Advantages: Most accurate kit of this version of the T-34 now in production; fairly generic version of the tank
Disadvantages: may not meet some modelers’ expectations of “their” version of the tank
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet and “34" fans
While the Soviet T-34 tank was the best tank in the world at the time of its introduction, it suffered from some severe operational drawbacks. Most critical were the fact that the turret was cramped and made conditions for observing the battlefield difficult. Also, the turret design was complex and required machining to prepare it for assembly.
Since they could not carry out massive redesign of the tank at the time – late 1941 – the Soviets instead designed a roomier turret better suited for casting which would fit the standard 1420mm turret race of the Model 1941 tanks. The new turret was rationally laid out to give the highest amount of protection to the frontal 60 degree arc of the tank, and used a simple modified hexagonal shape to achieve this. The new turret, quickly dubbed the “Gayka” (hex nut), went into production in early 1942.
Another major change in the tank was to switch from rubber tired pressed or cast steel wheels to internally buffered steel wheels which use a similar operating concept to those on the KV series tanks. But this was quickly found to be too fatiguing for T-34 crews, and therefore starting in April 1942 the first and last road wheel stations were fitted with cast steel wheels with rubber tires. This tank remained in full production until January 1944 when the T-34-85 series tanks began to enter production, but some factories continued to produce them for a few more months. Also, in 1943 a much-needed commander’s cupola was added to the design.
DML has now answered the requests of many T-34 fans and released a Model 1942 series tank with the “Gayka” turret. The kit also adds the cast wheels and an extra set of the rubber tired cast wheels, so the modeler has his choice of early or standard 1942 production tanks. The tank also comes with the seven-bolt rear plate and seven-bolt exhaust shrouds as well.
The turret is the generic T-34 cast turret which was produced by several of the factories, but this one appears closest to that from Uralmashzavod. It has the rolled and smoothed lower casting joint (referred to by modelers as “soft edge”) and the small bolted plate between the two hatches on the roof. While a number of variations exist, the lead factory – Factory No. 183 in Nizhniy Tagil – got full authority to standardize all components and by 1944 had managed to get most of the factories using the same molds and casting methods to create cast turrets (Chelyabinsk used pressed steel for theirs which was unique until they stopped manufacturing T-34s in 1944.) I’ve never really been able to find out how many of the “Gayka” turreted tanks were built, but a good estimate would be about 16,000 and another 3,000 with the commander’s cupola.
The kit adds several new sprues to the latest set of the molds and provides the cast wheels, cast wheels with rubber tires, new stern plate, new radiator exhaust grilles, and the turret and detail components. The shapes and angles match the Russian plans of the tank I have on hand. A new set of 500mm “waffle” tracks are provided in the form of a new set of “Magic Link” single link tracks. Each link does come with two ejection pin marks on the inner face, but these stand proud and while tedious are easily removed.
As noted many older but well-done parts are used in this kit. The late-model double bump stops on the lower hull molding are still present, as previously noted they can’t really be seen when the model is assembled and is a“so what” correction.
The kit comes with three different stern plates but only the one on the “Gayka” turret sprue is probably best for this version.
The turret sprue (L) includes a one-piece shell (thanks to “slide molding”) with even the holes for the mantlet bolts and mounting guides in place. The cast-in reinforcements under the turret are present as are some casting marks on the turret. When joining the turret top and bottom do not be too fastidious as the race section and top section were welded together after casting, and the weld bead could be pretty rough; also the cleanup of mold edging was done for speed and not finesse.
The model comes with a standard PT periscopic sight/viewer with the “acorn” shaped cover found on most T-34s. The modeler has a choice of but one barrels for the F-34 gun: a one-piece item with hollow bore from “slide” molding and muzzle cap molded in place. A gun breech and partial interior to the turret are provided as with all of the DML T-34 kits.
This project is listed as supervised by Hirohisa Takada, with drawings from Minoru Igarashi and the Dragon design team; technical assistance was provided by Nick Cortese.
Three different finishing directions are provided: Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (4BO green with lozenge 2 - 71 in white); Unidentified Unit, Southwestern Front, Middle Don 1943 (whitewash over 4BO green, Red 252); and “Moskovskiy Kolkhoznik” (Moscow Collective Farm Worker), Moscow Kolkhoz, Eastern Front 1943 (whitewash with name in red during presentation ceremonies). A targeted set of Cartograf decals are provided.
Overall, this is a great improvement over the Italeri/Zvezda and Tamiya kits and should be quite popular, as well as herald the rest of the “Gayka” turreted 76mm tanks.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout
A 12x2 T-34 driver mounts, road wheel arms
B 21 T-34 40/41 turret roof and hull details
C 21 T-34 40/41 upper hull and details
C 19 T-34-85 details and gun barrel
E 16 T-34 tie-downs and brackets
F 20 T-34 42 hull detail components
H 6 T-34 engine intake vents, driver’s hatch
H 14 T-34 41 turret front and details
J 4 Clear styrene
K 13 T-34 41 F-34 gun assembly
L 33 T-34 42 “Gayka” turret assembly
M 18x2 T-34 95 liter round auxiliary fuel tanks
N 4x2 T-34 spring towers
P 39x2 T-34 center-buffered ast steel wheels and suspension components
P 4 T-34 rear grilles and stern plate
S 2 Twisted steel wire
W 8x2 T-34 Post-April 1942 rubber tired cast wheels
X 1 T-34 standard hull pan
Y 80 “Magic Track” waffle pattern track - flat link
Z 80 “Magic Track” waffle pattern track - toothed link
MA 63 Etched brass
(Originally written on November 10, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Kit Number 6447; Sherman El Alamein - Smart Kit; 393 parts (303 in grey styrene, 64 etched brass, 23 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated price US$50
Advantages: virtually new kit with all but four sprues replaced; nicely done components augur more variants to come, including M3 series vehicles
Disadvantages: some minor quirks here and there
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth armour and Sherman fans
Sherman modelers are a fanatical lot - proudly referring to themselves as “Shermaholics” – and are very picky about failings they see in kits of the breed. But one missing entry into the family of the M4 Medium Tank up until the present time has been the Early Production or “Direct Vision” – so called due to the slit viewers in front of the driver and radio operator – in the early cast and welded hull variants of the tank.
Some of the first production variants of this tank, dubbed the Sherman II by the British to track with its US M4A1 designator, were shipped to North Africa and served at the famous battle of El Alamein with the 8th Army. They were committed to combat about the same time their American counterparts with the 1st Armored Division were going ashore in Algeria at the other end of the Maghreb land mass in Africa.
DML has now released a kit of this tank, and it is virtually a new model in comparison with their previous Sherman kits which each built upon the other. Only four sprues remain - the basic detail sprue, the early model low bustle turret, the clear styrene and the two-piece British bustle bin.
The turret is familiar to most Shermaholics but for the record consists of the basic turret with several options, including a choice of M34 gun mount without “ears”, M34 mount with “
ears”, add-on armor protection for the coaxial machine gun with the M34 mount, or the M34A1 mount. This variant, however, uses either the straight M34 or M34 with “ears” based on which one you select.
The hull is completely new top and bottom, and a “slide molded” three-piece transmission cover is also new to the family. Specific details are provided to give two options to the grouser bin vents at the rear of the hull and either an open or closed set of engine access doors at the rear of the hull with two styles of “locking door” (but no interior components). The kit comes with the early “square” air cleaners as well.
Of greatest interest to modelers is the fact that the kit comes with a variation on the M3/Early M4 suspension with the return roller mounted on top of the bogie assembly. After checking my photo collection of these bogies, they are an exact match for some found on the preserved M3 Medium Tank with the Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles, so while they may or may not be the most widely used variants they are correct and nicely done. The model also comes with a DS plastic set of the early T41 rubber pad tracks with non-reversible pads; while they appear to be a bit thin, this is apparently correct and one reason the reversible T51 links were adopted soon after the war began.
Since this kit covers the British version it comes with a full set of etched brass sand shields and fender racks, including one that appears to be for the British style petrol tins on the right front fender. New design headlight guards (e.g. easier to fold and install) complete with a folding jib as well as the commander’s “blade” sight are provided.
Finishing directions and markings are included for nine tanks: C Squadron, 9th Lancers, El Alamein 1942 (sand and black, three diffferent tanks covered); HQ 24th Armoured Brigade, El Alamein 1942 (sand and dark green); HQ 2nd Armoured Brigade, El Alamein 1942 (colors not given); C Squadron 3rd Hussars, 9th Armoured Brigade, El Alamein 1942 (sand overall); B Squadron Warwickshire Yeomanry, 9th Armoured Brigade, El Alamein 1942 (sand with dark colored lower hull, color not given); B Squadron 3rd RTR, El Alamein 1942 (sand over unknown color); C Squadron, 10th Hussars, 2nd Armoured Brigade, El Alamein 1942 (dark earth overall). A nice sheet of Cartograf decals are provided, but I do wish DML would pay closer attention to their finishing instructions as recent kits suffer from either a lack of directions or a lack of callouts which match the recommended colors list.
Technical assistance is credited to Pawel Krupowicz.
Overall, with a nice new set of fresh components and parts and the promise of more variations and a set of M3 kits, this will be very well received by the “Shermaholics!”
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Breakout:
A 96 M4A2/A3 hull details
B 63 M4 series low bustle turret with M34 and M34A1 gun mounts
C 29 M4A1 DV stern plate and air filters
C 23 Clear styrene
D 31x2 M3/Early M4 suspension
E 2 British turret bustle bin
F 11 M4A1 DV engine deck details
G 28 M4A1 DV hull and hull details
H 11 M4A1 DV three-piece transmission cover
K 1 Early M4A1 bolted lower hull
S 1 twisted steel wire
Z 2 T41 track type DS plastic track runs
MA 64 etched brass
(Originally written on November 8, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6253; Pzkw. VI Ausf. E Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Late Production 3-in-1 Kit; 724 parts (594 parts in grey styrene, 104 etched brass, 21 clear styrene, 2 DS track runs, 2 twisted steel wires, 1 spring); price about US $50.50
Advantages: eagerly awaited version of the Tiger I lives up to most hopes; DS tracks solve the tedium of single link track assembly; choice of detail parts
Disadvantages: sixth Tiger from DML (and third “late” version) may muddy the waters and confuse modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German Tiger fans
While up until the present only one manufacturer – Italeri – has attempted to provide a kit of the popular German Tiger I with the essentially standardized “zimmerit” anti-sticky bomb mine paste on it, no other have attempted this. The Italeri effort was a brave attempt, but the results were panels which were much too thick and clumsy in use. Other attempts of “stick-on” panels of resin or etched brass have also met similar uneven reviews and comments. As a result, for the most part German modelers have thus had to add their own zimmerit from a number of concoctions or products, the best being R&J enterprises “Zimmer-it-right”.
With its sixth Tiger I kit release, DML has finally answered the prayers of many armor modelers and provided a kit with factory-molded “zimmerit” paste on the tank. This kit provides most of the parts from the last release (No. 6406) of the late model (e.g. “Steel Wheel”) version of the tank with a number of detail options, a choice between single-link injection molded track or DS plastic single runs, and other details.
As previously noted, the DS plastic looks good, takes paint well, and glues with common plastic solvents; it also permits undercutting such as the pin ends of the track and even open teeth to replicate castings as is the case here. Overall, cleanup is simple and I do believe most people will like these better. The two “sag guides” from previous kits are included so you can get a good fit over the wheels with the tracks.
There are a great number of options with the kit: two styles of idlers, two different rear plates, three different mantelets, two different turret roofs, two different commander’s cupolas, two different muzzle brakes – the list goes on. As before a partial interior is included for the engine compartment as well as all of the torsion bars and the 8.8 cm gun breech in the turret. While the mount for the AA MG is provided, no machine gun is provided in the kit once again.
Many of the “brag book” features from the previous release remain with this kit. They have redone the mufflers and armored covers for the rear plate, fixed some problems with the turret escape hatch, redone the hull shell to make more use of “Slide Molding” features, and provided for the use of a engine pre-heater (read blowtorch) at the rear of the hull. However, if you wish to use that you will have to either knock one together from scratch or use the one in the VW Starter kit that DML just released.
The amount of etched brass has been reduced, and my take on that is that the molds have all been “tweaked” a bit to clean up earlier problems and thus much of the brass detailing is now superfluous.
Zimmerit molding is confined to the lower glacis (D1), upper glacis (F5, now redone), vertical plate (D5), hull sides (D6 and D7), stern plate (D3), turret shell (D8), and the mantlet (D2). Three patch panels (D9, D10, and one DML forgot to flag on the D sprue!) are used to provide smooth surfaces for markings on the vertical plate but have to be cut out and inserted from the rear. The unidentified one is also called D9 and goes on the stern plate; note that these are not given sufficient highlighting in the directions and if needed be aware they have to be done before the parts are assembled!
The kit comes with a nice sheet of targeted Cartograf decals and a choice of one of six different finishing options, all in a variety of late war tricolor schemes: White “134", 1./s.Pz.Abt. 102, Normandy 1944 (tricolor patches); Red “221", 2./s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101, Normandy 1944 (tricolor spray); White “933", 9./s.SS-Pz.Regt. 3, “Totenkopf”, Poland 1944 (tricolor spray); White “242", 23./s.Pz.Abt. 102, Normandy 1944 (tricolor spray); black “112,” 1./s. SS-Pz.Abt. 101, Normandy 1944 (tricolor spray), and White “1", s.Pz.Abt. 508, Italy 1944 (tricolor splinter pattern). One nice touch here is that each set of markings has a recommended set of optional parts features listed for that individual tank, so it is a case of “read me first!”
Technical assistance and research for this kit came from David Byrden, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall the addition of factory applied zimmerit is something many modelers have asked for, and while some modelers do not care for the universal pattern applied, most will appreciate the fact they no longer have to “roll their own” and add it to a popular subject.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Breakout
A 26 (Tiger I generic) 8.8 cm gun
B 40 (Tiger I generic) drivers and idlers
C 39 (Tiger I Late) fenders and alternate drivers
D 29 (Tiger I Late) turret
D 11 (Tiger I Late) zimmerit parts
E 35 (Tiger I Late) turret roofs and optional details
F 12 (Tiger I Late) hull sternplates with upper glacis with zimmerit
G 31 x 2 (Tiger I Late) Steel road wheels
H 54 x 4 (Tiger I Late) torsion bars and single track links
J 39 (Tiger I generic) interior components
K 12 (Tiger I Late) hull roof and grilles
L 12 (Tiger I generic) clear blocks
P 39 (Tiger I Late) hull sides and cable details
R 15 (Tiger I Late) turret stowage bin
S 9 (Tiger I Late) clear
U 2 (Tiger I Late) cupolas with or w/o rain gutters
W 2 DS tracks
X 1 (Tiger I generic) hull bottom
Z 2 Twisted steel wires
MA 99 Etched brass (Tiger I Late)
MB 1 Spring
MB 1 Prebent wire
MB 4 etched brass
MB 1 Preformed etched brass
TA 5 (German OVM) pioneer tools
TB 9 (German OVM) jack and hooks
TC 4 (German OVM) cable heads
TD 4 (German OVM) small cable heads
TE 4 (German OVM)
Advantages: first injected kit of this variant, very detailed and complete 75mm gun assembly; uses previously designed rear suspension which solves much of the problems with American halftracks
Disadvantages: retains tires from the original M2/M2A1 release
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all American halftrack fans
Most armies slowly began to realized that towed antitank weapons were a liability, and as a result began to experiment with self-propelled weapons at the end of the 1930s. The first two to be fielded by the US were the M6 – a Dodge WC-51/52 3/4 ton truck with a 37mm M3 gun on a pedestal mount – and the M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage. The latter placed an American-built “French 75" with its Nordenfeld breech on the back of the new M3 halftrack.
The gun later turned out to have only marginal antitank capabilities, but it did see heavy use in North Africa and later in Italy as self-propelled light artillery. Tested as the T12, it was standardized as the M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage or M3A1 75mm Gun Motor Carriage and a total of 2,204 were built. But once the guns ran their course, 1,360 were later converted back to M3 or M3A1 personnel carriers.
DML has now released the first injection-molded kit of this vehicle in this scale, and it is one which has been asked for over many years. It is the first full-up M3 variant of the halftrack to make its debut from DML – the M16 MGMC needed a large number of purpose-made parts – and has added some new wrinkles.
First off, this kit comes with new panels for both the cab and body using screw assembly, and under a good jeweler’s loupe the slots are visible in the screw heads. The main cab sections (sides and hood) are part of a sprue which also includes the gun shield for the M1897A4 gun.
The gun is a nicely done assembly, but the only point which will need care is the fact that the barrel assembles “stacking cup toy” style with one section stuck onto the next. There are five sections from the muzzle to the breech and care will have to be taken in aligning them correctly. While they offer the advantage of no seams to smooth off, they do introduce the problem of ensuring the barrel does not “snake” along the cradle.
The rest of the kit follows the first three halftrack kits. Note that this kit does not appear to come with a radio set of any sort and none is shown in the directions. An SCR-510 is listed by Hunnicutt as standard but none is provided, so you are on your own for this item.
As it uses the M2 base kit parts, the bogies and track runs are very impressive, as the idlers and drivers are “slide molded” with respectively thin details and openings. 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.
The “cab” is neatly done, and two sets of grille mounts are included – open and closed, but the open one must use the etched brass louvers. This variant comes with both the demountable “Combat” lights which mount on the grille shell and the “Civilian” lights on the fenders, so you will need to check to see which variant you are modeling and which lights it used. DML does not indicate that on its directions, which is unfortunate. . 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. DML provides no decals, but Archer Fine Transfers has a dynamite dashboard set for all M2/M3 series halftracks.
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 (A39) for the winch needs to be installed in Step 4.
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). Steve noted that the mounts for these are not correct (solid versus skeletonized) but once the cans are in place it is a moot point; if you leave them off, you need to scratch build new ones. Two more cans also go inside the vehicle body.
Once more the “bulged” tires remain in the kit. While a large number of “Boo Birds” continue to complain they were wrong, for every photo of a US halftrack with round tires one with slightly bulged ones can be found, and the majority of preserved ones always seem to bulge a bit (recall the weight of the engine and armored cab are on the front axle.) Still this tends to be an individual matter of taste more than a major error.
Markings and finishing instructions are provided for seven vehicles: 601st TD Battalion, Tunisia 1943 (mud over OD); US Army, Sicily 1943 (OD with oversized “ring” stars); US Army, continental US 1943 (OD with white stars); L Company, 3rd Marines, USMC, Saipan 1944 (dark yellow over OD); 1st King’s Dragoon Guards, Italy 1944 (sand and dark green); 1st King’s Dragoon Guards, Germany 1945 (dark green overall); and A Squadron, 27th Lancers, Italy 1945 (“Acorn Inn”, dark green overall). A targeted sheet of Cartograf decals is provided.
Overall, this kit also answers the mail for modelers who have requested it, and even with the still controversial “bulged” tires is a very nice effort.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 40 M2/M2A1 Chassis and suspension
B 29 M2/M2A1 Armored cab assembly
C 29 M2/M2A1 M49 mount and front bumper assemblies
C 17 M3 mine racks and detail parts
D 48x2 Bogie assembly and wheels
E 8 Clear styrene parts
H 4 Front grille (early and late, open or closed)
L 8 Vehicle driver figure
R 61 M3 75mm GMC hull body and gun mount
S 33 75mm M1897A4 gun upper carriage assembly
T 4 Armored cab and gun shield
W 8 Slide molded drivers and idlers
MA 10 Etched brass
MB 7 Etched brass
MC 1 brass chain
MD 1 nylon string
(Originally written on November 8, 2008)
Kit Review: Zvezda 1/35 scale Kit No. 3546; Armored Car BA-3 Model 1934; 174 parts (163 in olive drab styrene, 11 black vinyl tires); retail price about US$18.90
Advantages: early version of the Soviet standard heavy armored car; basis for creating a great model
Disadvantages: somewhat coarse on details, odd choice of optional features
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for Soviet and wheeled armor fans
The Russians, and later the Soviets, were one of the first major users of armored cars as part of their combat forces. Using their medium armored cars for both reconnaissance and combat support to infantry, they did well until they ran up against the Wehrmacht in 1941.
