is a bit odd with all of the other very accurate work on this kit. It is "slide molded" and has a bore in the muzzle, and it does match with the M-Khobbi plans however. The crew figures are interesting, as they are all very nicely done but wearing the sheepskin knee-length jacket normally associated with officers and not regular crewmen. But given that this tank only carries a crew of two, most people will probably only use one figure anyway so consider it a bonus of four extra commander figures! Each one has a similar breakdown to early DML figures - torso, legs, arms, head, helmet, and separate earpieces. All of them come with a holster for a TT pistol. Finishing instructions and markings are included for five T-70M tanks: "Tambovskiy Kolkhoz", 2nd Tank Corps, December 1942; 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, middle Don River region, December 1942; Sadovskiy's Brigade, Stalingrad region, January 1943; Unknown, Russia spring 1943; and Unknown, Voroshilovgrad region, spring 1943. The finishing instructions are in color as are the instructions for painting the figures. Overall, this kit is an absolutely amazing effort to come out Ukraine, previously noted as the home of SKIF. Miniart are to be congratulated for a great effort! Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 3, 2006) Kit Review: Zvezda 1/35 Scale Kit No. 3584; Soviet Machine Gun Crew WWII; 80 parts in olive styrene; price about US $8.50 Advantages: new sculptor for Zvedza producing nice, new figures; not a re-release of ancient Italeri figure sets Disadvantages: not as advanced as recent DML figure sets, all styrene Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for any fan of the "Workers and Peasants Red Army" When the USSR began the "Great Patriotic War" in June 1941, they had two basic light caliber machine guns in service for their forces: the DP series 7.62mm gas-operated and air-cooled light guns, and the M1910/30 modernized Maxim water-cooled machine guns as their heavy machine gun. The Maxims remained in service up until 1943 when the new Goryunov SG43 air-cooled weapon replaced it. Modified several times over the course of its service, most of the Maxim guns had been fitted with a large "tractor radiator" type fill cap and placed on a Sokolov two-wheeled carriage for use by infantry units by the time the war broke out. Its one drawback was that it was quite heavy, and required a mandatory allocation of at least two crewmen to operate (and manhandle) the weapon on the battlefield. Zvezda has recently - from the changes in their figures - acquired a new sculptor, whose best figure so far is the "starshina" NCO driver with the ZIS-5 truck. (He looks to be based on the mascot used by M-Khobbi magazine, for those of you familiar with that cartoon character.) This new kit offers four figures and four machine guns, from which two complete Maxim machine gun teams may be formed. The machine guns are very nice, as you have a choice between the M1910 modified (kit part A-1) or the M1910/30 with new filler cap (A-2) when putting the guns together. The guns come with the complete Sokolov carriage of six parts, and the machine gun also has separate handles and a "ladder" type sight as well as a choice between open and closed ammunition boxes, the open one coming with a section of cartridge belt for attachment to the gun. The teams consist of one running and pulling the gun and one in prone position firing the weapon. The running teams come with "shadow" bases, the first time I have seen them on a styrene figure since the early 1970s. Some modifications have to be made to the figures to move the gun, but they are simple and the directions show what has to be moved and replaced. The runners also have standard steel helmets and greatcoat/bedrolls, whereas the prone team have the "pilotka" sidecaps. Two Moisin carbines are also provided, each having a separate bolt assembly. Overall the quality is very high, and it is quite different from the early Zvezda figure sets from a number of years back. While the figures are "solid" most sink marks are on the insides of parts where they join (leg sets, waists) and each figure has a distinct personality. (Zvezda has a new box art artist as well - A. Karashchuk - and he is excellent, perhaps too good. When looked at through a jeweler's loupe all four heads have distinctive Slavic features, but the ones of the box art have one with the "starshina" mustache and a central Asian not found on the sprues! Overall this is a nice set and beats the ancient one that came with the Tamiya GAZ-67B or their ChTZ T-34 kit. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 3, 2006) Kit Review: 5-Star Models (Jadar) 1/35 Scale Resin Kit Number 35001; 2S6M "Tunguska" Soviet SP Air Defense System; 263 parts (203 parts in hard tan resin, 58 etched brass, 2 sections of heavy twisted steel wire); price (via Jadar's website) US $143.66 plus shipping (only 75 to be produced, this was number 28 out of 75) Advantages: first kit of this vehicle anywhere; nicely captures the size and proportions of the Tunguska and its heavy cannon and missile armament Disadvantages: hard resin always suspect for toxic effects; directions relatively unhelpful in assembly or identification of parts Rating: Recommended Recommendation: to all Soviet/Russian fans and "Duck Hunters" F I R S T   L O O K When the first glimmer of an advanced Soviet self-propelled antiaircraft gun showed up in the series of glossy "Soviet Military Power" publications from the US Department of Defense in the 1980s, it was scary, as it showed a large turret with twin 30-35mm cannon on a T-72 chassis. This bugaboo played its part in war games up until the late 1980s when a new Soviet vehicle began showing up in East Germany and attracted the attention of Western intelligence analysts and organizations like BRIXMIS and the US Military Liaison Mission. Photos soon showed a very large vehicle with a monstrous turret and apparently two separate radar sets and at least two guns plus other structures, which were always tarped when moved. Speculation varied in the NATO intelligence community to whether the new system had two guns - or two twin-barrel units, similar to the ones used on the Soviet aircraft in 23mm and 30mm variants. I had the singular privilege at the time of scratchbuilding a model of this beast for USAREUR training posters, as we eventually figured out it also carried at least four surface-to-air missiles and either one big 30mm gun with gas operation or two twin-barrel 30mm guns powered by electric motors (so I left the model as sort of ambiguous on that score).    We now know that it was the first fielding of the Tunguska (named for a river in Siberia) replacement for the venerable ZSU-23-4 Shilka SPAAG. And it was an impressive system, far more sophisticated than first thought. Now, according to sales brochures and Russian military writers, we have a pretty good picture of this beast. The 2S6 Tunguska gun/missile troop-level air defense system consists of two 2A38 twin 30mm electrically driven cannon and carries eight 9M311 "Triugol'nik" (triangle) surface-to-air missiles. The guns are mounted on either side of a long, narrow armored turret with the missile outboard of the guns in a 2 over 2 arrangement on each side. A search/acquisition radar is at the rear of the turret and a fire control radar is at the front. The Tunguska does lots of tricks, too. The suspension can be controlled hydraulicly, and varies from a movement position of around 450mm ground clearance to about 100mm when in firing position. The vehicle has a powerful onboard computer system that automatically tracks targets and selects the best method of engagement: usually missiles at 4-8 km range and guns inside 4 km. It has a crew of four (commander, two gunner-operators, and driver-mechanic). The guns are scary to watch, for each round is quite large and powerful. Since the gun is electrically operated, the breech tends to open before the round is completely out the barrel and firing a burst of 9-10 rounds per gun (4-5 rounds per barrel) is spectacular as flames leap about a meter out of each ejector chute on the side of the gun mount. The inboard barrel has a muzzle velocity mensuration device at the tip that evaluates muzzle velocity and then corrects the point of aim to adjust for more or less than standard. The Tunguska got its baptism of fire in Chechnya, but unfortunately it is not well suited for ground target use and three of the first six were destroyed in a matter of minutes, five within 24 hours of commitment. Still, used correctly it is a powerful and dangerous weapons system.  Jadar has now released a series of deluxe kits under the name "5 Star Models" of which this is their first kit. Having actually scratchbuilt a Tunguska,, and having good references on the beastie, I can say that they have done a first rate job on the kit itself. It comes in three main parts - lower hull, upper hull, and turret - and 200 plus add-on bits in resin (most of which seem to be either wheels or track sections) plus a nice sheet of etched brass from Part and two tow cables from Karaya. Parts that I checked matched up well with the scratchbuilt and further information. Suffice it to say that it is a good quality resin kit with fairly nominal plugs to remove from most of the parts. However, it is a harder resin that most of those used outside of Eastern Europe so I have to point out that it must be trimmed with caution and a dust mask is recommended. Where the kit tends to fall down is its directions. Most are of the "stick here" picture type and as a result, unless you are really familiar with armored vehicles and Soviet/Russian air defense radars and missile systems, it can be highly confusing as to what parts are included and where they go. Resin parts are not identified, only etched brass ones, and you are given no idea of what the parts are, how many there are, or in some cases, how and where they go. There is only one black and white photo on the box top of a finished kit, which is unfortunate. There are more low resolution shots on Jadar's web site, but this is not a good way to present a "premiere" kit nor any way to win over customers. Jadar needs to redo its directions, provide a parts list (one pace of the four provided as directions comes instead with a list of kits, not parts) and give the builder at least a set of 1/72 scale plans of the finished model to see what it supposed to look like. No decals or finishing suggestions came with this kit, which considering most of them are in an attractive three-color camouflage scheme (dark green, black and sand) it is a shame. Thanks to Steve Zaloga for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on June 1, 2006) Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 Scale Kit Number 00357; Russia KV-1S' Ehkranami; 297 parts (292 in grey styrene, 2 black vinyl track runs, 2 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted copper wire);  retail price US $24.95 Advantages: continues to cover the entire family of KV heavy tanks; very nicely done kit Disadvantages: wrong rear plate on hull Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Soviet modelers This is the sixth Trumpeter KV series tank kit to be released. When the Germans invaded the USSR in June 1941, rumors of the German panzers were circulating that said at least one of them had a 100mm gun which could defeat any known Russian tank. This caused a bit of a panic, as the Soviets had not figured on such weapons being in service with the Germans. As it turned out they were not, and it was still some 17 months before they began to run into the Tiger with its 88mm gun that could knock out the big KV series tanks. But as a precaution, both the KV-1 and the T-34 were ordered to be fitted with applique armor plate as fast as possible. This commenced on 1 July 1941, but by the end of the month it was seen that the Germans did not have any wonder tanks and the order was rescinded. Therefore, only about 85 tanks in Leningrad and 24 in Chelyabinsk were built with this suite of applique armor fitted. They survived longer than some other tanks, and were seen with slogans painted on their turrets. The best known one was "Bey fashistskuyu gabinu!" (Fight the Fascist Reptile!") Trumpeter has now release this tank as a kit, using three new sprues for its KV collection. These provide the new turret - the so-called "welded/bolted" turret, so named as it was initially bolted together and then the bolt heads were covered in weld bead and the seams welded up - and the applique, plus a set of the heavy-duty welded wheels with central rubber shock absorbers. In common with all of the other KV kits, the two come with a one-piece hull with applique sides suitable for early-model KV tanks. As it is a 1941 version, it does not come with vinyl keepers for the road wheels, which simply cement in place. Tracks again offer either black vinyl one-piece sections or 28 part "link and length" styrene as with previous kits. The styrene ones have some ejection pin marks that need cleaning, however. Also, the gun barrel and tow cable heads are "slide molded" so are pre-drilled, which eases one chore. Twisted copper wire is provided for the cables. Lastly, clear plastic lenses are provided for the headlight and taillight. The applique is correct as it comes with "stand-off" mountings ; the cover of the Kolomiyets book on the KV heavy tank (Istoriya Tanka KV) has a clear shot of a KV-1 s Ehranami on the cover (note that there is no apostrophe between the "S" and "Ehkranami" as it is the Russian word form for "With Applique"). The one on the cover has an early model hull with level glacis applique amd lower pane; but most of the KV-1 s Ehkranami tanks appear to have had the early model rear deck (flat plate and curved end) as provided on the KV "Big Turret" kit and not the one-piece curved plate which comes with the kit. The plans in "Istoriya Tanka KV" show the latter plate, so apparently it was during this production run that the factory began to shift over to speed things up. There were some comments about the rear vision devices not being far enough to the rear, but again these plans show them right where the kit has them. They do show up as sitting in quite a ways on the KV tanks with the "welded/bolted" turret, both with and without applique; they do sit farther to the rear on the cast turreted tanks. The kit's directions also show the proper placement of the bins and other accessories on this version, so it is pretty much dead on the money. Only one finishing option is provided, overall 4BO green with the above cited markings. Another one (not provided in the kit) is "Pobeda Budet Za Nami!" (The Victory will be Ours!) But I am not sure where you can find the decals. Overall this continues the nice job done on the KV tanks by Trumpeter, Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 29, 2006) Kit Review: Tristar 1/35 Scale Model Kit No. 020; German Panzer Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F; 530 parts (482 parts in tan styrene, 40 etched brass, 8 clear styrene); retail price US $42 Advantages: nice, crisp new kit of old favorite; if you have to use putty on this kit, then YOU made a mistake! Disadvantages: tracks are not particularly fun to assemble (see text) (NOTE: Review sample is essentially a "Beta" kit with no etched parts, no figure, and no decals) Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all early war German and "Small Army" fans Imagine the surprise the German army felt when they "merged" with Czechoslovakia in 1939 and found that the Czechs had a better tank industry than they did, and better light tanks! The Czech Army was equipped with two well-thought-out light tanks, the LT vz 35 (S-II) and the LT vz 38 (TNHP-S). Both were products of the famous Skoda factory and were superior to their German equivalents of the time, the Pzkw. I and Pzkw. II. As a point of fact, both were as powerful as the German Pzkw. III variants of the time but weighed less. Needless to say, the Germans knew a good thing when they saw it and took both of them into service as the Pzkw. 35(t) and the Pzkw. 38(t). The latter had such a reliable and flexible chassis that it also served to provide the Germans with a large number of self-propelled guns, the most well known being the Marder III and Hetzer self-propelled antitank guns. Over 1,300 Pzkw. 38(t) tanks in seven production series served in the Wehrmacht and fought in Poland, France and Russia. The largest group were the Ausf. E and similar Ausf. F, with over 525 being built for the Germans by Skoda. The tanks were armed with a good 37mm gun and two Czech 7.92mm machine guns, possessed 30mm armor protection (two layers of 15mm plate) and 50mm glacis protection (two layers of 25mm plate). It could do more than 40 kph and had a range of 230 km with a full fueling. While the small the tanks gave a good account of themselves until they ran up against the Soviet T-34 and KV tanks, and as attrition (and conversion to SP guns) took its toll they slowly left the German inventory. The TNHP-S has always been one of the more popular "small army" tank designs, and a bit over 30 years ago Italeri (back when it was still Italieri) came out with a nice kit of what was reportedly an Ausf. G. It was a very nice kit for the time, but over the years it was found to contain a lot of flaws or (no driver's hatch!) areas that Italeri had overlooked (wheels with no backs to them.) It could be made into a nice model, but it took a lot of work and a lot of after-market bits to make it so. There is evidence that one of the Eastern European companies came out with a kit - Alan I think - but it was given very short shrift and rarely shows up in commentary. Now Tristar has released a brand new kit, and just before the Memorial Day Weekend in the US I received a "Beta" version of the kit - complete less decals, etched brass and the figure. Having nothing else to do (I am awaiting materials for two projects which are on order) and having seen the sneers of the "experten" on the Internet that one has to build models to review them, in spite of any other relevant skills or experience, I put this one together to see what it was like. The model has at least twice as many parts as the old Italeri kit, and even thought it uses a similar parts breakdown that is about all the kits have in common. Nearly everything I recall as having been left off the Italeri kit is now present, and to top it off, the kit provides very clean single link tracks. It took me only 10 hours flat to assemble the kit, and that includes the tracks; this speaks volumes about them, for many other kits require at least that amount of time in cleaning them up, fitting them, assembling them and then attaching them to the model. This is a very precisely engineered kit, and as noted above if parts don't fit then it is YOUR fault and not Tristar's! I had some fit problems which soon turned out to be "operator error" on my part and not theirs. Assembly starts with the wheels, which are very delicate and require a great deal of care in assembly. Tires for the road wheels and return rollers are separate parts, nice if you want to paint them before installation, and since the last step is installing the tracks you may prefer that. Like nearly all "flat kits" (belly, sides, and rear plate as separate parts) the hull is next, and you will have to take care to find the detail parts on the very compact and busy sprues. In Step 4 you begin using the clear parts; note that part G-3 is mounted as far to the right in the glacis opening as possible in order to clear handle C-19 if the visor C-18 is left in the open position. There are two visors for the right side, G-1 and G-2, but I have no idea what the difference is and simply used the G-2 one. Mounting the bow machine gun is tricky as the handles are difficult to get through the opening in the glacis and take some finesse. They are parallel to the ground whereas the shots I have of the Czech machine guns show them slanted downward like "cadillacs" but I have no idea if this is correct or now.  Step 5 - tools and stowage - would have been easier with the etched brass straps! I cannot comment on the etched as it did not come with the kit. Step 6 covers the upper hull and again note that all parts are a snug - but correct - fit. I suggest mount the rear deck frame (A-4) first as it has to have its rear edge butted against the rear plate and not on top of it. The driver's hatch is nicely done - padding is molded on the inside and no ejection pin marks. (There are some on the inside of the hull and under the fenders, but none in any place of importance.) What I think is the smoke candle box in Step 7D is somewhat tricky for the slotted section (part D-45) is the only one that did not seem to self-align. Once assembled the box fits well on the stern plate. The only problem I found in the entire kit worth mentioned took place here. The kit offers you the adjustment splines for the track tensioning devices (parts E-33) or covers for them (E-34) but suggests that the covers go over the splines. That flat out will not work, as the covers are supposed to fit flush and if assembled per kit instructions there is a good 2 mm of daylight under them. I left the covers off, but I think the right choice would be to install the covers and skip the splines. Step 8 is the initial turret assembly and it requires care. If you do it right, the gunner's telescopic sight (B-26) rotates with the gun and this is visible from the front of the turret. Step 8-3 covers the commander's cupola and if you take your time and care the entire assembly literally goes together without any seams that should not be there. In Step 8-4 - turret body - I cemented one side in place, then the back, then the other side, and finally the roof and front skirt. This way I was able to align all the parts and again, no gaps. The turret front is a dead-on fit and the side plates (C-14 and 15) also snug up without seams. Step 9 is the track installation; I did one their way and one my way. Their way is simply snapping the links together and installing them, but most of the pins are too weak to hold so it was more than a bit frustrating. I did make a small jig for assembly out of a section of 0.080" square (2mm) strip glued to a section of 0.040" sheet (1mm) to assist in alignment. "My way" was to use Tamiya "Orange" cement and make sections of ten with the pins filled off the end sections, and then assemble them on the model. It was faster and a LOT less frustrating! Overall, while I cannot comment on the quality of the etched brass and the figure, or the decals (the directions show six different finishing options from 1941-1942) the kit is one of the neatest assembly jobs that I have found in some time, rivaling some kits with fewer parts. The tracks are fussy but nothing you can't survive, and only take about an hour to clean up  - that's over 200 links which only need a couple of quick passes with a sanding stick over the hinges if you use a sprue nipper. A fun build - and quick! Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the "Beta" kit! Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 24, 2006) Kit Review: Armorscale 1/35 Scale Conversion Set No. B35-028; 76.2mm M1A2 Gun Barrel for US Tanks M4 Sherman; 11 parts (4 turned brass, 3 etched brass, 3 grey resin, and 1 turned aluminum barrel); retail price US $15 Advantages: barrel does a good job of replicating the original; built-up construction captures all of the details Disadvantages: resin parts somewhat lackluster (see comments below) Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all "Shermaholics" with the late-war T23 style turreted models Sherman add-ons and accessories come and go, and while some are absolutely dreadful (I can think of a "Easy Eight" suspension kit from about 15 years ago that consisted of white metal castings of the Revell Sherman suspension and sections of Tamiya T-62 tracks) there are occasionally ones that make you stop and back up to check them out again. This little gem is one such accessory, and one would be hard pressed to find one that is more impressive. Armorscale provides a complete drop-in kit to fit most of the T23 style turreted Shermans from either DML (Dragon) or Italeri. The kit comes with a new mantelet and separate "horns" for attaching it to the mantelet mounting on the turret, a new turned barrel, and a seven-piece muzzle brake made from turned and etched brass parts. The turned brass parts are the two baffles of the muzzle brake, the separator, and the attachment collar. The etched brass parts form the inner flanges of the muzzle brake and are built up to capture some of the intricacies of the original, and also the fitting and lock washer that attach it to the muzzle of the gun. The gun barrel comes with threads (!) and also is rifled inside for a depth of about 7-8 mm. Note that the finished muzzle brake is designed to be SCREWED onto the barrel and not cemented! The resin mantelet is not anything special, but there is one thing that it does provide and that is the correct distance of insertion for the barrel. Too often critics carp about the barrels being "too long" or "too short" without noting how much or how little of the butt end of the barrel has been used to attach it to a kit mantelet; most barrels are just barrels and have no instructions or markings on them to show how much is to be inserted into the mantelet or recoil housing. By providing their own, Armorscale has solved that problem for the modeler. This barrel is a bit more expensive than others but most of the cost here is involved in the machined components of the muzzle brake. If it looks too smooth for you, once it is assembled a coat of "Mr. Surfacer 500" should serve to "rough it up" if you want a cast appearance. Overall, this is a very nice addition and if you are going "whole hog" on a late war or Korean Sherman it should fit the bill. The American distributor is Chesapeake Model Designs, PO Box 393, Monkton, MD 21111 or check out their listing at http://www.chesapeakemodels.com Thanks to Bill Miley for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 17, 2006) Kit Review: Academy (MRC) 1/35 Scale Kit No. 13206; US Medium Tank M3 Lee; 413 parts (411 in dark green styrene, 2 steel color vinyl track runs); retail price US $42 Advantages: corrects most of the glaring errors in the Tamiya kit; provides wide option array of parts or spare parts; comes with nearly complete interior less engine Disadvantages: odd choice of parts breakdown for kit causes some problems; turret has an overstated bump giving an odd shape; errors in other parts and some essential parts missing Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all Shermaholics and early war US armor fans The M3 Medium Tank has always enjoyed a quirky sort of popularity, primarily for the fact that it was one of those pre-war tank designs with "tiered" armament - a 75mm gun in a sponson on the right side of the hull, a 37mm gun in a rotating turret on the hull roof, and a .30 caliber machine in a rotating cupola on top of the turret. While the sponson-mounted gun was a matter of convenience adopted to speed conversion from the woefully inadequate M2 Medium Tank to the M3, it would take combat experience and the much improved M4 design to fix most of the problems with the M3 design. The Soviets accepted them under Lend-Lease, but soon nicknamed them "The communal grave for seven" due to the problems they faced against German armor. Even so, more than 6,000 were built in six separate series plus a special model for the British, the Grant. Perhaps no other kit has been as eagerly awaited by American and British armor modeling fans as the new M3 series from Academy, but even before the kit was released a number of "experten" were making negative comments about it on the Internet. Most of the comments were due to the fact that the box art was drawn using the old Tamiya kit with most of its errors prominent in the painting. Now that the kit is here, and can actually be evaluated for what it is and what it is not, there are some changes in viewpoints. WHAT IT IS: a freshly molded kit, providing an early model M3 tank without grouser boxes, driver's periscope, and counterweights for the guns, with the kit's directions showing the use of the early suspension bogies with the roller on top, five-spoke welded wheels, and what appears to be T41 reversible block rubber track. WHAT IT IS NOT: a totally accurate model of the M3 Lee, as it will require some work on the part of the modeler to fix or correct some of the niggling little details that are not spot on. The kit comes as another "mix and match" sprue kit. The wheels are from the standard "Sherman Series" from Academy (sprue A) and provide two types of wheels, two types of drivers, two types of idlers, and the "flattop" return roller mounts with pillow blocks. This is essentially there to provide the VVSS springs and the five-spoke road wheels, and they are very good parts indeed. The new mounts with rollers on top (D47527 bogies) and a third set of drivers are provided on one of the kit's dedicated sprues. The rest of the kit is new, but for every step forward the kit takes it makes a few sidesteps. First off, the lower hull is one piece less the stern and transmission cover, but now has a large oval hole in the belly. This is bizarre, as it serves no purpose. The floor unit for the interior (part C1) has a similar sized oval projection on it for positive alignment, but anyone wanting belly detail will have to putty this in and sand it smooth; likewise, if you want a later production version of an M3, you will have to add the escape hatch (which is molded on the inner floor but not the outer hull.) Note that due to the thickness of the center of the hull floor it tends to suffer from sink marks, but when painted flat white and under all of the rest of the "kit" inside the hull it should not be a problem. The interior is fairly complete, and detail hawks will probably only want to add some wiring and etched brass to complete it. The guns are provided complete and the 75mm gun comes with correctly shaped barrels for either the early M2 (short) or later M3 (long) guns. However, no counterweight is provided for a transitional gun (M2 with stabilizer). The gun barrels are "slide molded" with hollow bores, as is the turret 37mm gun. The interior comes with some more oddities. 