The BA-3 was the second production version of their new BA(broneavtomobil’) medium cars based on the chassis of the Ford AAA 4 x 6 truck, which the Soviets were producing under license as the GAZ-AAA. This vehicle was an improvement over the previous BA-I design in that it used the turret design from the T-26 light tank in place of the proprietary turret of the former. (This soon became the standard light turret for the BT and T-26 series tanks as well as the armored cars.) Between 1934 and 1935 160 BA-3 armored cars were built, when the improved BA-6 entered production.
The vehicle had a crew of four (driver, bow gunner, turret loader, and commander/gunner) and was armed with a 45mm 20K M-1932 cannon and two 7.62mm DT machine guns. The hull had three doors - one on each side of the “control” compartment for the driver and bow gunner and one in the right rear of the hull for the turret crew. While the design was superior to the previous BA-I vehicle, it weighed some 2200 pounds more and with only a 40 HP GAZ-AA four-cylinder gasoline engine for power was underpowered. The vehicle was built at the Izhorsk Armor Factory and used modified GAZ-AAA chassis.
The main external difference between the BA-3 and later BA-6 was that the latter did not have the rear hull door. Functionally the latter was 2200 pounds lighter and regained much of the mobility lost when the BA-I evolved into the BA-3.
This kit is not really a new kit but has followed some circuitous paths in getting to market. The original kit combined new hull moldings from Eastern Express with a nicely done chassis from a company called Toko (which produced full kits of the GAZ-AA and GAZ-AAA) to create first the BA-6 (with the Zvezda BT-5/T-26 Model 1933 turret) and then the BA-3 and BA-10. Following an all too common fate in Russian, first Toko and then Eastern Express went bankrupt and as a result Zvezda bought out their molds. The kit has now reappeared from Zvezda in their now common olive drab plastic.
As with other Zvezda efforts, this kit is not a bad effort and is fairly accurate in scale, but suffers from some simplified molding techniques and rough details. The BT/T-26 turret is not bad overall but needs TLC, most critically for the mantlet mount. It needs to be either sanded down and tapered on its edges to a rounded shape to represent the cast T-26 mantlet mount, or have thin strip edges added to the outside parts of the frame to represent the welded T-26 mantlet mount. As it comes, it has sharp but smooth sides which depict no actual T-26 turret variant.
The turret comes with a “rail”type antenna but from what I have seen so far there are no photos readily available that show radio fitted BA-3s so this is best set aside.
The rest of the vehicle is yeoman-like in its layout but will benefit from some TLC as well. The kit comes with the complete GAZ-AA engine and transmission, but only the side louvers for the engine compartment are separate parts. Photos show the vehicles generally running with both side and frontal louvers (covers actually) open for increased engine cooling of the overtaxed little four, so anyone wishing to use the open option will have to cut out the covers on the bow plate (part K4) make new ones from sheet styrene, and then mount them with rods about 3" in scale up from their lower edges to hold them open parallel to the direction of travel.
The hull doors are also all separate parts, but no seats or interior are provided. Ditto for the turret even thought it comes with separate hatches; this was before minimal interior components became near industry standard (e.g. gun breeches, seats, radios, ammo racks, etc.) The kit does not come with the flexible tracks used for increased traction over the rear duals nor the later tie-down brackets added to the hull for them.
The suspension is simple but relatively complete, and considering all of this stemmed from nothing more than a beefed-up design based on the Ford Model A car it is not that far off the beam. Some detailing such as brake lines and fine detailing could help here. Note that the stance of the BA-3 and related series armored cars is “nose down” so take care when assembling the suspension as the vehicle should angle forward slightly.
The vinyl tires are now a “hard” vinyl and much improved over earlier efforts. They are connected to the sprues at either three or four points which have to be cleaned up as well as a fine center seam, but based on their composition should be much easier than the softer tires from the Toko kits. (I suspect it is the same material used for Italeri kit tracks for anyone so interested, as there is a strong interactive relationship between Italeri and Zvezda.)
The kit comes with one finishing option: an unidentified unit with white Square 3 and the word “Vpered!” (Forward!) on the turret over 4BO Soviet green. (They call this out as Testors Model Master 1710 Dark Green as a matter of note.)
Overall this is a kit with a lot of promise and one which can be turned into a real gem, but it will take some work or acceptance of its quirks and conventions.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 23 T-26 Model 1933 turret assembly
B 11 Black vinyl - tires
D 78 GAZ-AA/AAA engine, suspension, interior components
I 25 GAZ-AAA chassis and rear bogie assembly
K 37 BA-3 upper hull, fenders, details
(Originally written on November 8, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7369; Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. D & 7.5 cm PaK 40; (183 in grey styrene, 6 etched brass, 1 steel wire); estimated price US$16
Advantages: nice new full kit of a Pak 40 in this scale, nicely done 251 to compliment it
Disadvantages: RP parts (as in right puny!)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German WWII “Small Scale” fans
DML has now added a complete 7.5 cm PaK 40 to its popular 1/72 scale D model halftrack kit, and while the latter has been well received the new weapon is very impressive.
The PaK 40 is a jewel that consists of some 65 parts, and which looks to be a nicely done pantograph of their developed 1/35 scale PaK 40 family. It comes with three different barrel options (slide molded with hollow bores) and two different types of wheels – either “spoke” or “stamped.” An etched brass insert (MA5) is provided for the gun shield sliding mask which goes above the gun barrel when the shield is installed.
The only part which modelers may wish to modify here is the towing pintle (part B11) as the directions show it being modified by trimming off the pin to permit the lunette of the gun to cement into the pintle. The more determined may wish to drill out the pintle and use fine wire for the connector pin.
The rest of the kit follows the tried and true DML halftrack system. 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 but plentiful 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 two-piece units, but the stowage bins are only offered as closed parts. The front MG 42 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 42 machine guns. The weapons appear to be very close to scale, something I don’t recall from other manufacturers in the past!
Two finishing options are provided: both are for our old friend “Unidentified Unit 1944” but one is Eastern Front in sand and one is Western Europe with the halftrack in the popular “ambush” tricolor scheme. A small set of generic license plates from Cartograf is provided.
Overall this kit improves on the series and should be very popular with small-scale modelers.
Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 27 251 Ausf. D upper hull and details
B 37 251 common details - road wheels
C 27 x 2 251 Ausf. D internal details and wheel assemblies
D 2 DS plastic track runs
H 30 Pak 40 gun and upper carriage
I 1 251 Ausf. D lower hull
J 34 Pak 40 lower carriage and choice of wheels
MA 5 Etched brass
MA 1 Etched brass
MB 1 Length of steel wire
(Originally written on November 8, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6490; German Panzergrenadiers Cherkassy 1944; 80 parts (78 in grey styrene, 2 paper maps); price about US$10
Advantages: more German figures in winter kit, some detail variations to provide personality for figures
Disadvantages: limited weapons options
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German winter war fans
DML has now provided a set of SS Panzergrenadiers in winter camouflage smocks and kit for use in late war scenarios and dioramas. The set provides four figures, three soldiers in smocks and one officer in a camouflage jacket and with the German version of the Soviet “ushanka” fur cap.
Each figure consists of seven parts – separate hoods for the smocks and the usual six-part basic figure of head, torso, legs and arms. Two different styles of camouflage helmet covers are provided as well as regular helmets and the “ushanka” copy. One soldier is wearing the head wrap which fits under the helmet to protect his ears and neck under harsh cold conditions.
One soldier is shown stepping on a log while peering ahead; another is kneeling with binoculars. The remaining two are coordinating directions on their maps for their next operation.
As usual the figures are well detailed with a great deal of individual personality, and with the poses chosen should work well in small vignettes or single model displays.
While many modelers prefer the DML “Gen1" figures as much easier to assemble and paint than their “Gen2" line, the weapons here are limited and are all from an early DML set. DML really should give consideration to using their much better “Gen2" weapons sets in all of their figure sets as they are much better looking and more realistic in scale.
Artwork here is provided by Carlos Chagas, a new artist to me but the results are nicely done. However, unlike the Ron Volstad efforts the directions consist of a set of B&W photos of assembled figures and a small version of the cover art with arrows and numbers.
Overall this is a nice set for late-war German modelers.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
6006 8x2 MP40, MP44, 2 x PPSh
6490 62 Four figures and kit
(Originally written on November 8, 2008)
Book Review: Squadron/Signal Walk Around Color Series No. 5706; M26 Pershing by David Doyle; Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton, TX, 2008; 80 pp. with photos, illustrations and color drawings; retail price US $18.95; ISBN 978-0-89747566-2
Advantages: crisp, clear photos of several M26 tanks and variants with great emphasis on clear details
Disadvantages: very little information on service markings or accurate finishes
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Pershing fans
Squadron/Signal began their “walk-around” series for aircraft modelers, apparently in an attempt to counter the very popular “Detail and Scale” series of books (which ironically they now own as well). The books, all of about 80 pages in length, focused on one specific subject with a few pages devoted to other variants or versions of the primary subject. They have since branched out into armored vehicles of which this is the sixth entry in the series.
The M26 Pershing underwent a long and tortuous route to life, starting as the T22 and T23 prototypes which essentially were a redesign of the M4 Sherman with an emphasis on better layout, better protection and reduced height. From that they evolved into the “medium” T25 design and the “heavy” T26. Both of those tanks were nearly identical to the casual observer, the main difference being in weight and armament. Eventually the T26 won out as a “heavy” tank (e.g. weighing about 45 short tons; a “medium” was classed at the time as about 25-30 and a “light” as 10-15 tons) with a 90mm main gun, 4" armor basis on the glacis and torsion bar suspension with rear mounted transmission and drive system.
The developed variant, the T26E3, was sent to Germany in 1945 as part of the “Zebra Mission” which allocated ten tanks each to the 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions. Later, more tanks arrived in Belgium but were only just starting to be allocated to other armored divisions when the war ended. As such, the T26E3 became the standard new postwar tank, standardized as the M26 Pershing Heavy Tank and later reclassified as a Medium Tank. One other variant, the T26E4 mounting a very high performance 90mm gun with separate loading ammunition, did see service in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division as a “King Tiger Killer” but saw little combat before being scrapped.
David Doyle is a well-known expert on preserved vehicles and the history of American armor, and this is his second book for Squadron/Signal in this series (the other being No. 5705, the M42 Duster). He has combined photos from his own collection and that of other well-known armor fans (Chris “Toadman” Hughes being most prevalent here) in the now standard “Walk Around” format. The book provides nearly 200 clear, sharp photos of the M26 Pershing tank inside and out with some photos of M26A1 and T26E4 tanks as well. (The only variant missing here is the M45 105mm howitzer tank, but I personally know of no preserved examples of that tank.)
Mr Doyle starts at the front of the tank with the glacis and drivers’ compartment, showing all of the variations known on blowers, hatches and viewers, and then proceeds back along first the left side and then the right. He shows what is inside each of the six large fender stowage bins (great for modelers doing dioramas) as well as the engine compartment and its internal fittings and layouts. Mr Doyle also covers the tracks and running gear, showing the three different tracks fitted (T80E1, T84E1 and T81) as well as the turret details.
Later he also shows some photos of the preserved T26E4 production model tank at the Cantigny Museum in Illinois, with coverage of the massive 90mm gun and the modifications made to the turret to carry such a gun. (Modelers must note the T26E4 used by the 3rd Armored has little in common with this “production” model.)
There are also some scattered color drawings and side views throughout the book, but they are not of much use as they do not cover service markings for the Pershing. The back cover has a nicely done painting by Don Greer of one of the post-Zebra Mission Pershings at the Remagen Bridge, with the shipping data prominent, but even bumper codes are not provided for the ones shown in the artwork.
Overall, with two good kits in 1/35 scale, new ones coming out in 1/72 and the huge 1/16 scale kit from Tamiya, this is a very good reference for building a highly detailed Pershing in either WWII or Korea. But the modeler will have to look elsewhere for finishing information.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on October 24, 2008)
Advantages: great set to accompany the new French kits from Bronco and Tamiya
Disadvantages: static positions limit the use of the figures to one fixed vignette
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all early war “Blitzkrieg” fans
DML has been coming out with relatively generic poses for some time, but this set is a very specific one which depicts two German infantrymen capturing two French tankers from a knocked-out light tank.
These are straight-up DML “Gen1" figures with six main parts to each figure (head, torso, arms and legs) and no options. One of the French figures has his arms raised over his head and the other is holding an injured left arm. Both are wearing leather jackets, with one appearing to be either an officer or NCO with high boots and the other military shoes. Both have goggles and pistols, with the officer also having a pair of binoculars and the driver having a pair of headsets around his neck (I used to wear them that way when not needed, so it is a good casual pose.)
The Germans are armed with a Kar 98K with bayonet and a Bergmann MP18 as well as carrying early war kit. One soldier has rubber camouflage straps on his helmet and the other a pair of goggles. Surprisingly the weapons are from the German Naval Troops - Dieppe 1942 set vintage 1999.
The figures are good, but the poses chosen are so fixed and specific it will be difficult to use them for any other purpose. Had the Frenchmen just been glaring at the Germans they could have been used separately with any of the recent French armor kits, but wounded and surrendering limit the modeler’s options.
This is a “B” kit and as such has busy box art with “stick here” photo directions on the back of the box.
Overall, if you are into captured French vehicles and a diorama subject this will be a nice choice and the animation is excellent.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
6087 6 1 x Kar 98K, 1 x Kar 98K w/bayonet, 1 x MP18, 2 x ammo belts
6478 50 Four figures and basic kit
(Originally written on October 24, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale kit No. 33 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6512); Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D “Vorpanzer”; 1,223 parts (719 in grey styrene, 288 “Magic Track” individual links, 182 etched brass, 23 clear styrene, 10 preformed wire, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price US $46.99 via DragonUSA online
Advantages: another boutique kit of a limited production conversion
Disadvantages: based on earlier DML Pzkw. IV kits with an overenthusiastic emphasis on very tiny parts
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Pzkw. IV fans
In January 2006 DML released a kit of a Pzkw. IV Ausf. E with “Vorpanzer” uparmored panels (No. 6301) which at the time received a mixed review from modelers. It was a followup to their previous Pzkw. IV Ausf. E “Afrika Korps” kit (No. 6264, September 2005) which had a number of glitches and was not well received. Both of these kits were “in your face” efforts with over a thousand parts each and while they demonstrated the model mold maker’s skills were very busy and “bitty” kits with an overwhelming number of parts for some assemblies. For example, the drivers each consisted of 19 parts with separate bolts only about 2.5mm long.
Now DML’s boutique affiliate cyber-hobby.com has released a “Vorpanzer” version of the Ausf. D model of the tank. While it adds a number of new parts (about 60) most of the rest is taken from the old Pzkw. IV Ausf. E kit or the “3-in-1" Pzkw. IV Ausf. D from 2006 (No. 6265). It adds even more parts – now up over 1,200 – and mixes and matches from earlier kits.
As a result, this kit has gone away from the more recent “Smart Kits” with better details and engineering and back to the older “in your face” efforts.
If you didn’t mind the earlier Pzkw. IV Ausf. D/E kits, it is a nice model and the new parts suitably modify the Ausf. D with its new applique armor on the lower glacis, upper hull and turret. The kit certainly comes with plenty of detail and also plenty of etched brass (borrowed intact from the “3-in-1" D model).
The same rules as used for previous vehicles apply. Tracks are “handed” and as such the LEFT side of the header card are the LEFT track links and the RIGHT side of the card has the RIGHT links. Tires are separate but given the fact this kit is finished in Panzergrau which is a nearly flat black color you may wish to simply assemble them and paint the entire model with that color.
The “dustbin” cupola has all parts separate – 23 of them. All hatches are separate parts and may be posed open or closed, but the kit has no interior components other than inside the turret. The turret again comes with a basket and the L/24 gun has a “slide molded” barrel.
Technical assistance was provided by Notger Schlegental, Thomas Anderson, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Finishing is pretty much as noted above with only two options: 6th Pz.Inf.Ers.Regt “Grossdeutschland”, Cottbus 1942 with white outline or black and white Balkenkreuzen. A very small set of Cartograph decals is provided for that.
Overall this is another somewhat puzzling choice of a subject by cyber-hobby.com, and the use of the older and fussier kit parts vice those from some of the nicer “Smart Kits” is also something best known to cyber-hobby.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 10x2 Pzkw. IV drivers and rollers
A 34x2 Pzkw. IV drivers with separate bolts
A 78 x 2 Pzkw. IV wheels and suspension elements
B 24 Pzkw. IV bow section
B 32 Pzkw. IV armored final drives
D 97 Pzkw. IV fenders and details
E 52 Pzkw. IV Ausf. E hull top
F 44 Pzkw. IV turret interior
G 24 Pzkw. IV turret details + droop template
H 58 Pzkw. IV OVM
J 55 Pzkw. IV Early hull and turret details
L 2 Pzkw. IV Early one-piece idlers
K 144 Magic Track links - left
M 144 Magic Track links - right
38 Pzkw. IV tires
P 17 Pzkw. IV Early - clear styrene
Q 17 Pzkw. IV - early “dustbin” cupola
R 6 Pzkw. IV Early cupola - clear
S 2 Pzkw. IV fenders
T 21 Pzkw. IV Ausf. D Vorpanzer armor
U 5 Pzkw. IV bustle
X 1 Pzkw. IV lower hull
Y 13 Pzkw. IV Early details (brush guard, lower glacis, etc)
Z 1 twisted steel wire
MA 141 6265 - photo etch
MB 36 6265 - photo etch
MC 4 6265 - photo etch
MD 1 photo etch
ME 10 preformed steel wire
October 23, 2008
(Originally written on October 17, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-model.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 26 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6497); Sd.Kfz. 166 Stu.Pz. IV “Brummbaer” Early Production - Smart Kit; 867 parts (518 in grey styrene, 260 “Magic Track” links, 64 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, 10 etched nickel, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated price US$50
Advantages: reworking of previous Sturmpanzer IV 2-in-1 kits to match features found on Early model; complete main gun assembly and partial interior; choice of options and assembly
Disadvantages: mixture of Smart Kit and non-Smart Kit features
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all German heavy armor and Panzer IV series fans
DML’s “boutique” affiliate cyber-hobby.com has now released the early model of the German Sturmpanzer IV, also called “Brummbaer” (grizzly bear). This kit adds several new sprues, drops others, and also adds in some of the sprues from the “in your face” Pzkw. IV Ausf. D and E variants.
This variant uses the “early” Tiger I type vision slit and viewer, does not require zimmerit, and has all standard Pzkw. IV wheels and bogie assemblies. It comes with the different barrel and barrel shroud and the revised front plate with the box-like position for the driver, which requires an entire new casemate and rear engine deck as well as all of the other details for the casemate. For a “boutique” kit, DML went through a lot of trouble to make the earlier version; at least 283 parts have been replaced or added.
From what I determined last time, the first 60 Sturmpanzer IV did not have zimmerit paste, so the good news is that DML dodges the “bullet” on this kit. An applique is included to replicate the original’s 50mm add-on to bring the lower glacis plate up to 80mm equivalent.
The model retains the etched nickel side shields for the “full-up” vehicle. These are nicely done but will need care as the mounting brackets are all plastic; modelers may wish to “etch” the surface a bit with a chemical blackener so the adhesive of choice (either cyanoacryalte glue or epoxy) can “bite” and hold it in place.