48 rounds of 37mm are provided as single rounds, which is pretty much correct as they were clipped to the inside of the turret wherever they  could find space. 75mm rounds are only provided as rims on one locker with an optional position lid; also, a tray with 24 50-round Thompson drums is provided with the locker. While this is correct, the Thompson is not provided! The driver's position is pretty complete as well, straddling the transmission and driveshaft, and the complete turret basket is also provided. Unfortunately, and as I have looked inside of one of these tanks, once the turret basket is in place it is nearly impossible to see anything of the interior! Note that these parts also have a number of ejection pin marks on them as well, which may have to be cleaned up; however, as awkward as cleaning them up will be, they are all pretty much invisible once the model is assembled. The model also comes with optional position rear access doors on the stern plate and a separate engine access plate on the engine deck. Underneath it the kit provides the fuel tanks and other rudimentary parts for the engine bay, but no engine. This is probably just as well, for the kit comes with a solid grating over the engine air intake vent on the engine deck which, due to the open nature of the original, should be replaced with coarse mesh. Unfortunately, when this is done you can see the engine and driveshaft connection on the original, which is not provided with this kit. The kit provides the early pattern of mufflers and stern plate, but this was quickly replaced or modified due to problems with heat venting. Modified tanks had plates welded over the mufflers (one common problem for American tanks up through the M48A3 and M60 was the fact that the gas engines made the mufflers glow cherry red in the dark, and aside from the problems of heat and injury to crew members and infantry also gave away the tank's position at night) and two types of new exhausts, the more familiar one being the "fishtails" under the center of the plate and the air cleaners moved to where the mufflers used to be. While I have heard the kit's mufflers are not right, they do appear to match up with the photos in the Hunnicutt book among others. The turret is somewhat odd. There is a large rectangular projection right under the commander's cupola projection; surprisingly, I did find a match in the Hunnicutt book on pages 72-73; however, this is on the prototype M3A2 welded hull tank. But the projection and the cupola mount are more fared into each other, and thus if the turret is used it will need some putty to smooth out the upper joint line contours. There is limited evidence it was another design produced for the tank, but seems relatively rare in photos. Your alternative is to either sand off the projection and file an undercut into the turret or use a resin kit like the Armoured Brigade turret to replace it. However, also note that the turret face has been "inverted" from a 47 degree angle to a 43 degree one. The turret details look to be far better than the Tamiya one (which had the gun barrel in the wrong place among other sins). The interior is cramped and probably not very visible through the open cupola hatch, however. The tank carries all four machine guns (two hull, turret and cupola) and all are nicely done, being of the same quality as those found in the Academy machine gun set. However, not one of them comes with an ammunition box or container. Hull details are not bad, but the tools seem a bit anemic and it is hoped somebody can produce decent injection molded tools for kits someday. Right now it takes an aftermarket resin or brass set, or stripping another kit with more robust tools, to give American armor the right look. The kit comes with two finishing options, both from the 1st Armored Division in Tunisia; "Kentucky" at Souk-el Khemis 1942 (yellow stars and trim on OD) and "After Effect" in Bizerte, May 1943 (white stars on OD). Overall, and considering I personally gave MRC my copy of the Ordnance Plans for an M3 and escorted their photographer around APG while he shot 300+ photos of M3s at Aberdeen, this kit is not bad, but a bit disappointing that it could not have been spot-on. It will take some work to correct the errors, but for the most part they are relatively minor. Thanks to Bob Lewen for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 15, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale Kit Number 07 ('39-'45 Series Kit No. 6326); Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C Rivetted Version 2-in-1 kit; 838 parts (762 in grey styrene, 67 etched brass, 16 clear styrene, 5 in tan DS plastic, 2 turned brass, 2 silvered paper); price estimated at US $45 Advantages: choice of either riveted or welded hull provided in kit; will actually build up as a Sd.Kfz 251/2 with the 8 cm mortar Disadvantages: lack of solid information on the systems tends to hurt the modeler in building the kit; many small detail parts Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all German and rocket launcher fans This is another of the DML "boutique" armor kits released under their cyber-hobby.com subsidiary, and it is pretty much a repeat of their earlier Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C mit Wurfrahmen 40 3-in-1 kit No. 6284, but with both Ausf. C hulls provided in one box AND finally the mortar to build it up as an actual Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C with the mortar (from figure set No. 6215.) As noted in the review of the 6284 kit, the rockets make a popular option as it "dresses" up any 251 halftrack and makes it more interesting, and this is the third version in this scale. Now DML offers the optional hull kit as a  "2-in-1" kit, with the rocket sets or the mortar. Each rocket launcher consists of six to eight parts (with or without optional etched brass parts) per assembly, and the rockets themselves each have four parts including a separate fuse assembly. The 30 cm rockets now appear to have had their molds touched up with the exhaust vents provided at the base of the projectile.  The options for the diorama fan are going to be wide, as this permits showing loading and arming the rockets, fitting them to the frames, etc. For the more prosaic, the launcher frames are complete and may be shown either open, loaded or unloaded and prepared for travel. The model may aslo be built as an Sd.Kfz. 251/2 mortar and several items are included for that, including a mortar round case rack in the center of the compartment and three conversion parts to permit the mortar base and trails to mount in the fighting compartment. The rest of the kit is either a riveted (sprue H) or the welded (sprue A/B) C model 251 from DML with newly reworked wheel sprues with more detail on the parts. While they now show the detail on the sidewalls of the road wheel tires, oddly enough there are none on the front wheels! It comes with a dedicated brass sheet including seat back spring details, and better regular tracks. Note that no "Magic Tracks" are provided, for they are the later tracks and the kit requires the early model track links. One DS plastic figure is included, along with turned brass fender markers/mirror mounts. The large etched brass sheet provides nice touches such as the open springs for the driver's and commander's seat backs, and trim for the rocket launcher packing crates. Four different vehicles are provided in the finishing instructions: unidentified with mortar in Panzerbraun, Eastern Front 1944; unidentified with mortar, Eastern Front 1944 in grey; WFR 40, 3rd Panzer Division, Poland 1942 (with stencils for the name "Tilsit" provided in the etched brass sheet); and two more WFR 40 launchers, one in grey and one in Panzerbraun, Eastern Front 1944. Decals are generic crosses and number plates. Overall this provides the material to actually build the mortar vehicle or the rocket launcher. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 13, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6306; U.S. Rangers Normandy 1944 - Premium Edition; 224 parts (191 in grey styrene, 28 etched brass, 5 DS plastic); estimated retail price US $14 Advantages: "pumps up" older kit with state-of-the-art parts; four new character heads very useful Disadvantages: one of the older basic DML kits whose figures are more static than recent poses Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: For all US and D-Day fans Dragon continues its series of "Premium Edition" kits - older kits with new state-of-the-art sprues and parts added - with this set of Rangers which were first produced in 1994 as Kit No. 6021. The original 80-part kit is now joined by DML's new "GA" equipment and "WA" weapons sprues, as well as a new American etched brass fret and four totally new heads made from DML's unique "DS" glueable vinyl-like plastic. To recap, the original set of figures had four rangers from the Pointe du Hoc with charge bags, an M1 with rifle grenade, a BAR and a Bangalore torpedo section. All figures come wearing the special D-Day assault vests as well. The poses were good, and it was one of their first breakout figure sets which demonstrated that DML was serious about doing good, useful figure sets for modelers. But in comparison with today's DML figures, which now comprise up to 17 parts for the human factor, each one here consists of only six: legs, arms, torso and head. While some modelers like this as it is not as "fussy" to assemble, there is a loss of some fidelity in doing figures this way. Enter the new head sets, which appear as good as any after-market set going and will give much more "personality" to the figures. Two are bareheaded and two are designed to take a helmet or the "ranger" cap included in the original set. A helmet with camouflage netting is included on the DS sprue. The new parts consists of the "GA" set which covers the ammo pouches and canteens as well as holsters and first aid pouches. The original weapons sprue is included (primarily for the M1 with rifle grenade) and other "WA" sprues are provided, giving two M1 rifles, a BAR with different stock with butt monopod, bipod and accessories, an M1A1 Thompson, and an M1 carbine with magazines and accessories. The "WA" weapons are all "slide molded" with open bores and the rifles and carbine give a choice of open or closed bolts.              The brass fret is unique to this kit and provides the requisite straps for all weapons and helmets, and the carry straps for the charge bags for explosives. Overall this is a good older set now made better by the additions, and re-release will help modelers who are looking for rangers or other D-Day figures get the ones they want. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 13, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-45 Series Kit No. 6312; Sd.Kfz. 182 Kingtiger (Porsche Turret) - Premium Edition; 804 parts (376 in grey styrene, 240 "Magic Track" links, 159 etched brass, 19 clear styrene, 4 white metal, 2 twisted steel wire, 1 wire, 1 brass chain, 1 preformed brass wire, 1 aluminum turned barrel); retail price estimated at US $45 Advantages: older kit brought up to more modern standards with "slide molded" parts, brass and "Magic Track" Disadvantages: Older kit may not appeal to more demanding modelers; still requires a coat of "zimmerit" to complete Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: to all German and Tiger fans Dragon has now started to issue its new "Premium Edition"kits, which are essentially older kits that have been improved by the addition of new sprues from other, newer kits as well as the addition of some of the accessories created for those same new kits along the way, such as etched brass and turned aluminum barrels. Armor kits also tend to get either "EZ Track" or "Magic Track"; the former are off-the-sprues parts ready to assemble, and the latter are snap-together tracks to speed assembly. The DML Tiger II with Porsche turret is about three years old, but has now received the "Premium" treatment with the addition of these accessories. The base kit uses the latest edition of the primary parts (e.g. hull, wheels and most details) with the Porsche turret and a slew of accessories. First off, the kit now comes with "Magic Track" links - 120 "A" links and 120 "B" links - for snap-together assembly. This will make many modelers happy as preparing and assembling single-link track can be quite tedious. Secondly, many detail parts have been replaced with the new standarized DML "T" series generic German tool and equipment sprues. The ones provided are as follows: TA - pioneer tools and a fire extinguisher; TB - jack and cable hooks; TC -tow cable heads; TD - auxiliary cable heads; TF - 8.8 cm muzzle brake for aluminum barrel; TG - self-defense projector weapon; TH - hatch braces; TJ - turret AA MG ring mount; TK - bow machine gun mount; TL - armored exhaust covers. These apparently will be provided with different kits as need be, but are all state of the art slide moldings where applicable. Third, the model comes with a large sheet of etched brass for the screens and brackets used on the tank. And lastly, it comes with some metal accesories, such as towing clevises, a whip antenna, a section of chain, two metal tow cables, and a turned aluminum barrel. The directions are unfortunately the color photo variety, which from my point of view makes applying the etched brass parts difficult as it is hard to see them in the photos of a partially finished model with "Stick here" arrows. I have seen a new method used by DML in which colors are used for the various parts with black and white drawings, and when you have a ton of etched brass parts this is easier to read than the color directions which offer little - if any - help. That's a shame as it lets a very nice kit with great accessories down. There are also a lot of odd things about the kit. For example, the kit comes with a very nice bow MG-34 (sprue J) but there is none for the nicely done AA mount. The main problem most modelers will have is that alas, it does not come with the "zimmerit" paste coating found on nearly all of the Porsche-turreted tanks, even though the finishing directions show it and indicate it is required. Finishing instructions and decals are provided for five vehicles: 3./s.Pz.Abt. 503 in Hungary, 1945 (winter white); s/Pz.Kp.(Fkl) 316, France 1944 (overall Panzerbraun); s.Pz.Abt. 506, Arnhem 1944 (green over Panzerbraun); Unidentified, Eastern Front 1944 (tricolor); and s.Pz.Abt. 503, Normandy 1944 (tricolor). Decals are "targeted" on the single sheet.    Overall this is a nice upgrade to the original kit, but with the advent of DML's provision of "zimmerit" molded on their 1/72 scale line one can only hope that they extend it to their larger kits, too. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 12, 2006) Product Review: Easy Model (Trumpeter) Item No. 09835; 7" Display Turntable; distributed by MRC; retail price US $19.98 Advantages: great way to display a model, especially with a completely detailed underside or interior compartment Disadvantages: motor may be somewhat noisy Rating: Recommended Recommendation: for all figure, aircraft, or armor builders needing to show off their handiwork where it normally would not be seen Many of us - armor, car and aircraft modelers - have all hit the same snag in our modeling lives: you knock yourself out putting detail on the bottom of a model, and then are stuk with what to do to display it. If you mount it on a scenic base, the underside can no longer be seen, and all that work went for naught. But if you did not, then you run the risk of some ham-handed judge picking it and damaging it or worse, dropping it. What to do? The solution is to get a mirrored base that rotates, and this neat new offering from Easy Model fills the bill. It consists of a low black turntable with a mirrored base that comes in a plastic bag inside its box and also has a scratch-resistant layer placed over the mirror. The mirror is real glass, so I am not sure why they did that as it is relatively resistant to scratches.    The turntable is powered by two C cells, and the box top claims it will operate for up to one month of continuous operation on those two batteries. I haven't had it long enough to check, but it should be enough to get you through a two or three day show without having to worry if you turned it off. I tested it for several minutes and found that it requires a delicate touch to work at its best. The speed is set by a knob above the on/off switch, and if turned all the way to the right counterclockwise the turntable engages slow speed; all the way to the left clockwise is high. Low speed is quite noisy on this unit, but high is not too bad. The box states that low speed is 3.5 rpm and high is 7; testing showed that low is more like 4.5 rpm and high is 8.5. Note that high speed rotates clockwise and low speed counterclockwise, something to do with the gearing arrangement. The box states that the turntable will hold up to 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or one real "cheeseblock" resin model. I tested it with odds and ends and it does appear to do as advertised. Overall, other than being a bit noisy it works well. Note that MRC offers a total of six different turntables, either the 7" one tested or five smaller 3.3" ones with or without covers (flat topped or domed, ideally for figures. Thanks to Bob Lewen for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 11, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Kit No. 7271; M4A3(76)W VVSS Sherman; 129 parts (99 parts in grey styrene, 27 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs, 1 length of twisted steel wire); retail price US $11.95 Advantages: amazing amount of detail in a 1/72 scale kit; very nicely done with new parts breakdown showing it was not pantographed; DML discovers weld beads! Disadvantages: "Not German" Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all Shermaholics and 1/72 scale modelers In this day and age many modelers greet a new Sherman kit with the same sort of lackadaisical attitude that non-German modelers greet another Tiger kit - nice, but not my cup of tea. But this little gem is something new, a really great model of a late-model ("Wet" stowage) Sherman with a unique way to breakdown its parts and a really great looking kit. First off, DML is to be congratulated for FINALLY discovering the hull weld beads on Shermans! No trenches, just petitely raised weld beads all around the upper part of the hull. That alone makes the kit worth investigating, for it is the first one so far to get it right. The model is an early production version of the late Sherman - VVSS suspension, 47 degree ("big hatch") hull, T-23 style turret with commander's vision cupola and loader's split hatch ring mount for the .50 caliber machine gun, early style exhaust deflector, and choice of either an M1A1 gun with thread protector or the later M1A1C with muzzle brake; both of the latter are "slide molded" so they have hollow bores. The hull has two odd holes in the bottom which appear to have something to do with the preassembled variants (perhaps the base mounts for the pre-assembled ones; they are too small for screws). Barring that, the upper hull is again "slide molded" in one section and has the mounts for the side shields on it with bolt holes clearly visible. The smaller tools (e.g. mattock, tanker's bar, and axe) are molded in place, but the remaining ones are separate. The suspension is unique, as it does not copy that of the larger Sherman kits. The bogie assemblies consist of a VVSS spring set, a bogie outer section with an "upswept" return roller molded in place, , a rear section, and a twin road wheel set with the rear section of the articulating arms molded in place. Net result is that with only four parts you get a nice, neat finished bogie assembly. The wheels are the "cast" type with covers in place; likewise it comes with solid (e.g. matching) idlers and "solid" ring drivers. The tracks are T48 type with rubber chevrons. The turret consists of a top and bottom with the pistol port molded in place, but the cover left separate. This is again a "slide molded" part to get the detail resolution. (Note that everything with a casting number except the mantelet has one, even though you will need a jeweler's loupe on some of them!) The turret is quite complete, with a very nicely done machine gun with parallel heat jacket at the rear of the barrel and separate spade grips. The etched brass parts replace some of the detail parts provided in styrene, such as the front fender tips, the rear luggage rack, and some of the tool racks. The parts are called out on the directions with blue for parts to be trimmed or removed and a mustard color for the brass parts to be installed; this is quite helpful as the directions are thankfully in black and white and parts are thus much easier to see. Markings and finishing instructions are provided for four vehicles: 761st Tank Battalion (The "Black Panthers," an African-American unit), Task Force Rhine, Germany 1945; 760th Tank Battalion, US 5th Army, Italy 1945; 19th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, Belgium 1944; and a captured Sherman, Aschaffenburg, Germany 1945. Overall this is a really decent rendering of a Sherman, and I can only hope that DML goes back now and fixes the "trenchline" welds in their 1/35 kits!    Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back May 8, 2006 (Originally written on May 7, 2006) Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 Scale KV-1 Tank kits: Kit No. 00359, Russia KV-1 Model 1942 Heavy Cast Turret Tank; 311 parts (288 in grey styrene, 18 clear vinyl keepers, 2 black vinyl track sections, 2 clear plastic, 1 twisted copper wire); Retail price US $24.95 Kit No. 00360, Russia KV-1 Model 1942 Lightweight Cast Tank; 310 parts (287 parts in grey styrene, 18 vinyl keepers, 2 black vinyl track sections, 2 clear plastic, 1 twisted copper wire); Retail price US $24.95. Advantages: correct variants of the last two major production models of the KV-1 to see service; correct details provided for each one, but "mix and match" is also possible (see text) Disadvantages: some confusion among modelers may result (see text); ejection pin marks on "link and length" tracks will need cleanup. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all Soviet modelers. Trumpeter is now up to five kits of the KV series tanks in release and at least two more (an early Model 1941 and an applique - "S Ehkranami" - are listed as well) basic models are coming; these will pretty much complete the entire major production series of KV tanks. As WWII - "The Great Patriotic War" - got into high gear, so did production of all Soviet tanks that were in full scale production in June 1941. The production of KV tanks was moved from Leningrad to Chelyabinsk in October 1941, and all efforts at production were then focused on getting the number of parts down, reliability up, and numbers produced increased. To this end many of the "Cadillac" production techniques used on KVs were eliminated or changed, and new designs of components were evaluated and placed into service on the production line. As a result, between May 1941 and Spring 1942 the hours required to built a KV-1 fell from over 25,000 to just over 9,00 man-hours. Among those were three different turret designs, made in several different factories. Among them were the "Simplified" welded turret (Trumpeter makes a kit of this version as their kit number 00358), the "Heavy" cast turret, and the "Lightweight" cast turret. The difference in the last two was that after doing some preliminary assessments of where KV-1s were penetrated, it was decided to lighten the new cast turret by thinning the top and rear sections down and leaving a thickened skirt at the base of the turret and a thickened ring around the rear machine gun position, which were seen to be weak spots in the turret. At the same time, a few original "Welded-bolted" turrets were still produced. Each had an item designator: the "welded-bolted" turret was production assembly 57; the "simplified" welded turret was assembly 157; the "heavyweight" cast turret was assembly 257; and the "lightweight" cast turret was assembly 957. The latter two turrets were similar, but differed depending upon which factory made them. Turrets cast at UZTM had a broad face, which permitted the centering bars for aligning the mantelet mounts to be on the face of the turret. Turrets cast at Factory No. 200 were narrower across the face, with the result that small "sponsons" had to be cast into the front face of the turret to mount the alignment bars. Hulls also differed, but due to using similar parts the only way to tell them apart was the applique armor plate on the front of the glacis. A UZTM hull had the applique level with the top of the hull, whereas Factory No. 200 plates stuck up several inches above the hull roof and were usually "dog-eared" to avoid having too sharp a section that could injure the crew. The hulls could have either a one-piece curved rear plate that stuck up about an inch above the top of the rear decking or an extended rear with a flat rear plate set at about a 45 degree angle. Also, tanks could have either a "domed" engine access cover (to clear the air cleaner) or a "flat" engine access cover and a different air cleaner. Production runs were interspersed and it was not possible to use one or another feature to tell the tanks apart; only the serial numbers would indicate when the tanks were actually built. For example, both the APG and Bovington KV-1 tanks are Model 1942s, with the UZTM "Lightweight" cast turret, domed engine access covers, and "one -piece" rear hull plates; based on their serials, they were probably built in May 1942. Trumpeter have very cleverly split these features among these two new kits, so that they are not simply one kit with two different turrets. The "Lightweight" turret kit has the lightweight turret from UZTM, a UZTM hull with a "domed" access cover and the flat plate hull rear section. The "Heavyweight" turret kit has the heavyweight turret from UZTM, and the "one-piece" hull rear section. In common with all of the other KV kits, the two come with a one-piece hull with applique sides suitable for late-model KV tanks. each has a different set of sprues (see listing of parts used in the KV kits at the end of the review) for its hull and turret components. The "Heavyweight" turret is molded top and bottom, whereas the "lightweight" one is molded in two halves, a top and a base. Both have correct profiles, including the visible "skirt" on the "Lightweight" turret. Each comes with the late-model cast wheels and all steel return rollers; note that the cast wheels use Tamiya-style vinyl keepers whereas the 1941 variants do not. Detail is outstanding with casting webs for strength on the backs of each wheel half. Also, there are separate centers for covering the suspension arm joint with the torsion bar. Tracks come as either black vinyl one-piece sections or 28 part "link and length" styrene as with previous kits. The styrene ones have some ejection pin marks that need cleaning, however. Also, the gun barrel and tow cable heads are "slide molded" so are pre-drilled, which eases one chore. Twisted copper wire is provided for the cables. Lastly, clear plastic lenses are provided for the headlight and taillight. Each kit comes with specific marking and finishing directions. The "Heavyweight" one has a winter scheme and one of three numbers may be used for a single unit. The "Lightweight" one comes with two slogans, "Za Rodinu!" (For the Motherland) or "Pobeda Za Budet" (The Victory Will Come). It also has Guards badges and stars. Overall these are outstanding kits, and the only problem may be confusion among some modelers not aware of the differences in the kits or the two versions of the tank. Hopefully this review helps sort them out for people who want a specific combination. (It is also easy to buy both and swap turrets, as the Soviets at Chelyabinsk certainly did!) List of Kit Sprues in Trumpeter Kits and their parts breakdown. A 68 Foredeck assembly and suspension details B1 2 Sides (Early) B2 2 Sides (Late) C 38 Model 1941 fenders and rear hull details D1 18  Turret race and front hull details D2 10 Model 1942 D3 15 Model 1941 E1 12 Welded wheel centers (Late) E2 12 Welded wheels (Late) F1 48 Fenders and details F2 6 Engine deck - squared off F3 9 Optional KV parts G 78 Cast wheels (Late) H 19 152mm KV barrel and details J 30 Welded wheels (early) K 22 KV "Big Turret" turret and details L 25 KV-2 turret details and race P 18 KV-1 Simplified Turret base and details Q 5 Engine deck - rounded R 4 Lightweight Cast Turret S 2 Lights (clear) T 28 Link and length tracks 18 Clear vinyl wheel keepers (cast wheel versions only) Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 7, 2006) Book Review: High Speed Tractor: A Visual History of the U. S. Army's Tracked Artillery Prime Movers by David Doyle and Pat Stansell; Ampersand Publishing, Del Ray Beach, Florida 2006; 112 pp.; Price about US $18 (ISBN 0-9773781-0-1) Advantages: first, good clear reference work on the American tracked gun tractors and prime movers from WWII and Korea, only reference on some of them. Disadvantages: no plans provided Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all WWII and Korean war American Army and Army Air Forces fans When it comes to tracked vehicles, most of the glory goes to tanks, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and self-propelled guns with a few nods to recovery vehicles. But few reference works, and even fewer kits, honor the unsung "heroes" of tracked vehicles: the unarmored gun tractors and prime movers that lugged just about everything else. Some vehicles, like the M4 18-ton High Speed Tractor, gained popularity back in the 1950s when Revell put out a model of the 155mm M2 "Long Tom" gun with the tractor and a crew of figures, and this neat looking vehicle first became known to modelers. Later Aurora put out a model of the postwar M8A1 with all kinds of moving parts and a choice of either the tractor alone, the tractor with an M2 155mm gun, or an M115 8" howitzer in 1/48 scale. Nitto of Japan later essentially copied this vehicle in 1/35 scale and those molds continue to migrate to the present day. Other companies, such as Monogram and Lindberg, provided copies in 1/48 scale of the diminutive Cletrac M2 7-ton tractor with their B-24 and Snark kits respectively. But no references existed for any of these models. Ampersand has now continued its great series of focused books looking at US vehicles with one covering the five primary series of high-speed tractors and prime movers that were placed in production between 1940 and 1956. All of these vehicles had relatively long lives by military standards and as such are both important and of interest to modelers. Written by David Doyle, contributing author from Military Vehicles Magazine, and Pat Stansell of Ampersand, the book follows the past format of presenting new, large, clear photos of the vehicles, based on both contemporary sources and restored vehicles.  