There are three suggested finishing options: Stu.Pz.Abt. 216 in Russia, 1943 (overall sand); III./Pz.Jg.Rgt. 656, 1943 (sand with green squiggle pattern, white 3); and Stu.Pz.Abt. 216 again, 1943 (now with three color mottle and white outline numbers). A set of Cartograf decals with two types of “number jungles” are included.
Overall this is a lovely kit which, barring any major mistakes, is better than the original which flubbed the zimmerit finish. I am sure that it will invite comparison with the Tristar kit of the early model which beat it to the market as well.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review example.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 37x2 Drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Road wheels and bogies (Smart Kits)
A 75x2 Road wheels and bogies (non-Smart Kits)
B 32 Drivers and armored covers (non-Smart Kits)
C 39 Brummbaer - casemate and details
D 38 Brummbaer - hull interior
D 97 Hull details and stern plates (non-Smart Kits)
E 40 Sturmpanzer IV Early fenders, casemate and gun barrel
F 61 Sturmpanzer IV Early schuertzen hangers, fender details
J 7 German generic jack
K 10 German generic external details
L 130 “Magic Track” left side
N 2 Sturmpanzer IV Early casemate and engine deck
P 3 clear styrene
Q 6 Spare track links
R 130 “Magic Track” right side
S 11 Clear styrene
X 1 Lower hull pan
Z 1 Twisted metal wire
MA 64 Etched brass
MB 5 Etched nickel shields - right
MC 5 Etched nickel shields - left
WC 4 German generic weapons - MG-34 machine gun
(Originally written on October 17, 2008)
Kit Review: Eduard 1/48 scale Kit No. 8506; US Navy Personnel 1942; 61 parts (38 in light olive styrene, 23 etched metal); price US$12.98
Advantages: great looking figures will set off any aircraft or armor diorama or single model; etched brass tiny but well done
Disadvantages: sailors are a bit too generic (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all 1/48 scale armor and aircraft modelers
Eduard, like other companies such as Tamiya and ICM, has been releasing nice sets of figures which compliment aircraft in diorama settings. This set is designed for anyone modeling US Navy aircraft in the 1941-1953 era.
The set provides six figures in various working poses, with each figure consisting of six parts – head, torso, arms and legs. All of the heads have nicely done features and details, which is hard to do in 1/48 but Eduard seems to have a knack for doing this well. Proportions and details are nicely done as well.
The kit provides a set of etched metal tools – wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers – as well as two belts of ammunition and an ammo storage bin. The belts are designed to fold over to give some “heft” to the casing end of the rounds, which is a nice idea but you better have a Hold’n’Fold or Etch-Mate for these.
But the kit is somewhat disingenuous as what it shows on the box art and what is inside do not match. The artwork shows a line chief and five sailors with two wearing “Dixie Cup” hats and the chief his “badge of office” of the time, the chief’s cap. However, all six figures inside the box are bareheaded. Also, none of the poses matches the box art either.
The good news is that the figures are so generic – long pants and shirts with two pockets and rolled-up sleeves – they can be used for either Army, Navy, Army Air Corps, Marine or even Air Force personnel from 1941 to 1953, so they are most useful from the standpoint of fitting in to a diorama. Simply changing the uniforms from light blue and dungarees to either olive green or khaki and the figures get a “reassignment.”
Overall, the kit is a nice offering and with the understanding of how generic it really is winds up being very useful for anyone modeling American aircraft or armored vehicles.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on October 17, 2008)
Kit Review: Zvezda 1/35 scale Kit No. 3624; KV-1 Soviet Heavy Tank mod. 1940 with L-11 Gun; 391 parts (368 in olive drab plastic, 22 in silver vinyl, 1 clear styrene); retail price about US$30
Advantages: first styrene kit of a KV-1 Model 1940; offers some interior details; choice of vinyl or “link and length” tracks
Disadvantages: about 3mm too short, some errors in specific features
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet armor fans, especially early war
Having written extensively on the history of the KV heavy tanks (see Military Modeling issues Volume 34, Nos. 9-12) I will not recap the life history of this big clunker other than to say it is an interesting tank to model due to the size and bulk of the beast. This particular version was in production from April to December 1940 and changed out when the F-32 gun was adopted in late 1940 and entered production in January 1941. The underslung L-11 gun used in the first year’s production of KV heavy tanks cannot be mistaken for anything else, and as such I for one have always had a soft spot for this most ungainly of KV “small turret” tanks.
Roughly 131 KV heavy tanks were built with this gun. The tank was armed with a coaxial 7.62mm DT machine gun and a second DT firing through a mount at the rear of the turret. There were also pistol ports on the sides of the turret and in the bow next to the driver-mechanic. In October 1940 a rotating ring was fitted to the commander’s hatch which could be rigged with a P-40 or later mounting for a DT machine gun to be used as an antiaircraft machine gun as well. Also, a bow DT machine gun was added at the time, but tanks were issued with only three machine guns so the crew had to decide which ones would be fitted to any of the four mounts.
Zvezda is not the most adept company at producing kits, but they have continually improved and are getting better and better as they progress. This kit is one of their nicer ones and has some really good touches, such as a partial interior and a choice between vinyl and “link and length” styrene tracks. The vinyl tracks in Zvezda kits, however, tend to be tauter than bowstrings so this latter feature is most welcome.
The kit is based on their early Model 1941 kit so it is virtually the same with the exception of the L-11 gun and its truly bizarre mantlet (it’s cut flat on the bottom – Zvezda got this feature dead right.) The kit also provides a new breech as while the F-32 and F-34 guns used nearly identical breech sections this gun was quite different. 10 short 76mm rounds and 8 DT ammunition drums are also provided. The kit does provide the ball-mounted hull and turret machine guns, as well as the AA mount and a DT gun for that mount as well.
The interior of the hull provides an engine block top and air cleaner, but the radiator grilles (C9) are solid and installed from the inside of the hull. The good news is that Zvezda did provide the curved frame on the outside, so if you have a set of etched grilles the openings are cleaned out and ready to install. Note that you will have to come up with the armored radiator guard covers if you use etched grilles, however. The same goes with the radiator air exhaust grille at the rear of the hull (A14) which is a separate part so it too can be replaced.
Assembly is typical of an eastern European kit – flat hull sides which attach to a belly plate, bow and stern plates, and the upper hull. It does come with separate road wheel arms, and all wheels use vinyl “keepers” so they are easily removed for painting.
The kit also provides three early-style “ZIP” bins for tools and equipment as well as one of the curious 40 liter auxiliary fuel tanks.
The model, however, is not without quirks and one major issue – according to checks with dimensions and plans published by some of the better Russian authors (Kolomiyets being the best “single source”)_the model is about 3mm too short. Width, height and all major components scale out right, but then there are some “please don’t look too close” items.
The model is clearly a Model 1940 – built between October 1940 and December 1940 by the features provided which match, or about one of about 85 tanks with the AA and bow guns. But it comes with the reinforced cast internally buffered road wheels, which were only used after mid 1941. (There is a small “web” inside the rim of the wheel which extends from the second “ring” inside to the inside lip of the outer rim; Model 1940s had a smooth face to their cast wheels.) This is nearly impossible to get a clean “fix” due to the number of ribs and their petite size and location, so it is unfortunate that Zvezda did not do a second set of wheels. Even the finishing directions show the vehicles with the correct wheels.
Finishing is simple – 4BO green overall – and two decal options are provided: 1st Red Banner Tank Division, Luga area August 1941, with the “BEY FASHISTOV!” (Fight the Fascists!) logo on the turret, and turret number 209 which is listed as “Eastern Front Fall 1941".
Overall, if you can live with the slightly short hull and the not-quite-correct wheels, this is a nice kit and the result will certainly look the part. If not, you may wish to “cross kit” with an early model KV-1 or the KV Big Turret kits from Trumpeter.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 21 KV upper hull, left side
A 26 KV lower hull plate and details, right side
B 56 KV early model turret
C 53x2 KV road wheel arms, drivers, idlers
D 40 KV fender details, engine block
E 54x2 KV-1 reinforced internally buffered road wheels, tracks
F 11x2 KV tracks and keepers (vinyl)
G 1 Clear headlight lens
H 11 L-11 gun and mantlet
(Originally written on October 12, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Kit No. 6457; Soviet Black Sea Commando Crimea 1944; 67 parts in grey styrene; estimated price US$9.50
Advantages: crisp new set of Soviet sailors in an infantry role
Disadvantages: older generation weapons sets
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII Soviet fans
When the Germans took over the Crimea in 1941-1942, they essentially denied the Soviets the use of the seaports (most notably Odessa) and the use of the majority of the Black Sea Fleet. During the defense of Odessa, the Soviets had converted a large number of their sailors to infantry to use in the defense of the city and the peninsula. As a result, over the years they developed special operations teams – “diversionary reconnaissance” being the Soviet term – to operate behind enemy lines and basically disrupt enemy command and control.
This set now embodies four members of one of these teams: an officer, dressed in a camouflaged scout outfit, carrying a PPSh and using binoculars while kneeling; a sniper in a Soviet “ghillie” suit with a Model 1891 rifle fitted with a scope; a corporal (kapral) in pilotka cap and quilted jacket with a PPSh; and a sailor in the camouflage scout outfit with a PPSh and wearing a Model 1942 helmet. While the cover art shows a rubber raft, none is provided in the kit.
The figures are all basic DML “Gen1" figures with six basic parts to each one and with two having separate collar sections for the hooded scout uniform combo. The sniper is wearing the “matros” sailor’s cap and a hood, so his head comes with his hat in place and a two-part hood section to close up the sides. His “ghillie” suit comes with the strings in place, so it should be easy to dry-brush them for better effect when completed.
Molding and facial work is typical DML - well done and with “personality” to each one.
The only minor letdown is the weapons sets which come from some of the older DML sets. The sprues provide a total of two Model 1891 rifles with two different scopes, four PPSh submachine guns – three with drums and one with a “stick” magazine, one Model 1891 carbine, one MP40 and one MP44. While the weapons are not bad, they are not as nice as the new mold “Gen2" weapons.
The only minor problem with these figures is using them as there are no associated armored vehicles or other weapons with which they are associated, so they will probably have to be used as individual figures or in an “ambush” of German troops.
Overall as with nearly all DML sets they are well done and worth the money.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
6068 8 Weapons from “Red Army Scouts and Snipers” figure set
Advantages: updates an older but still decent kit; lots of spare parts
Disadvantages: could have probably benefitted from DS plastic one-piece track runs
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German halftrack fans
Following on the heels of their Sd.Kfz. 250/1 New “Premium Edition” kit (No. 6427), DML has now released an upgraded kit of the Sd.Kfz. 250/8 with the L/24 infantry support gun.
This kit retains all of the upgrades from its immediate predecessor but drops the small arms weapons sets for a three new parts and selected sprues from their Pzkw. IV Ausf. F1 and related “short-barreled” Pzkw. IV kits and two sprue from their Sd.Kfz. 234/3 kit mounting the same gun. As before, the biggest single item is the presence of a one-piece “slide molded” lower hull replacing three parts in the original 1999 series kits. The suspension arms have been redone and also the drive sprocket mounts. The engine from the original add-on kit is now included, which is a nice touch.
DML has not yet switched to their DS plastic for tracks for these kits. Again, this kit uses the “Magic Track” precut links with a separate pad for each link to “trap” the pins of the next link. This is very tedious work as the tracks are about the same size as the average 1/72 scale model; again, for a “Premium Edition” kit DML should consider DS Plastic molding techniques to make single-section track runs.
As with the “Stroke 1", the tracks do mount on better detailed three-piece drivers, and the front wheels are now “sandwich” moldings to create both proper tread pattern and tread depth (five parts per tire.)
I have seen some comments that DML did not get the original kit interior right, but as I cannot find any interior references I have nothing to compare this kit with the prototype. Given that, the kit comes with a full six-round “ready rack” on the right side of the hull and a considerable amount of stowage on the left including racks for three more rounds. There is a single seat on the right and a locker and a bench on the left. There is an applique for the roof (K1) and a two-piece pin (H1-H2) to which the gun mounts for rotation. The directions are confusing, however, so the modeler needs to check several steps ahead to ensure that he does not get things bolloxed up.
The external stowage bins still have separate access panels, so all four can be displayed in the open position. The kit now again includes the Sd.Kfz. 251 clear styrene viewers, which can also be shown either open or closed.
Most of the etched brass provides the straps and mounts for this kit inside the lower hull of the model. The directions are pretty sketchy; while they do cover the placement and use of these items, you must pay close attention when working on the interior.
Technical assistance and work on this kit was provided by Hirohisa Takada, Minoru Igarashi, Dan Graves, Tom Cockle, Thomas Anderson, and Gary Edmundson.
The model comes with a total of four finishing options: 5th SS Panzer Division “Wiking,” Kovel, Hungary, 1945 (red-brown “mesh” over sand, Black 425); Unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1944 (mottle with crosses); Pz.Regt. 304, 2nd Panzer Division, Germany 1945 (mottle with crosses and divisional markings); and Unidentified unit, Germany 1945 (mottle with white outline crosses). The kit provides a generic sheet of markings for license plates and stenciling and a targeted sheet as well; both are from Cartograf.
Overall this is another upgraded kit with nicer details and cleaner molds, but I cannot verify if it is now more accurate or not.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 41 250 chassis and details
C 31 250 Neu upper hull and interior components
E 37 250 Neu lower hull and details
F 168 “Magic Track” two-piece links
G 28x2 250 road wheels and front wheels
H 6 250 drivers
I 33 Sd.Kfz. 234/3 components
J 36 Sd.Kfz. 234/3 components
K 10 Generic German periscopes - clear styrene
L 3 Stroke 8 roof and side armor
M 19 Pzkw. IV - L/24 gun
N 8 251 clear styrene
O 16 250 engine
P 1 250 one piece lower hull
GA 64 German equipment A (helmets, canteens, mess kits, gas masks)
GC 14 German equipment C (offensive and defensive grenades)
TG 10 German tools - pioneer tools and fire extinguishers
WC 8 German weapons - MG-34 and MG-42
MA 34 etched brass
MB 2 turned brass width indicators
(Originally written on October 2, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 31 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6371); Sturmgeschuetz III mit Fluessiggas Antreib; 871 parts (526 in grey styrene, 288 “Magic Track” links, 46 etched brass, 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated price $42 via DragonUSA online
Advantages: limited run kit includes some nice touches for StuG fans
Disadvantages: odd choice
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all WWII German fans
DML’s cyber-hobby.com boutique affiliate has come back 22 months after this kit was originally released as a StuG III Ausf. G early model (DML No. 6320) with another variant running on compressed propane gas. With the exception of a handful of totally new parts added, it is basically that kit plus parts from the Marder III Stadtgas variant (cyber-hobby.com kit 05) and the StuG III Ausf. G on Ausf. M hull (cyber-hobby.com kit 10) kits.
The result – unless released separately as a wide release DML kit – will undoubtedly annoy a number of modelers as this kit, while purporting to be the initial model on the CAD photo logos, comes with about 20 parts for the “Saukopf” mantlet which went into production in February 1944. These include some small bits, a tapered gun mechanism to fit inside the kit’s mantlet, and the manlet part itself which is “slide molded” with good detail.
The kit provides a lot of options such as either StuG III Ausf. G or Pzkw. III Ausf. M parts as the builder chooses. The rest is the same as the previous issues of this kit.
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!
All fender details are separate and go on in subassemblies but only one fender option is provided in this kit. The kit still 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!
Only one finishing option is provided: “Panzer versuchs und Erstazabteilung 300", Eisenach, Germany, 1943 (sand with crosses and PV-426 plates). A very small targeted set of Cartograf decals are included.
Input on this kit was provided by Minoru Igarashi, Notger Schlegental, Thomas Anderson, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, this is another “niche” kit which does provide a number of options, but alas no markings or other information on them. Hopefully DML will release the mid to late production G with the “saukopf” as a mainstream kit.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
A 61x2 Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
A 84 Pzkw. III hull and fender details
A 34 Pzkw. III Ausf. M details and exhaust system
B 48 Road wheel arms and lower hull details
B 19 StuG III Stadtgas specific parts
C 29 Casemate+-
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
L 1 Saukopf mantlet
M 144 Magic Track - Right
R 12 Compressed gas tanks and new headlights
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
WC 4 MG34
MA 20 6229 - Etched brass
MB 26 Etched brass
(Originally written on September 27, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Series Kit No.7371; Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. C Rivetted Version and 3.7 cm Pak 35/36; 169 parts(152 in grey styrene, 14 etched brass, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 length of stiff wire); price about US$14-16
Advantages: very nice, clean model of this popular vehicle in “small scale”; unique but effective method of assembling running gear; towed “doorknocker” nicely done
Disadvantages: RP parts (as in right puny!)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German WWII “Small Scale” fans
After some hiatus DML has issued another variant of their popular 1/72 scale family of German medium halftracks, this time as the infantry carrier with a towed version of the 3.7mm Pak 35/36 antitank gun.
Recent information continues to give a better picture of why the Germans were so unhappy with this gun so soon in the war. Designed in tandem with the Soviets in 1930, at that time the gun was capable of defeating any armor being built in the world. But by the time it got into service, heavier armor was beginning to come off the production lines (such as the Char 2B) and when the Germans went into Russia it was nearly useless against the new T-34 and KV tank designs. One recent Russian article noted the frustration of a German antitank team leader whose gunner put 20 shots into a T-34 at point blank range (about 100 meters) but did no useful damage. He noted the only thing that saved them was the fact that the Soviet tankers could not see him as he was in a blind spot for the tank’s crew.
While the Soviets changed the design of the gun to 45mm caliber so it could fire a useful HE or canister round, the Germans were stuck with this gun and could only use it as an auxiliary weapon after the Soviets began to replace their pre-war and early model light tanks with heavier ones.
For this kit DML has combined their previous Sd.Kfz. 251 Ausf. C hull with its applique etched brass lower hull riveting with molds based on their “Stroke 10" commander’s variants with the 3.7 cm gun on the roof of the fighting compartment with a brand new carriage for the gun. Therefore the kit is as previous models.
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.
Unlike the last Ausf. C kit (7306) this kit no longer comes with the option of either the C (welded) or C (rivetted) upper hulls. Therefore the modeler must use six sections of etched brass for the lower hull applique to provide scale rivets. As before 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 with the stowage bins still closed parts. 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 Pak 35/36 gun is very neatly done with a “slide molded” open bore so it is up to speed with the larger kits. The gun comes on a small sprue of two parts and a full carriage of 17 parts comes on another. The modeler has a choice of towed or deployed configurations, and the gun is very petite and nicely done. No brass gun shield option is provided of the gun.
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 one unit, our old friend “Unidentified unit”, Eastern Front 1942, with hasty mud stripe camouflage over grey.) Two generic Cartograf sheets (crosses and license plates) are provided.
Overall another nice effort, and for early war modeling or dioramas this will be a nice choice.
Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 31 C upper hull
B 38 C/D interior and road wheels
C 28x2 C front wheels and interior details
D 2 DS plastic track runs
G 5 C Rivetted upper hull
G 2 3.7 cm gun barrel and guard
G 17 3.7 cm carriage
I 1 C lower hull
MA 14 etched brass
MB 1 antenna wire
September 25, 2008
(Originally written on September 13, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale "39-"45 Series Kit No. 6381; M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage - Smart Kit; 470 parts (443 in grey styrene, 17 etched brass, 8 clear stryene, 1 brass chain, 1 nylon string); estimated retail price US$42-50 Advantages: first new kit of this vehicle in 30 years; very detailed and complete Maxson turret and hull details in rear compartment; uses previously designed rear suspension which solves much of the problems with American halftracks
Disadvantages: retains same moldings as original M2/M2A1 release
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all American halftrack fans and Duck Hunters
Nearly every army in WWII realized that for low altitude air defense heavy antiaircraft guns were too slow and awkward to use against enemy aircraft. As a result, they tended to adopt light weapons either heavy machine guns or small caliber automatic cannon grouped together to provide maximum firepower and wall of lead tactics. The Soviets used a quadruple Maxim machine gun mount (7.62mm), the Germans quadruple Flak 38 guns (20mm) and the Americans quadruple .50 caliber machine guns (12.7mm). The US originally used a twin .50 caliber mount, but realizing that it could carry four machine guns with little additional effort, the mount was quickly upgraded to four weapons.
Back in the late 1950s Monogram released a 1/35 scale model of the first series vehicle, the M13 with twin .50 caliber guns, which was a very nice kit in its day. In the late 1970s, Tamiya released the M16 version with four machine guns which proved popular, but both kits were really let down by their clumsy suspensions (in Monogram's case it was the 1950s and play value e.g. rolling wheels and tracks had the advantage over scale results.) When DML announced it was going to do a new series of halftracks and then released their first one (6329), a combination M2/M2A1 Smart Kit in October 2006, the M3/M3A1 and M16 were also announced. But while test shots of the M16 went out in January 2007, for reasons best known to themselves DML did not release this kit until now (September 2008) and are still holding the M3/M3A1 2-in-1 kit.
Having received the test shot in 2007, it was only recently that DML permitted Steve Zaloga to release an article on his build of that model, and as it was very nice and covered the history of the vehicle as well I will not rehash what he has already written.
DML has taken their solid basic sprues for the American halftrack series and provided six new sprues of parts for this particular variant. One sprue is a continuation of the C sprue with the parts for an M3 series hull such as the longer mine racks, which is apropos as the M16 series halftracks normally used the longer body of the M3. The sprues cover the new rear hull with separate flaps at the top for road march or combat poses, modified frame and body parts, and the M55 Maxson electrically powered turret.
The turret is a late model one with the gunner's platform at the rear and is very nicely done, complete with a clear styrene reflector sight; the earlier metal spiderweb ranging site is not provided. Each of the machine guns uses slide molding to achieve a hollow bore and consists of a gun and separate ammo loading cover, as well as three 200 round ammo cans for each weapon (e.g. four loaded and eight spare for the kit).
Steve noted that due to the test shot version he had it came with multiple radio sets; this one does not, and only comes with the complete late-production SCR-528 radio set in a forward facing cabinet. There is no provision for the earlier radio mount on a shelf facing the rear compartment (which Steve noted had to be added from scratch as it was not in the kit; this is not a lick on the kit, however, as it builds as the later production variant and not the early one.)
As it uses the M2 base kit parts, the bogies and track runs are very impressive, as the idlers and drivers are slide molded with respectively thin details and openings. 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.
While the sides of the cab unit are molded in one piece as well as the hood DML has grooved the inside and provided open space for the stowage bins if the modeler wants them opened. Boo birds carped that the vehicle is assembled with screws and not rivets (true) and that DML provided no screw head slots. This is still the case, but since each screw head is about 0.008" or less in diameter, if you are really that picky get a sharp Number 11 blade and score them.
The cab is neatly done, and two sets of grille mounts are included open and closed, but the open one must use the etched brass louvers. This vehicle only comes with the Combat lights which mount on the grille shell. 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. DML provides no decals, but Archer Fine Transfers has a dynamite dashboard set for all M2/M3 series halftracks.
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 4.
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). Steve noted that the mounts for these are not correct (solid versus skeletonized) but once the cans are in place it is a moot point; if you leave them off, you need to scratch build new ones.
The only item of major discussion with this kit remains in the box the bulged tires. While a large number of Boo Birds complained they were wrong, for every photo of a US halftrack with round tires one with slightly bulged ones can be found, and the majority of preserved ones always seem to bulge a bit (recall the weight of the engine and armored cab are on the front axle.) Still this tends to be an individual matter of taste more than a major error.
Markings and finishing instructions are provided for six vehicles: 482nd AAA Battalion, 9th AD, Remagen 1945; 390th AAA Auto Wpns Battalion, Germany 1945; Unidentified Unit, Western Front 1944 (codes mudded out); 457th AAA Auto Wpns Battalion, Luxembourg 1945; 209th AAA Auto Wpns Battalion, Luzon 1945; 1st Light AA Regiment, 1st Polish Armoured Division, France 1944 (black and OD camouflage). A targeted sheet of Cartograf decals is provided.
Overall, even with nits to pick this is a superior kit and a great advance over its two predecessors. Still, no clue why we had to wait 20 months for it to be released!
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 40 Chassis and suspension
B 28 Armored cab assembly
C 29 M49 mount and front bumper assemblies
C 17 M3 mine racks and detail parts
D 48x2 Bogie assembly and wheels
E 8 Clear styrene parts
H 2 Front grille (open/closed)
J 37x2 Machine guns and radio set
N 23 M16 rear armored body components
P 34 M16 Maxson turret components
Q 20x2 M16 - two machine guns and ammo cans
R 6x2 M16 - crew figure (driver and gunner)
W 8 Slide molded drivers and idlers
MA 17 Etched brass
MB 1 brass chain
MC 1 nylon string
(Originally written on September 9, 2008)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/35 scale turned brass ammunition:
Set No. AF35138; 17-pdr Gun Ammo; 40 parts (20 turned brass projectiles and cases, 20 etched brass bases); estimated price US$17.98
Set No. AF35158; 20-pdr Gun Ammo; 40 parts (20 turned brass projectiles and cases, 20 etched brass bases); estimated price US$17.98
Advantages: great way to dress up a Centurion, Sherman Firefly or M10 Achilles
Disadvantages: not cheap
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all Commonwealth vehicle modelers
AFV Club has basically cornered the market on turned brass ammunition sets, with their sets for 8.8 cm and 10.5 cm German weapons acknowledged as some of the best around. Now they have turned their sights (no pun intended!) on British pattern vehicles with these two new sets. Each one provides 16 rounds of complete ammunition and four empty casings in each package.
Set 138 covers the 17-pdr gun and while presumably for the AFV Club M10 Achilles with 17-pdr gun will complement any other 17-pdr vehicle like the DML or Tasca Sherman Fireflies. It provides four rounds each of the following: armor-piercing capped shot (APC); armor-piercing capped ballistic core (APCBC); armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS); and High-Explosive -Tracer Mk 1 (HE-T). The separate etched brass bases provide five bases for each type, so one each can be considered as fired when assembled.
Set 158 covers the 20-pdr and therefore is matched to the AFV Club Centurion kits. It provides four rounds each of the following: Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot Mk 1 (APDS); Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot Mk 3 (APDS); high explosive (HE); and anti-personnel (cannister). The separate etched brass bases provide five bases for each type, so one again one each can be considered as fired when assembled.
Overall these are very nice sets and will complement vehicles with those guns.
Thanks to Hobby Fan Trading Company for the review samples.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on September 9, 2008)
Kit Review: Hobby Fan 1/35 scale figure set No. HF 384; British Churchill Tank Crew Alamein - Three Figures; 12 parts in tan resin; estimated price US$25
Advantages: perfect for the new AFV Club Churchill series tank kits; very well sculpted
Disadvantages: must be posed in tank; more suitable for Italy and later operations
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth fans
One of the biggest news items of the years for Commonwealth modelers was the pending release of a new Churchill kit from AFV Club, and in concert with them now Hobby Fan has released a lovely set of figures for that kit. While the box art advertises them as Alamein period, they are basically pretty standard Commonwealth figures (British uppermost in that meaning) with berets. Two figures have long trousers and one has shorts.
Each figure consists of a one-piece torso and leg component, separate arms and head. The commander figure has a microphone in his right hand and headsets, and is nearly vertical. The gunner or loader figure also wears headsets but has a short pipe in his left hand. The driver figure (in shorts) is posed sitting on the egde of the driver's hatch opening and holding onto the front flap.
Molding is crisp and the figures are very nicely done. While as noted they may not be apropos for a Churchill at El Alamein, they are also going to be very useful for other kits such as the DML Sherman II or the Bronco A13 kit which are also due out.
Thanks to Hobby Fan Trading Company for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on September 9, 2008)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/35 scale Kit No. AF35128; Stryker M1128 MGS Mobile Gun System;
625 parts (538 in olive drab styrene, 34 etched brass, 30 clear styrene, 21in black vinyl, 1 turned aluminum barrel core, 1 spring); estimated price US$42-46
Advantages: first complete kit of this variant on the market; nicely done with great attention to detail; optional position hatches less engine compartment
Disadvantages: no interior components, recoiling gun feature
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all modern US armor and wheeled armor fans
Heavy wheeled armored vehicles with heavy armament (e.g. tank guns) are a very tricky item to produce and produce well. Trying to combine the recoil of a tank gun with a highly sprung light chassis is usually a bad combination, and means either the vehicle has a very narrow arc of fire or will tend to fly up or flip over. The general solution is to either dumb down the tank gun with reduced capabilities, which then prevents it using full capability standard ammunition, or installing a complex and difficult to maintain muzzle brake to provide the necessary level of recoil.
In recent years, however, new technology recoil systems involving longer travel have meant even high-power guns like 105mm tank guns or even the powerful 125mm 2A46 series Soviet tank guns may be used on light vehicles. The first production version of an American vehicle to use this is the new M1128 Mobile Gun System version of the Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle family now entering service in Iraq. Fitted with a 105mm gun capable of using all of the ammunition fired by the older M60 and early M1 tanks, it provides the Stryker Brigade Combat Team with the necessary firepower for many different missions where missiles or artillery are not appropriate. The vehicle carries 18 rounds in an autoloader which both provides safety from the long recoil of the gun as well as simplifies combat for the crew.
AFV Club was the second company to come out with a standard M1126 Stryker combat vehicle, but theirs was considered by most modelers to be the best and did a better job of capturing the first versions of the Stryker to see service. They have now followed up with their third variant, the first one requiring a serious make-over due to the totally different upper hull and turret.
The AFV Club kit has amazing detail to it, with the suspension being very well covered and even the vinyl tires exhibiting the puffy look of the original Michelin tires. All of the applique cover plates over the vehicle's ceramic armor tiles are separate, and even the covers over the suspension shock mounts show a nice see-through screening effect. But AFV Club has gotten smarter over the years; the main suspension units now consist of two central backbone units with add-on differential covers vice the dozens of parts they would have used some years back.
There are some accessories, but oddly enough while the kit comes with a spare wheel there is no tire for it. It also comes with the now-standard in Iraq tow bar, and the directions show how to use it in stowed or deployed position.
AFV Club, for reasons best known to themselves, still provides the less-than-serious recoiling gun barrel option but at least it is unobtrusive. The gun itself is complex and consists of a central turned aluminum core with add-on barrel shroud, MRS mirror, and breech components. Since it is a remote controlled gun, there are a lot more parts than with most internally mounted weapons 84 to be exact. There is a coaxial sight which is installed in Steps 27-29 but take care as it has to be installed either up or down, so do not cement it in place in Step 28 (it shows it as working but as the hatches do not you have to make a firm decision.)
Steps 38-40 cover the commander's M2 .50 caliber machine gun, which seems to generally be stored out to the right to provide the commander more room when sitting up in the hatch as well as a better capability to engage targets to his front and side. The model shows it mounted to his front, which would be fine for combat but does not seem to match up with photos of actual vehicles.
The directions are fairly clear but are augmented with B&W photos of actual vehicles, which is very handy and a smart use of such items.
Four different finishing options are provided: the only identifiable one is 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, A company 2-23 Infantry. Due to what appears to be a too light background, there is a small supplemental sheet with the more common FS30277 sand background for them. All vehicles appear to be in forest green.
Overall this is an excellent kit, and I am sure that both Hobby Fan will have an interior kit on the way for it in resin as well as more of the aftermarket boys working on a slat armor package as soon as the MGS shows up with one in Iraq.
Thanks to Hobby Fan Trading Company for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 33 Stryker suspension and drive line
B 53 Stryker hull details
C 29 Stryker driver's hatch and fittings
D 42 Stryker applique and steel mounting components
E 28 Stryker applique armor and rear hatch
F 67x2 Stryker wheels and mounting components
G 16 .50 caliber machine gun and mount
H 1 Stryker lower hull
I 6x2 Stryker black vinyl keepers
J 17 Stryker generic clear styrene components
K 1 Black vinyl flap
L 1 MGS upper hull
M 34 Etched brass
N 31 MGS hull details and spare wheel
P 39 MGS applique armor and rear hatch
Q 72 MGS turret base and shell, details
R 8 Michelin pattern tires
S 59 MGS gun and turret components
T 13 MGS clear styrene components
U 1 Turned aluminum barrel with spring
(Originally written on September 7, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale "39-"45 Series Kit No. 6455; 11. Frw. Pz. Gren. Div Nordland Vistula-Oder 1945; 84 parts in grey stryene; estimated price about US$9.95
Advantages: basic German figures in late war winter dress
Disadvantages: Gen1" weapons set
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German fans
The latest German figure release from DML is a set of four late-war German troops in various sorts of winter dress. These figures are for the 11th SS Freiwilligen (Volunteer) Panzergrenadier Division, and with all SS units DML has left out that minor detail on the box description while clearly showing SS rank collar tabs but no runes. This division was formed of Danish and Norwegian SS troops transferred in from other divisions to form a complete Nordic division. They were beaten up pretty badly and in point of fact after the Vistula-Oder campaign most of the division was obliterated.
Be that as it may, these figures are in what could be considered par for the course for a late-war non-German division and are both clothed in a motley collection of uniforms and armed with a variety of weapons. The basic figures are an officer with winter trousers and a tan coat carrying a Panzerfaust and a Luger, a kneeling figure in winter trousers and white overcoat with a soft cap and a Panzerfaust with an MP40 slung over his shoulders, a standing figure with mountain trousers, boots and a white winter jacket with helmet and an MP44, and a figure in greatcoat with what appears to be either a Soviet ushanka fur cap or a German copy and a PPSh submachine gun.
Each figure comes with the basic six-piece DML Gen1" figure layout with separate coat skirts for the figures with the long coats. Weapons are plentiful but are the older DML Gen1" types and as such do not have separate bolts or muzzles hollowed out.
This appears to be a B offering from DML as it does not appear to have a Ron Volstad painting for its basis and also has B&W photos for assembly directions with only a small reproduction of the cover art for painting reference. A small sheet of Cartograf decals is included for the Panzerfaust markings.
Overall it should go well with anyone modeling late-war German vehicles or even Panzer "46" type What if? items.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
6002 14 MG42, Panzerfaust, MP44, Gewehr 43, MP40
6003 2 Kar 98K, Panzerfaust
6455 60 Four figures and basic kit
9009 8 MP44, MP40, 2 x PPSh
(Originally written on September 7, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale "39-"45 Series Kit No. 6380; 204 parts in grey stryene; estimated retail price US$15-18
Advantages: good basic Commonwealth infantry with optional legs will suit a broad variety of climates and theaters
Disadvantages: no long-sleeve arms; Gen1" British weapons
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth fans
DML has been somewhat stingy with Commonwealth figures over the years, and anytime they turn their attention to a new set has to be considered something of an occasion. This set, which comes out right after DML's Sherman III in Italy and before their Sherman II El Alamein kit, will be welcome fare for accompanying those kits.
While the box states that this kit builds six figures that is not right; the main component is two identical 6380" sprues of four figures each in shorts or a total of eight figures (four poses) in the box. Two pairs of legs with long trousers are included for conversion purposes. The poses are pretty pedestrian, but most modelers seem to like them better that way as they are easier to pose with a completed vehicle than someone in a specific combat pose. The figures are all in positions which the US Army would refer to as route march or standard movement.
Each figure follows standard Gen1" construction of six parts legs, arms, torso and head with separate detail parts. Details include ammo pouches, mess tins, canteens, helmets (these have an odd finish, not sure if it was supposed to be a steel texture or a fine grain camouflage netting cover), two types of pistol holster, and two standard bayonets with sheaths.
The kit is apparently an A kit so comes with the very nice artwork by Ron Volstad as well as the better quality assembly and painting directions that Ron does for DML. They show that the suggestions are to combine parts from the various figures with the long trousers to create two new poses (e.g. head B on torso D and head C on torso A).
Overall this is a crisp set of figures and while those hoping for combat poses will be disappointed, the majority of modelers who only like one or two figures for scaling a model will be delighted.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
4 Two extra pairs of legs with long trousers
A 84x2 Four basic figures in shorts with generic British kit
WA 18 US Generic Weapons - M1A1 Thompson, M1 carbine
6055 7x2 British weapons - Bren Gun, Sten Gun, 2 x Enfield Mk 4
(Originally written on August 18, 2008)
Book Review: Wings and Wheels Publications Present Vehicle Line No. 19: Stryker in detail Part 2: U.S. Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle Family Part Two by Ralph Zwilling; Wings and Wheels Publications, Prague, 2008; 192 pp.; retail price about US$50; ISBN 978-80-86416-68-7
Advantages: Best single source reference for the remaining elements of the Stryker family less the MGS variant
Disadvantages: No major ones noted, other than perhaps a set of 1/35 scale plans would have been appreciated by modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all modern, wheeled, and OIF fans
Following on the heels of their excellent Stryker Part 1 (WWP Present Vehicle Line No. 17 by the same author, ISBN 978-80-86416-61-5) WWP has now presented the second part of their coverage of the vehicle.
Part 1 covered the following variants: M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle; M1127 Reconnaissance Vehicle; M1130 Command Vehicle and Tactical Air Control Party Vehicle , and M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicle with all of their then known variants as well as those in Iraq with the slat armor fit; Part 2 covers the M1129 Mortar Carrier, M1131 Fire Support Vehicle, M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle, M1134 Antitank Guided Missile Carrier, and M1135 NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle. Apparently we will need a Part 3 to cover the Mobile Gun System and later variants as well.
The author had the pleasure to be an embed with the 2nd Stryker Armored Cavalry Regiment and as such they provided him with more than sufficient opportunities to examine their vehicles and photograph them in great detail. They also gave him a good deal of information as to what is in each one, and how it works as well as interacts with other Stryker elements. (While this is great from a modeling standpoint, I do shudder a bit at some of the security implications. But I digress.)
The M1129 MCV receives 33 pages of coverage; the M1131 FSV, 34 pages; the M1133 MEV, 26 pages; the M1134 ATGMV, 30 pages; the M135 NBCRV, 18 pages; and then the author switches to detailed coverage. There are six pages showing the preparations needed to the hull of the Stryker before the slat armor can be mounted on it; this is due to the fact that the armor is a combination of both ceramic tiles and steel framework, and the slat armor braces can only be attached to solid steel fittings.
Another 11 pages cover generic details that have been retrofitted to vehicles in the field, such as the exhaust deflector hood over the exhaust; apparently at speed it blew back into the commander's face when sitting with his hatch open, so this corrected it. Two pages cover the driver's compartment and controls. Six pages cover the M151E2 RWS and upgrades to that mounting. Another six pages cover the vehicle's engine (Cat Power) outside of the vehicle. Uniforms and typical crewmen are covered over three pages. And finally, the last five pages cover casualties from Iraq both in the damage to Strykers as well as the men from the 2nd SCR lost in combat during their time in Iraq.
The book is well written and easy to read, but the plethora of designators and acronyms may stun even the most knowledgeable of American military personnel! At least Mr. Zwilling does break most of them out for the layman.