A short history of the vehicles under their ordnance G numbers is provided at the front of the book. This gives a thumbnail description of the developmental history of the vehicle and its background, as well as production runs and variants. Photos of some of the prototypes are also included. The section on G-096, the M2 7-Ton High Speed Tractor, covers the Cletrac vehicle which was found wanting by the Army Ground Forces, but was the perfect airfield servicing and towing vehicle for the USAAC (and later the USAAF and USAF) due to its dependability, power, tractive force. and a powerful two-cylinder air compressor mounted at the rear of the chassis. Over 8,500 were built and these served into the 1960s with the USAF as a prime mover and airfield "hack." The book dedicates 21 pages to this vehicle, and any aircraft modeler who wants to do theirs up right should take a look at the book to see what it really entails. (It always struck me as silly for some aircraft modelers to spend dozens of hours detailing wheel wells and then stick a seven part Cletrac on the same base with no added details!) The section on G-150, the M4 18-Ton High Speed Tractor, covers the Allis-Chalmers built gun tractor which the US Army used in two variants. Type A carried a rectangular chest at the rear of the hull for 90mm AA or 3 inch antitank gun ammunition, and Type B had a bulged chest with an open top which could be fitted with variable plates for carrying either 155mm, 8", or 240mm ammunition and propellent, and was fitted with a small crane and hoist to handle that. The book provides 25 pages of coverage of both variants, and gives plenty of detail coverage to them. The section on G-162, the M5 13-Ton High Speed Tractor family, covers one of the lesser known but still widely used prime movers used by US Army Field Artillery - it was the prime mover for the 155mm M114 towed howitzer late into the 1950s. Built by IHC, the vehicle used a suspension based on that of the M3/M5 light tanks but modified to provide more suitable performance when towing heavy loads. The book allocates 26 pages of coverage to all four major versions of this tractor - M5, M5A1, M5A2 and M5A3. The section on G-184, the M6 38-Ton High Speed Tractor, covers another lesser known but still highly important vehicles used during WWII. Designed again by Allis-Chalmers, the M6 looked like an M4 HST on steroids with a longer wheelbase and wider hull, and was designed to tow either the barrel and carriage sections of either the 240mm howitzer or 8" guns, as well as other sectional weapons. While it appeared to use parts from the M4 medium tank series, it did not and this book puts any allegations to that effect to rest. While over 1200 were built, it still is among the most elusive of American HSTs to discover, and happily the book provides some 24 pages of detailed coverage (including following the 1,235th and last one being built.) The last section of the book covers the G-262 M8 High Speed Tractor family. Built during the 1950s using the common M24/M41 light tank parts then being used on all sorts of Army vehicles and prototypes, the M8 was originally planned to combine the functions and replace the first four series of vehicles. Later, the M8A1 with swing-out platform for a generator set was accepted for service with the M51 75mm "Skysweeperer" radar directed antiaircraft gun. But when that system was scrapped in favor of the Nike-Ajax missile system, the systems were either allocated out to other units or rebuilt as prime movers. Over 480 were built, and the book does present some of the uses for them, mostly as prime movers and cargo transports in Alaska. This covers the last 12 pages of the book. Overall this is a great reference, and for example, the section on the M4 provides more information of use to modelers than the FM for the vehicle does, and that alone costs more than three times the price of this handy little volume. Thanks to Gene Bagnoli for the review copy. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on May 5, 2006) Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 Scale Kit No. 00311; Russia KV "Big Turret"; 286 parts (281 in grey styrene, 2 vinyl track runs, 2 clear styrene, 1 twisted copper wire); Price US $24.95. Advantages: First correct model of this early Soviet tank; choice of either styrene or vinyl track will be popular with many modelers; very thorough job of research appears obvious with moldings. Disadvantages: some ejection pin marks on the "hard" plastic tracks will be annoying to remove; odd gun barrel does not match production photos. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: For all Soviet armor fans. F I R S T L O O K Trumpeter adds another kit to its KV family with one of the most obscure and poorly identified variants of the tank built. The KV with a 152mm howitzer was an assault tank offshoot of the KV heavy tank, and it was first proposed in the fall of 1939. When the war with Finland broke out ("The Winter War") the U-0 prototype of the KV was rushed to Karelia, but did not do well. In February 1940 prototype U-0 went back to Finland along with the U-1 and U-2 tanks; U-0 and U-2 sported the new large turret with a 152mm M-10 howitzer, and U-1 mounted the U-0 turret. Later, prototype U-3, also with an M-10, joined them. But by then Finnish resistance had been broken. During testing of the tanks against obstacles and live fire testing, the KV was noted as an excellent bunker buster, as the Finns did not have an antitank gun capable of piercing its thick armor. Shortly after the KV was accepted for production, LKZ began work on producing two versions of the tank. The basic model was dubbed "KV s maloy bashni" or "Small Turret" and would mount a 76mm L-11 gun. The other, a fire support variant dubbed "KV s bolshoy bashni" or "Big Turret," carried a 152mm M-10 howitzer as tested in Finland. These had an ungainly high turret with massive cast mounting for the M-10 designated the MT-1 mount, which for all practical purposes appeared based on a naval gun turret. The M-10 fired an 88-pound HE shell that could crush any battlefield target, and was felt to be a perfect breakthrough weapon. In September 1940, after 24 KV "Big Turret" tanks had been built, a new design turret was produced and used from that point on. This was initially called the "Lowered Big Turret" but eventually in January 1941 the term KV-2 was standardized for all of the 152mm armed tanks. It is hard to note the point where the KV "Small Turret" and KV "Big Turret" morphed into the KV-1 and KV-2 respectively, but it would appear that it happened in early 1941. Soviet records indicate the change was made when the tanks began to appear with bow DT machine guns. The KV "Small Turret" was now identified as the KV-1 with the addition of a bow machine gun vice the earlier pistol port. The KV "Big Turret" and KV "Lowered Big Turret" tanks can clearly be seen with simple pistol port plugs, and the KV-2 sports both the bow machine gun and the rear turret machine gun as well. The early KV "Big Turret" tanks did not fare well on the battlefield, and it appears that most of them (19) went to the Baltic Special Military District with four to the Kiev Special Military District and one to the Caucasus Military District. Most of the photos of abandoned or knocked-out ones appear to be those in the Baltic area. None are known to survive today. Trumpeter's kit follows the same pattern as its previous KV releases, and it is very nicely done. It uses"slide molding" or using multipart molds to create such things as hollow molded exhausts and inner fender details on the mudguards. It remains reasonably priced, which in a day of $50 plus kits is a true bargain. The pattern of this kit follows all previous releases. The hull is molded in three basic parts - a central form and two applique sides, which is unique. The central hull shows a dip on the sides at the rear, so one can bet that either an SU-152, KV-1s or KV-85 will follow later on (there are at least five different KV kits out at the present and more announced.) The side applique parts are squared off to replicate the early hull. Unlike the KV-2, which only included the late production "humped" upper rear plate that was used from July 1941 onward, the KV "Big Turret" comes with the correct early model engine deck rear section (part K-7). This is the correct one for this tank, as well as at least 85% of the KV-2 tanks. All of the jounce stops are separate and correct, and the road wheel arms are each made up in two parts (there are two different grease caps, so make sure you do not get them confused.) The wheels are the correct early style, but the vinyl "keepers" from the KV-2 kit have been dropped. The drivers have both interior and exterior bolt details, as well as the correct mud scraper. The separate track is well done, as it "link and length" with a pre-cast "droop" in the upper runs. As noted, there are two or four injection pin marks on each link, even the long runs, and while cleanup will be tedious it doesn't seem as bad as many other single-link sets. But even the vinyl "one piece" set is not bad, so many modelers will be happy to use them. The hull details are all separate, including separate front and rear hull roof sections and fenders. While the fenders come with the track slap deflectors on the bottom (!) note that the actual fenders came in three sections, joined at the second and fourth braces on the sides. A choice of early or late model viewer covers is included (this one takes the earlier models and not the late ones used on the Model 1942). The turret is a new molding - which seems to be the differentiating factor in the other two new releases (the "Light" and "Heavy" cast turrets from late 1941-1942) with the main section in two parts with a separate roof and mantelet mounting. The massive MT-1 mount is very nicely done, and due to the way Trumpeter broke down the parts it does not need to use "slide molding." The kit retains the bizarre three-section gun barrel from the KV-2 kit, and I have searched every one of my references and have yet to find this item on any of the KV "Big Turret" tanks. The only deviation from a straight gun barrel was the first prototype turret mounted on tank U-0 which had a "Rube Goldberg" contraption that swung an armored cover over the muzzle of the weapon when not firing to prevent enemy troops from shooting down the barrel and denotating the round in the breech. All of the photos clearly show a smooth barrel and not sectional, even though the blueprints clearly call for one! I suggest replacing it with a Jordi Rubio or similar turned metal tube. Only one finishing option is provided - an unidentified tank bearing either the logo "Bey Fashistov!" (Fight the Fascists), "Bey Fashistskuyu Gadinu!" (Fight the Fascist Reptiles!) or "Nami" (Ours). But again I have no photos of any KV "Big Turret" with these slogans, only KV-1 Model 1941 tanks with the F-32 gun. The sheet does throw in some red stars as well. Overall this is one of the most accurate kits from Trumpeter yet, and they just keep getting better and better. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on April 26, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7291; Sd.Kfz. 186 Jagdtiger Porsche Production with Zimmerit; 145 parts (123 in grey styrene, 20 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic tracks); Retail price US $11.98. Advantages: improved version of original kit; zimmerit added and appears close to correct application. Disadvantages: directions still basically confusing and "stick here" with parts already installed. Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all late war German fans DML has now released the fourth of their German armored vehicle kits with the "zimmerit" anti-magnetic-mine paste pre-installed via molding the parts with the paste texture in situ. This has been well received as many modelers have hated the tedious and sometimes messy procedure of installing it on a normal kit. Like many "re-dos" of early DML 1/72 scale armor, this one has a styrene hull. The kit is very neatly done and clean, with separate suspension bogies provided for the eight road wheels on each side of the hull. There is an engine deck underlay with separate manifold section and an optional position hatch, and grilles are included for the six deck openings, a feature which now seems to be a DML hallmark in this scale. While the aforementioned radio operator's hatch is separate, most of the rest are not and only a flap is provided for the commander. Someone must have felt tow shackles are a problem as the kit comes with 12 of them! Most of the rest of the details are straightforward. Using their new sliding molds, DML have once again provided a 12.8 cm barrel with its muzzle already open to a depth of a few millimeters, a very nice touch and one that with some careful use of a "Flexi-File" will obviate te need to replace the barrel. Again, the sprues share some parts with the Tiger II Ausf. B kits such as the sprue with the 8.8 cm barrel and 12.8 cm barrel side by side. The single-section tracks are well done, but are now DS plastic vice the original vinyl and can be assembled with normal styrene cements. The main new points in the kit are the seven remolded parts with "zimmerit" texture - the upper hull, lower glacis applique, bow machine gun mount, rear plate, and side skirts. The hull paste only goes about 2/3 of the way up the side of the casemate; with the one photo I have of one of the two Porsche Jagdtigers built this is about 1/3 too far, and the upper section will have to be sanded down to get it to the right height. The model comes with six different coloring and marking recommendations - most for s.Pz.Jg.Abt 653 in 1945, but as my references only show two were built this must be just the same ones with new paint. Overall this is a nice idea and well executed, and as many have noted in the past it's easier to strip off detail you don't want than add what you do want. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7265; Sd.Kfz. 251/7 Ausf. C; 173 parts (144 in grey styrene, 27 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic tracks); Retail price US $11.98. Advantages: another variant on the 251 C model hull; very nice additions to the kit to make it more flexible. Disadvantage: bridges appear pantographed down from 1/35 scale kit, may be too narrow; many very tiny (RP) parts. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and "picks and shovels" modelers. F I R S T L O O K DML is continuing to parallel its 1/35 scale releases with matching 1/72 ones, and now the C model German halftrack configured as an engineer variant has followed its "big brother." They have added two sprues of nine parts each to provide for the trackwidth treadway bridges, and also give a new set of photoetched parts in the box to improve some details. The lower hull is a single piece pan, less the rear area, and the axles are molded on the lower hull. The running gear for each side consists of a rear (inside) wheel section, a center wheel section, three outer road wheels, and drivers. Once installed the connectors between the individual wheels on the inside and the center are not visible, so it helps speed up assembly while making it easier to get things aligned. Tracks are the gluable DS plastic, so you can also get them to settle down on top of the road wheels with some care. The model comes with simplified (well, compared to the 1/35 version) interior fittings but they are quite tiny (right puny) as noted and will require a good deal of care. Interior bits include the various control levers, rifles, MP submachine guns, and other items. The hinge mechanisms for the doors are single pieces, but are non-operating types. They cement to the lower rear section, as the upper hull has the rear angular parts of the hull attached to it. The four front viewers are separate parts and can be cemented either open or closed as well, as is the hood assembly with two flaps. No engine or interior is provided for the engine bay. The fenders are one-piece units, but the stowage bins are only offered as closed parts. The front MG 34 shield is offered as either a single piece of styrene or a three-piece etched brass option. Other RP parts include the "Notek" headlight and mount and the drum magazines for the two MG 34 machine guns. The weapons appear to be very close to scale, something I don't recall from other manufacturers in the past! The seats are left out of the base kit and new seats on the E sprues are used instead, as well as bins for engineer kit (e.g. tools, blasting supplies, etc.) However, no filler is provided so the modeler is on his own to load them up. The kit comes with two of the treadway bridges used by German engineers and which mark the unique silhouette of the "Stroke Seven" models. Comments on the internet indicate that the 1/35 scale ones were too long and too narrow, and it appears the same proportions were used on this kit. However, they do look the part and if installed their shortcomings should not be too apparent. Etched brass parts now include optional seatbacks for the driver and commander, MG 34 gun shield, license plate holders, turn signals, and troop seat mounts. The kit comes with a generic license plate decal sheet and a specific one for three different vehicles: one for "Barbarossa" 1941 in Panzergrau, one from the Eastern Front in 1942 in whitewash, and one from Kursk 1943 in Panzerbraun with green camouflage. Overall these have been nice kits and well received, and even if the bridges are not "spot on" it looks the part. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6291; Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. C; 1,160 parts (646 in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links, 180 etched brass, 35 clear styrene, 6 preformed steel wire, 2 turned brass, 1 turned aluminum, 2 twisted steel wire); Price estimated at US $41.50. Advantages: with this variant DML has now done all but the Ausf. A variant of the famous Mark IV series of tanks; another rarely modeled early war Panzer; details both inside and out on most parts, including the fenders; new parts for specific model. Disadvantages: confusing number of early Mark IV variants may glut the market. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all early war German fans. F I R S T L O O K With this kit, DML will have now offered all of the versions of the Panzerkampfwagen IV series of tanks with the exception of the progenitor, the Ausf. A. The Pzkw. IV Ausf. C (also called the 3 serie Begleitwagen [BW] Sd.Kfz. 161) was in production from September 1938 to August 1939 and saw 134 of an originally planned 300 built. It again improved over the Ausf. B with new motor mounts, an improved turret race, a new gun mantelet, and an armored sleeve for the coaxial machine gun. After the first 40 were built the carburetor was changed to improve engine performance. Starting in 1940, some of the tanks also received applique armor on their hull and superstructure sides. As it was the first version to see production of more than 100 vehicles, it saw a change in the TO&E structure of four to six Pzkw. IV in light tank companies and 14 vehicles in medium tank companies. The Ausf. C remained in service through 1943, but in steadily decreasing numbers due to attrition. This kit uses most of the new parts creatred for the Ausf. D kit and the cyber-hobby.com Ausf. B "boutique" kit. In regard to the latter, it uses nearly all of the new sprues and only changes a few of the parts out, namely the mantelet and associated parts (Sprue Y). As with the Ausf. B kit, 59 parts are completely new, mostly dealing with the specific features found on the Pzkw. IV Ausf. B and C that differ from the previous D model kits. This concentrates on the turret and the front section of the upper hull. A new upper hull with the one-piece hatches and straight upper glacis plate is provided, along with the internal mantelet gun mount and fittings for the turret. The rest of the model is identical to the B kit. As before, the model has a wealth of detail. A pretty substantial basic turret interior and basket are included, and all hatches are separate pieces with interior detailing. The cupola now consists of an amazing 30 parts with options to display the visors either open or closed, as well as the hatches open or closed. All small details such as pistol ports and access hatches are separate and may be assembled open or closed. As is now pretty common on DML kits, you have a choice of a "slide molded" styrene barrel or a turned aluminum one. Both appear to come with rifling. The running gear is no less detailed. For example, the drivers assemble nearly in the same manner as the original: core sections, toothed rings with 12 separate bolts each, and caps and spindles - each one requires 31 parts and a LOT of patience. Bogie assemblies still consist of 18 parts each. The same "Magic Track" with 144 links per side of snap-together tracks are provided, but as I noted with that kit they are "handed" with the pin heads on the inside and the "keepers" on the outside. They are bagged separately but you will have to use a magnifier to tell which side is which. A jig for setting "droop" is also included. One-piece "slide molded" idlers are again included, as well as the normal two-piece kind. Only a single hull is provided, which is correct; the B did not have any options as built. The drivers appear to me at first glance to be about the right height - e.g. the sprocket faces (not the tops of the teeth) look to be level with the tops of the return rollers. As with nearly all DML kits, you have the option of using styrene parts for all assemblies or replacing many of them with etched brass. The main ones where most modelers will probably opt for the latter are the louvers and slats on the rear engine deck, which replicate the earlier pattern of the B with a choice of either styrene or etched brass for the "blades" in the side louvers. A total of six different vehicles are offered in the finishing instructions. Your choices are: 6th Company, Pz.Rgt. 31, 5th Panzer Division, France 1940 (gray); 4th Company, Pz.Rgt. 1, 1st Panzer Division, France 1940 (gray); 6th Company, Pz.Rgt. 11, 6th Panzer Division, France 1940 (gray); 8th Company, Pz.Rgt. 10, 8th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1941 (gray); Pz.Rgt. 22, 21st Panzer Divison, Normandy 1944 (green stripes over Panzerbraun); and Pz.Rgt. 22, 21st Panzer Division, Normandy 1944 (Panzerbraun). This is a "targeted" decal sheet so the numbers all come preformatted, and no "number jungle" is provided with the kit. Overall this is another lovely kit, but it may prove confusing with the profusion of kits offered (B, C, D, and two Es). Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back April 14, 2006 (Originally written on April 13, 2006) Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 Scale Kit Number 06 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series No. 6297); Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. B. 1,255 parts (747 in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links, 180 etched brass, 29 clear styrene, 6 preformed steel wire, 2 turned brass, 1 turned aluminum, 2 twisted steel wire). Price estimated at US $45. Advantages: still another variant of a rarely modeled early war Panzer; details both inside and out on most parts, including the fenders; new parts for specific model. Disadvantages: relatively low distribution planned ("boutique" kit). Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all early war German fans. F I R S T   L O O K DML was originally formed as an offshoot of a Hong Kong hobby shop to provide kits that nobody else was producing. They have now spun off cyber-hobby.com as a subsidiary to produce what would have to termed "boutique" kits - ones without a great deal of draw overall but of interest to a select group of modelers, and one which fills a niche in many of the better collections. This is the latest kit in their series, which is why it sports two different kit numbers (06 and 6297.) The Pzkw. IV Ausf. B (also called the 2 serie Begleitwagen [BW] Sd.Kfz. 161) was in production from April to September 1938. and only a relative handful were produced - 42. It made a number of improvements to the Ausf. A, namely adding a new six-speed transmission, heavier frontal armor (30mm), one-piece hatches for the driver and radio operator/bow gunner, and a straight, single-piece upper glacis. Numbers were too small to have any major impact on German forces or tactics, but they did continue in service until about 1943 when attrition and being worn out basically removed them from the inventory. This kit basically plays off the latest version of the Pzkw. IV, the Ausf. D kit, and makes corresponding changes to the hull and details. 