Overall, this is an excellent book, and one that modelers with the AFV Club, Trumpeter or future DML kits will want to have on hand for reference along with Part 1.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on August 18, 2008)
Book Review: Wings and Wheels Publications Present Vehicle Line No. 14: T-72/72M: T-72/M/M1 Soviet Main Battle Tan in detail by Frantisek Koran, Frantisek Sykora, Josef Spurny, Jan Martinec, and Tomas Bouchal; Wings and Wheels Publications, Prague, 2006; 216 pp. plus a set of 1/35 scale plans; retail price about US$50; ISBN 80-86416-52-6
Advantages: very nice clear, color photographic coverage of exterior and interior components of several different T-72 models
Disadvantages: disjointed text in English; does not clarify which tanks are which other than at a gross detail level
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet and T-72 fans
As most historians now know, the T-72 came about by accident in 1969 when the designers at Factory No. 183 in Nizhniy Tagil were ordered to develop a contingency variant of the T-64A which used the older V-2 series V-12 diesel engines instead of the flat 5-cylinder opposed piston design of that tank. Chief Designer Leonid Kartsev then pulled a fast one and combined all of the Tagil design features they had wanted to use on a T-64 based chassis design. Initially GABTU and the Council of Ministers in Moscow were furious, but then found that Article 172M (the factory designator for the new tank) was somewhat superior to its parent. But they originally only authorized its production for second-echelon formations, and five years after it was accepted for service with the Red Army in 1973, export to Warsaw Pact members and foreign production in Czechoslovakia, Poland and Yugoslavia.
The Soviet-approved and coordinated export models (other than Yugoslavia) were basically designated the T-72, T-72M and T-72M1. But while they noted only three different variants (plus the usual command variants with suffices) the fact of the matter was that the Soviets themselves identified either eight or nine completely separate production series of these vehicles. These were internally noted as 172ME to 172MEh8 The first ones were basically Soviet T-72 tanks with a different quality of steel armor protection and a different level of protection in the turret, and fitted with a cross-turret coincidence rangefinder. Later this changed over to the use of the TPK-1-49 laser rangefinder sight, and later on they also added the TNK-2-49 night sight to replace the earlier model night sight. Later the tank began to slowly add features from the Soviet T-72A series tanks, with the final variant, the T-72M1, also adding a modified turret with increased cheek and glacis protection.
While the T-72M1 was considered to be (and is counted as such by the Soviets) as the equivalent of the Soviet T-72A, they are actually quite different. A real T-72A has a turret which bulges up on either side of the aperture for the main gun, which is how the tank's turret got the name Dolly Parton from imagery analysts in the early 1980s. The T-72M1 has a much flatter profile with a supplementary bulge just visible under the banks of smoke grenade launchers on the turret.
Over 20,000 T-72 tanks were built before the Russians who took over from the Soviets by default changed over to the T-90 series, a product-improved T-72. Few other models have been built since then, so most owner-operator countries have thus concentrated on upgrades such as the T-72M4CZ (Czech Republic) or T-72M2 (Slovakia).
Be that as it may, the authors of this book have managed to collect a massive number of good, clear color photos of the various T-72s in service with the Czech army and concentrate them in one nicely presented volume. The book is broken down by sections, with the first 85 pages focused on external components, six pages on a skeleton East German training simulator, 58 pages on internal components of the T-72, and then 36 pages on the T-72M1. The last two sections are for Czech vehicles, the T-72M4CZ upgrade (20 pages) and the VT-72B tank retriever (15 pages).
While the photos are grouped together pretty well to cover both their subjects and the specific variants noted, the book is somewhat let down by the painful fact that none of the authors are native English speakers (the book is completely in English) and their translations vary from disjointed to the frankly weird. Some of the comments appear as if they are verbatim sections out of Soviet field manuals (which require a knowledge of both the target language as well as what the items discussed actually are) and are very hard to make sense of as presented.
Overall, for modelers, the book should be quite useful and very, very helpful in both making an accurate T-72 export tank as well as correcting the Tamiya T-72M1 kit into a better representation of a T-72M1. But for the historian, we still need a T-72 snizhu doverkh series to cover all of the details, model by model, in order to get them sorted properly.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on August 18, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale 39-45 Series Kit No. 6402; Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. E Tauchpanzer w/Betriebsstoffanhaenger - Smart Kit; 1,217 parts (721 in grey styrene, 288 Magic Track links, 178 etched brass, 25 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic, 1 twisted steel wire, 1 section of black vinyl tubing, 1 brass tube); estimated retail price US$50
Advantages: combines some of the latest slide molding technology with two previous kits to produce a new variant; some parts new/modified from previous releases
Disadvantages: vast number of parts may be disconcerting to some modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Pzkw. IV fans in particular
In a previous review I commented that with a relatively few German tanks modified for deep wading as Tauchpanzer or diving tanks only a few more than 200 Pzkw. III and IV models they have been popular, and in this case DML has also added one of the accessories many modelers have sought for Pzkw. IV tanks for years, namely the 400 liter auxiliary fuel tank. Basically little more than a modified skeleton trailer with two 200 liter (55 gallon) drums attached to it, this highlighted what was unfortunately a common problem for German tankers in Russia, namely short range and insufficient resupply.
What DML did was combine sprues from its own excellent Pzkw. IV Ausf. F Smart Kit (No. 6315) with some from the 5-in-1 combination effort with its cyber-hobby.com affiliate to produce a new kit, this time an Ausf. E fitted with the tauchpanzer equipment. Some of the good features of both kits have been used, but also some of the less appealing ones such as the separate tires for the road wheels from the earlier Pzkw. IV (e.g. pre-Smart Kit) ones.
The star of the show here is the auxiliary fuel trailer, and DML has
done a great job of it. The 200 liter drums are one piece barrels via
slide molding, and the crimped lids are separate parts with the
purpose data stamped into them. These should be the first ones by any
non-resin manufacturer to require minimal cleanup, and for that alone
DML deserves kudos. It comes with a short section
of black vinyl tubing so it may be shown either being towed or
connected to the fuel system of the tank.
The rest of the kit is basically a mix-and-match version of the previous kits with some cleanup work done on the individual sprues. The seals for the commander cupola and main gun are provided as DS plastic (in a pink color, no less!) so they will be easy to attach to the turret. The majority of the parts provided are from the cyber-hobby.com D and E model kits, but these were redone after some initial disappointment was noted from German fans. But oddly enough the kit is focused primarily on the tauchpanzer variant so some items such as the bow machine gun have been left out. In other words, if you want to pick up this kit to make a straight Ausf. E with the fuel trailer you will need a spares box to complete the model.
Also, as there are a number of options for various parts and as always the DML directions are not the most expansive on either flagging the options or showing where the bits go (at least they are not their awful photo directions). With such a large amount of brass, as can be expected there are a lot of parts which require them for installation; this does seem to negate the kits being dubbed a Smart Kit, which usually indicates a very well engineered plastic kit with minimal brass.
Technical assistance was provided by Notger Schlegtendal and Thomas Anderson, as well as Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
The kit comes with two finishing options: Pz.Rgt. 25, 7th Panzer Division, Russia 1941 (grey, white outline 613); or Pz.Rgt. 6, 3rd Panzer Division, Russia 1941 (grey with a white G on the front right fender). The trailer is grey, period.
Overall this is a nice effort, but DML should also think about releasing the fuel trailer as a separate kit.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout (SK - Pzkw. IV Ausf F1 Smart Kit, IV all previous DML efforts)
A 78x2 IV Road wheels and bogies
B 24 IV bow section
B 32 IV armored final drives
C 45 New - Auxiliary fuel tank trailer and details
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 61 IV OVM
J 2 IV DS Plastic flexible collars
L 2 IV one-piece idlers
K 36 x 4 IV Magic track
M 36 x 4 IV Magic track
N 12 Standard German jerry can sprue
0 38 IV tires
Q 25 IV cupola (REDO)
P 17 IV clear (REDO)
R 6 New - Details
T 8 IV clear fittings for Tauchpanzer cupola
TE 4 New - Details
W 22 IV Tauchpanzer fittings
X 1 IV (lower hull)
Y 1 New - Section of black vinyl tubing
Z 1 SK Twisted metal wire
MA 141 IV (etched) (kit 6264)
MB 32 New - Etched brass
MC 4 IV etched (kit 6265)
ME 1 IV preformed etched brass
ME 1 IV brass tube
MF 2 IV etched brass
(Originally written on August 14, 2008)
Kit Review: Academy 1/35 scale Kit No. 13215; R.O.K. Army K1A1 Main Battle Tank; 290 parts (268 parts in tan styrene, 18 in tan vinyl, 2 in black vinyl, 1 length of nylon string, 1 section of clear styrene); retail price US$46
Advantages: new production, clean kit of this unique vehicle; figures included
Disadvantages: somewhat obscure vehicle to anyone outside of Korea
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all modern armor fans and fans of Korean armored vehicles
When the US began to provide Military Assistance Program MAP vehicles to other countries, they found that in Asia there was a problem with the stature of the crews that would man these vehicles, and as a result they tended to only want to supply light tanks such as the M24 Chaffee or M41 Walker Bulldog. But as the threats began to grow and the other side got vehicles like the Soviet-built T-54 and T-55, and later the T-62 and other heavier vehicles, heavier tanks needed to be provided to deal with the threat. The other main problem was the fact that the infrastructure in most of the countries South Korea, Japan, South Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand would not support heavy armored vehicles.
The Republic of Korea Army had worked its way up to the M48 series of tanks, but these tended to strain the crews when it came to maintenance as well as the infrastructure. As the US Army prepared to field the M1 Abrams, it did not look that it would be suitable for use by the ROK Army. Therefore, in 1980 the ROK Government asked General Dynamics developer of the accepted version of the Abrams to design a new tank to meet its needs. The tank, dubbed XK-1, looked much like a scaled-down M1 with the same armament of a 105mm rifled gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm loader's machine gun, and 12.7mm antiaircraft machine gun, but weighed 10 tons less and was smaller in overall dimension. Type classified as the 88 Tank (Type 88 in the West) it entered production in 1984 with Hyundai in Changwon. 883 battle tanks were built along with AVLB and ARV variants and serve with both the ROK Army and ROK Marine Corps.
Later, as the threat for the ROK Army evolved, a new version of the tank was designed and accepted for service in 2001 as the K1A1. It is again smaller than the Abrams (an M1A1 holds 40 rounds of 120mm ammunition, the K1A1 only 32) and weighs 54.5 short tons against the nearly 69 tons of a fully loaded Abrams.
The K1A1 uses an external hydraulic suspension on stations 1, 2 and 6 that can kneel or rise instead of the torision bars of the M1A1 (which it appears to use for stations 3, 4, and 5). It uses a German MTU 871 engine of 1200 HP instead of the Abrams turbine. Protection levels are not given but it is assumed to be immune to the 115mm and 125mm guns known to be in the DPRK Army inventory.
This is only the third kit I know of that has been released of this interesting if somewhat obscure tank (only due to the fact that it has never been sold outside of South Korea). There was a full resin kit from Korea a number of years ago but one with some flaws, which was copied by Trumpeter when they began to work on creating new kits that met modelers needs and interests. Now, playing to the home crowd Academy has released a really nice kit of this domestic tank, and from all comparisons with photos that I have of the original it is a very accurate model that captures the flavor of the Baby Abrams.
The model does show its origins as a motorized kit, but only through an inexplicable hole in the belly of the hull and the usual keyhole mounts for the final drive parts. But that is the limit of odd choices, other than the fact that the sponsons do not meet the sides of the hull (they are under the skirts and the upper and lower hulls fit together tightly.)
Assembly is pretty straightforward and conventional in layout. Details are crisp and well done, with clear sections provided from a small sheet of styrene for the gunner and commander sight heads. The M2 type machine gun (the ROK version is a K6) consists of 11 parts but the receiver is split down the middle and the ammo box has no floor, so it is a seam and some scrap plastic to fix them. All of the personnel hatches are positionable as are the external machine guns and the gunner's sight
The bustle rack is composed of 12 parts, but they looked to be relatively seam-free and only require a bit of touch-up filing. The K1A1 has bins around the outside of the turret and the bustle attaches to them.
The model also comes with two figures, a 3/4 length commander and a loader with a choice of CVC helmet or beret. He is full size and may be posed outside the tank; both figures come with a camouflage coverall uniform.
A nice sheet of decals comes with the model, but for some reason there is NO mention of them on the finishing instructions! The model is shown finished in ROK Army version of what the US Army calls the MERDC Winter Verdant scheme of dark green, field drab, black and sand. The decals provide what appear to be two divisional insignia (one being the famous Tiger Division), a banner of some sort, and four sets of stripes in red, yellow, blue and white. Alas, the box art is not much help as it shows a K1A1 fording a small stream while firing and wearing what appears to be Blue Force exercise markings.
Overall this is not a bad model; even though the design seems to be somewhat of a throwback to the old days of no brass and fewer parts the details are not bad and many modelers will probably appreciate the chance to put a model together without an engineering degree being a prerequisite!
Thanks to Ed Sexton and Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 55 Turret, main gun
B 55 Turret details, bustle rack
C 43x2 Wheels and hull details
D 70 Figures, suspension parts, rear plate, skirts
2 Upper and lower hull
POLY 18 Vinyl caps
2 Vinyl tracks
1 Nylon string
(Originally written on August 14, 2008)
Kit Review UPDATE: Academy 1/35 scale M3 Lee (No. 13206) and M3 Grant (No. 13212) Kits; New Sprue E (76 parts in tan styrene) for M3 suspension and turret base; price free in the US but requires a downloaded coupon from the MRC website
Advantages: corrects the too tall bogies of these kits
Disadvantages: will be hard to get outside of the US
Rating: Recommended
As most modelers know by now, there is a sad tale of wrong-right-wrong with the Academy suspensions for the M3 Lee Medium Tank, the M7 105mm HMC Priest, and the M3 Grant tank kits. The first and last had bogies over 2mm too high, giving an odd appearance to the kit, and the M7 had them the right height.
But unlike another large manufacturer - who was given the errors in their kit over 33 years ago and while still in production has yet to fix any errors in it Academy has admitted a culpa and redone the suspension sprue for the M3 Lee and Grant kits.
The new sprue is a verbatim copy of the earlier one with 76 parts, but the bogies are now reduced to the correct height and thus solve the biggest challenge in building a good model from those kits.
To get these new sprues, modelers must go up on the MRC website and then scroll down to the coupon offer at the bottom. (Maximum of 2 per customer; future kits will come with the new sprues in the box, but kits out there now probably will have the old sprues.)
Overall this is a great idea and one I wish another major manufacturer would have done years ago.
Thanks to Ed Sexton and Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale 39-45 Series Kit No. 6429; Sd.Kfz. 138/1 Geschuetzwagen 38 M fuer s.IG. 33/2 - Smart Kit; 1,034 parts (676 in grey styrene, 240 Magic Track links, 103 etched brass, 13 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel cable, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel); price estimated at US$50
Advantages: gun version of the Ausf. M will be appreciated
Disadvantage: some complaints about fenders still linger
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all German, Praga and Redleg fans
DML has now released the actual 15 cm 38 M self-propelled howitzer and it should be appreciated by most German fans. This is a complete Smart Kit but one which uses 100% of the parts from the cyber-hobby.com Kit No. 21 (DML No. 6471). It adds the missing parts for the s.IG. 33/2 howitzer to the mix.
282 of the gun tank versions were built along with 102 ammo carriers, which were fitted for upgrades to howitzer vehicles if needed.
As with the cyber-hobby.com variant, it uses Smart Kit technology the emphasis is on detail but they have also added a good amount of brass with it and it must be used to construct the model. But here only a few of the frames and grilles will require a good amount of bending.
The howitzer comes with a turned aluminum barrel and rifling in its first section. For some reason (either other variants or a towed version being forthcoming) there are TWO sprues of cradle and breech parts for the s.IG. 33/2 15 cm howitzer, so be careful on choosing the right parts. Most of the ones used seem to be on the sprue.
This kit also includes the engine and other interior parts from the DML TNHP series kits. The driveline and interior are mostly styrene parts, such as the transmission/clutch assembly, steering controls, driveshaft and shield. The ammo racks are all single molded items, but the projectiles are molded with the rack to get a scale thickness to the rack and as such cannot be separated. Twenty full and six empty racks are provided along with two single projectiles; no propellant casings were provided, and as noted it only covers a partial load. There is one small radio with separate transmitter and receiver mounted on the right side of the casemate. Each periscope in the fighting compartment is all stryene (clear prism component, grey mounts) and may be positioned as folded or erected.
Assistance on this kit is credited to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Finishing directions and cartograph decals are provided for three different vehicles: 1st SS Panzer Division LAH, La Gleize, Belgium 1944 (tricolor with no markings); 1st SS Panzer Division LAH, France 1944 (sand with brown-edged green patches and a cartoon blowtorch); and Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1944 (Sand overall with crosses).
Overall, this is a nicely done kit and with the attendant cyber-hobby.com ammo carrier and figures will make into a good diorama.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 66 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G wheels and suspension
B 70 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G fenders and hull components
B 24 s.IG. 33 cradle and breech
C 24 s.IG. 33 cradle and breech
D 58 Pzkw. 38(t) interior and transmission components
E 93 Marder III Ausf. M interior and hull detail components
G 43 Flakpanzer 38(t) front hull and interior details
J 10 clear styrene vision blocks
K 38 Pzkw. 38(t) OVM and rivet heads
K 3 Clear styrene sights
L 2 German whip antenna
M 22 Bison Ausf. M casemate and details
N 2 German whip antenna
N 5 German aiming stakes and tools
P 16 Pzkw. 38(t) engine components
Q 49 Bison Ausf. M details and hull front
R 32x2 15 cm projectiles and stowage brackets
S 2 s.IG. 33 accessories
U 6 15 cm stowage brackets
V 10 German radio and racks
X 1 Flakpanzer 38(t) hull pan
Y 240 Magic Track
Z 1 Twisted steel cable
MA 103 etched brass
MB 1 Turned aluminum barrel
GA 64 German generic kit
RA 9 German generic radios
RB 8 German generic radios
(Originally written on August 11, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale 39-45 Series Kit No. 6403: Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther Ausf. F mit Gummigedaemften Stahlaufrollen - Smart Kit; 956 parts (626 in grey stryene, 170 Magic Track links, 142 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, 2 twisted steel wire cable, 1 etched nickel, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel); estimated price about US$50
Advantages: nice, new Smart Kit version of this popular Panzer ˜46" tank
Disadvantages: nothing major noted; perhaps not enough brass for some modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Panther fans
The German Panther series tanks had both a blessing and a curse with their large turrets; they were roomy and permitted the crew to function very effectively in combat, but they also had a negligible increase to protection and the Soviets noted they could shoot through the turret and even the mantlet with impunity. As a result, Daimler-Benz was tasked to develop a more effective turret design to provide better protection over the critical front 60 degree arc of the tank. This turret was to be used on both the proposed Panther Ausf. F and later Panther II tanks, with the former mounting a modified KwK 42/1 long 7.5 cm gun and the latter an 8.8 cm gun. This turret was also equipped with a cross-turret rangefinder to help obtain long range first-round hits, something the Germans had the same level of difficulty achieving that the Soviets had.
The Ausf. F also received a thicker hull roof to help prevent penetration from plunging fire (another failing the Soviets had noted and exploited), new lift and slide hatches for the driver and radio operator, and a new hull machine gun mount for an MP-44 vice the MG-34/42 machine guns used in previous tanks. The tank was also fitted with space for extra radios if conversion to a command vehicle was required. While the tank did not come with an AA gun mount, the fittings were provided so the mount could be installed by crew labor if required.
The tank did not get into production, albeit some components did and odds and ends of Panthers with some components were encountered; one such hull reportedly exists to day at the Patton Museum at Fort Knox (arguments still continue as to whether is a late production Ausf. G or prototype Ausf. F hull.)
A number of years ago DML released its kit No. 6027 of a Panther II with the schmallturm and steel wheels, but they apparently got the proportions of the turret wrong as well as some other details and Panther fans were not happy with the result. An interim kit from cyber-hobby.com using older kit parts (their No. 13, DML No. 6382) was also released. But now DML has now taken their Panther Ausf. G with steel wheels (No. 6370) Smart Kit and added the necessary parts to the kit to produce a far more accurate Ausf. F hull and turret.