59 parts are completely new, mostly dealing with the specific features found on the Pzkw. IV Ausf. B that differ from the previous D model kits. This concentrates on the turret and the front section of the upper hull. A new upper hull with the one-piece hatches and straight upper glacis plate is provided, along with the internal mantelet gun mount and fittings for the turret. The rest of the model is similar to the D kit. As before, the model has a wealth of detail. A pretty substantial basic turret interior and basket are included, and all hatches are separate pieces with interior detailing. The cupola now consists of an amazing 30 parts with options to display the visors either open or closed, as well as the hatches open or closed. All small details such as pistol ports and access hatches are separate and may be assembled open or closed. As is now pretty common on DML kits, you have a choice of a "slide molded" styrene barrel or a turned aluminum one. Both appear to come with rifling. The running gear is no less detailed. For example, the drivers assemble nearly in the same manner as the original: core sections, toothed rings with 12 separate bolts each, and caps and spindles - each one requires 31 parts and a LOT of patience. Bogie assemblies still consist of 18 parts each. The same "Magic Track" with 144 links per side of snap-together tracks are provided, but as I noted with that kit they are "handed" with the pin heads on the inside and the "keepers" on the outside. They are bagged separately but you will have to use a magnifier to tell which side is which.  A jig for setting "droop" is also included. One-piece "slide molded" idlers are again included, as well as the normal two-piece kind. Only a single hull is provided, which is correct; the B did not have any options as built. The drivers appear to me at first glance to be about the right height - e.g. the sprocket faces (not the tops of the teeth) look to be level with the tops of the return rollers. As with nearly all DML kits, you have the option of using styrene parts for all assemblies or replacing many of them with etched brass. The main ones where most modelers will probably opt for the latter are the louvers and slats on the rear engine deck, which replicate the earlier pattern of the B with a choice of either styrene or etched brass for the "blades" in the side louvers. As there is only one version of this kit, the typically busy DML directions are not as confusing as those with the "three in one" kit of the D. A total of four different vehicles - all in Panzergrau with no camouflage illustrated - are offered in the finishing instructions. Your choices are either the 8th Company, 1st Panzer Regiment, 1st Panzer Division, Poland 1939; 4th Company, 1st Panzer Regiment, 1st Panzer Division, France 1940; 6th Company, 19th Panzer Regiment, 12th Panzer Division, Russia 1942; or 6th Company, 3rd Panzer Regiment, 2nd Panzer Division, the Balkans 1941. This is a "targeted" decal sheet so the numbers all come preformatted, and no "number jungle" is provided with the kit. Overall this is another lovely kit, but as noted it is the "boutique" version and Panzer IV fans who want one will have to scramble. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.   Cookie Sewel Back (Originally written on April 7, 2006) Book Review: Organization and Markings of United States Armored Units, 1918-1941 by Charles Lemons; Schiffer Military History, Atglen, PA, 2004. 231 pp. with charts and illustrations. Retail price US $59.95. (ISBN 0-7643-2098-X). Advantages: First - and only - book on this subject; covers a wealth of material, presenting a wide variety of fresh photographs and data on US armored vehicles between 1918 and 1941; charts and serial numbers a boon to modelers. Disadvantages: some of the markings data done in a poor graphics format, with the result that color plates are "pixilated" and ragged. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all armor historians and especially US Army fans and modelers. Books on aircraft markings are very popular, and quite prolific; after all, aircraft seem to have been among the most colorful of all of the military machinery during the 20th Century. Some books also cover ships, but few books have seriously paid attention to armored vehicles, and fewer still to American armor. The reasons are relatively simple to understand. Most US Army vehicles were simply painted olive drab - either gloss, semi-gloss, or flat - up until 1975, when the MERDC four-color camouflage schemes were introduced to the tactical Army. As such, they were generally considered "dull" and thus ignored. Up until recently, even most model kits of American armored vehicles only had partial decal sheets as nobody had done much research into how, or why, they had specific markings applied. Part of the reason for that is that the Army was thought to usually just provided casual guidelines on what markings were to go on the vehicle, where they went, and what data was essential. When I was a tactical platoon sergeant at Fort Riley, Kansas, in 1975, we had to provide each vehicle with a serial number, white stars, major unit markings ("bumper codes"), specific unit markings, specific vehicle numbers, and safe stenciling (e.g. "Do not fill at more than 28 gal per minute" over the gas cap and "MAX 50 PSI" on the wheel wells over the tires). We had some regs that provided overall schemes - for example, TB 43-0209 dated October 1976, which covers the MERDC schemes and where the patterns are supposed to go on specific items of equipment as well as placement of codes. But like many units, we deviated from the "norms" and followed local patterns. These did not spring up from whole cloth in 1976, for in actuality the Army had been using specific instructions and codes since it began forming armored units in 1918. This excellent new work, which has only received minor notice in the modeling community, answers many of the pre-WWII questions about how the codes and markings developed prior to 1941. The author, Charles Lemons, is well qualified to cite these instructions and codes: he is the curator of the famous Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the current home of United States Army Armor. This book covers the first 23 years of armored vehicle use in American service. But in the very beginning, since both of the major US allies in WWII, England and France, had been using tanks since 1916, they had their own conventions and thus the Americans used their respective schemes on their respective tanks. British tanks used the British pattern of markings and colors - khaki with white/red/white stripes, and French tanks used their camouflage with their system of identification - colored playing card symbols. Over the years, systems became standardized, such as light tank companies, National Guard tank companies,  in the US from 1921 to 1935. As things began to evolved, tank battalions came back into being in 1932 as well as regiments. But due to a disconnect in thinking, the US Army had two kinds of tank units: "Infantry" - tanks to support infantry, similar to the Soviet concept of "escort tanks", and "Cavalry" - tanks used to carry out tank warfare, similar in concept to the Soviet "fast tanks." As the US Army finally began creating its own unique tanks in 1936, the organization evolved still further, and while still designated as "infantry" or "cavalry" regiments, the units began to evolve. Finally, in 1940 the US Army created a true armor branch, and the first two armored divisions, the 1st and 2nd, were created. Their regiments were finally designated as "armored regiments" and no longer infantry. Two more divisions, the 3rd and 4th, were added in 1941. Each one had two full-strength armored regiments and one armored infantry regiment; the concept of a third armor regiment (based on the old "square" division concept of four regiments in two brigades forming an infantry division) was abandoned at that time. Also covered is the evolution of United States Marine Corps armor, but it would take WWII and the campaigns in the Pacific before the full concept of Marine tank battalions would emerge. Still, Charles covers their nascent beginnings with Marmon-Herrington light tanks and US Army "hand-me-downs." The book includes a listing of all of the changes and documents covering the organization and issue of armored vehicles, the lineage and history of the first armored units, and as a boon to modelers, the colors used and their closest modern FS595a equivalent numbers. The book has over 200 good, clear photos of US Army tanks and armored vehicles, plus such oddities as the tank transporters used in the 1920s and 1930s, and shows how the markings were used and applied. There are also a tremendous number of color plates and charts showing how the colors were used for markings by unit and date. Unfortunately, some were done using a second-rate graphics program and what is termed "pixelization" is an annoyance, but that appears to be a lick at the publisher and not the author. The colors are clear, however, and since most people who read books like this know what a "star in the circle" looks like it should not be a major distraction. Overall this book is an essential shelf reference for any American armor fan, and most modelers should have a copy as well. Up until now the best overall book on WWII US Army markings has been one printed in French over 20 years ago in Luxembourg. Having seen this great effort, I hope that Charles has a "Volume 2" on WWII US armor planned! Cookie Sewell. Back (Originally written on April 7, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7252; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther G Early Production with Zimmerit. 178 parts (145 parts in grey styrene, 20 etched brass, 2 "DS" tan plastic track sections , 1 section of twisted steel wire). Price estimated as US $11.95. Advantages: Very neatly done common zimmerit pattern on the right parts; optional etched brass parts; styrene hull! Disadvantages: etched brass parts redefine "right puny." Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German fans, especially those who hate putting on zimmerit. This is the third major 1/72 scale kit in which DML has done the dirty work for the German armor fan, namely molded the "Zimmerit" paste right onto the model. This is a great idea, and I for one am glad to see DML continue its series. The model represents an "early production" Panther, which translates as the rounded mantelet and no "chin" and the low fan tower on the engine deck. (The tall one is included, so one could make a change if desired.) The nicest thing here is that six parts - upper hull, lower glacis, stern plate with stowage bins, mantelet, turret, turret rear plate and bow machine gun mount - all come pre-engraved with a rather standard pattern of "zimmerit" paste on them, which many modelers will appreciate, especially in this scale. All sides required to carry zimmerit do as DML has used its "slide molding" technique to replicate it, and this shows to good advantage on the one-piece stern plate with stowage bins. The rest of the kit is similar to the original one but replaces the "heft" hull made of white metal with a normal styrene one, so normal kit assembly can take place. Lots of extra parts come with it, as this kit provides sprues from the Jagdpanther kits with their gun barrels and other optional accessories. The directions are somewhat spare but there seems to be an assumption that anyone building this kit knows what a Panther looks like, and what "interleaved" road wheels are and how they work. At least the original black vinyl tracks have been replaced by "DS" plastic ones that may be glued down to the road wheels, if the modeler does not use the extra skirts instead. The modeler has all of grille screens for the engine deck provided from etched brass, and also two one-piece spare track hangers for the rear sides of the hull. DML appears to assume you will use them, for no plastic parts are provided as an option. Four finishing options are provided: Pz.Rgt. 27, 19th Panzer Division, Warsaw 1944; 3./Pz.Rgt. 12, 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjungen", Ardennes 1944; Pz.Abt. 1, Pz.Rgt. 1, 1st SS Panzer Division "Liebstandart Adolf Hitler", Normandy 1944; and Fallschirmjaeger-Panzer Division "Hermann Goering", East Prussia 1945. Note that in the case of the SS divisions DML leaves out their full titles. Overall this is a very nice little kit and the inclusion of zimmerit is a real plus. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on April 7, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Premium Edition Figure Sets: Kit No. 6304; Panzergrenadier Division "Grossdeutschland" Karachev 1943 - Premium Edition. 299 parts (247 parts in grey styrene, 48 parts in etched brass, 4 heads in "DS" plastic). Estimated retail price US $11.95. Kit No. 6305; German Panzergrenadiers Kharkov 1943 - Premium Edition. 311 parts (259 parts in grey styrene, 48 parts in etched brass, 4 heads in "DS" plastic). Estimated retail price US $11.95. Advantages: takes an older figure set and brings it up to date; many spare and replacement parts. Disadvantages: positions somewhat static compared to recent releases; only a set of extra heads provided, not arms or hands. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and Diorama Fans. DML is now re-releasing some of their earlier figure sets as "Premium Editions" which add a good deal of new kit, produced with their "slide molding" technique, and a selection of DML's new "standard"sprues. They also provide four new heads per kit. The kits each consist of their original kit main sprue with four figures on it as well as their basic kit: canteens, bread bags, gas masks, bayonets, and helmets. But now each kit also includes the "standard" GA and GB sprues. GA provides mess kits, canteens, entrenching tools and bayonets that are far more detailed (i.e. helmets with interiors, the canteen cup is separate, the gas mask canisters have three pieces, etc.) and contemporary. The GB sprue provides all sorts of magazine pouches, bread bags, and holsters, both open and closed. The new GC sprue which appears in kit #6304 in full and partially in #6305 consists of three sub-sprues with pistols, magazines, grenades, and entrenching tools to include one out of its holder. The pistols provided are two flare pistols (one closed, one broken open for loading), a Psc pistol, a P.38, and a P.08 Luger. Grenades include eight "potato mashers" and six "egg" type. The weapons sprues are also standardized. WA provides two Kar 98 rifles with six clips and a choice of open or closed bolt. WB comes with two MP-40s, one MP-44 and one Gewehr 41 self-loading rifle. WC is the standard machine gun sprue, and in the case of kit #6305 comes with one MG-42. The heads in both kits are different, with the ones from Kharkov having one with a wrapped scarf covering a soft cap, one bare headed, and two that need headgear. The ones in the Karachev kit are two bare heads and two for helmets. Sculpting is much better than the early faces, and the use of "DS" plastic means they can be cemented to the bodies with little difficulty and have much better overall detail. The "standard" German etched brass fret is included, which provides weapons slings, belt buckles, epaulettes, combat badges, and medals as well as helmet straps. Only the original kit arms and legs are included, so the one thing the modeler does not have an option on is changing poses or weapons selection for the figures. Nice new color painting sheets, based on the Ron Volstad artwork, are included for each kit. Overall these are nice kits, upgrading older DML kits to modern standards, and keeping prices relatively low. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review samples. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on April 6, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6311; Sd.Kfz. 184 Elefant - Premium Edition. 713 parts (335 in grey styrene,  240 "Magic Track" snap-together links, 108 etched brass, 16 clear styrene, 4 white metal shackles, 4 turned aluminum pins, 2 steel pins, 2 lengths of twisted steel wire, 1 turned aluminum barrel, 1 length of brass chain). Estimated retail price about US $45. Advantages: upgrades a popular older DML kit. Disadvantages: if you bought the first one, now you have to make a choice to keep it or get this one. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and "Tiger" fans. Dragon has now turned its attention to upgrading older kits, and one of the first to undergo the "Premium" treatment is their popular kit of the Porsche "Elefant." This kit was a "mystery kit" when first released back in January 2001, and now has been cleaned up and a lot of new bits added to make it better. To cite from my review at that time: The kit is quite different from the old Italeri mold, and the engine deck is very involved and detailed, providing the covered gratings via separate external grilles and an inner former with grillework cut into it. This compares well with the photos of the APG Elefant during its assessment for restoration, which appeared in Museum Ordnance Special Number 4: Elefant Panzerjaeger Tiger (P) by Tom Jentz and Jeff McKaughan. The screening on the cooling vent over the rear electric motors (parts B9, B10, B19 and B20) is solid, however, but as it is joined to the hull at a reverse angle below the rear of the fighting compartment, it shouldn't be a major complaint. (Note that new parts are offered to upgrade this area of the kit on a "Y" sprue today.) The hull comes in a number of pieces - nine, to be exact: hull with sponsons, rear sides, rear plate and bottom rear of hull, bow plate and glacis, rear backing plate to glacis, glacis with ball mount, engine and forward compartment deck, and casemate. All are nicely detailed but smooth (i.e. no zimmerit paste is applied, or simulated by being molded into the plastic.) Parts placement is by small raised lines, which some modelers find annoying.   The suspension is totally new, and each one of the six bogies consists of nine parts, which do not move as the Italeri ones did. Installing the tracks once the wheels are in place is cagey though, as the hull comes with the sponsons molded in place which makes access to the top run difficult. DML recommends installing the tracks before the fenders (parts B1 and B2) but most modelers will probably want to try and avoid this for painting and finishing reasons. If you have problems with this sort of thing, perhaps a set of Fruilmodel tracks would be advisable, as they can be "snaked" through in this situation. (The inclusion of "Magic Tracks" solves this problem, but as with the new Pzkw. IV kits there are "left" and "right" tracks packed in separate bags, so be careful when using them. They are much easier to install after painting than the original kit's tracks.) The kit also includes parts for the 8.8 cm L/71 gun to include a basic mount, recoil cylinders, and guards at the rear of the breech. The gun mount (parts C14 and C15) appears to cement in place, which limits traverse of the weapon once installed, but it would seem from the entirety of the gun mount and its components that it could be left loose to also provide the minimal traverse this big gun had in real life. The mantelet alone comprises five parts, so that the massive bolt heads on the joining plates can be accurately reproduced. (A new turned aluminum barrel and the sprue from the "Tiger I" kit with the muzzle brake section are now included so this can replace the kit's two-piece styrene barrel. Also a new cupola is included on the "Y" sprue with clear plastic vision blocks.) As noted, the model does not come with zimmerit detail embellished on its parts. Some modelers have complained about this, saying that "if it's on the box it should be on the kit", but most German modelers have preferred to do it themselves and "get it right" rather than some of the methods which kit manufacturers have to use. (The kit acknowledges this, and at least does show what areas need zimmerit and where it goes.) A choice of metal or styrene shackles is provided, as well as this time the kit comes with the two tow cables and metal cable for them. The kit also now comes with standard DML German tool sets TA (pioneer tools), TB (jacks and fire extinguishers) and TC (tow cable heads). A choice of five different vehicles is offered: 1./s.Pz.Abt. 653, Italy 1944; s.Pz.Abt. 653, Rome 1944; 1./s.Pz.Abt. 653, Italy 1944; 2./s.Pz.Abt. 653, Poland 1944, and s.Pz.Abt. 614, Poland 1945. All are camouflaged, but the decals include a "number jungle" so different vehicles may be modeled. Overall DML has done a great job of upgrading the original kit, having added another 224 parts to the kit and fixing some of their errors or omissions the first time around. However, those people who bought the kit during its first release and have left it as a "force in being" on their shelves now have to make a choice as to keep it or buy the new one. Many thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell. Back (Originally written on April 6, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6282; Hohenstaufen Division, Normandy 1944 - Gen2. 307 parts (269 in grey styrene, 32 etched brass, 6 in grey DS plastic). Price estimated as US $11.95. Advantages: beautifully sculpted figures with very nice weapons set; excellent choice of options and equipment, stencils for painting cases included. Disadvantages: lots of tiny parts. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German fans. The 9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen" fought on the western front at the end of the war, and was one of the two divisions which Operation "Market Garden" was unlucky enough to enough to encounter at Eindhoven. This new kit from DML (avoiding the "SS" cachet again) presents four figures in camouflage smocks with a selection of weapons, including two Panzerfaust with a choice of "carry"position with folded trigger and sights or "fire" position with the sights open and trigger cocked. Six "DS" plastic helmets with camouflage covers are also included. The Panzerfaust are very nice, with each one coming with four parts - rocket and tube, open sights, closed sights, and an etched brass safety pin. The kit takes pity on most of us with weak eyes and unsteady hands, and provides a good selection of decals for the two Panzerfauste to dress them up. But in a first, DML also includes two different stencils for their packing crates, which the modeler must attach and then use an airbrush to spray the contents label on the case itself. This is a very nice idea, and one that I am surprised took this long for somebody to latch on to! Each figure follows current DML breakdown and has a total of 17 parts to the basic figure: chest (2), legs (2), feet (2), hands (2), head (2), arms (2), skirt (4), and collar (1). Surprisingly, given that the kit comes with a total of eight weapons (2 x Kar 98, 1 x Gewehr 41, 2 x MP-40, 1 x MP-44, and 2 x Panzerfaust (either 60 or 100, I'm not sure)) there are only eight hands and eight arms, so the builder will have to make do with what comes in the kit. A nice set of painting directions from Ron Volsted are included, and they should help get them to look "right." (Note that the collar tabs are "PC" and left blank.) Overall this appears to be another nice offering from DML. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on April 3, 2006) Kit Review: Italeri 1/35 Scale Kit No. 4265; M47 Patton II (also released as Italeri Kit No. 208, Kit No. 265, and Testors/Italeri Kit No. 802) 275 parts (273 in either green or olive drab styrene, 2 in black vinyl). Price, current release about US $38; older kits available at shows for $10-20. Advantages: best kit Italeri ever produced, still state of the art today. Disadvantages: some problems with sink marks, static figure pose. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all US armor modelers, MAP country fans, and even Middle Eastern war fans. The US Army was not well prepared for WWII, and even the much improved M4 Sherman was found to be lacking in many areas of combat capability. In late 1942 efforts began to find a better design of tank that would be able to counter German improvements, and it resulted in the T20 series of prototype tanks. The tanks basically combined Sherman parts on a new, lower chassis with a Ford GAA engine that later found its way into the M4A3 series tanks. The design morphed into the T22 series and finally to the T23, which combined a new electric drive system with a new turret mounting the 76mm M1 gun with much higher velocities than the M3 75mm gun of the Sherman. While 250 T23s were built, and would have become the M27 medium tank, events in Europe showed it would only have been a faster version of the Sherman, and so two new tanks were developed from it, the 34-ton T25 medium and 45-ton T26 heavy tank. The T23E3 had shown the viability of torsion bar suspension on this hull, so it was used on the two new designs. The T25 series did not show much promise, but the T26 did as it now mounted a 90mm gun with relatively heavy armor protection. After some evolution, the T26E3 was adopted as the M26 Pershing, seeing combat at the very end of WWII. The M26 turned out to be an excellent tank with one glaring flaw - it was woefully underpowered. As a result, in late 1945 a modified version of the tank was ordered, the M26E2, which used a new Continental AV-1790 engine of 740 HP and a CD-850 automatic transmission. An improved version, the T40, began testing at APG in August 1949. The major difference between it and the M26E2 was an improved version of the engine and transmission, and a new track tension adjustment roller to reduce the tendency to throw track on rough terrain. The tank now had a totally new back end and engine deck, as the AV-1790 was air cooled and did not have the radiators used by the Ford GAM from the M26. With some modification, the T40 was accepted for service as the M46 Patton in November 1949 (it had been approved pending testing in July 1948.) When the Korean war broke out, the M46 was in production and consideration was made of converting M26s to take the new engine and transmission. Problems that surfaced with both tanks showed a new tank with more modern features was desirable, including a cross-turret stereoscopic rangefinder. Another experimental tank, the T42 with a new 90mm turret on a smaller chassis, was in testing, but based on the exigencies of the time it was decided to mount this turret on an M46A1 chassis to get an interim new tank dubbed M46E1 (the projected final design, the T48, emerged several years later in April 1953.) The interim tank, now designated as the M47, was accepted for service on 1 November 1950. Over the next two years, 8,576 M47 tanks were built. The tank served with the US Army for more than 10 years active and reserve, and was one of the main vehicles to be provided under the Military Assistance Program to NATO and other friendly countries (France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium among others.) It served with Jordan in the Middle East, and also was upgraded in the 1970s with more modern diesel AVDS engines, acquiring an engine deck shape similar to the M48A3 and M60 series. It was also upgunned, some later conversions mounting the L7-based M68 105mm tank gun. The M47 was one of the few tanks to serve in the US Army in only one version and without major changes. But due to its wide distribution under MAP, it can be found in a relatively large number of colorful schemes. Other than the conversions, the only major difference seen on MAP tanks is a set of rain gutters mounted on the side of the turret, used in conjunction with a tarp when the tank is in storage. The Italeri M47 kit came out in the late 1970s, and has been through a number of reissues to include one by Testors in 1979 (which this review is based upon). While it was the only kit that Italeri made based on this chassis, it was also arguably their best kit ever and stands up today as hard to beat. It does suffer a bit from sink marks on heavier moldings, and ejection pin marks as well as a seam clean-up problem along the joint line of the turret, but overall it is a very good kit and shows it. The kit comes with a number of flexible options, one of the more interesting being a basic engine compartment with engine and transmission, and six optional position engine deck grilles to display it. This is a detailer's delight, as the basics are there and one only has to add wires, cables, and some detail painting to make it come to life. The hatches are all separate parts, and little things are also covered. The short-barreled bow machine gun may be left movable, and Italeri has done a reasonably good job of getting it to replicate the casting on the original. The exhausts come with fairly respectable shrouds (one of the problems with the M46 in Korea was that the mufflers would glow cherry red at night, attracting Communist artillery fire) and have hollow-molded pipes. Fender skirts are included, and the stowage bins all have separate locking handles. Only the OVM (pioneer tools) look a bit wimpy, and a diehard detail fan may want to replace them. The turret is pretty well done, and captures the shape of the T42 turret. The mantelet needs some careful cleanup. The M3A1 90mm gun includes a basic breech end with crew guards, and to cover the different periods in the life of the M47 three different muzzle brakes are included - cylindrical, flared, and T-shaped. The M2HB machine gun was good for the 1970s, but today modelers may want to replace it with one from the Academy US Machine Gun Set. The running gear is nicely reproduced, with the correct shapes and pin heads, and unlike many other Italeri kits the vinyl T84 style tracks (23" with rubber chevron blocks) are among the most flexible of Italeri's tracks due to their relatively faithful representation of the originals - each block is joined to its neighbor by a center guide and two end connectors, with daylight visible between each block. (These tracks are also quite useful for conversions, as they are easy to join together by simply inserting brass wire pins through the end connectors into the blocks, but that's another story...) Since the M47 used "live" track, there is no real reason to replace these tracks with single-link types. A single infantry figure is included, but he reflects the style of the early 1970s and is somewhat static in pose. While better than contemporary Tamiya figures, he isn't up to today's standards. Four different finishing options are included, but Italeri didn't do a good job on the decals the first time around and hasn't gotten any better. They cover a tank from the 143rd Tank Battalion (no bumper codes or unit codes included), one from the 2nd Panzergrenadier Division of the Bundeswehr (no unit codes), one from the Italian "Ariete" division, and one from the French 1st DB. The latter two, based on photographs, also appear short on markings. Overall, this is a great kit and a fun build, and one that can be built pretty much right out of the box less the decal shortcomings. Cookie Sewell Back Saturday, April 1, 2006 (Originally written on March 23, 2006) Accessory Review: Armorscale 1/35 Scale Armor Accessories  Kit number A35-007: 76.2 cm US M1 (Sherman) ammo. 24 pieces in turned brass. Price US $13.00. Kit number R35-001: Russian T-34/76 Large Rear Fuel Tanks. 