This is the original Ausf. G kit with standard rubber tired road wheels and the two new sprues with the steel wheel sets. It still provides the same track arrangement as the Ausf. D and earlier G eight wrap around separate links with separate guide teeth for the drive wheels and the same Magic Track links that snap together for assembly. But here DML has added another 51 new parts with the lift and slide hatch hull and the schmallturm with a choice between a plastic slide molded barrel or a turned aluminum one. They have also included some of their generic German vehicles sprues for options. There is no gun breech; the eyebrow for the mantlet rain guard is provided as a preformed etched brass piece.
The rest is pretty much the excellent Ausf. G series kit. The lower hull is a one-piece slide mold part with all of the torsion bars complete and separate parts. Fine details such as bump stops, pin knockers and braces are all separate. The kit provides the aforemention two complete road wheels sets. 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 may use the lift and slide hatches or the prototype folding ones at the modeler's option. The engine deck or decks as there are two with a choice of where to place the lifting lugs is/are 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.
The hull side trim is mostly 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; optional etched brass items are also included. The same goes for the tools and OVM.
Four finishing options with Cartograf decals are provided, but at the vehicles were never apparently completed as designed, they would all appear to be speculative or based on last-minute assembly of components; I have no idea and admit it up front.
Overall, while basically a Panzer "46" kit the F model (and II) have always been popular with Panther fans, and the arrival of a new and more accurate kit should be appreciated.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 52x2 Ausf. G engine deck details and fine details
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6475; Pz.Sfl. IVb, 10.5 cm le.FH. 18/1 Sd.Kfz. 165/1 Ausf. A - Smart Kit; 904 parts (603 parts in grey styrene, 260 “Magic Track” links, 26 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US$50
Advantages: apparently correct size and scale to kit; nicely done features and options built in
Disadvantages: tremendous amount of effort for relatively obscure vehicle
Rating: Highly recommended
Recommendation: for German Panzer IV fans and artillery fans
The Germans appear to have done more experimentation with self-propelled artillery weapons than any other nation in WWII, and a number of their prototypes were produced in sufficient quantities to perform what the Soviets called “troop testing” under fire. This relatively obscure vehicle, appearing like a “sports” model of the larger and better known “Heuschreke” vehicle, was part of a series of 8 vehicle built by Krupp in November 1942. Albeit the prototypes were underpowered, production models would have been more powerful and mobile. Its one limitation was a turret which did not offer all-around traverse. Alas, the military decided they were going to switch to designs like the Heuschreke and abandoned it. But as they badly needed SP guns, a proposal to mount the 105mm howitzer on redundant Pzkw. II chassis was accepted, resulting in the Wespe.
One old addage is that if you are going to bring a dog to a dogfight, ensure that you bring enough dog. Trumpeter recently released a kit of this same vehicle in order to beat DML to the market, but unfortunately mis-estimated the size of the vehicle based on its wheels and as a result put out a kit which was badly underscale (a matter of being about 20mm too short in length, or nearly three feet in real life.) DML did catch that fact, and rough measurements on my part of an unassembled kit show it to be very close to scale.
Considering most companies now cut molds based on shared sprues and improved amortization of costs, this kit uses only a few of the numerous Pzkw. IV family items from DML and instead requires no less than eight new sprues and a new hull – 53% of the parts in the box are new.
Construction follows most of the other DML Pzkw. IV kits, with the exception of replacement of Pzkw. IV components by Pz.Sfl. IV b parts where necessary. The larger wheels need enlarged bogies (included) but most of the remaining parts are from Pzkw. IV stocks. Most of the details reflect its early 1942 design with smoke candles at the rear of the hull and other such details.
The interior is more complete than some of recent vintage, as it comes with numerous shot and propellant lockers and 16 separate projectiles. The projectiles may be stored in racks or left out at the builder’s choice. Needless to say the interior is pretty full! However there is no interior for the driver’s compartment other than the view blocks.
The hull is completely different from any Pzkw. IV variant and is nicely detailed with the same approach taken with other “smart kits.”
While it undoubtedly owes its genesis to other DML kits, the 10.5 cm howitzer is new and dedicated to this kit alone. It uses slide molding technology to hollow mold the gun barrel with only a cap for the muzzle brake. The turret interior is also relatively complete, with radio sets, fire extinguishers, and kit from the generic equipment sprues to fill it up. Note that while the turret is left “loose” it only had a limited traverse so be careful when displaying the model (e.g. no “over the back deck” positioning.)
Technical assistance on this project was provided by Thomas Anderson, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Two finishing options are provided, both for Panzerartillerieregiment 16, 16th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1943: gray finish, either gun “Schill” or gun “Zeithen”.
Overall this is an attractive little beast if nothing else and will make a good companion piece to the much larger Heuschreke.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 93x2 Pzkw. IV suspension
A 37x2 Pzkw. IV drive wheels and details
B 27 PZ.Sfl. IV b upper hul and details
C 52 Pzkw. IV OVM and pioneer tools
E 28 Pz.Sfl. IV b fenders and hull details
D 44x2 Pz.Sfl. IV b interior racks and fender details
D 24x2 Pz.Sfl. IV b suspension and wheels
G 79 Pz.Slf. IV b 10.5 cm gun and turret
L 130 “Magic Track” links - left hand
M 14 Clear styrene
R 130 “Magic Track” links - right hand
X 1 Pz.Sfl. IV b lower hull
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
MA 26 Etched brass
GA 64 German generic kit - helmets, canteens, gas mask canisters
GB 12 German generic kit - MP-38/40 ammo pouche/s
RA 9 German generic radios
RB 9 German generic radios
(Originally written on June 29, 2008)
Kit Review: Tristar 1/35 scale Kit No. 038; German Sturmpanzer IV (Early) Sd.Kfz. 166; 904 parts (838 parts in sand color styrene, 53 etched brass, 10 black styrene, 2 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel cable); retail price US$65
Advantages: new kit from the ground up uses few parts from previous kits; early variant is a different model from other kits; does not require zimmerit coating
Disadvantages: high price may deter some purchases; use of small parts and precision assembly requirements may frustrate some modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German armor fans
Right after DML released a new kit of the mid-production variant of the Brummbaer assault howitizer, Tristar has released an early production variant of its own. This kit is nearly totally new, using only a few suspension sprues and the tracks from its previous Panzer IV series releases.
According to those “in the know” this kit represents one of the first 60 or so vehicles and as such has no zimmerit coating, a different driver’s viewer and mounting, a different gun protective jacket, no defensive armament and a different roof to the casemate. The kit appears to match those details perfectly. Also included are both “stock” and “worn” springs for the front two bogies, intended to replicate the nose-down overloaded look many Brummbaers took on after some service as the heavy casemate tended to wear out the suspension.
The model provides about the same level of interior detail as the DML kit – basically you get a nicely detailed howitzer and its mount, a floor plate, and a rear bulkhead but little else. This isn’t so bad as the roof hatches are small and there just isn’t much to see through them. Note that while the barrel was slide molded there is no rifling detail provided.
One major item with Tristar kits that I have encountered, and many modelers commented on, is the fact they are not for people in a hurry or sloppy “that’s close” modelers. The models would be the envy of any aircraft modelers going as they require zero putty if assembled absolutely correctly. This requires taking your time and dry-fitting many parts to see if they need trimming or sanding. It’s not a problem with the kits; all plastic parts require a slight bevel to their edges or they cannot be pulled from a mold no matter how many ejection pins are used, and in order to minimize this a slight bevel and oversize molding are used. Once the parts are properly prepared (and you follow the assembly sequence) the results can be amazing.
The suspension is very detailed and each bogie assembly involves 14 parts, with one being the option between “new” and “clapped out” springs. Armor covers are provided for the final drives and a wealth of detail is provided for the rear plate. The main hull pan is one piece less said rear plate, and appears to have been slide molded with a goodly number of details. At least 14 parts are required to detail the lower stern plate. Front armor components are applique ones to ensure good crisp bold and rivet details. Note that these are not like DML “Smart Kits” as the etched brass is integral to assembly and must be used.
Construction is pretty straightforward with the lower hull, fenders, engine deck and tracks all going in order. Tristar’s tracks are “snap together” but the pins tend to be a bit weak, so plan on cementing them in place once completed and installed for strength. Also note there are right and left links, and Tristar does differentiate between them on the sprues. The 36 on the left of each sprue (“L”) are left hand and the 36 on the right (“R”) are right hand, so don’t simply nip them off the sprues first.
The gun assembly is fairly involved with 37 parts to the complete assembly and another 6 for the mount. The periscopic sight (H-2) is clear, which is an nice idea but somewhat difficult to paint and install in practice with other kits.
Unlike the DML kit which slide molded the entire casemate, Tristar uses a frame and seven separate panels with interlocking mortises per the original for assembly. (This idea alone suggests a complete “MIG” style build with the casemate blown to bits in a diorama, but I digress.) The only internal details here are the driver’s visor and its controls, and nothing else is provided. All hatches are separate, but it will be up to the after-market boys to come up with “filling” for this beast.
The side skirts for this kit are provided as sections of thin black styrene pre-cut and pre-punched for mounting. VP1 are the right side and VP2 are the left side, and while it appears you could reverse them given the strict tolerances of Tristar kits that may not work out too well. Note that there are no hangers like those used in other kits; I am not knowledgeable enough of German skirting to say if that is correct or not.
Technical input for this kit was provided by Yosikatsu Tomioka and Tom Jentz.
Three finishing options are offered: all for Sturmpanzer Abteilung 216, Kursk 1943; vehicle 30 in green over sand mottle, vehicle 28 in green patches over sand, and vehicle 55 in sand only.
Overall this is a nice kit and has the added benefit of not needing zimmerit paste; but it is priced about 30% more than its competitors and that could unfortunately put off some modelers.
Thanks to Ed Sexton and Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
A 30 Brummbaer hull details
B 85 Brummbaer small details
C 26 Brummbaer casemate frame and engine deck
D 35 Brummbaer casemate and details
E 24 Brummbaer fenders and roof
F 47 Brummbaer gun assembly and interior parts
G 17 Brummbaer skirt rails and hangers
H 2 Clear styrene
I 1 Brummbaer hull
SG-L 36x3 Left hand track links
SG-R 36x3 Right hand track links
S1 52x2 Suspension bogies
S3 8x2 Drivers and idlers, compressed springs
VP1 5 Side shields
VP2 5 Side shields
W 32x5 Road wheels
Wc 4x5 Return Rollers
Wd 8x5 Road wheels
Wf 17 Final drive components
1 twisted steel cable (called copper in directions)
PE 53 etched brass
(Originally written on June 29, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6464; Sd.Kfz. 138 Marder III Ausf. M Initial Production - Smart Kit;937 parts (562 in grey styrene, 240 “Magic Track” links, 118 etched brass, 16 clear styrene, 1 length twisted steel wire); price estimated at US$50
Advantages: complete upgrade to earlier Ausf. H kit; many new parts added directly for this kit; wide distribution of more popular variant
Disadvantages: some complaints linger about “straight” fenders
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Praga tank fans
DML finally “dropped the other shoe” by releasing the standard version of the popular Marder III SP antitank gun. For reasons best known to DML and cyber-hobby.com it was originally released as a “boutique” kit with the odd choice of a training variant configured to run off propane gas.
As such the review for the “stadtgas” variant applies to most of this kit, as they share nearly 100% of the same parts. Based on three previous DML kits – the Marder III Ausf. H “Smart Kit” (No. 6331), the Flakpanzer 38(t) “Smart Kit” (No. 6469), and their 7.5 cm Pak 40 (No. 6130) this kit also adds a large number of new parts – 113 styrene and 118 etched brass.
Like the Ausf. H kit, it is nicely done, but unlike past “Smart Kits” - designed so that etched brass is either kept to a minimum or not required – this kit has a good amount of brass with it and it must be used to construct the model. Some of the frames and grilles will require a good amount of “origami” to shape so it is recommended that the modeler have a good bending jig like a Hold’n’Fold or Etch-Mate on hand.
This kit does include the engine and other interior parts from the DML TNHP series kits as well as many new bits. While the directions are typical DML and as obtuse as usual, they are better about indicating what is optional and what it should look like in either position, such as the engine access hatches. The suspension is similar to that of the Tristar kits with each bogie assembly consisting of nine parts. A “doormat” type matting is provided for the floor of the fighting compartment.
The driveline and interior are mostly styrene parts, such as the transmission/clutch assembly, steering controls, driveshaft and shield. The ammo racks are all molded as groups of tubes and dummy half rounds are provided to simulate a loaded tube. There is one small radio and it mounts on the right side of the casemate. Each periscope in the fighting compartment is all stryene (clear prism component, grey mounts) and may be positioned as folded or erected.
This kit offers seven different finishing options: Unidentified unit, Italy 1943 (whitewash over sand); Unidentified unit, Italy 1944 (sand overall); captured British vehicle, Mozza Grogna, Italy 1943 (sand with green and tri-color roundels plus British AOS markings); Pz.Jg.Abt. 113, Eastern Front 1944 (whitewash over sand); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1944 (sand with green mottle and “kill” rings); 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitlerjungen”, France 1944 (tricolor mottle, number 102); and Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (thin green mottle over sand). Decals are targeted and from Cartograf.
Assistance on this kit is credited to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, this is a nicely done kit and given the overall popularity of these tank destroyers the wide-release version should do well.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 66 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G wheels and suspension
B 70 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G fenders and hull components
B 63 Pak 40 upper carriage and barrel
C 31 Pak 40 7.5 cm rounds and shipping containers
C 20 Marder III Ausf. M upper hull components
D 58 Pzkw. 38(t) interior and transmission components
E 93 Marder III Ausf. M interior and hull detail components
G 43 Flakpanzer 38(t) front hull and interior details
J 10 clear styrene vision blocks
K 18 Pzkw. 38(t) OVM
L 2 German whip antenna
N 2 German whip antenna
N 5 German cleaning rod components
P 16 Pzkw. 38(t) engine components
W 3x2 clear styrene vision blocks
X 1 Flakpanzer 38(t) hull pan
Y 240 Magic Track
Z 1 Twisted steel cable
MA 115 etched brass
MB 3 etched brass
GA 64 German generic kit
RA 9 German generic radios
RB 8 German generic radios
WC 4 German generic weapons - MG42
June 23, 2008
(Originally written on June 21, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 series Kit No. 6479); T-34 /76 No. 112 Factory “Krasnoe Sormovo” Late Production - Smart Kit; 687 parts (406 in grey styrene, 160 “Magic Track” track links, 115 etched brass, 4 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire, 1 turned aluminum barrel); price estimated at US$50;
781 parts (578 in grey styrene, 180 “Magic Track” links, 119 etched brass, 2 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire, 1 turned aluminum barrel); price US$39.95 via Dragon USA Online (6452)
Advantages: release of popular T-34 variant as a mainline kit good idea; dedicated parts match up well with known information on this version; plentiful options and choices; nicely done “slide molded” turret
Disadvantages: no major disconnects noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet and “34" fans
Dragon occasionally gets the message from what modelers ask for and will take a limited release variant of a kit produced by their cyber-hobby.com affiliate and release a modified version as a regular kit. (Either that or they “test the waters” with the limited production one and then release the broad market version if it sells out; I have no clue how they actually work their marketing and research.)
As noted with the previous “Early Production” kit, the Soviets always tried to come up with the lowest common denominator for mass production: pick one good design, and then put them into mass production at two or more factories. As a result, they rarely had a singularly outstanding weapons system, but they had very good ones and a lot of them. Such was the case with the T-34, which had been picked just prior to WWII to be the standard medium tank.
The “home” or lead factory was Factory No. 183 in Kharkov, and it was to be followed by Factory No. 112 - “Krasnoye Sormovo” - and then the Stalingrad Tractor Factory (STZ) in getting the tank into mass production of more than 2,000 tanks per year.After the war began, on 25 August 1941 Factory No. 183 sent five knocked-down T-34 Model 1941 tanks to Factory No. 112 along with nine machine tool jigs and five “kontovateli” – a very large barrel-hoop shaped rotating jig for welding the hull components together. As Factory No. 112 had been working on partially knocked-down T-34s for some time, they were prepared and had two of the hulls finished by 1 September. In that month they received another 35 knock-downs from the armor factory at Mariupol’ and made 48 more on their own.
Due to the fact that the armor plate they were manufacturing was quite hard and edge welding was not as reliable as needed, they switched to a “notched” construction design to fit the glacis plate to the hull sides. Prototypes were finished by 25 October and then full scale production commenced. Documentation was provided to the STZ; they later adopted a similar style but used it for both the glacis and upper stern plate.
Other than the “notched” assembly at the front, the hull “signatures” of Factory No. 112 tanks were the large hinges at the rear for both the air exhaust grille and the entire upper plate. The upper rear plate also introduced a round access hatch held in place by four bolts; later this was modified to a larger one held in place by seven bolts but offset slightly to the right. The turrets generally matched the Factory No. 183 designs (e.g. with or without the rear bolted hatch for gun barrel replacement access; without it the turret had to lifted by a crane and tilted forward to get to the barrel) but with some minor changes in form and shape.
The other item that distinguished Factory No. 112 tanks from the rest of the T-34s were the fact they sported more handrails for “tankoviy desant” riders than any others – up to four on the turret and 14 on the hull!
This version is the later production variant which was produced into 1943 when the six-sided “Gayka” turret design. I haven’t found the changeover point yet but there were probably more than 2,900 of these tanks built. This kit builds on the previous “boutique” release by adding or replacing three sprues and the tracks and modifying several other sprues to match this vehicle. As a result, it only comes with the later rear plate with seven-bolt hatch and not the early four-bolt option.
The tracks are unique to Factory No. 112 and have a different “waffle” pattern. Also provided are the unique rubber rimmed road wheels (the steel wheels were awful and even as soon as April 1942 the Soviets were trying to switch back, with a compromise of rubber tires on road wheel stations one and five being standard). These are both “drilled” with holes molded along the rim as well as “notched” – the idea was to save as much rubber as possible and yet provide the better road wheel buffering of the rubber wheel. The kit also comes with late-model Factory No. 112 drivers.
The old parts provided with this kit are tried and true, and have generally been well received by modelers. Suffice it to say there are still the usual quirks that must be dealt with, such as the late-model double bump stop on the lower hull molding; as it can’t really be seen when the model is assembled, it is not right but pretty much a “so what” correction. The front glacis plate for this kit (P-1) has the “notches” molded in place and as such care will have to be taken in installing it to the hull body. The kit also provides the “bars” that were welded to the hull to protect the turret race.
The turret is a nicely done new sprue (U) which includes a one-piece shell (thanks to “slide molding” for the late Factory No. 112 type castings with larger pistol port covers. Note that the bead around the front of the shell is weld bead and NOT a seam to remove! Also note that the turret comes with two hatches, of which the second one (R-1) would seem to be more common hatch for this tank according to the “Top to Bottom” books, but the other is unique to Krasnoye Sormovo. The model comes with an interim type PT periscopic sight/viewer with a shape closer to the “acorn” shaped more common on later production T-34s. The modeler has a choice of three barrels for the F-34 gun: two-piece, one-piece with hollow bore from “slide” molding, and a turned aluminum one. A gun breech and partial interior to the turret are provided as with all of the DML T-34 kits.
All 16 hand rails for the tank are included as well as at least two spares or alternate ones. Even though listed as a “Smart Kit” it has a respectable amount of brass included, which covers the engine deck grating and also the grouser straps as major items.
This project is listed as supervised by Hirohisa Takada, with drawings from Minoru Igarashi and the Dragon design team; technical assistance was provided by Nick Cortese.