52 parts (30 in etched nickel, 22 in grey resin). Price US $8.00 Kit number S35-001: US Antenna Mount (SRC 610 radio). 3 parts in turned brass. Price US $4.00. Advantages: well done and executed parts, good clear directions. Disadvantages: "new kid in town" may not be well known yet. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all armor fans looking for some upgrades. New companies are coming on line all the time, and this one, Armorscale, is a relative newcomer out of Poland. Currently their range covers over 90 different items in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35 scales, and more items are coming. The three items reviewed here are typical of their range in 1/35; I have not seen the 1/72 and 1/48 scale offerings, but the 1/35 ones are very nice and relatively inexpensive for what the modeler gets. First off is the 76mm ammo for the late model Sherman with the M1 series of guns. The kit offers 12 two piece rounds for the gun - projo and casing - and provides for four each of the three main types: HE-FRAG, AP, and APCBC. Detailed color painting instructions are provided, and they will really set off a diorama of "bombing up" a Sherman. (Note that the original rounds were unitary, so they have to be assembled for use!) Second is a pair of the rear fender polygonal fuel tanks from the late Model 1941 and most Model 1942 T-34 tanks with 76mm guns. The kit offers two exquisitely molded tanks in resin – the seams are wafer-thin but present on both tanks with no nicks or chips, and even have drain plugs molded into their bases - and a set of nickel brackets and resin bolt heads for mounting them to the tank. They also have excellent clear directions for assembly and installation. Lastly is one of the most miserable things to install on a model tank - the "whip" antenna base for the SCR-510/610 series radios. Other nations found out that solid whip antennas and trees are not a good combination, and thus put them in swivels for raising or lowering. The US Army, famous for "soldier-proofing" what it cannot protect, simply created spring-loaded bases with a stout cable running up through them and base-loading the antennas. The ones that came with most kits usually had a nasty seam or ejection pin mark on them, and thus were a bear to clean up. At best the modeler could make one from some rodding and Kadee HO scale model railroad coupler springs. These nicely done turned bases obviate the need to do that, and while non-operating (!) are very nice depictions of the originals. Overall, this company appears to offer very good value for the money and should do well. Currently the American distributor is Chesapeake Model Designs, PO Box 393, Monkton, MD 21111 or check out their listing at http://www.chesapeakemodels.com Thanks to Bill Miley for the review samples. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on March 23, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6221; Sd.Kfz. 234/4 Panzerspaehwagen. 536 parts (497 in grey styrene, 28 etched brass, 6 in clear styrene, 4 turned brass, 1 turned aluminum). Estimated retail price US $38. Advantages: new, complete kit of this popular vehicle; complex driveline appears to be fully replicated. Disadvantages: side bins and lower hull access doors molded in closed positions; engine bay will be difficult to open up; some large ejection pin marks in the base of the hull interior. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: to all German armor and wheeled vehicle fans. F I R S T    L O O K  The four major combat powers in WWII Europe - Germany, the USSR, Great Britain, and the United States - all made use of heavy armored cars during the course of the war. But whereas the Allies tended to use theirs primarily in simple scouting roles, the Germans also used their later models for heavy fire support as well, and provided many of them with the ability to deal with enemy armor.  The Germans continued their prewar designs throughout the war, and the Sd.Kfz. 231 heavy eight-wheeled armored car series was replaced by the Sd.Kfz. 234 series beginning in September 1943. Four different vehicles were produced in this series:  Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (Geraet 95) 200 built  2 cm cannon/7.92mm MG in open turret (built Jun 44 - Jan 45). Sd.Kfz. 234/2 (Geraet 93) 101 built  5 cm gun/7.92mm MG in closed turret (also called the Puma) (built Sep 43 - Sep 44). Sd.Kfz. 234/3 (Geraet 94) 88 built 7.5 cm L/24 in open mount (built Jun 44 - Dec 44). Sd.Kfz. 234/4 (Geraet 96) 89 built 7.5 cm Pak 40 in open mount (built Dec 44 - Mar 45).  The first one to see service was the Puma, as it entered production nine months ahead of the other models. It was followed by the "stroke 1" and later the "stroke 3" and finally the "stroke 4." The latter was purely a heavy tank destroyer version, as by that time the Germans needed all of the heavy (75mm and up) antitank guns they could muster. Both the 3 and 4 were similar, with the exception of the heavier gun in the 4, and used the standard hull but with no turret and modified decking. A fifth version was planned, mounting the 7.5 cm AK 7B84 in a turret similar to the Puma, but the war ended before it could enter production.    The 234 series was fast (80 kph/48 mph) and had a long range (900 km/560 miles). Armor provided proof against small arms of 7.62mm caliber and shell fragments. Since its Tatra 103 engine was a 12-cylinder air-cooled diesel, it had a major advantage over other nations' armored cars.  DML has now started on the 234 family, and their first release is the "stroke 4" with the top half of DML's very nicely done PaK 40 included. 77 parts from this kit are included in the new package. Also, some new "standard" DML sprues are added here as well: German Tools sprues TF (fender guides and poles), TG (shovels and fire extinguishers), TH (jack and light kits) and TJ (jack).  Note that due to the fact the parts are to be used for all four vehicles through the run of these kits you have to check and open up some assembly and mounting holes before beginning construction, but as they are during the construction of the vehicle you have to look close in the somewhat busy directions.  The undercarriage of this model is amazing in the complexity with which DML has replicated it, and each suspension unit seems to require no less than five parts for each wheel (note that a choice in centers to replicate different numbers of cleanout holes is provided), 11 parts for each paired set of axles, and five parts for the tie rods plus six parts for the rocker springs. And I have to think that Airfix did it 40 years ago with only 28 parts for the entire assembly in 1/76!  The interior is provided and appears quite complete, but it is a shame that the hull side doors are molded shut as once the gun goes in it will be hard to see all of the details. Both driver's positions are provided as well as the top of the transfer case/transmission and the ammo bins with covers. Internal bracing is provided along with clear styrene blocks for the vision ports.  There are optional choices for the vents at the rear - open or closed - as well as for the view blocks.  The fenders are one style used on these vehicles with only two stowage bins between the wheel pairs, and alas they are also molded in place. These appear to be correct for the "stroke 4" but DML has also included a flyer for a cybe-hobby.com upgrade set with the earlier fender sets (four bins) and additional etched brass parts. The etched brass provided covers mostly the inserts for the "jerry" can centers (the crimped seam on the actual cans), tool mounts, and the moving part of the Pak 40's gun shield.  The wheels are two-part moldings with only light tread patterns, but as they are hard plastic many people will be happy as there is no hard-to-remove vinyl seam.  Markings are provided on two decal sheets for two different vehicles, both from unidentified units with one on the Western Front and the other in Prague in 1945. Both use the late-war red-brown/Panzerbraun/green scheme.  Overall this is a nice kit and seems to be a totally independent effort, not piggybacked off the Italeri kits. The other three 234s will follow over the course of the next year or so.  Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on March 23, 2006) Kit Review: Academy Model Kits 1/35 Scale Static Model Kit No. 13205; M2A2 Bradley O.I.F.. 387 parts (369 in yellow sand styrene, 16 in sand vinyl, 2 in dark silver grey vinyl). Retail price US$38.00. Advantages: Nicely done new kit, makes use of "slide molding" for some parts; many parts up to date and current with ongoing Bradley modifications; correct current 25mm gun barrel. Disadvantages: tracks not correct for late-model M2A2 ODS versions; no stowage provided; some details a bit soft. Rating: Recommended. Recommendation: For all modern US Army and Iraqi Freedom fans. F I R S T   L O O K When the Soviets came up with the concept in the early 1960s of the "boyevaya mashina pekhoty" or infantry fighting vehicle, they had a low, compact machine armed with a 73mm grenade launcher, a 7.62mm machine gun, an  ATGM launcher, and carrying a crew of two and nine infantrymen in a package weighing about 13 tons.  The US Army took a long time to respond, and when they did the vehicle debuted to a lot of ridicule and suspicion. The new vehicle, dubbed the Bradley, came as either the M2 infantry fighting vehicle or the M3 cavalry fighting vehicle, the difference being the size of the crew and internal layout. But it was now the same size and weight as a WWII Sherman tank, and looked bloated compared to the Soviets' sleek BMP. Negative publicity did not help (as smarmily portrayed in the HBO "history" of the Bradley) but the press - as usual - did not grasp the function of the Bradley and derided it for not offering the protection of a tank. Nevertheless, the Army persevered and in 1990 began taking the developed Bradley to war in the Persian Gulf. Overall it did well, suffering more casualties from fratricide than Iraqi units. It then spent 12 years in peacekeeping duties before an updated version went into Iraq in March 2003. Serving there still, the Bradley has now taken some losses from massive roadside bombs, but overall it has proven itself and remains popular with US mechanized infantry troops. There are five major versions of the BFV (Bradley Family of Vehicles, which now also adds the M4 artillery forward observation post and M7 Linebacker light antiaircraft variant to the original two vehicles) which FMC - the builder, numbers as follows: A0 series - basic vehicle with four firing ports mounting lightweight M16 rifles, 25mm "Bushmaster" cannon, twin TOW launcher, integrated gunner's sight, and either a crew of 5 (M3 CFV) or 9 (M2 BFV); 2,300 built May 1981 - April 1986 A1 series - firing ports blocked up, TOW upgraded to fire TOW II, GPFU, new fire suppression system, new internal stowage; 1,371 built May 1986 - April 1988. A2 series - new 600 HP engine, 30mm cannon protection ("plate" armor and skirts), spall liners, modified ammunition stowage, provision to mount reactive armor; 3,107 new build vehicles from May 1988 to February 1995; also rebuilds of A0 series vehicles. A2 ODS series - Operation Desert Storm Lessons Learned improvements, to include eyesafe laser rangefinder, GPS, provision for missile countermeasures, enhanced driver's viewer, internal stowage changes, twin facing bench seats in BFV, and provisions to mount the BCIS IFF system A3 series - improved sights, commander's independent viewer on right side of turret, situational awareness tactical display, new armor and NBC protection, and embedded diagnostics The so-called A2 "Operation Iraqi Freedom" variant is mostly the A2 ODS series with the addition of a few factory items, such as now mounting the reactive armor tiles, and many local or unit ones such as the thermal identification panels, extra stowage bins, etc. From a modeler's standpoint in 1/35 scale, in 1985 Tamiya released a great model of the M2A0 Bradley with a partial interior. They followed it with an M3A0 CFV but as this did not have an interior it was not as nice a kit. Academy first released their own M2 and M3 models in 1987, but they were basically clones of the 1985 Tamiya kits. In 1991 Tamiya jumped on the Desert Storm bandwagon and hastily reworked their M2 Bradley into an M2A2, and their M1 into an M1A1. Both had a number of errors, and like all Tamiya kits, were released at much higher prices than their base kits. Tamiya's solution on the M2A2 kit was to simply replace one sprue with a new one of 46 parts to provide the plate armor and applique panels for the vehicle. Some were not correct, and others, like the skirts, overly simplified. (The skirts on all A2 and beyond BFV consist of two thin plates of armor with a standoff distance of about 12-15mm between them, and the kit provides them as a single slab of styrene. Later, in late 2004 Tamiya added another sprue to their M2A2 kit to produce an M2A2 ODS vehicle as used in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This appears to be the same detailing sprue provided with their "M113A2 ODS" model, which is also not that vehicle but an M113 kit with a lot of stick-on parts. But whereas the 1985 release had been around US $20, now the retail price was US $50 and this kit did not come with an interior as the first one did. (The interior changed with the first M2A2 and Tamiya didn't see fit to rework their molds.)  Academy has now reworked their 1987 clone kit to provide a new model of the M2A2 "Operation Iraqi Freedom" Bradley. First off, as noted above, it is an M2A2 ODS without all of the ODS add-ons such as the missile countermeasures device. It changes out sprues as well and adds a total of 151 new parts (20 of which are nuts and bolts and bolt heads). This kit is also about twice what the 1987 "clone" sold for, but it is vastly improved. Academy has now joined DML and Trumpeter in the use of "slide molding" and the new hull and one of the new sprues show it being used. The complete upper hull is a single molding with the side plates and skirts in place; alas, the skirts as with all of the previous A2 efforts are still monolithic. Detail on the upper hull molding is better than the regular Tamiya M2A2 kit's and all of the lift holds/tie-downs on the lower side of the skirts are provided as separate parts (Tamiya's are molded onto the skirts.) Neither kit comes with the "non-skid" surfaces found on the outside of the vehicle, especially on the uparmored engine access hatch. Academy provides that as a separate part with separate applique armor, but Tamiya simply smoothed over the glacis and provides everything as one big stick-on part. Both kits provide the A2's new light clusters, but the Tamiya ones have crisper details. Also, Academy includes the flexible rubber screens (originally designed to fair into the reactive armor tiles) on both sides of the hull, and Tamiya does not. Also, the Academy kit does not have the engine servicing platform provided with all Bradleys since the wave breaker was removed after A1 production ceased. (The Tamiya kit has one that is stowed on the left side of the hull roof parallel to the ground and even with the turret.) The kits' lower hulls are nearly identical but have their differences. Tamiya provided the improved M2A2/A3 series tracks with rectangular pads, whereas Academy still provides the original track pads with V shaped chevrons. Wheels and running gear are unchanged from the first versions of the kits (1985 and 1987 respectively.) The turrets are virtually identical, but the Academy kit comes with a hollow muzzle brake and fluted barrel that match the latest versions of Bushmasters on A2 series and A3 series vehicles whereas Tamiya still has the original barrel from the M2A0 series vehicle. Both vehicles do include the GPS antenna at the right rear of the hull. But neither one offers any of the unit designed bins for storage seen on most of the M2A2 ODS vehicles used in March and April 2003,which is a shame. Also, the Academy kit comes with NO external stowage of items like sleeping mats, duffel bags, cots, rations, etc. seen in action and provided with the Tamiya kit. (The box art also shows a somewhat sterile BFV.) The model does come with a spare set of road wheels, a spare driver ring, and the thermal identification panels for mounting. Once again, alas, Academy misses out on the decals, which appear to have been based on distant side shots of vehicles in Iraq and do not include bumper or unit set storage codes like those seen frequently during OIF. Two vehicles have partial decal sets provided. Overall this is a nice effort but a bit disappointing. For making an accurate M2A2 ODS it's a bit better place to start than the Tamiya kit, as it costs about 25% less, but it will need new tracks and decals at a minimum to make an accurate model. Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 12, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series No. 6265; Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D 3-in-1 Kit. 1,197 parts (679 in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links, 187 etched brass, 28 clear styrene, 10 preformed steel wire, 2 turned brass, 1 turned aluminum, 2 twisted steel wire). Price estimated at US $45. Advantages: another variant on a rarely modeled early war Panzer, based for the most part on an extant vehicle; details both inside and out on most parts, including the fenders. Disadvantages: "3-in-1" kit similar to recent Pzkw. IV Ausf. E releases; modelers noted on internet sites as wanting to "await" the "corrected" version based on previous releases and review comments. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all early war German fans. F I R S T   L O O K As DML continues to release one new German Panzer IV kit after another, the only thing that comes to mind for me is thinking back to the days when billiard champs like "Minnesota Fats" would demonstrate their skills. They managed to get one ball to carom off another to another until they sank the one they wanted. The new kits literally "carom" off each other as well, and now, hot on the heels of the two Pzkw. IV Ausf. E kits comes the Ausf. D. The Pzkw. IV Ausf. D (also called the 4 serie Begleitwagen [BW] and 5 serie BW, or Sd.Kfz. 161) was in production from 1939 to 1941, and more of them were produced (231) than the Models A, B and C combined (211). This was therefore the first true series production model of what would become the mainstay tank of the Panzer divisions up until 1945. It was the first one to go to the external mantelet configuration and also upgrade to thicker armor protection. It was unique in that it had an extended "pulpit" for the driver that projected approximately a foot out ahead of the bow gunner's position, a change which was reversed in the Model F1. It was the last one to have the commander's cupola mounted beyond the rear edge of the roof, requiring a cylindrical fillet that blended into the rear of the turret wall. Late-model Ausf. Ds also had 30mm applique plates bolted to the hull and superstructure front and 20mm plates to the hull and superstructure sides. Tanks that survived service in France, the Balkans, Russia and the desert were later upgunned to the KwK L/48 gun but only for use as tank gunnery trainers. DML was stung by some of the criticism leveled against the first Pzkw. IV Ausf. E release, and reworked the kit to produce the Pzkw. IV Ausf. E "Vorpanzer" kit. The molds have been reworked yet again to produce this kit, and Steve Zaloga notes that two gentlemen were sent directly to Aberdeen to measure down the APG Pzkw. IV Ausf. D with applique armor that was captured in North Africa in 1943. This kit reflects those measurements and assessments, so if it is not "correct" then the APG vehicle may be off. But I digress. Six sprues covering 324 parts were redone or modified to produce this kit, as compared with the "Vorpanzer" kit from just two months ago. Another 59 parts are completely new, mostly dealing with the specific features found on the Pzkw. IV Ausf. D and not common with other Pzkw. IV family vehicles. This concentrates on the turret and the front section of the upper hull. As before, the model has a wealth of detail. A pretty substantial basic turret interior and basket are included, and all hatches are separate pieces with interior detailing. The cupola now consists of an amazing 30 parts with options to display the visors either open or closed, as well as the hatches open or closed. All small details such as pistol ports and access hatches are separate and may be assembled open or closed. As is now pretty common on DML kits, you have a choice of a "slide molded" styrene barrel or a turned aluminum one. Both appear to come with rifling. The running gear is no less detailed. For example, the drivers assemble nearly in the same manner as the original: core sections, toothed rings with 12 separate bolts each, and caps and spindles - each one requires 31 parts and a LOT of patience. Bogie assemblies still consist of 18 parts each. The same "Magic Track" with 144 links per side of snap-together tracks are provided, but as I noted with that kit they are "handed" with the pin heads on the inside and the "keepers" on the outside. They are bagged separately but you will have to use a magnifier to tell which side is which.  A jig for setting "droop" is also included. One-piece "slide molded" idlers are again included, as well as the normal two-piece kind. Two hulls are included; while this was not popular with the Ausf. E kits for some reason, since the Ausf. D was fitted with applique it seems to be a logical method of attempting to capture that detail and maintain scale and ease of assembly. The hull is pretty much the same as that on the E but comes with the different bits for the D in regard to its foredeck and muffler assemblies. The drivers appear to me at first glance to be about the right height - e.g. the sprocket faces (not the tops of the teeth) look to be level with the tops of the As with nearly all DML kits, you have the option of using styrene parts for all assemblies or replacing many of them with etched brass. The main ones where most modelers will probably opt for the latter are the louvers and slats on the rear engine deck in the "tropical" version and the cold weather flaps on the sides of the hull. The directions are very busy, and I do wish DML would spend more time on them. It's not fair to a very good and detailed product like this to simply ram the directions on how to get it to all come together into something which can be simply run off on a two-sided sheet 350 x 920 mm and stuck in the kit after folding by machine when it makes reading and working on the various assemblies tedious or frustrating. Here the three basic versions - standard production, uparmored and tropicalized - are separated by the former being in blue ink, the middle one in black ink and the latter in grey. They are very busy and you have to be sharp to see the different call-outs. A total of 11 different vehicles among the three variants offered are covered in the painting and markings section. For the standard production version, tanks from the 5th Panzer Division in the Balkans, the 10th, 2nd, and 6th Panzer Divisions in France, and the 7th Panzer Division in Russia are covered, all in Panzergrau. For the add-on armor versions, two vehicles from the 21st Panzer Division in Libya are covered, both in camouflage schemes. Finally, four vehicles of the uparmored tropical version are offered, two from the 5th Leichte Division, one from the 21st Panzer Division, and one from the 15th Panzer Division, all Libya 1941. This is a "targeted" decal sheet so the numbers all come preformatted, and no "number jungle" is provided with the kit. Overall this is another lovely kit, but I do worry about the "volley fire" of similar variants tending to stun the market. It's a shame if they get passed by modelers either waiting the "ultimate correct" version or trying to figure out which kit will build into the vehicle they want to model. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 12, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7297; HMMWV "Gun Truck" and HMMWV Cargo. 164 parts (120 in grey styrene, 26 in clear styrene, 10 in grey vinyl, 8 in etched brass). Retail price US $11.95. Advantages: "pickup" versions of the Humvee now join the "hardtop" versions; replicate the latest vehicles being used in Iraq. Disadvantages: due to the plethora of HMMWV variants in service may be confusing to modelers as to which is which, what it does and if it is in wide service. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all modern US and wheeled vehicle fans. When the AM General HMMWV series of vehicles were adopted, one of the prime considerations was that they replace four different vehicles then in service with the US Army: the 1/4 ton 4 x 4 M151 series ("jeeps"), the ancient 3/4 ton 4 x 4 Dodge M37s still hanging around in some locations, the 1 1/4 ton 4 x 4 M880 and M1008 series cargo trucks, and the 1 1/4 ton 6 x 6 M61 Gama Goat. As a result, the vehicle was offered in a wide variety of models, of which four were considered baseline: a four-seat "hardtop" with a turtle-back shell and access via a hatch at the rear, plus a rotating weapons station in the center of the rear section of the compartment; a four-seat "softtop" with a short pickup cargo bet; a two-seat cargo version with provisions for eight troops in the now familar folding slat benches on the sides of the cargo compartment; and a two-seat shelter carrier with up to a 100 kW generator and modified electrical system. Since all of them used the identical body shell and frame, the latter two simply had steel door inserts to close off the rear door openings of the body when the two-seat models were produced. This is the third set of two HMMWV vehicles offered in one box, and DML should be congratulated for the consideration to the modeler (twelve bucks for one would be pretty steep) as well as the coverage of the wide variety of Humvees out there in service. This kit offers two versions: the most common M998 1 1/4 ton 4 x 4 cargo carrier version, as well as one of the semi-standardized "gun trucks" now in use in Iraq with applique armor to protect the crew from roadside bombs and snipers. This latter vehicle is nothing new, as its direct ancestors have been around since WW I and were most notable in recent memory due to the ones used in Vietnam ("Eve of Destruction" - a 5 ton M54A1 conversion - is on display at Fort Eustis, VA, and is the only known survivor from Vietnam.) DML uses their familiar "mix and match" concept of kit offerings, with 43 parts forming the chassis and basic vehicle and then the specific add-on parts for the version being modeled. For example, each vehicle comes with a clear styrene windshield and top assembly molded in one piece, and a set of either soft or armored doors for its respective version. The cargo version comes with the door blanks and the troop seats, but is a rather spartan model when complete. However, this is the way the actual vehicles are so it is accurate in that account. Note that the troop seat slats themselves are etched brass and there are no replacement parts for them, something of a surprise as DML generally gives you an option. The "gun truck' has far more options and from what is shown in the directions can be built as either a "gun truck" with drop-in armored module and machine gun mount in a ready-for-action pose or with the gun dismounted and top bows up in a storage or transit mode. The armor parts can be either etched brass or styrene at the modeler's option. The vehicle also comes with twin radio antenna mounts at the rear of the body and an etched brass top rail for the tailgate (MA1) which looks to be relatively difficult to bend to shape due to its small size. Also not indicated in the instructions until step 6 is the fact that the lower body applique armor can be added from etched brass (MB1/2); this would appear easier to do at step 4. One spare tire is included for this vehicle, but two spare tires are included with the kit so an unmounted one could be displayed as well or used as a "roof decoration" as seen on some of the hardtop variants. All are slide molded with wraparound tread patterns. Markings and painting suggestions are provided for three vehicles: an M998 cargo carrier from 3rd COSCOM, Baghdad 2004, and two different gun trucks, one with full armor from the 1st Infantry Division's attached 82nd Engineer Brigade in 2003 and one without the armor from the same unit back in Germany.  Overall this is another nice job from DML, and it is hoped that modelers do not become confused due to the nearly infinite variety of HMMWV variants and options seen in the field. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 12, 2006) Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 Scale Kit No. 00361; Russia SAM-6 Antiaircraft Missile; 321 parts. (304 in grey styrene, 12 etched brass, 2 steel springs, 1 section large vinyl hose, 1 section small vinyl hose, 1 section twisted copper wire). Retail price US $24.95. Advantages: first kit of this vehicle in styrene; nicely done parts breakdown permits a number of detailing options. Disadvantages: missiles are out of proportion. Rating: Recommended. Recommendation: for all Soviet equipment fans and air defenders. In 1958 the Soviet Union began work on an overlapping and interlocking system of air defense for their motorized rifle and tank divisions. Each project received a covername, and the one chosen for the division level missile system was "Kub" - cube. (The Army level one was the 3M8 "Krug" - circle - which became known in the West as the SA-4 GANEF when it came into service.) The system was designed by OKB-15 under V. V. Tikhomirov. Testing began in 1961 but was unsatisfactory, and it was not until 1967 that the system was accepted for service. The missile was dubbed the 3M9, and the launcher, based on a GM-578 chassis, was dubbed the 2P25. NATO dubbed the new system the SA-6 GAINFUL. The missile system was fielded in regiments of 20 launchers each, divided up into five batteries of four launchers and a 1S91 radar system each. The 1S91 (dubbed STRAIGHT FLUSH by NATO) was data-linked to each of the launchers, and controlled both their launches and the missiles themselves once in the air. The original missiles had an engagement envelope of 6-12 kilometers. Later, as the system evolved, a new missile was designed, the 3M9M, which had a much broader envelope - 4-25 kilometers. The missile itself was unique - it used a solid-propellant booster to launch the missile, but then had a solid-fuel ramjet engine for its sustainer. This was fed by four intakes located around the missile airframe and was controlled by the rear set of fins. The missile had a 57 kilogram warhead and was very dangerous to modern aircraft, as the Israelis found out to their detriment during the 1973 Yom Kippur war when the Egyptians claimed to have shot down 63 aircraft with the 3M9. Eventually more than seven versions of the 3M9 missile were built and sold abroad under the covername "Kvadrat" (square) to 25 different nations. More than 500 launcher systems were built. All 3M9 missiles shared the same dimensions, and only minor external differences provided any clue to which version of the missile was being used. Later, the new SA-11 missile replaced the SA-6 and the launchers were modified to fire that missile in place of the 3M9. The SA-6 has been a popular subject for a number of years, and at least three different resin conversion kits for the DML ZSU-23-4 (on the closely related GM-575 chassis) were offered over the years. Now Trumpeter is the first company to offer the 2P25 series launcher as a kit and it is quite impressive. The model is designed for modelers who love to detail as it comes with most of the top panels and hatches as separate items, and also comes with the more popular "link and length" track set with only 33 parts required to install the complete track run on each side. Detail is excellent and matches up well with an Iraqi 2P25 "Kvadrat" launcher belonging to the ADA Museum at Fort Bliss, Texas. There are some minor detail differences; however, as there were four different SA-6 launchers produced (called 2P25, 2P25M, 2P25M1, and 2P25M2 by the Soviets) there is no really good way to say which specific version was used. Alas, the same cannot be said of the missiles. Comparing them with notes and Russian books on the 3M9, the missiles provided with the kit intend to represent a 3M9M or later variant. The difference is that the 3M9 had mass balances on the forward fins and the 3M9M has them on the tips of the rear ones. That being said, the dimensions on the missile are not right when compared with Russian sources: Measurement  Source Data 1/35 Scale Kit Dimensions. Length  5840mm 166.8mm 172mm. Diameter  330 mm 9.4mm 8.0mm. Wing span 928mm 26.5mm 32.0mm. Fin span  1200mm 34.3mm 36.4mm. The overall effect is of a very skinny missile that does not look right. This is unfortunate as the launcher is close to spot on, and it is unknown if the Chinese used dummy or "parade" missiles instead of the normal 3M9M missiles for their measurements. My best suggestion is to simply remove 5mm from the airframe in front of the ramjet intakes and let it go; if not, you will have to scratchbuild all of the airfoils to get the shapes right as there is no way to simply trim off 1-3mm from the back end and have them look right. The model comes with a nice color broadside covering three different launchers: one Polish, one Czech and one DDR. Markings are also included for a Soviet one with Guards badges but no information is provided for colors or locations. The directions are an interesting adventure in themselves, as the authors are obviously English as a Second Language writers. On the launch rail assembly (Step 14) which is called "Launch Pad Assembly" they cite six parts as "Early"; what the authors meant was "Assemble these parts first." Other interesting turns of phrase included Step 12, "Guided Bomb Assembly" (the missiles), Step 17, "Immobility Rack Assembly" (travel lock), Step 18 "Attaching Transport State" (missiles in travel position) and 19 and 20 - "Attaching Transport/Launching State Handrail" (missile protective guards in transport and firing positions.) It could have been worse, but it does remind me of Japanese motorcycle directions of 40 years ago ("For vibrating of front wheel please to be turning the handle dumper" being my favorite.) Overall this is a nice kit, but it's a shame that the focal point - the missiles - are off the mark. Hopefully they will also release the impressive 1S91 (STRAIGHT FLUSH) to go with it. Thanks to Steve Zaloga for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 12, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6272; 2nd Division USMC Tarawa 1943 Gen 2. 233 parts (198 in grey styrene and 35 in etched brass). Estimated retail price US $10.95. Advantages: "Gen 2" molding now comes to American figures; first good new set of styrene Marines in many, many years. Disadvantages: much of the etched brass not useable with these figures (see text). Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all Pacific and USMC fans. Dragon's "Gen 2" series of slide-molded figures have set a totally new standard for styrene figures, but up until now they had concentrated exclusively on German subjects. Now, with a USMC M4A2 mid-production model tank slated to represent those used in the Tawara campaign on the horizon, DML has now offered up a set of four "Mud Marines" to compliment that tank. The Marines have not fared well in injection molded figures over the years. For a long time the only good set out there - if you could find it - was the Airfix 1/32 scale (54mm) "Multipose" set. DML had done some Marines earlier, but the primary ones they offered were either for Operation Desert Storm or Korea. While the Korean ones could be backdated, they still were not correct (as they came with winter coats a la the Chosin Reservoir battle.) Each figure comes in a total of 17 parts - boots (2), legs (2), torso (2), coat skirt (4), arms (2),  hands (2), collar (1) , and  head (2). But for conversion purposes, a total of 15 arms and 15 hands are provided to give the modeler a wide variety in what the figures do and represent. They provide one standing, one kneeling, one squatting and one prone pose.  This kit provides Marines in 1943 gear with a flamethrower, an M1 Thompson submachine gun, an M1 carbine, and two M1 Garand rifles. The carbine and the M1s both have optional bolts (open/closed, provide your own "M1 Thumb") and all of them come with a number of extra magazines or clips. All are slide molded with hollow bores. The American figures are now being graced with the same "G" and "W" series sprues as the German kits provide, and GA covers the kit for the figures and WA the weaponry. The GA sprue provides holsters, canteens, first aid pouches, and ammo pouches for all of the included weapons. The helmets are the USMC style with cloth camouflage covers and no "rubber band" as was more common postwar. Three "Ka-Bar" type knives in sheathes are provided as well as one "raider" or "commando" type knife (I am not into edged weapons so bear with me here; the box art refers to it as an M3 trench knife.) The etched brass is listed as specifically for this kit, but a close examination with a jeweler's loupe shows that is not going to be the case. It comes with US Army infantry brass, lieutenant's bars, and general's stars as well as officers' "US" brass. It also provides slings for all of the weapons as well as "loose" helmet straps, but it is suggested that the brass be heated over an alcohol lamp before use to anneal the tensile strength and make bending the slings easier. The excellent boxtop painting by Ron Volsted and the matching interior sheet provide good directions for painting as well as how DML suggests the optional arms and hands be used. Overall this looks to be a great kit, and now to await US Army figures. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 12, 2006) Kit Review: Preiser HO Scale (1/87) Figure Sets. Kit No. 16505; Guards Infantry, USSR, 1942. 121 parts (78 in khaki styrene, 43 in black styrene). Price US $7.99 Kit No. 16526; Resting Russian Infantry Riflemen, USSR 1942. 84 parts (71 in khaki styrene, 13 in tan styrene). Price US $7.99. Kit No. 16530; Infantrymen, Partisans USSR, 1942-1943. 81 parts in khaki styrene. Price US $7.99. Kit No. 16545; Infantrymen on a tank, USSR 1942. 83 parts in khaki stryene. Price US$7.99. Kit No. 16546; Tank crew USSR 1942. 34 parts in khaki styrene Price US$7.99. Advantages: best figures in this scale by any company; nice poses and useful choices of options. Disadvantages: all of the options found on 1/35 scale figures on a 1/87 scale figure make for some very tiny parts. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all Soviet WWII armor fans and also HO railway modelers. When I was a kid, most of us got our "real start" into armor modeling via ROCO HO scale vehicles. They were cheap, nominally in the same scale, and provided us with our first real knowledge of armored vehicles that could be collected, all to a common scale. But ROCO had few figure sets, so most of us had to make do with Airfix's "HO/OO Scale" figures (more like 1/76 scale OO, especially if you put them up against an early ROCO model which was closed to 1/100 scale.) But these figures were soft plastic, or as they eventually became derisively called, "little rubber men." They were very difficult to paint, and the only suggestion Airfix Magazine ever provided was to coat them with a British product which turned out to be similar to Elmer's Glue-All - thinned white glue. Say goodbye to details if you want the paint to stick. But things have changed. Many model railroaders are familiar with the German company Preiser, headquartered in the notorious "tourist trap" of Rothenberg am der Tauber. For years they have been the acme of small figure manufacturers, and even today produce figures for their own extensive lines in scales from Z Gauge (1/220) to LGB gauge (1/22.5). In recent years, Preiser has expanded their line of figures to cover more common armor modeling scales, and now makes figures in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35 as well. Most of this is done by means of pantographing the original figure up or down as they need to meet a product line. (Modelers should note that what makes for a great figure in 1/87 may make for a good figure in 1/48 but one "soft" on details in 1/35, though.) With the rise of new lines of HO scale armor from eastern Europe, most notably Premo from Russia (marketed in the west by ROCO) as well as other small manufacturers, there has a been a call for new figure sets to go with them. For many years this scale tended to be ignored as it was considered either a "wargamers' scale" or a "toy scale" as most figure sets were made of soft plastic from companies like Airfix, Revell, Italeri, Haet, etc. But with the advent of scale models it called for scale figures and now Preiser is making 1/87 lines of WWII German, American and Soviet figures to go with these new armored vehicles. I originally did this review in April 2005 on sets 16545 and 16546, but now am reprinting it with the other three sets included to show how much detail is available in this scale. Set number 16505 provides 18 Russian combat infantrymen in 1942 period uniforms, with the larger tortoise-type helmets but with "sapogi" and felt boots vice leg wraps. They are shown painted with the collar tabs of pre-war Soviet forces and on close examination these can be seen on the figures. Some figures also have the "pilotka" sidecaps. The nicest feature is a sprue of suitable weapons types, including a heavy machine gun on cart and two Moisin rifles fitted with sniper scopes. All figures are in different poses, and a mixture of officers and enlisted with one female figure. Set number 16526 provides for 10 Soviet troops at rest and a set of tree stumps is included for background decoration. They can be portrayed either relaxing (an accordion is also part of their kit) or receiving "clarification of orders for a new mission" as the Russians refer to pre-combat briefings. Again, there are two officers and one female as part of the set. Set number 16530 is very interesting, for each figure has two heads to permit them being portrayed as either Soviet troops or "partisany" with heads wearing "shapka" hats and having beards. There are two sets of sprues covering six different poses, so it is up to the modeler as to his option of which figures to build up. Two detonator machines are included, which if you are a model railroader, is one way to bring the "Gomez Addams" factor into your layout! Set number 16545 provides a 12 man "tankoviy desant" - tank riders - suitable for the 1942-1944 period of the war. Each figure consists of a one or two piece body with separate arms and weapons, a blanket roll, rations bag, and choice of heads - either with helmet or "pilotka" side cap. The figures are in a number of positions varying from fully seated to crouching and even standing, so they should be able to fit on any HO scale armored vehicle. As noted, what makes a good part in 1/35 may be pretty tiny in 1/87, so prepare for having to deal with flying heads if not careful. Ste number 16546 provides a series of eight commander figures as well as two drivers. The latter are one-piece figures from the torso up, but come on a sort of "pogo stick" so they will fit into most of the extant tank hulls and sit properly in an open driver's hatch. Three commanders are complete figures, one is a three-quarter (e.g no lower legs) and four are designed to separate at the belt line so they may be used with a "dummy" cupola as the commander figure. Again a variety of headgear is provided, from helmets to tankers' helmets to peaked caps, most with goggles. The directions are on the inside of the box, so this is not a kit where you can check out the instructions without ruining the box. This is a quirk of many later Preiser kits, but I think they have been trying to maintain reasonable prices and by not including a separate direction sheet it appears to help out. The box art is helpful, showing a number of sets in use with several Premo T-34 Model 1941 tanks rolling down a road. Premo is a supplier to ROCO and its kits are marketed by them under their 12xx series of kits. They tend to be the early war vehicles, which is actually quite useful considering the period in which Preiser has targeted the figures. ROCO/Premo offers a complete range of BT series tanks (2, 5, 7), T-34s, KV-1 and KV-2, and ZIS-5 series trucks as well as pre-war tanks like the T-28 and T-35. While these figures are designed to play to HO scale armor collectors, one offshoot idea for model railroads may be to add a group of "re-enactors" to your layout, as there are a goodly number of clubs and organizations worldwide now that do this on a regular basis. Overall, if you can manipulate the parts these are great kits and really dress up small scale armor models. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 9, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7301; Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Version. 152 parts (146 parts in grey styrene, 2 etched brass, 2 in DS plastic, 2 pre-bent wire). Price about US $11.95. Advantages: "the other shoe" drops on the Hummel series. Disadvantages: may have some shared parts from the other kits which are not quite precisely suited to the Hummel. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and artillery fans. Last summer DML released a pair of Sd.Kfz. 164 kits, first a Hornisse and then the later Nashorn, using the Gw III/IV chassis. Three weeks after releasing a kit of the early model Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel, DML completes the cycle with the later model. This model has one part replaced to provide the later wide driver and radio operator compartment section, but all other parts appear to be basically identical with the previous kit (7244). As the rest is identical, there is little new to say. The gun comprises 23 parts, several of which meet my RP (right puny) criteria and will need to be handled with care. I am no expert on the Hummel but the interior seems a bit spartan and I see no sights or other kit for the Hummel which I recall being there, so am sure someone will come to the rescue later on. However, what is provided seems accurate according to the references I have, so if DML has committed any mistakes they are those of omission and not commission, which is easier to fix later on. The kit comes with pre-bent spare wheel brackets from wire. However, it does not provide the early kit's etched brass or plastic radiator exhaust grilles on the sides of the casemate; instead, it comes with two single piece etched brass shrouds for the late model hull. It also uses DML's DS plastic tracks, which are cut a bit long to allow for sag. Decals and finishing options are provided for six guns: unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1945; three from unidentified units, Eastern Front 1944; "Das Reich," Eastern Front 1944; and one from an unidentified unit, Eastern Front Winter 1944. As before, this is overall a nice kit and shows DML continues to meet the needs of small scale modelers. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 9, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro series kit No. 7262; T-34/76 Model 1941 Cast Turret. 97 parts (92 in grey styrene, 2 in tan DS plastic, 2 twisted steel wire, 1 etched metal) Price US $11.95. Advantages: provides the second and more common version of the Model 1941. Disadvantages: some grousing about track fit by modelers. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all small scale and Soviet armor fans. Six months after releasing their excellent Model 1941 T-34 with welded turret, DML has now added to their family of "34" tanks by adding a model of the most common version, the Model 1941 with cast turret as produced at Factory No. 183 after moving to Nizhniy Tagil. I still continue to point out to companies like DML that the Soviets never called these versions "T-34/76" tanks, as that was a German description; the Soviets never added any digits until the 85mm tanks appeared in 1944. In point of fact, many Soviet era documents show that the tanks were only differentiated by their number of turrets (as with the T-26) or gun carried (here either L-11 or F-34).The Soviets dubbed later tanks T-34-85 to show the differences. This is the second of the DML Model 1941 tanks - T-34 with 76.2mm F-34 gun) - and does a nice job of adding the cast turret to this kit via a new sprue. It uses the later, more widely produced hull with longitudinal grilles, now taken from DML's Model 1942 kit.  Again, one of the most impressive tricks is the use of what DML calls "slide-molding" in which multi-part molds with moving parts are used vice the older "sandwich-type" two piece molds. As a result, they can do larger pieces without either ejection pin marks or sinkholes, and get depth or undercuts in smaller parts. This shows up in this kit in two areas: first, the fact that even in this scale the gun barrel for the F-34 cannon has a hollow muzzle as molded; and second, the wheels come in 14 ready-to-install assemblies vice 28 separate wheels and perhaps axle caps. The wheels are nicely done, with a nice deep grove in between (unlike another company's 1/72 scale kits with solid road wheels or most HO scale armor) and detailed on both sides. Purists will want to drill out the thin flash in the drivers (parts C2) and idlers (parts C1) though, but that is an easy task if you have a pin vise and small drill bits. The modeler has a choice between either a solid styrene radiator exhaust grille or one with an etched metal grille instead. Whereas the first versions produced appear to have had some errors in them and would not fit, the newer ones show the grill is the right size and shape and only needs its rear edge "rolled" over a drill bit prior to installation. The turret also includes a partial interior as well. Most of the details parts are crisp and well done as well; note since this kit uses the Model 1942 sprues, it comes with most of the same accessories that were miniaturized from the old Tamiya Model 1942/1943 kits. The kit provides single-section tracks as before, but DML has now changed over to use their DS plastic vice the original black vinyl. This means that standard plastic cement can be used to assemble them and get them to "sag" on the model. However, some modelers indicate these tracks may be a bit short; unlike the 1/35 scale kits that provide an eccentric idler axle that can be used to adjust tension for shorter tracks, the idler mounts on the 1/72 kit are fixed and thus care is needed in mounting the track on the model. The kit comes with finishing options for six tanks: 1st (Polish) Tank Brigade, 1945; unidentified unit, Winter, 1943; 8th (Estonian) Infantry Corps, 1943; unidentified unit, 1943; "Parkhomenko", 116th Tank Brigade, 1942; and "Bars", Manchuria 1945. Overall, this kit continues to build on the excellence of the previous kit. DML now only needs to make an "STZ" version of the Model 1941 to complete the basic early model tanks. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on February 9, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7276; Jagdpanzer IV L/48 Early Production. 140 parts (136 in grey styrene, 2 etched brass, 2 in DS plastic). Pprice about US $11.95. Advantages: Nice, new kit of this vehicle using DML's excellent series of Pzkw. IV based kits and parts; single piece etched brass side skirts bound to be popular. Disadvantages: DS tracks will require adjustment, but since they cement up using plastic cement should not be a major drawback. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German WWII fans. While the StuG III series of vehicles provided the Germans with a good all-around weapons system, the Pzkw. chassis was pretty much at the end of the line for further stretching, so the Germans then moved to change over to the Pzkw. IV chassis in late 1943. The initial vehicle, the StuG IV (Sd.Kfz. 167) was a good all around vehicle, but it was considered something of a waste as the chassis only carried the same gun found in the turreted Pzkw. IV models H and J. It also had the same basic problems with armor protection as the StuG III when used as a tank destroyer. An alternative version, the Sturgescheutz neuer Art mit 7.5 cm PaK L/48 auf Fahrgestell Pzkw. IV or Sd.Kfz. 162, was proposed instead at the same time as the interim StuG went into production. The new vehicle, more colloquially referred to as the "Jagdpanzer IV L/48" (as an even more powerful version, designed to make use of the more powerful KwK 42 7.5 cm L/70 gun, was in the works), entered production in January 1944 and a total of 769 were built through November 1944, with changeover to the Jagdpanzer IV/70 beginning in August 1944. It used much thicker and more heavily sloped armor protection to assist it in its defined tank destroyer mission. DML has now produced a kit of this vehicle using a mixture of bits from other Pzkw. IV kits in its 1/72 stable as well as new sprues. This is actually the standard production variant with interlocking hull sections and not the early model or "0-serie" with a rounded casemate. The model uses both new molds for the casemate front and the gun itself, with slide molding providing both a simple barrel as found on the prototype as well as a muzzle brake for the standard production versions. (Both the early model mantelet with straight edge and the production version with scalloped left edge are provided, so a prototype version may well be in the works as well.) The muffler also comes with a hollow "slide molded" exhaust pipe. This kit only comes with the detailed engine deck with separate doors, which translates as a lot of RP (right puny) parts to go on it. Most people will be happy to know that it comes with one-piece side skirts, either in styrene or etched brass. All of the mounts are styrene, but it makes it easier to mount either choice rather than separate sections. While all hatches are separate parts, there is no interior and only the most rudimentary internal mounting for the gun assembly. Markings and finishing instructions are provided for four different vehicles: Pz.Jg.Abt. 228, 116th Pz. Div, Normandy 1944; Pz.Jg.Abt. 12, 12th Pz. Div., Normandy 1944; unidentified unit, Germany 1945; and Pz.Gren.Div. "Hermann Goering", East Prussia 1944. Overall this is another nice kit and goes well with the previous DML Jagdpanzer IV/70 kit. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 24, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit Number 6083; M4A1 (76) W. 1,337 parts (1,285 in grey styrene, 31 etched brass, 18 in clear styrene, 2 turned brass rounds, 1 turned aluminum barrel). Price estimated at US $41.50. Advantages: nice, correct early model M4A1 "big hatch" tank with 76mm M1 gun finally replaces old standard Italeri kit; nice if subtle touches abound on this model. Disadvantages: Some odd things still carried over from the Italeri kit; many modelers were hoping for DS tracks vice the three-piece single link track. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all US WWII armor fans and "Shermaholics". F I R S T   L O O K Occasionally as modelers we tend to fixate on one single tank of one type of one production series or run. The early model M4A1 "Wet Stowage" with 76mm gun and the new T23-based turret as used by the 3rd Armored Division's 32nd Armored Regiment is one of those vehicles. I got interested in it while researching the top scoring tanker of 3AD, SSG Lafayette G. Pool. He originally deployed to France with an M4 or M4A1, which was knocked out during his first day in combat by five hits from Panzerfausts, one of which proved fatal to the tank. Due to the surprising failure of the US 75mm guns to penetrate German tanks, a call was made to send over the new 76mm armed tanks as replacements. Pool received one of the first 102 tanks sned over in July 1944 as a replacement. Being in Item Company, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Armor, he gave the tank an I name - "In the Mood." Pool's crew included: CPL Willis Oller, gunner; T/5 Delbert Boggs, loader; T/5 Wilbert "Bunny" Richards, driver; and PFC Bertrand Close, assistant driver. This crew served together from early July 1944 until 19 September 1944, when Boggs was pulled out of the crew and sent home as his brother had become missing in action (think of "Saving Private Ryan.") His replacement, PFC Paul King, was killed later that same day in a firefight with either a Panther or an antitank gun that knocked out "In the Mood" and wounded both Oller and Pool, with the latter eventually losing his right leg due to injuries. But during their 84 days in combat, Pool's "In the Mood" and its crew knocked out 258 enemy vehicles, including at least four Panther tanks, an entire company of SS Panzergrenadiers mounted in Sd.Kfz. 251 halftracks, as well as capturing 250 Germans and killing 1,200. His tank was responsible for the near total destruction of the German LXXIV Corps headquarters during its attempt to escape encirclement, fighting a running gun battle with the Germans while chasing them along a road for more than 15 kilometers. "In the Mood" was the "point" or lead tank 21 times during its short combat career. After years of searching and some good luck, Steve Zaloga, Kurt Laughlin, Charles Lemons and I managed to isolate three photos of the actual "In the Mood" in action during 1944 in France and Belgium. "In the Mood" was an early 76mm M4A1 with the M1 gun (e.g. no muzzle brake or threading), the T48 rubber chevron tracks common to all 3AD medium tank based vehicles, the "solid" driver tooth ring, the "solid" road wheels, straight-topped suspension bogies with riser blocks for the return rollers, the "spoked" idler, the rear engine exhaust deflector grille, and the use of both the vision cupola for the commander and the older "split hatch" ring mount for the loader/antiaircraft machine gunner. There are no remaining skirt mountings on the sides of the hull. The tank also had the left side of its travel lock shot away and a scar left across the front of the driver's position by an unlucky Pak 40 (Oller didn't miss with the return shot!) "In the Mood" was painted olive drab with black disruptive stripes per the 1st Army standardized camouflage recommendations. It had no frontal bumper codes nor the previously used yellow turret codes (as it was a replacement it does not appear to have ever carried them), the name in white centered under the turret on each side, and the serial number USA 3070713-S (for radio suppressed ignition harness) on the rear sides. The tank did carry the "circled star" marking on top of the front of the turret. It is assumed that the tank, as with most other 3AD tanks, did carry bumper codes on the rear, which as the platoon sergeant for 3rd platoon Item Company would have been 3 32  and I-34. (The Patton Museum has a broadside photo of this tank, which clearly shows the above mentioned details; the other clear photo of the tank is on the top of page 30 of Steve Zaloga's Concord book "The Sherman at War (2): The US Army in the European Theater 1944-1945" [#7036.] Here one can clearly see Pool and Oller as well as Bert Close and just the top of Richards' head, as well as the missing left "hook" of the travel lock.) DML has now released the latest member of their Sherman family, and one of the options in this kit is Pool's "In the Mood." Before going any farther, note that fully half of the parts in the box are not used with this kit! This is due to the use of a number of sprues from the previous Sherman releases by DML. The kit still shares some of its architecture with the 31-year-old Italeri kit, but it also corrects or replaces most of the obsolete or wrong parts of that kit. The most obviously egregious one, the "stepped" barrel, has been replaced by an aluminum one or a styrene one with muzzle brake. The turret is based on the molds used for the new M4A3 kits from last year but with even further refinement and the casting number. The hull is a totally new molding, and comes with the early control compartment vent (a U-shaped trench between the front hatches vice the cover of the later models). There is a texturing to both the hull and turret which is a bit exaggerated, but nothing objectionable for most people. The new suspension is much better than the previous VVSS efforts and is dead on for this particular series of tanks - straight return roller mount with "pillow" block for raising it. The road wheels are the newer "two-piece" ones with fronts and backs, but curiously the idlers are the "solid" type but with no backing. (Note as listed above for "In the Mood" they will have to be replaced with "spoked" idlers from the parts box.) The track guards (parts V6) are a bit on the heavy side - considering how much DML uses preformed brass parts, I'm surprised they don't make these out of brass as well rather than the heavy plastic ones. (For later models, the older VVSS suspension with the upswept return roller mounts are included. Most of the rest of the parts, less the tools which still show a case of Italeri "anemia", are well done and of recent vintage, and the machine guns are all "slide molded" with hollow bores. There are a number of optional bits too, such as different engine deck covers - with or without a filler port. Since most of the ones that are in photos are covered with canvas, kit or just plain junk, I do not know which is correct and which is not for "In the Mood." The engine exhaust deflector grille (part J1) is solid, unlike its Italeri predecessor; but it is closer to scale thickness, and the former one had ejection pin marks in it that were virtually impossible to remove. Other standard bits include clear plastic for all of the periscopes and vision blocks, a choice of etched brass or styrene guards and details, and two turned brass 76mm rounds for the model. The engine compartment deck may be displayed open or closed, but as there is no engine (!) I guess it is only for the advanced modeler so that he does not have to cut and replace parts. One thing I know many modelers were hoping was that DML would break down and provide a set of DS plastic single-piece tracks for this kit. No such luck: it comes with the British steel chevron tracks with replacement T48 rubber chevron links and optional extended end connectors. These are very accurate, but have turned out to be the single most hated part of the DML Sherman kits by many people as it can take up to 15 hours to prepare, assemble and install them. A total of five different marking options are included: an all olive drab Polish1st Armoured Division tank, Holland 1944; and four different black and OD tanks - unknown, 2AD, France 1944; F Company 33rd Armored Regiment, 3AD, Belgium 1944; D Company 66th Armored Regiment, 2AD, France 1944; and of course, "In the Mood," I Company 32nd Armored Regiment 3AD France 1944. (It's sort of a shame that the kit did not come with a Culin device for the 2AD tanks, to provide different options.) The one thing I must caution buyers of this kit is that, like many of its fellow DML kits, once you take the parts sprues out of the box it is nearly impossible to get them all back in! Overall this is a super effort, and contrary to some of the "experten" on various web sites it really captures the feel of the prototype. Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.   Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 18, 2006) Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The Skink in Canadian Service by Roger V. Lucy; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2005. 24 pp. with B&W photos and one painting diagram. Price CDN $9.95. ISBN 1-894581-29-0 http://www.servicepub.com Advantages: First comprehensive history of this Sherman "cousin" with good description. Disadvantages: Plans may not be detailed enough for some modelers. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all Sherman and Commonwealth armor fans, as well as "Duck Hunters". One of the more curious offshoots of the US M4 Sherman family of tanks is the Canadian designed and built Skink, a four-gun dedicated antiaircraft variant that never got into full production. While all histories of the Sherman mention it, it is usually just as a footnote and little more is said about it. Now Roger Lucy, who has thus far found some of the more fascinating subjects in this nice range of books from Service Publications of Canada, delves into its history and background. When the British Army found it did not have anything to counter low-level attacking aircraft, they began a search for an effective self-propelled weapons system to keep up with their armoured columns. A 6 x 4 truck armed with multiple 20mm weapons was proposed, but the only two that got into service were the lackluster Crusader AA Mk. I with a single 40mm Bofors gun and the Crusader AA Mk. II with twin 20mm Oerlikon weapons. While the British wrestled with their shortcomings, the Canadians, who had decided on equipping their combat formations with the Grizzly or US M4A1 Sherman tank, did not want to have to maintain oddities in their formations but instead have a common chassis. The Sexton self-propelled 25-pdr used the compatible M3/Ram derived chassis, so using a Sherman chassis seemed most logical. The Canadians pressed on and developed a new turret mounting four 20mm guns - while the Canadians wanted to use a Canadian designed weapon, the British wanted the 20mm Polsten lightweight Oerlikon-derived gun; but as it was not ready, the prototypes used 20mm Hispano-Suiza guns made in the US. A welded turret was developed for testing, and the four guns and their feed mechanisms were mounted in it during testing in November 1943. In the meantime, due to futzing around the Canadians decided to drop production of the Grizzly but due to commonality of components simply manufacture drop-in turret sets that would fit any of the first five models of Sherman - I-V or M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4A3 or M4A4. Once the welded turret had been sorted out, a cast turret was developed. But this immediately needed redesign due to the switch in early 1944 to the Polsten gun from the US made Hispanos. Nevertheless, most of the changes were kept to a minimum and the changeover was very easy to make. This gave the Canadians the option of using the proven Hispano if the Polsten came a cropper. But by this time it was now late July 1944, and Field Marshal Montgomery had decided the Commonwealth forces did not need a dedicated AA tank. To add insult to injury, he then unilaterally decreed that the Hispano was not to be used in Europe by any Commonwealth forces. The orders for Skinks had gone from 275 machines to 130 turrets to zero. Unfazed, the Canadians sent Skink Production Model No. 1 to Europe for trials, where it served in combat with no less than six different Canadian armoured regiments, all of whom liked it and appreciated its ability to subdue enemy resistance when used in a ground support role. When the dust settled, only eight Skink turrets were made, and all but two have gone missing since the end of the war and the Skink program. While the US was interested in this fearsome AA weapon, they made do with the M16 quad .50 caliber and M19 twin 40mm weapons at the end of the war and in Korea, using them again in a ground support role. The concept was revived by the Soviets as the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" some 20 years later, and they proved themselves in Afghanistan the same way as the Skink did - ground support against dug-in enemy infantry. Thanks to Clive Law for the review copy. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 18, 2006) Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The Leopard in Canadian Service by Michael P. McNorgan; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2005; 24 pp. with B&W photos and one painting diagram. Price CDN $9.95. ISBN 1-894581-31-8. http://www.servicepub.com Advantages: Finally tells the tale of the Leo 1 in Canadian service; covers the history and allocation of tanks and derivatives. Disadvantages: Modelers will be disappointed with lack of some of the specific details that differentiate the Leo C.1 from the Leo 1A4 and Australian AS.1. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all Leo and Canadian armour fans. I have always liked the Canadian Leopard C.1 and have had two of the old Italeri Leopard 1A4 kits kicking around just to built a model of one. Barry Beldam even gave me a quick boot by providing me with 1/35 scale "maple leaf" insignia for it, but never got around to the model. Now a new book from Service Publications by former Canadian tanker and retired Major Michael McNorgan covers the entire history of the Canadian Army (er, Land Forces) and the Leo. The Canadian Army in Europe in the early 1970s was equipped with the Centurion 11, an upgraded version of the older Mark 5s they had purchased in the 1950s, and by that time it was lagging behind the Soviets as well as their allies in performance. The US was using the M60A2 and M60A3, the British the Chieftain 5, and the Germans were equipping with the Leopard 1A1 and 1A2. Due to internal squabbles over budgets, the Canadian government blew a chance to get more than 200 Leopard 1A1/1A2 tanks for a bit more than CDN $53 million. Finally, being way behind the power curve and facing Soviet forces equipping with the T-64A main battle tank, in 1976 the Canadian government bought 114 Leopard 1A4 models and associated Leopard-chassis support vehicles for CDN $187 million, not quite the same bargain! Until the Germans had the bugs out of the 1A4 and were able to built the modified Canadian version, dubbed the Leopard C.1, the Canadians were loaned two battalions worth of Leopard 1A2 tanks, wryly dubbed "rentatanks" by the Canadian tankers. The C.1s began delivery in 1978. The C.1 was essentially the then-current Leopard 1A4, a product-improved version of the 1A3 that had successfully tested during REFORGER 1974, and was quite similar other than some of the locations for kit on the tank hull and turret, and an integrated fire control system topped off by the fitting of the large PZB 200 low-light-level television sight on the left side of the mantelet. The tank also used the AN/VSS-4 searchlight, which was mounted inside the tank and used a small aperture for use vice the big boxy German one used on their Leopard tanks. The major user of the tanks was the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Lahr with the 4th Canadian Mechanised Battle Group (CMBG), essentially a brigade-sized structure. But as Major McNorgan wryly notes, since it was the ONLY Canadian armoured unit in Germany and other tankers rotated through from North American bases as well, it was dubbed the "Royal Lahr Dragoons." (For American readers, the Canadians do not quite use the same type of system as the US does with the Combined Arms Regimental System or CARS. Once assigned to a regiment, you usually stay with that regiment for your career in a manner similar to the US system today of battalion assignments in CONUS and overseas with the same regimental affiliation. The Canadian tankers had no such system, so anyone from another regiment, such as Lord Strathcona's, the 8th Hussars, or the 12eme RBC, would re-badge in Germany as RCD. This was the only assignment in the Canadian military which required this re-badging.) But the Leopards lost much of their attraction once the Wall fell in 1989, and in 1992 were all pulled back to Canada. The use of Canadian forces in peacekeeping operations did cause a spark of need for armor support (anyone who read General MacKenzie's book on his adventures in Sarajevo can understand why he would have loved to have had Leos to back his forces up!) Overall, however, only four tanks were ever sent abroad for these missions. As the tanks hit their 20th year of service, and became more and more obsolete, in 1999 the Canadian government decided to replace them with 123 Leopard 1A5 tanks declared surplus by Germany. But as the 1A4 hull was superior to the 1A1/1A2 hull of the 1A5 upgrade, when they got the tanks in they swapped the more modern 1A5 turrets onto the C.1 hulls and created a new model, the C.2. This is the standard main battle tank of the Canadian Land Forces today. A good set of plans for a Leopard C.1 by George Bradford is the centerpiece of the book, but some modelers may find them not detailed enough for creating the C.1 from a Leopard 1A4 kit. Overall a good and entertaining read, as Major McNorgan has a good style and "knows where the bodies are buried!" Thanks to Clive Law of Service Publications for the review copy. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 16, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7298; M2A2 with ERA. 173 parts (142 in grey styrene, 20 in DS plastic, 11 etched brass). Price US $11.95. Advantages: first kit in any scale with the reactive armor array; multiple parts permit any of several subvariants of Bradley to be built from this kit. Disadvantages: another variant may confuse some buyers. Rating: Highly Rated. Recommendation: for all modern "small scale" fans. More than 15 years ago the Army gave consideration to mounting explosive reactive armor - ERA - on the Bradley series of armored infantry fighting vehicles for self-protection. The Israelis had demonstrated its effectiveness as well as the Soviets had adopted "Kontakt" protection - which they dubbed "dynamic protection" - for their own armored vehicles. But even though the M2A2 and M3A2 Bradley fighting vehicles went into production, proving themselves on Operation Desert Storm, the decision to actually produce the suites of armor was deferred. Fast forward to Operation Iraqi Freedom, where for the first time US forces came up against massive numbers of hand-held antitank weapons used at point-blank range. The results were a few knocked out M1A1 Abrams tanks as well as many Bradleys and lighter vehicles knocked out. Due to the problems with catastrophic explosions in a Bradley (the inside of the rear of the vehicle carries a great deal of 25mm, 7.62mm and TOW ammunition, plus fuel) the US Army finally decided to field its ERA protection for use in Iraq. The armor is quite effective, and prevents penetration of the interior of the vehicle or at least minimizes it to prevent injuries to crew members as well as denotation of stowed ammunition. For those not familiar with reactive armor, it uses an explosion and moving steel plates to deform the jet of molten metal formed by a cumulative effects warhead (HEAT) to prevent it forming correctly and penetrating the armor protection of a vehicle. Based on the vehicle and the munition, it can be up to 100% effective. DML has now offered the latest version of the M2A2 with a reactive armor fit. This is an improved version of their earlier M2A2 ODS kit (number 7247) and provides more parts and better rendering. While they have simplified the array down to only seven parts, due to close fits and the conformal fit of the boxes on the actual vehicle this really isn't objectionable, and does prevent the modeler from having to mount 90 or so boxes of around 2 x 2 mm. The model can be built as either a straight M2A2 ODS (upgraded M2A2 with lessons learned from Desert Storm) or an M2A2 with ERA. Different parts and components are provided for each one, so you will have to pay close attention to the very busy direction sheet. This kit is one of the few where you do have to use the etched brass, as the mounts are provided for the turret ERA array and no styrene alternative comes with the kit. No interior is provided, but four of the six hatches may be positioned either open or shut (driver's, commander's, missile reload, and rear access ramp.) Tracks are DS plastic as are the keepers for the wheels, the mud flaps, and the antiaircraft sight mount and arm on the turret roof. Cartograf decals are provided along with four recommended schemes: 1-18 Infantry, 1st ID, Tikrit 2004; 2-7 Infantry, 3rd ID, Baghdad 2004; 1-26 Infantry, 1st ID, Balad 2004; and 1-8 Infantry, 4th ID, Samarrah, 2003. Overall this is a very nice kit with more options, but it may provide confusing to some modelers due to the plethora of other Bradley kits DML has offered. That would be a shame, as this is the best of the bunch. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 16, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit Number 6280: German Mine Detectors - Gen2. 271 parts (254 in grey styrene, 17 etched brass). Price US $12.50. Advantages: finally the engineers get some respect; nicely done mine detection kit. Disadvantages: none noted other than tiny parts. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and "picks and shovels" fans. There is one of the many corollaries to "Murphy's Law" that if you are moving well cross country then you are probably in a mine field. Mines are dangerous obstacles to both the attacker and defender, and to this day cause many more casualties both during and after a war than most people would think. To that end, all nations have concentrated on mine clearing using the best technology that they can produce. The Germans were no different, and tales of the British and Soviets being particularly generous and lethal with the use of mines are common. As a result, the engineers (German Pioneren) had to clear minefields to provide for free movement and access routes. DML has now provided a kit of such personnel, with two mine detector operators and two soldiers using more common if primitive means. Not only does the kit come with the mine detection equipment, it also comes with four different types of Soviet mines (TDM, T-IV, PZM and Model 1938) for them to have discovered the right way (not much sense of making a kit if they found them the wrong way!) I am no expert on German engineer equipment, but the systems provide appear to be the Model 1939 Mine Detector Rod, an Aachen 40 Mine Detecting Coil, the Wien (Vienna) Model 1941 Mine Detector, and the old fashioned bayonet in the ground. The Mine Detector Rod operator has the assembled rod with probe and is operating in textbook fashion, sticking into the ground in front of him. The system is supposed to let him know what he has struck by the fact that it is an aluminum tube and the sound resonates. The Aachen 40 is a coil on a long rod, familiar to most people who have seen similar US ones in operation, with the operator using an electronics backpack (receiver and batteries) and providing an aural signal via headsets. The Wien 41 is a detector shaped like a sausage on the end of a sectional pole, with an electronics pack worn by the operator and providing an audible signal via headsets. All four figures come with the complete pantheon of DML's standard kit for German figures - GA and GB accessory sprues, and one WA weapons sprue with two Kar 98K rifles and ammunition. The figures and mine detection equipment come on two separate sprues. They also come with a set of brass belt buckles, epaulets, and awards. As is most common with DML figures, the box art is by Ron Volstad and a great help to painting up the figures. Overall this set will look great with the DML engineer halftrack (number 6223) and compliment it greatly. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 15, 2006) Kit Review: Italeri 1/35 Scale Kit No. 6440; M4A3 76mm Sherman. 208 parts (206 in olive drab styrene, 2 black vinyl tracks). Price not known but estimated at US $33.50. Advantages: today, none. Disadvantages: older kit re-released with new number and decals but no corrections to flaws in the original kit. Rating: Recommended with reservations. Recommendation: for all Sherman fans. The old saw about "time marches on" is quite true, and there is no place to better illustrate that fact than the modeling industry. Some manufacturers will put out the same kits, flaws and all, over and over and over again with only increasing prices to show for their efforts. Sometimes modelers don't mind as their kits are "the only game in town" and any other option - mostly expensive resin kits or scratchbuilding - just aren't viable. But in regard to others, where the kit is obsolete or woefully wrong, it's not really a good idea. Take the case of the Italeri Sherman kits. The first one, an M4A1, was their kit number 225 (all 1/35 scale kits now have a 6 added in front of the old number, so mentally add that to see if the kit is still offered) which came out in the mid 1970s. When it was released, it was the best Sherman on the market (as it was the ONLY Sherman on the market!) and only had the re-leases of the awful Tamiya 1/33+ scale kit of an M4A3E8 or Revell "M4 Something" Sherman to contend with in the market. Modelers snapped it up in droves and for years it was held as the reference standard.    In short order Italeri used it as the basis for other kits, most notably an M32B1 tank retriever (kit number 203), an M7 Priest (kit number 206) and Priest "Kangaroo" (kit number 203). But in 1981 Tamiya released their kit of an M4A3 75mm Sherman which, while flawed in its own right, soon became a much more popular kit. However, since it was a 75mm and the Italeri kit was a 76mm a great deal of cross-kitting was done. That kit was later used as a basis for an M4A3E2 "Jumbo" and also an M4 Early Model and M4 105mm howitzer tank kits. But in the meantime one mandatory reference work for US Army armor fans, and Sherman fans in particular, was released - "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank" by R. P. Hunnicutt, first printed in 1978 - which changed the knowledge base and view of Sherman model kits. The Tamiya and Italeri kits were soon compared to the details presented in this massive tome and found wanting. In specific, the Italeri kit was found to have some shape errors with its turret and a gun barrel with a totally erroneous sleeve where it joined the mantelet. Over the years, and in comparison with the much easier to built Tamiya kit, it was also dinged for its flimsy suspension and stiff vinyl tracks which tended to pull the suspension out of plumb and give the model a "rocking horse" profile. Undaunted, Italeri proceeded to release other Sherman variants, with so-so results and attention to detail. About 1989 they released their kit number 253, which was called the "M4A2 Sherman 'Jumbo'" which was totally wrong. This kit was actually an M4A3 hull top which used the lower hull and turret from the original M4A1 76mm kit of nearly 15 years earlier. As such, it was not too bad, other than the previously mentioned errors and the fact that most M4A3 76mm Shermans used the later production turret with an oval loader's hatch and not the hip ring split hatch provided on this kit. This kit tended to vanish from the market very quickly due to its labeling error. Now, here in 2006, what should show up but this kit - which is nothing more than the original kit number 253 "M4A2 Jumbo" in a new box with a set of vinyl T54E1 tracks in place of the original's T51 tracks, donated to the cause from kit number 288, an M4A3 with T34 Calliope rocket launcher. This is not such a bad kit, but alas many other Sherman kits have come out from first Dragon and then Academy that eclipse it, as Italeri has fixed NONE of the kit's errors. First off, it retains the turret problems from the original M4A1 kit. While the upper hull is not bad (so far it is the only one that makes an attempt to show flush welding of the hull, and not the "trenches" found in the DML and Academy kits). The suspension is the original 30 year old Italeri one with the "rocking" bogies that are unsuitable for use with the kit's tracks. The wheels are the "solid spoke" type and do having backing details on them, but are narrow and the detail is set back too far. This kit does not offer fender skirts, although some components are provided for them. To its credit, the kit is not hard to assemble, and with a new turret does look the part. It also needs either a new suspension or new single-link tracks to avoid that annoying "rocking horse" look. A figure, the same one from the original 1975 release, is provided, but is rather static, and better figures can be found. The kit offers six finishing options; while it does have a new decal sheet, as with too many recent Italeri efforts appears to be incomplete. This is a shame, as one version is a French 2nd Armored Division one named in honor of a second lieutenant killed in action. The other choices are 11th Armored Division 1945, 752nd Tank Battalion 1945, 1st Armored Division 1945, 6th Armored Division 1945, and one whitewashed one in the Colmar pocket, 1945. Overall this kit is probably best used for learning how to upgrade older kits with replacement "after market" parts - a great place to start younger modelers or new fans who want to learn about these skills. But at the increased prices for Italeri kits, it may not be a bargain, and intermediate level modelers may wish to opt directly for either a DML or Academy kit. Photos and sprue shots of this model are available exclusively on Cybermodeler http://www.cybermodeler.com. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 15, 2006) Kit Review: Italeri 1/35 Scale Kit Number 6275; Sd.Kfz. 173 Jagdpanther. Part: 124+2+50, 8 in steel colored vinyl). Price not known but estimated at US $33.50. Advantages: simple kit, easy to assemble and captures the look of its prototype. Disadvantages: carries over some of the problems with the similar Panther A and D (kits number 6270 and 6290) due to its use of the same lower hull sprue. Rating: Recommended. Recommendation: for German armor fans or beginning modelers. When Italeri released its Panther kit about 15 years ago, it caused a firestorm of complaints and compliments from modelers. The compliments were usually due to the fact that it was the first Panther kit offered that attempted to provide for the use of "zimmerit" surface paste via the use of applique armored panels. The complaints were due to the fact that the kit HAD to use them or it wound up being underscale, as well as the turret sat too far to the rear and the suspension had some bugaboo problems. At the time it was released, however, what many of its detractors failed to grasp was that it was an A model and far superior to the obsolete Tamiya kit that dated from 1968. Since then Italeri, Tamiya, DML (both original and re-released Gunze Sangyo) versions and some other kits have covered one of the more popular derivatives of the Panther, the 88mm armed Jagdpanther. This kit was originally released in the early 1990s, and this version does make one change that I see - instead of the original lower hull sprue from kit 270, this uses the one from the Panther Ausf. D kit (number 290) what many missed the first time as that kit did not need applique on its lower glacis. The kit does not use any of the "zimmerit" panels, which is not so good as it replicates the early model of the Jagdpanther with the "smooth barrel" 88mm gun, most of which carried the zimmerit coating. It also is missing the side skirts albeit the mounts are included. It does retain the engine as provided in the A and D kits, which is a nice touch as it lends itself readily to diorama use. The kit does come with the correct number and pattern of wheels, and the good news is that the Italeri tracks - in this case two-section vinyl in steel - are more flexible and fit well, other than the fact that the upper run by the nature of its material cannot droop. This will require forcing it down on the spension via either steel rods through the hull, tying it down with thread, or cementing it to the upper part of the road wheels with ACC (superglue). Overall this isn't a bad model, and it's a great place for new or younger modelers to start as it has few vices or major problems in assembly. It also, due to its flat shapes and panels, is a great place to start if you want to learn how to apply "zimmerit" using a product like R&J's "Zimmer-it-Right."  But if you want a fine-scale model, you will either have to make some changes and corrections or look to another kit. Photos and sprue shots of this model are available exclusively at Cybermodeler http://www.cybermodeler.com). Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 12, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7240; Sd.Kfz. 182 King Tiger Henschel Turret with Zimmerit. 169 parts (163 in grey stryene, 4 etched brass, 2 in tan DS plastic). Price US $11.95. Advantages: it's got zimmerit! Disadvantages: modelers who purchased the earlier kit No. 7246 and put on their own zimmerit may not be too happy this kit was released! Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: to all German late war fans. Ah, the Germans: only they would come up with a concrete paste to apply to their tanks and big self-propelled guns to prevent enemy soldiers or partisans from using "sticky bombs" to blow them up. This paste - "zimmerit" - was found in many places and used for about eighteen months before the Germans gave up on it. But ask nearly any German late war armor modeler about what he probably dislikes most and a good portion will say "putting on the zimmerit," even more so when it is a small scale kit of the tanks. Up until now many options have been tried in 1/35 scale, such as etched brass sheets, thin resin sheets, soldering irons with special tips, or an applique paste using engraving tools or special spatulas. All take time and all have their backers, but the bottom line is that the modeler has to do this himself. Italeri made a brave effort about ten years ago of making kits of a Tiger I and a Panther in 1/35 scale with applique styrene "zimmerit" panels, but it was ultimately unsuccesful. While the shortcomings of the kits themselves are a moot point, the main problem was that if the appliques were not used the model was underscale, and if they were, it looked, well, like stuck-on styrene panels. Now for the first time SOMEBODY has offered a kit with the zimmerit molded right into the surface. DML has used its "slide molding" techniques to provide a new kit of their Tiger II with Henschel turret (which came out as kit number 7246 in July 2004) to replace all of the major panels and assemblies with new ones, all with the zimmerit in place. There is only one "applique" part, the lower glacis (part E2), and the rest is totally integral. This covers the upper hull (F1), turret (F8), turret face (F7), rear hatch (F6), mantelet (B20),and  rear plate (F4). All of the zimmerit is in scale and very finely done  - it definitely screams out "drybrush me!" The rest of the kit is a "product-improved" version of 7246, this time with DS plastic track instead of black vinyl and other upgrades to individual parts. Brass grilles are included for the engine deck as well, but only molded plastic tow cable assemblies are included. Markings and painting directions are included for six different tanks: s.Pz.Abt. 101, Belgium 1944; s.Pz.Abt. 506, Andler, 1944; s.Pz.Abt. 501, Germany, 1944; s.Pz.Abt. 501, Eastern Front, 1944; s.Pz.Abt. 503, Hungary, 1945; and s.Pz.Abt. 506, Germany 1945. All but the one in Hungary are in three-color schemes, with that one being in whitewash winter camouflage. Overall this should be a very popular kit with modelers that do not want to mess around with applying zimmerit, and it is amazing to me that it took this long before somebody solved the problem! Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 12, 2006) Kit Review: Tristar (via MRC in the US) 1/35 scale Kit No. 35010S; 2cm Flak 38 with Crew Set (Limited edition); 131 parts in grey stryene. Price US $18. Advantages: nice, compact kit of this gun with a full five man crew; small accessories make the kit work well as a diorama centerpiece; given Tristar prices, this kit is a bargain! Disadvantages: not as cleanly done as the competing DML effort; some crudity on both the figures and the gun. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and AA fans. I had received these kits long before the DML Flak 38 kit was released (there was a delay while import licences were being worked out and product lines developed for sale in the US by MRC) but only now have word that MRC will release Kits 35010 (the 2cm gun) and 35013 (the crew) in the same box as a "limited edition" set. Given the fact that Tristar kits in the US are not cheap, this is a genuine bargain and should merit serious consideration.  The 2 cm guns were among the most prevalent of the German AA weapons, and were found in a number of different towed and SP mounts, and in single and quadruple use as ground systems (and some naval mounts as well).  They were marked by having a high rate of fire and good explosive rounds, and were probably responsible for many of the 9th Air Force close air support and battlefield air interdiction aircraft lost in 1944-1945. As such, they have been popular modeling subjects; this is the third kit to be released of this weapon after the late 1970s ESCI kit and early 1980s Tamiya one. The gun itself consists of 89 parts in a mid-grey styrene on three sprues, and even includes a "slide molded" barrel with hollow muzzle. The parts are well done but the fixing points on the sprues are heavier than most and speak to low rate production kits. There are ejection pin marks on the major parts, but they are either in inconspicuous places or easily removed. I have to admit as my gun was a pre-release sample there was no direction sheet that came with it, but the parts are pretty easily sorted out and the excellent artwork on the boxtop could be used in a pinch to assemble the kit. This kit does not have the details of the DML one, but it has free elevation so many modelers will be happier with that (one good thing about free elevation on an artillery piece is that it means fewer broken barrels if snagged or the "gefingerpokener schlumpfen" twang it at a show to see what happens!) The Sonderanhanger 51 is nicely done but uses one-piece wheel and tire assemblies and simplified mounting bits. A spare barrel case and what appear to be canvas ammunition cases are also provided with the kit, as are four magazines. The figures are not bad, about on a par with the early DML ones and much better than the Tamiya "dwarves" of 20 years ago or the awful ESCI crews. They are a bit soft in some areas but appear to be quite serviceable and will paint up nicely. They are all wearing the standard field uniform, a good idea unlike the unfortunate DML choice of winter wear for their 8.8 cm Flak 36 crew. There are even "hobnails" on the bottom of one of the "other number's" boots! A small decal sheet is provided for marking the gun and magazines. Three different options are provided - grey, sand and whitewash. Overall this is a nice kit, and coming with a good crew is an advantage (considering the crew alone sells for US $14.50, getting the gun for another $3.50 is very good value indeed!) If I were to rank the four kits, it would be DML first and this kit second - especially as it comes with the crew. The Tamiya is third, and the ESCI/Italeri one last, mostly due to their  obsolete crew figure sets and simplified guns. Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 12, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6288; 2cm Flak 38 mit Sd.Ah. 51. 202 parts (146 in grey styrene, 56 etched brass). Price not known but estimated at US $22 based on similar kits. Advantages: the best 2 cm Flak going, with the most options and details; choice of three different style breeches, many "slide molded" details. Disadvantages: no crew figures included. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and AA fans. Probably the most ubiquitous German AA gun of WWII was not the 88mm gun, but the small and highly mobile 2 cm family of 20mm guns. Found in self-propelled, towed, single and quadruple mounts, it was everywhere, used by all formations, and very popular. Most modern modelers would remember it from the end of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" where one is use to kill the Ranger sniper. Designed by Mauser as a high-rate replacement for the earlier Flak 30, the Flak 38 possessed a rate of fire of 420-480 rpm but due to its 20 round magazines the practical rate of fire was about half that. Over 17,000 of both weapons were in service in 1944. This has always been a popular weapon, and DML's entry is the fourth in plastic to come out following early efforts from ESCI (now Italeri) and Tamiya and the more recent Tristar offerings. But it comes with more options than any of the other ones and has some really well molded bits to it. The gun itself has a pre-bored flash hider and also a choice of three different breech assemblies - DML calls them "barrels" which they are not, but the point is that they do offer three styles. A case with spare barrel molded in place is also included, as well as at least four magazines and two ammo carrier cans. (All that is missing are shell casings, but that's pushing it in this caliber and scale!) The gun can be built for free elevation, but that requires leaving out some parts. DML's answer is to provide different length elevation buffer rods and sight mounts so that the modeler can position the barrel at 0, 20, 40 and 60 degree elevations. The mount provides for free traverse. The gun shields are - as is now normal for DML - either plastic or etched brass, your option. The Sonderanhanger 51 trailer is nicely detailed but with rather conventional tires - none of the fancy sectional slide molding for tread depth used on the 88mm or Pak 40 kits. Nice touches overall include the provision of accessories for the gun such as the aforementioned gun case, two ammo cases with magazines, and a gizmo (!) which I am guessing is a loading device for filling magazines. A total of eight different units are offered, but all are basically paint jobs. A small sheet of decals is provided for "kill" marks and data plates. Overall this is a lovely kit - the surprising thing is that DML did NOT provide a crew with the kit! Since their figures set the standard - and this gun begs for a crew - I am surprised to find it does not have them. Maybe next issue... Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 12, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7244; Sd.Kfz.. 165 Hummel Early Version; 168 parts (146 in grey stryene, 18 etched brass, 2 in DS plastic, 2 pre-bent wire); price US $11.95 Advantages: new, fresh kit of this vehicle using the excellent chassis parts from the two previous Nashorn/Hornisse kits; gun captures chunky look of the original. Disadvantages: may have some shared parts from the other kits which are not quite precisely suited to the Hummel. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all German and artillery fans Last summer DML released a pair of Sd.Kfz. 164 kits, first a Hornisse and then the later Nashorn, using the Gw III/IV chassis. The kits apparently proved popular, and now the first of the Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel kits using the same chassis has been released. This is the early model "pulpit" style driver's compartment version, and the main difference between it and the 164s is the 15 cm gun and mount. The new gun comprises 23 parts, several of which meet my RP (right puny) criteria and will need to be handled with care. I am no expert on the Hummel but the interior seems a bit spartan and I see no sights or other kit for the Hummel which I recall being there, so am sure someone will come to the rescue later on. However, what is provided seems accurate according to the references I have, so if DML has committed any mistakes they are those of omission and not commission, which is easier to fix later on. The kit comes with pre-bent spare wheel brackets from wire as well as a choice of etched brass or plastic radiator exhaust grilles on the sides of the casemate. It also uses DML's DS plastic tracks, which are cut a bit long to allow for sag. Decals and finishing options are provided for five guns: unidentified, Eastern Front1944; two from "Das Reich," Normandy 1944; unidentified, Eastern Front Winter 1944; and one from the 5th Panzer Division, Russia 1944. Overall this is a nice kit and shows DML continues to meet the needs of small scale modelers. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on January 11, 2006) Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series No. 6301; Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. E "Vorpanzer". 1,099 parts (582 in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links, 187 etched brass, 23 clear styrene, 10 preformed steel wire, 4 preformed brass 2 turned brass, 1 turned aluminum, 2 twisted steel wire); price estimated at US $41.50 Advantages: another variant on the rarely modeled early war Panzer; details both inside and out on most parts, including the fenders, odd "assault armor" included. Disadvantages: may be overlooked due to similarity with recent "3-in-1" kit. Rating: Highly Recommended. Recommendation: for all early war German fans. F I R S T   L O O K There are times when some of the kits really tend to stump me, and this is one of them. While it has some other history to relate, I must say I have never heard of Pzkw. IV tanks fitted with "cheek" armor for close assault (which is what the "Vorpanzer" or forward armor would seem to mean.) On the other hand, this is another nice version of the Ausf. E variant. (I get the feeling from the markings that they were actually "OPFOR" vehicles designed to simulate Soviet tanks but that's just a wild guess!) The Pzkw. IV Ausf. E, which came out in September 1940 and was produced through April 1941, was one of the first models to take combat results into account. It was found early on that the Pzkw. IV was too thin-skinned to stand up to anybody's antitank guns, and with this tank it got an increase to 50mm on the bow plate and 20+30mm on the upper glacis, as well as a new visor for the driver to give him more protection. Hatches were countersunk against ricochet damage, and the turret rear was redesigned to incorporate the redesigned commander's cupola and eliminate potential shot traps or weak spots in the hull rear. Later, more applique armor protection was added to the lower hull sides and suspension units to protect against antitank guns and mines. A total of 206 chassis were built - 200 as battle tanks, 4 as prototype bridge launchers, and two more as experimental chassis. (I again admit I have no idea of how many were fitted with the "cheek" armor.) DML was stung by some harsh criticism of its Pzkw. IV Ausf. E "Afrika Korps" kit (No. 6264) as some "experten" on the internet faulted it for dimensional errors and other problems. As a result, DML sent two of its Japanese researchers to Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Ordnance Museum to reverify their measurements from the Pzkw. IV Ausf. E in the museum's collection. This kit reflects any changes they felt had to be made, and therefore it sports some new parts - 166 of them. Note that most of them are either upgrades to previous parts or as in the case of the assault armor new and specific to this kit. Again, as noted with the previous Ausf. E, I want to warn modelers that this is a VERY complex kit, and comes with a large number of options which are called out in the directions. As with all recent DML kits, many of the parts are redundant and offer the modeler the choice of either styrene parts or etched brass - DML is one of the few, if not the only, company to offer this; others either assume you will buy their sets aftermarket and replace kit parts, or give you no option but to use them from the start. Since a good number of modelers still are a bit leery of etched metal due to tales of vanishing parts or problems in attaching them, it gives the "retention challenged" (e.g. the guy who loses itty bitty parts!) modeler a fighting chance. The kit also comes pre-section for detail fans who want an interior. All hatches are separate parts and some interior detail is included, including a very complete turret basket and 7.5 cm L/24 gun; this has a choice between a "slide molded" styrene barrel or a turned aluminum one. A very detailed 21 part commander's cupola is also included for the turret. There are other details here that need to be seen and appreciated (MIG fans will be happy!) such as the geared turret race. The model just abounds with details. Each of the suspension bogies has 18 parts (19 with protective armor cover) with separate tires for painting. Safety chains are provided for the towing shackle mounts as they have separate pins too. Two sets of engine deck doors are provided (early/late model and Africa) along with etched inserts for those who wish them. This detail takes a good jeweler's loupe to see - there are two DIFFERENT sets of "Magic Track" links, one for the left side and one for the right, as they replicate the different sides that the track pins are inserted from for holding the track together! Alas, DML did not identify which bag is which, so I hope you at least keep them on the correct sides! (Think hard on the types of judges at shows who are going to have to use an "IPMS Death Ray" - penlight - and 10x jeweler's loupe to check on that - payback can be fun!) (DML does tell you that the fastener side goes out and the smooth head goes in, as there is a "knocker" to keep them in place if the fastener fails. They don't identify which bag is which, though, so you have to sort it out.) Markings and finishing directions are included for five different vehicles: two from Pz. Ers. Abt. 5, Germany, 1942; Pz. Ers. Abt. Nimes, 1942; Panzerregiment 31, Russia 1942; and one from Pz. Ers. Abt. 4, Germany 1942; the first four are Panzer Grey and the last one is Panzerbraun. Overall this is a nice kit if somewhat curious, but it should be popular as you can do up a good straight Ausf. E from it. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Back (Originally written on December 12, 2005) Kit Review: Zvezda 1/35 Scale Kit No. 3542; Soviet Light Tank T-26 Model of 1932. 182 parts (178 in olive drab styrene, 4 in silver vinyl). Retail price around US $17-20. Advantages: best kit of this particular tank on the market; provides armament options Disadvantages: mishmash of different versions on one chassis, short tracks, narrow hull. Rating: Recommended with Reservations. Recommendation: For all Soviet armor fans. In 1929 the Soviet Workers and Peasants Red Army (RKKA) took stock of where it stood on the world stage, and found itself wanting for modern tanks. The only tank the Soviets had been able to build, the MS-1 or T-18, was basically a warmed over Renault FT and offered little over that tank than a newer suspension and cannon and turret armament in one turret. So, having nothing to lose, they went "shopping" on the world stage. They wound up buying two tanks that would become the basis of all subsequent Soviet tanks: the Christie Model 1931 in the United States, and the Vickers Six Ton Light Tank Mark E from the United Kingdom. The former would prove to be the grandfather of the famous T-34 series tanks, but the other would provide the basis for the mostly widely built tank of the prewar era, the T-26. The latter came in three versions: A, with two machine guns in individual turrets; B, with a single turret and a 3-pdr and machine gun, and C, a tank destroyer version with two machine guns and two cannon. The Soviets bought 15 Mark E Type A machine gun tanks and a license to manufacture the tank in the USSR in March 1930, and began receiving them in September 1930. Testing showed them to be reliable and useful, but the Soviets had a number of problems with them, starting with them being made in English measurements and the Soviets having to convert all parts and blueprints to metrics. They also did not like the armament of twin Vickers .303 water-cooled machine guns, and quickly changed over to two Degtyarev 7.62mm DT air-cooled machine guns. Later, once production got started, they felt they needed cannon tanks, so swapped out the right hand turret machine gun for either a 37mm PS-1 (Soviet copy of the WW I French Hotchkiss trench gun) or a new B-3 gun based on a joint German/Soviet project which yielded the 3.7 cm PaK 36. When the dust settled, the Soviets built between 1,627 and 2,038 T-26 tanks with twin turrets (sources vary.) Of that number, around 400 had the 37mm guns installed (about 380 had the PS-1 and the rest the long-barreled B-3.) Zvezda of Russia released this kit a few years back, but in the meantime good references have come out from the more prolific Russian authors and historians and a much more precise review of this kit can be made today than it could at that point. In 1998 I reviewed the first T-26 kit from Zvezda and in a "First Look" (e.g. in the box) review felt it to be a good kit. Since then, I have found out that is only true from a relative standpoint. The kit does provide the basics for making either a "standard" Model 1932 T-26 tank with the twin DT machine gun turrets, or one DT turret and the 37mm PS-1 Hotchkiss cannon. This is due to duplicate sprues with both machine gun and cannon components on them. Note that the protective shield (part D10) was used on all of the PS-1 equipped tanks, but none of the B-3 fitted ones. But the model is based on their earlier T-26 "Model 1933" tank kit, and as such has a lot of errors. That kit was based on a preserved tank of some sort, with most features matching those found in the 1936-1937 production models: tool stowage, rubber rimmed steel road wheels, reinforced idlers, extended driver's compartment, and transmission access port on the glacis (part C52). It also had a simulation of the post-Spain upgrade grille over the air exhaust vent (part C55) and the "butterfly" armored cover over the air intake grille that was installed late in the Finnish War (1939-1940.) Lastly, it has stowage bins, the armored headlight (parts C41/42 and C56) the mid production muffler with the exhaust angled to the rear and the late-production chain carrier hooks at the rear of the hull. This kit does correct one of the straightaway errors, most notably the incorrect position of the track tension adjusters (parts B9/B10) which these directions show correctly with the blade shaped structure pointing to the rear and not down. (These are hollow rectangular tubes that are used with a "tanker bar" for adjusting track tension.) However, as with the other kits, the fenders are a shade too wide and the hull is about 2mm too narrow, unfortunately being right down the centerline so it is impossible to correct by adding 1mm strips to the sides of the lateral parts. The other major flaw is the kit's tracks, which are a tad too short and with the "working" suspension are nearly impossible to get to fit correctly. I suggest strongly an aftermarket set, either Model Kasten or RPM, as they fix this problem so the vehicle will "sit" correctly on a flat surface and not take up a "rocking horse" shape. With some work and a good reference a good model can be made from this kit, but it takes a lot of scratchbuilding and one of the Maquette/RPM/Mirage "T-26" kits that were cloned from the Spojna 7TP kit of more than 30 years ago. You need the solid rubber tired road wheels, idlers, and some of the details from those kits combined with a modified driver's compartment and a new engine deck to fix the late-model features. As noted you can get a good model from the elements in this kit, but it will take a spares box and a lot of work. Cookie Sewell