This version comes with finishing directions and markings for five different tanks. However, the finishing for all five is only given as Soviet armor green (shade 4BO to the Soviets). The markings are for: Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (none!); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (white 41/05); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (white 64); Polish 1st Tank Regiment, Oka River, Russia July 1943 (Polish eagle in white); 8th Estonian Infantry Corps, Eastern Front, 1943 (“For Soviet Estonia!” in white in both Russian and Estonian). Decals are by Cartograf.
Overall, this is a good idea to release this kit as a mainstream model. As with the previous release, these may be the best DML T-34s so far.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout
A 12x2 T-34 driver mounts, road wheel arms
B 21 T-34 40/41 turret roof and hull details
C 21 T-34 40/41 upper hull and details
E 18 T-34 tie-downs and brackets
F 44x2 T-34 40/41 drivers/idlers, auxiliary fuel tanks
G 22 T-34 40/41 welded turret parts and hull details
P 45 Sormovo plant details (glacis, one stern plate)
Q 15x2 T-34 road wheels - Krasnoye Sormovo
Q 4x3 T-34 track ice grousers
R 11 T-34 Model 1940 glacis plate and details
R 1 Turret hatch - Krasnoye Sormovo
S 1 Twisted steel wire
T 15 T-34 Model 1941 Cast Turret
U 20 T-34 Model 1941 turret, fuel tanks, drivers - Krasnoye Sormovo
MA 115 Etched brass
MB 1 Turned aluminum barrel
(Originally written on June 14, 2008)
Kit Review: DML 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series No. 6444; 5 cm Pak 38 with Crew - Premium Edition: 224 parts in grey styrene; retail price estimated at US$22-25
Advantages: combines two older kits to get one new one and adds new parts as well
Disadvantages: no brass parts; figures a bit thicker on details than true “Gen2" figures
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: to all German fans
The Pak 38 was created in response to a need for an effective antitank gun which was foreseen as early as 1936. The weapon appeared in service in 1940, and during the bitter battles in Russia in the winter of 1941-42 it was the only pure antitank gun which was capable of defeating the Soviet T-34 tank. The weapon and its ballistics did well, with the gun being closely used to create the Kwk 42 L/60 tank gun, the BK5 aerial cannon, and the prototype Flak 214 AA gun. But surprisingly recent information has noted that even with its sub-caliber (APCBC) ammunition it could not penetrate the glacis of a T-34 at combat ranges, which forced the Germans to use them in “trap” situations to get side shots on the Soviet tanks. But even at the end of the war this gun was capable of knocking out Sherman tanks, and did garner reasonable respect. It was extremely light and handy for its power – at just under 2,200 pounds, it weighed 300 pounds more than the British 2 lb gun and 400 pounds less than the 6 lb gun; the only other weapon which shared its overall penetration capabilities was the Soviet ZIS-2 57mm AT gun. This weapon truly deserved the sobriquet “ubiquitous”.
DML has been releasing older kits which are still considered to be good models with some changes and upgrades as “Premium Series” kits. In this case, they took their kit No. 6118 (5 cm Pak 38 with Fallschirmjaeger) ad Kit No. 6057 (German Grenadiers - East Prussia 1945) and combined them with two generic sprues and one new sprue of parts.
The gun is a very nice kit in its own right and comes with a good amount of detail, plus the third wheel mount used for castoring the vehicle when being moved by its own crew. But as it is an older kit it does not come with any brass, and to my great surprise DML did not give it any in its “Premium” makeover. Modelers who particularly prefer etched brass gun shields will be disappointed even though the styrene ones are reasonably thin with tapered edges.
The directions are somewhat muddled, however, and bear close scrutiny. While the trails are installed in Step 5, they are not fixed to the lower carriage until Step 8, when parts A48 are cemented in place. It seems DML wanted to leave them loose to simplify installation of the two halves of the lower gun mount in that step. Also note in Step 11 that the gun balancer (part A44) and sight assembly (part A43) are actually the trunnions for the gun, and care must therefore be taken when cementing them in place.
There is one component which DML could have left loose, however: the gun aperture shield section of part A37 should be moveable with the gun, and here DML provides it as fixed in its uppermost movement position to the inner half of the gun shield itself. This will be tedious to remove, but a simple sheet styrene one can be made up and trapped in place with strip styrene if the modeler wants a more realistic shield.
The figures provided are of four figures in shelter half/poncho garments and come with the original “combat” arms when they were infantrymen. They are early model DML figures with each one comprising nine parts – head, torso, legs, arms, and three sections of the poncho skirt to complete the basic pose. DML has taken this into consideration and each figure gets a set of two new arms for his “reassignment” to an antitank gun crew, as well as two 5 cm rounds and a new “Slide Molded” barrel with muzzle brake and barrel in two parts (barrel and muzzle reinforcing ring) vice three (barrel and two-piece muzzle brake).
The kit also includes the generic A kit sprue with upgraded detail parts and the generic A weapons sprue with two Kar 98K rifles and ammo clips. As DML does make etched brass slings for these weapons, again I was puzzled why they did not include any in the kit. However no ammo boxes or more than the two rounds mentioned above are included.
There are no decals and finishing is limited to one version (grey). Figure painting is unfortunately covered in a black and white sheet and is not as good or useful as the Ron Volstad ones.
Overall it is nice to see this kit back with a new crew for variety, but for a “Premium” kit it is a bit disappointing that it did not come with brass or at least more ammo boxes.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 58 Pak 38 and third wheel
6057 67 Four figures in ponchos
6444 13 New arms, “Slide Molded” barrel
GA 68 German generic kit – helmets, canteens, bayonets, entrenching tools
WA 18 German generic weapons - 2 x Kar 98K
(Originally written on June 14, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 21 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6471); Sd.Kfz. 138/1 Munitionswagen 38 M fuer s.I.G. 33/2; 1,002 parts(612 in grey styrene, 240 “Magic Track” links, 139 etched brass, 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel cable); pre-order price US$41.99 from Dragon Online USA
Advantages: different version of a useful but “non-gunned” vehicle; indicates a complete Ausf. M should be coming soon
Disadvantages: “Cart before the Horse” release an odd choice; limited distribution
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Praga tank fans
One of the first “boutique” kits released based on DML molds was a Kirin kit of a 15 cm s.I.G. 33/1 howitzer on a Pzkw. 38(t) chassis – the Sd.Kfz. 138/1 Bison Ausf. H. This was the forward mounted gun and shared parts with what eventually became the DML Hetzer kit. Later it was re-released by DML directly in their Imperial Series as Kit No. 9004, but has not been seen for more than 10 years.
Now cyber-hobby.com has somehow jumped the line and released this boutique kit of the ammunition carrier version using shared components with the Flakpanzer 38(t) and Marder III Ausf. M kits. While 282 of the “gun tank” versions were built, only 102 ammo carriers were created using the same chassis and allowing for “upgrades” to howitzer vehicles if needed. The reason for this was simple: artillery can be voracious when in combat, and firing two to three hundred rounds of ammunition in a day during an offensive is not uncommon. As the basic vehicle could only carry 18 rounds, a support vehicle carrying more was essential. Since 15 cm projectiles are quite bulky and heavy, each one weighing about 38 kg (83 pounds) even a relatively modest amount of ammunition could weigh a great deal. The munitions carrier version here could carry 40 complete rounds, which is about 2,280 kilograms or 5,000 pounds, so it does need a hefty chassis.
The creation of this “boutique” kit was simple, as it appears DML does have a gun version coming and most sprues were labled for that kit. The kit uses the very nicely done molds from DML’s Flakpanzer 38(t) and Marder III kits with a total of 153 new styrene parts added to make the conversion.
As it uses “Smart Kit” technology the emphasis is on detail but they have also added a good amount of brass with it and it must be used to construct the model. Some of the frames and grilles will require a good amount of “origami” to shape so it is recommended that the modeler have a good bending jig like a Hold’n’Fold or Etch-Mate on hand.
This kit also includes the engine and other interior parts from the DML TNHP series kits. The driveline and interior are mostly styrene parts, such as the transmission/clutch assembly, steering controls, driveshaft and shield. The ammo racks are all single molded items, but the projectiles are molded with the rack to get a “scale” thickness to the rack and as such cannot be separated. Twenty full and six empty racks are provided along with two single projectiles; no propellant casings were provided, and as noted it only covers a partial load. There is one small radio with separate transmitter and receiver mounted on the right side of the casemate. Each periscope in the fighting compartment is all stryene (clear prism component, grey mounts) and may be positioned as folded or erected.
Again, as this is a “boutique” kit of a very low production/conversion rate vehicle only two finishing options are provided: both from our old friend “Unidentified Unit on the Eastern Front 1944" with one in sand and one in sand with red brown edged green mottle.
Assistance on this kit is credited to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, this is a nicely done kit and with the hopefully imminent release of the parent 15 cm Ausf. M kit a nice item to produce a diorama.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 66 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G wheels and suspension
B 70 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G fenders and hull components
D 58 Pzkw. 38(t) interior and transmission components
E 93 Marder III Ausf. M interior and hull detail components
G 43 Flakpanzer 38(t) front hull and interior details
J 10 clear styrene vision blocks
K 38 Pzkw. 38(t) OVM and rivet heads
L 2 German whip antenna
M 22 Bison Ausf. M casemate and details
N 2 German whip antenna
P 16 Pzkw. 38(t) engine components
Q 49 Bison Ausf. M details and hull front
R 32x2 15 cm projectiles and stowage brackets
U 6 15 cm stowage brackets
V 10 German radio and racks
X 1 Flakpanzer 38(t) hull pan
Y 240 Magic Track
Z 1 Twisted steel cable
MA 103 etched brass
MB 36 etched brass
GA 64 German generic kit
RB 8 German generic radios
(Originally written on June 10, 2008)
Kit Review: Academy 1/72 scale Kit Number 13410; Ground Vehicle Set - 8, U.S. M35 2.5 ton Cargo Truck; 71 parts in tan styrene; price US$19
Advantages: first kit of this vehicle in this scale; wide variety of options and timeline for use; other variants appear to follow based on parts breakdown
Disadvantages: some small details missing; no clear plastic for windscreen
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all “Softskin” fans in 1/72
One thing most American boys remember is the first car on which they learned to drive. I my case, I also recall the first US Army vehicle I ever drove: an M35A1 truck belonging to my unit in Vietnam. That truck, coded 509 RR GP - 335 25 (for 509th Radio Research Group, 335th Radio Research Company vehicle number 25) was a normal truck less than four years old and already missing parts. It was our “trick truck” or way to work, and was affectionately (or otherwise) known as “This Piece of @#$%”. We had two others, 26 and 27, which of course became “That Piece of @#$%” and “The Other Piece of @#$%”. But as noted we were missing bits; we had but one set of troop seats, one canvas, and three top bows for it, so it was a rather sad looking machine on the road.
Mechanically it was not bad – after I had been “in country” a while I found that the governor had been removed and I could get this one up to 70 mph or more (the “Book” said it was governed at 56). I did get injured in a wreck with “That Piece of @#$%” 38 years ago when it slammed head-on into another M35, but even so did have a fondness for what became my “Ten Wheel Sports Car” while there. Later as a platoon sergeant I had two others – 337th ASA Company A-221, better known as “Schmuck the Wonder Truck” and one with 522 MI BN at Fort Hood. To this day I still like the “Deuce” as it was popularly known to the troops.
Models of the Reo designed 2 ½ ton 6 x 6 trucks have been around since the late 1950s when Monogram released their kit of the M34 as the “Eager Beaver”. This was the single wheel version that never gained either the numbers or popularity of the M35 with its rear dual wheels. Revell released an M35 a few years later but it was in 1/40 scale and had a lot of shape errors. ROCO did one in its first generation of models in 1/87 in the early 1960s but it too was not right, and it took until the 1980s to release a redone model that looked the part. In the late 1990s AFV Club released a series of M35A2 trucks in 1/35 which were excellent. But with this kit Academy is the first one to release it in 1/72 scale in styrene.
First off, there are four different variants of the M35. The M35 is the first model which was powered by a gasoline engine (“gasser” to the Army), generally had “low” headlights (on non-winch equipped variants; “high” lights were used on ones with a winch, but any vehicle could have its lights “converted” by removing the light panels and reversing them), small turn signals and tail lights, and a low mounted exhaust that exited between the right side rear duals. The M35A1 replaced the gasoline engine with a 427 cubic inch “Multifuel” engine which was better but still weaker than a straight diesel; later production runs switched to a vertical exhaust stack on the right side in front of the passenger’s door. The M35A2 was a pure diesel and used the stack, but soon after they entered production the vehicles received “highway” turn signals and tail lights which were much larger and also a screen which went across the center of the grille. The M35A3 was a complete redo of the vehicle with a new engine, automatic transmission, and a fiberglass one-piece hood and fender unit that tipped forward with the headlights now mounted where the turn signals went.
Academy’s model is either an M35A1 or early model M35A2 with “high” lights and a winch; the reason is that it only comes with the “small” tactical type turn signals and tail lights. It also has the earlier model side mirrors; later model trucks were fitted with big “California” mirrors and much more complex bracing. The entire cab unit of cab, hood and grille assembly is molded in one piece via “slide molding” and is nicely done, but the grille is a bit shallow in depth. The headlights are molded in place, but should be easy to drill out and replace with MV Lenses (the lenses should be the ones closest to 0.104" in diameter).
The frame is built up from two rails and “innards” and includes the front tie rods, transfer case, transmission, winch drive and winch, and springs and axles. The vehicle comes as “winch only” but with some care a few mm can be cut from the frame rails and the bumper mounted notch side down to make a non-winch equipped truck.
The tires and wheels are in one piece but have properly staggered tread patterns and for the most part the ejector pin marks face inward (each other in the duals). Only the spare will need any touch-up (it also shouldn’t have a hub, either – the tire is held in place by a “Rube Goldberg” winch which has a platform the wheel bolts to that is cranked up tight against the mount.)
No levers are provided for the cab interior, which is a bit odd as they are quite obvious and large. The M35 with winch has three levers in the center (shifter, transfer case control, and high range/low range selector) and one on the side of the driver’s seat to engage the winch drive. The windscreen comes with wipers but as it now the unfortunate norm with Academy no clear styrene insert for the windshield, nor is there one for the plastic one in the cab roof. There are also no floors on either the battery box or the tool box (the boxes with steps on the sides of the cab; battery box on right, tool box on left).
The cargo body is a separate sprue as noted, and is good as far as it goes. No braces are provided for the troop seats (one under each crossbar and butting up against the angle of the floor and body) nor is there any attempt at details for the cargo body tarpaulin (“roof”) tie-downs on the sides of the body, nor reflectors.
You may feel that I don’t like this model; not true. It is not bad and the moldings provided are very nice, but when one is intimately familiar with the truck (as a newbie I was “fished” into rotating the tires on one of the trucks in Vietnam, which makes you VERY familiar with it as well as when you are “signed” for the sucker!) you notice what it does not have. The only major external item actually missing is the front machine gun ring brace, which appears as a tube in front of the right front side of the passenger’s door that starts at the top of the door and ends at the bottom edge. This was present on EVERY Deuce I ever saw and is the sole major goof that Academy made on this kit. The box art is great for detailing and other than the fact it has the “highway” turn signals and you can’t see the machine gun brace mount is good for detailing the model.
Finishing directions and pretty complete decal markings are provided for two vehicles: an Operation Iraqi Freedom truck coded for A Company, 345th MI Battalion, 81st Support Command (I think – not sure) in modern US Army Desert Sand and one from Vietnam in Olive Drab coded for C Troop, 1-11 ACR. The latter has a hood serial of “SN19998" which I think is bogus, as most vehicles in that time frame were using number - letter - four number codes, but that’s a minor quibble.
Overall, this is a very handy and useful model which fits into any time or location from 1954 to the present. With a few “tweaks” in the way of details and some different markings it can be a real showpiece.
Thanks to Ed Sexton of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
1 Cab and hood unit
A 33 Fenders, wheels, details
B 25 Chassis, driveline
C 12 Cargo body and troop seats
(Originally written on June 7, 2008)
Kit Review: Academy 1/72 scale Kit No. 13411; Ground Vehicle Series No. 09 - M1126 Stryker; 109 parts in dark green styrene; price US$19
Advantages: first kit in styrene in this scale of this vehicle; “Slide Molded” hull has excellent details; all hatches separate
Disadvantages: does not come with “slat armor” or OIF markings
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all modern US and wheeled vehicle fans
The M1126 Stryker was a long time coming to the US Army as there was a bias against wheeled combat vehicles for many years. While the US Army was one of the original requesters of the Light Armored Vehicle, which was a GMC derivation from the Swiss Mowag Piranha vehicle, they bowed out at the last minute and let the LAV family go to the Marine Corps. Later, when the need for a wheeled armored combat vehicle resurfaced, they did not go with that vehicle family but instead wound up selecting the Piranha III follow-on, which was accepted for service as the Stryker family of wheeled combat vehicles. As most Army personnel know, the name was selected to honor two unrelated soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor, not the John Wayne character from “The Sands of Iwo Jima” (who was a Marine sergeant anyway).
The Stryker family is still in the process of being fielded, with the 105mm gun armored variant – the Mobile Gun System – being the latest to see action in Iraq. But due to the massive amount of rocket-propelled grenades used by the anti-Coalition forces in Iraq, most of the vehicles there have now been fitted with “slat” armor arrays, also called bar armor, grille armor or “Boom Shields” based on the country making and offering the designs. In action the Stryker has proven fairly combat worthy – casualties have not been high as it does offer good protection, is fast and quiet when approaching fighter strongholds, and due to the advanced electronics systems offers good situational awareness to its crew and dismount team.
Academy’s 1/72 scale version is the first one offered in styrene in this scale, and unlike many of their larger scale kits is a really nicely done effort. The model appears to be based on an initial issue version of the vehicle and does not have any of the later improvements or changes such as the wheel rings or the “slat” armor arrays, but what is there is well done and matches up with the photos in the “Wings and Wheels” book very well.
The hull top and bottom are “slide molded” and have a tremendous amount of side details in place on them. The suspension parts are very nicely with separate drive shafts, shock and spring units, steering arms, and lower A-frame arms. The tire tread pattern leaves a bit to be desired but is better than some efforts in this scale. From what I gather from the directions a small nub on the inside of the steering wheels has to be removed; the directions are “seen and do” pictographs and not very clear as to what they want.
All six crew hatches are separate parts, but there is no interior provided for the model. The winch and fairlead are separate parts but there is no cable or lead provided. The M151 weapons station consists of seven parts and looks close to the one provided in the AFV Club kit albeit much smaller and simpler.
One set of markings and finishing instructions is included for E Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (twenty years ago affectionately called the “Two-Two Zoo”) in Germany. For once these look complete and accurate, so Academy must have done some decent research on this model.
Surprisingly a new company called “OKB Grigoriev” has apparently produced a 1/72 scale set of “slat” armor in etched metal which should work for this kit - whether planned or serendipitous is beyond me, but people doing OIF vehicles will be able to get a reasonable approximation with that set and this kit. (Most 1/72 scale “slat” armor sets are nearly two-dimensional, but due to the size and difficulty of reproducing items which are about 3/16" thick and 3" wide – 5mm x 75mm – it is nearly impossible to do it in pure scale.)
Overall this is a very nicely done effort and should be a nice addition to modern US armor collections covering contemporary combat.
Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
1 Upper hull
1 Lower hull
A 54 Hull details, rear plate, small details
B 53 Wheels, suspension, hatches, weapons station
(Originally written on June 4, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited/cyber-hobby.com 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6432; Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. C mit Zusatzpanzer - Smart Kit; 820 parts (485 in grey styrene, 200 “Magic Track” links, 86 etched brass, 45 clear styrene, 3 pre-bent steel wire, 1 etched nickel); estimated price US$36-40
Advantages: nice new kit of the pre-war version of the Panzer II with full interior and all of the bits of the previous kits plus some corrections and modifications; optional position hatches
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
There are times when going to the movies the next action that is going to take place is “telegraphed” – e.g. you can see what is going to happen based on seeing many other films. When the villain hands the hero a drink, you can bet it’s got a “mickey” in it. When the heroine goes into a dark room, you know the nut-job with the butcher knife is waiting for her. When “Bruce” the great white shark has his music playing, you know somebody’s on the snack menu.
The same thing seemed obvious last year in October when DML and cyber-hobby.come released a new kit of the Pzkw. II Ausf. F. While some modelers were disappointed that DML chose the last main production version, it was “telegraphed” that the rest of the series would follow later on. Sure enough, no sooner does Tamiya announce a new mold kit of a Pzkw. II Ausf. A/B/C then DML pops up with this new version of the Pzkw. II Ausf. C.
According to the info I have the Ausf. C was the final early production variant of the Pzkw. II and originally nearly indistinguishable from the Ausf. c, A, and B variants. The new version followed the others seamlessly and was built from June 1938 through April 1940 with 1,030 of all four models being built. But based on lessons from France and Poland when the little tanks were found to be vulnerable to antitank rifles and light antitank guns, their armor was upgraded with a 20mm applique applied to the front of the turret, superstructure and glacis. Also, due to commanders’ complaints a retrofitted commander’s cupola with eight periscopes was provided as a kit. These were the tanks that the Germans took to the desert as well as into Russia.
DML has built upon their earlier Marder II and Pzkw. II Ausf. F kits, but made many of the necessary changes for this kit. First and foremost are a new hull with “rolled” lower glacis plate and new springs which more accurately represent the lighter tank ones and not the reinforced self-propelled gun springs which came with the Ausf. F. But this kit is literally designed to only built an uparmored – “Zusatspanzer” – version with the retrofitted commander’s cupola, so anyone wanting the early Polish/French campaign Pzkw. II variants will have to wait for the kit of the B variant to be released.
As noted this this kit comes with a full interior. Again it comes with a number of J sprues, with most of the interior parts. Bins and hatches all have separate lids so the interiors can be displayed, but no tools, rations or internal “chaff” is provided for the stowage bins.
The “Zusatzpanzer” upgrades are integral in the new casemate and frontal parts so this is the only version which can be built, and the new commander’s cupola comes with its base as part of the turret. The detailing is nicely done with weld beads or rivets where needed to match.
As noted the running gear here does differ from the Marder II, and provides both new springs and mounts as well as new idlers. The kit again uses the “Magic Track” single link type, which may be the one area where the Tamiya kit – with its already ballyhooed link-and-length tracks, may have the advantage on it. But so far other than tedium I have not heard too many complaints about the “Magic Tracks” other than figuring out which run is left and which is right!
(Hint: left side on the header card – left, right side – right.)
The turret is packed to the gills with parts, which is surprising when one considers how small it really is. The 2 cm is complete and the model uses a complete MG-34 from the generic German weapons sets. This comes with the ground mount for the bipod and ground sights, which no longer appear to have to be removed prior to installation as it has a slightly different assembly so that they can be installed as is (flaps vice through the aperture installation).
Technical assistance on this project was provided by Ed Kusiak, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
A total of seven finishing options are shown but only six are provided, an odd mistake:8th Panzer Regiment, 15th Panzer Division, Libya 1941 (sand, Black 4); 3rd Company, Pz.Abt.z.b.V. 40, Norway 1940 (grey, White 12); Unidentified unit, the Caucasus, 1941 (whitewash over grey, Black 121); 31st Panzer Regiment, 5th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1941 (whitewash over grey, no number); Unidentified unit, Libya 1942 (sand with green mottle, Red II-14); 7th Panzer Regiment, 10th Panzer Division, Tunisia 1943 (sand with green splotches, white band). A very nice sheet of Cartograf decals covers these targeted markings.
Overall this is another member of the Pzkw. II family and one where DML has listened to some of the complaints about the Ausf. F and reacted. The B may follow soon.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 57 Pzkw. II Ausf. F - upper hull and details
B 49 Pzkw. II Ausf. F - turret and armament
C 113 Marder II - interior parts and engine
D 14x2 Pzkw II - road wheels and springs
E 9x2 Pzkw II - drivers/idlers
F 14x2 Pzkw II - road wheel backing and details
G 9 Pzkw II - final drives
H 5x2 Pzkw II - bump stops
J 38 Generic German tools and lights
J 38 Pzkw. II - interior parts
J 11 Clear styrene
L 10/15 Pzkw. II Ausf. B/C springs and idler wheels
N 12 German generic “jerry cans”
N 41 Pzkw. II Ausf. B/C upper hull and turret shell
P 100 “Magic Track” links - left
Q 100 “Magic Track” links - right
W 12 Clear styrene
X 22 Clear styrene
Z 1 hull
MA 80 Etched brass
MB 5 Etched brass (jerry cans)
MC 1 preformed etched brass
MC 3 pre-bent steel wire
MD 1 Etched nickel
RD 14 German Radio Generic - radio sets
WC 4 MG-34
(Originally written on May 31, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6374; German Antitank Team w/Panzerschrek - Gen2; 268 parts (248 in grey styrene, 20 etched brass); estimated price US$14.95
Advantages: nice new figure set with German “bazooka” with one casual team and one in action team
Disadvantages: figure selection may limit use in diorama settings
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German fans
Most Allied tankers in WWII became intimately familiar with the one-shot “Panzerfaust” weapons designed for use by untrained infantry, but they also ran into the German version of the bazooka – a reloadable 8.8 cm weapon that gave increased range and accuracy. This required more training and was not encountered as often as the Panzerfaust weapons, but did its share of damage. (There are rumors that the US 3.5" Super-Bazooka was patterned on this weapon, but so far I have not been able to run it down.)
DML has now released a new “Gen 2" set of four figures equipped with this weapon; one set of “in action” figures is wearing greatcoats and firing from a standing position; the other is wearing normal combat dress with soft caps and in route march.
Each figure follows the normal breakdown of “Gen 2" figures - 17 parts consisting of head (2), torso (2), legs (2), arms (2) hands (2), footgear (2), collar (1) and coat tail or skirt (4). All are new molds but there are no optional hands or arms to place the figures in different poses.
The kit provided is from the now normal generic sprues GA and GB and should be familiar to all those who have seen the Gen 2 figures, and also the WA sprue with two Kar 98Ks and accessories is included. A small fret of etched brass provides the slings and optional belt buckles and shoulder straps.
This kit also includes two WE sprues, each of which comes with a Panzerschrek with four rounds, an ammo carrying case, and optional parts for early or late versions of the weapon. The tails of the rocket projectiles are “Slide Molded” so have internal detail, as is the carrying case which comes with a separate lid.
Finishing directions – like the box art – are from Ron Volstad. There is a small sheet of Cartograf decals included for the two carrying cases and the Panzerschrek weapons.
Overall this looks to be another nice and useful set of figures, but the fact that the firing team is in long coats pretty much puts them in the winter of 1944-1945.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 40 Two figures - long coats
B 42 Two figures - jackets
MA 20 etched brass
GA 64 German generic kit – helmets, gas mask canisters, canteens
GB 56 German generic kit – bread bags, ammo pouches, ponchos
WA 18 German generic weapons - 2 x Kar 98K and ammo clips
WE 14x2 German generic weapons - 8.8 cm Panzerschrek and accessories
(Originally written on May 31, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6460; Sd.Kfz. 166 Stu.Pz. IV “Brummbaer” Mid Production 2-in-1 - Smart Kit; 624 parts (551 in grey stryene, 59 etched brass, 10 etched nickel, 3 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated price US$50.50
Advantages: massive reworking of previous smart kits to match features found on Brummbaer; complete main gun assembly and partial interior; choice of options and assembly
Disadvantages: no zimmerit surfaces
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all German heavy armor and Panzer IV series fans
One of the primary functions of a tank is close support to infantry, but there are time when the only solution to thorny defensive problems is “get a bigger hammer.” The German Sturmpanzer IV, also called “Brummbaer” (grizzly bear), was one such solution. Mounting a 15 cm StuH 43 L/12 howitzer and carrying at least 38 rounds of ammunition this was the type of weapon that personified city fighting and clearing enemy firing points. 60 were converted and built from April to May 1943, with production versions continuing later in November 1943. A total of 306 were built by the end of the war.
There were three basic versions of the weapon. The “early” model used a Tiger I type vision slit and viewer; the “mid” production version used a new design which gave the driver more room and a protected vision block on top of the casemate for his controls. The “late” production variant added a ball mount for a machine gun to the left of the main gun for close-in protection and a proper cupola for the commander. The Soviets called this vehicle the “T-4 with 150mm mortar” which is probably closer to the truth as the very short barrel of the howitzer (less than six feet long) is more like a mortar.
Monogram released a 1/32 scale kit of this vehicle nearly 38 years ago and did provide a bit of zimmerit on the hull; Tamiya released their 1/35 scale kit years later but sans zimmerit, and DML in their first round of Panzer IV kits some years back. This year there are at least two new kits of the Sturmpanzer IV scheduled for release, and the DML one appears to be the first to market.
First the good news – DML has done a nice job of creating the Brummbaer, and even with the nicely done Pzkw. IV Ausf. F/F1/F2 and G versions they have pulled 207 styrene parts from those kits and replaced them with 247 new ones. These cover the casemate and the StuH 43 gun, a partial interior, the new fenders, modifications to the engine deck. The kit also claims it has a different type of track included, but the only obvious feature without a jeweler’s loupe is the increase of 22 more links per side in the package.
There is another four-page “brag book” included with the kit which highlights the changes made to the model from previous kit releases. Most have to do with the specific parts for the Sturmpanzer IV and can be seen on examining the sprues and parts.
However, from what records I have and photos I have examined all of the “mid” production Sturmpanzer IV vehicles had zimmerit paste on them and this kit has not one whit. One problem for DML is that once you have demonstrated that you can do a great job on replicating zimmerit paste finishes, and go through the trouble of changing this many parts in a model to achieve a new kit, why leave off the zimmerit finish? Even the lovely box art by Ron Volstad shows a vehicle sporting a coat of zimmerit.
The listed technical advisors for this kit are Notger Schlegtendal, Steven van Beveren, Tom Cockle, and Gary Edmundson. Somehow I doubt these gentlemen with their past record of great models and accurate research would have missed this “minor” point, so the question here is – what was DML thinking? It’s one thing to brag about the reproduction of weld beads and have a demonstrably great product, but if they were going to be covered up perhaps that should have been first on the list of items to include.
The “2-in-1" referenced is simply an optional command “crow’s foot” antenna and mount to go on the stock vehicle.
The one really impressive touch with this vehicle is the inclusion of etched nickel side shields for the “full-up” vehicle. These are nicely done but will need care as the mounting brackets are all plastic; modelers may wish to “etch” the surface a bit with a chemical blackener so the adhesive of choice (either cyanoacryalte glue or epoxy) can “bite” and hold it in place.
There are three suggested finishing options, all for Stu.Pz.Abt. 216 in Italy, 1944: 1 (commander), 2 and 3. All are in a red brown over sand mottle. A tiny sheet of Cartograf decals is included.
Overall this is a lovely kit but DML appears to have flubbed the zimmerit finish, which is a shame.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review example.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 37x2 Drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Road wheels and bogies
B 17 Brummbaer lower hull details
C 42 Brummbaer - casemate and details
D 38 Brummbaer - hull interior
E 54 Brummbaer - casemate details and gun barrel
F 18 Brummbaer - fenders and air cleaners
G 46 Brummbaer - hull details
H 57 Engine deck and details
J 7 German generic jack
K 10 German generic external details
L 130 “Magic Track” left side
L 8 Spare road wheels
P 3 clear styrene
Q 6 Spare track links
R 130 “Magic Track” right side
R 2 Brummbaer - flaps
X 1 Lower hull pan
Z 1 Twisted metal wire
MA 59 Etched brass
MB 5 Etched nickel shields - right
MC 5 Etched nickel shields - left
g 5 German generic “crow’s foot” antenna
WC 4 German generic weapons - MG-34 machine gun
May 4, 2008
(Originally written on May 4, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 05 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6468); Sd.Kfz. 138 Marder III Ausf. M Initial Production w/Stadtgas - Smart Kit;
956 parts (568 in grey styrene, 240 “Magic Track” links, 128 etched brass, 16 clear styrene, 3 pre-bent steel wire, 1 length twisted steel wire); price estimated at US$55
Advantages: complete upgrade to earlier Ausf. H kit; many new parts added directly for this kit
Disadvantages: limited distribution and “odd duck” choice of variant
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Praga tank fans
While it was probable that DML would produce an Ausf. M variant of their very nicely done Marder III Ausf. H it has appeared first here as a cyber-hobby.com “boutique” kit, but with the odd choice of a training variant configured to run off propane gas. Undoubtedly DML will release a “straight” Ausf. M at some point in the future, but for the moment this kit has arrived first.
Based on three previous DML kits – the Marder III Ausf. H “Smart Kit” (No. 6331), the Flakpanzer 38(t) “Smart Kit” (No. 6469), and their 7.5 cm Pak 40 (No. 6130) this kit also adds a large number of new parts – 113 styrene and 128 etched brass – plus 6 more parts for the gas cylinders. The result is a totally new end product but one that appears better crafted and integrated than some recent cyber-hobby.com efforts.
Like the Ausf. H kit, it is nicely done, but unlike past “Smart Kits” - designed so that etched brass is either kept to a minimum or not required – this kit has a good amount of brass with it and it must be used to construct the model. Some of the frames and grilles will require a good amount of “origami” to shape so it is recommended that the modeler have a good bending jig like a Hold’n’Fold or Etch-Mate on hand.
This kit does include the engine and other interior parts from the DML TNHP series kits as well as many new bits. While the directions are typical DML and as obtuse as usual, they are better about indicating what is optional and what it should look like in either position, such as the engine access hatches. The suspension is similar to that of the Tristar kits with each bogie assembly consisting of nine parts. A “doormat” type matting is provided for the floor of the fighting compartment. The rear plate comes with optional covers (D29) over the track tensioning mounts (D28) but in this case, unlike Tristar’s first kits, it shows them as either/or rather than both at the same time.
The driveline and interior are mostly styrene parts, such as the transmission/clutch assembly, steering controls, driveshaft and shield. The ammo racks are all molded as groups of tubes and dummy half rounds are provided to simulate a loaded tube. There is one small radio and it mounts on the right side of the casemate. Each periscope in the fighting compartment is all stryene (clear prism component, grey mounts) and may be positioned as folded or erected.
As this is “boutique” kit of a very low production/conversion rate vehicle only two finishing options are provided: the prototype from the BMM Factory and a training vehicle in service; while “Fahrschule” decals are provided on the tiny Cartograf sheet, no provision is made to show where they go. I would assume based on past photos and other info they would be on metal or wood signs hung on the front and rear of the vehicle to warn people that “newbies” were behind the controls!
Assistance on this kit is credited to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, this is a nicely done kit and given the overall popularity of these tank destroyers hopefully a wide-release version with a greater choice of markings will follow soon from DML.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 66 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G wheels and suspension
B 70 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G fenders and hull components
B 63 Pak 40 upper carriage and barrel
C 31 Pak 40 7.5 cm rounds and shipping containers
C 20 Marder III Ausf. M upper hull components
D 58 Pzkw. 38(t) interior and transmission components
E 93 Marder III Ausf. M interior and hull detail components
G 43 Flakpanzer 38(t) front hull and interior details
Advantages: nice new parts provide lots of options, as well as more “mix and match” bits for the true “Shermaholic”
Disadvantages: limited number of options for USMC tanks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Sherman and USMC armor fans
Thanks to two recently published books on the Marine Corps armored operations in the Pacific we now have a much better view of how and why USMC tank units functioned the way they did. The books, “Tank Warfare on Iwo Jima” by David E. Harper and US Marine Corps Tank Crewman 1941-1945 Pacific” by Kenneth W. Estes, as well as some of the many items from Ed Gilbert, show that due to a lack of priorities the USMC was only originally offered the M4A2 or M4A4 variant of the M4 medium tank. When the British opted for all of the M4A4 series, the Marines received 168 M4A2 series tanks – 112 for the 1st and 2nd Corps Tank Battalions, and 56 for training.
The Marines later added a third M4A2 battalion – 3rd Tanks - but soon afterwards began to replace them and field new units with the incoming Army standard vehicle, the M4A3. Photographic evidence shows that only the 1st and 2nd Tanks were provided with replacement vehicles from the late production runs of the M4A2, as the 3rd Tanks only had mid production (56 degree hull cast hood type) M4A2 tanks as late as Iwo Jima.
There were therefore only a handful of these tanks provided to the Marines – the bulk going to the Chinese Nationalist forces in Asia or the USSR. The good news is that the photographic evidence supports the four finishing options here, so full marks for DML after some of the problems with the British Sherman III kits and their markings (note that is good kit, bad markings info, on those kits.)
This kit is a great one from the point of view of the “mix and match Shermaholic” modeler, for it provides two nice options many will want. First off is a new from the ground up late production M4 75mm “high bustle” turret with loader’s hatch and a choice of either split hatch or vision cupolas. It has the cast-in reinforced right “cheek” and newly tooled details.
It does not come with a .50 caliber M2HB, but then again photo evidence again shows most of the Marine tanks did not use them and the commanders tended to stay buttoned up. However the late model mounts are provided as well as locking and stowage clips, which bring this turret up to nearly the same level as the ones found in DML’s “Smart Kits.”
The other is a choice between either T54E1 steel chevron tracks or T54E1 steel chevron tracks with extended end connectors. Both are the DS plastic single piece runs, so they are beautifully detailed and considering both VVSS and HVSS suspensions on Shermans were “live” suspensions it would be hard pressed to get more detail from any single link set.
There are other options as well, such as either the mid-production straight return roller mounts or the later “upswept” mounts for the bogies. Also the modeler has a choice between pressed steel wheels and the welded “spoke” type wheels, and either plain or machine driver disks.
A single sprue provides a set of Marine applique armor made of wood as well as the factory style applique panels and a folded luggage rack for the rear of the hull.
This kit uses a lot of the components created for the recent early model M4A2 (Sherman III) kits, so there are some trimming and fit issues which DML itself addresses in the directions to get the details for the lower hull to fit, such as the rear sections of the sponsons and radiator grilles (parts A47 and part A53). You also have to drill holes for the tools from the inside of the upper hull.
In Step 12 the sidebar sketches cover the installation of the etched brass clamps on the tow cable, but they are somewhat fuzzy as to what they are describing or where the lower clamp parts are on the hull. Note that on this kit etched brass is pretty much not an option.
Four finishing schemes and sets of markings are provided: Unidentified tank, Pacific theater, 1944-1945 (with timber applique); C Company 1st Tanks, Peleliu 1944 (C8); C Company 2nd Tanks, Tinian 1943 (CAESAR - C40); and C Company, 2nd Tanks, Tinian 1943 (C30).
Overall this a nicely done kit and with the various new bits will be popular with Sherman fans for the “mix and match” with other kits.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 96 M4A2/A3 hull details
B 49 M34 and M34A1 gun mounts
B 74 M4 late model high bustle turret
C 22 Clear styrene
D 16x2 M4 suspension
D 1 M4A2 lower hull
F 4 DS plastic track runs (two types)
J 7 USMC armor and applique armor
S 1 twisted steel wire
V 89x2 VVSS flat top/pillow block suspension with pressed/welded wheels
MA 35 etched brass
(Originally written on April 27, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 24 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6296); Sd.Kfz. 234 with 2 cm Schwebelafette Fgst. Sd.Kfz. 234/3); 556 parts (510 in grey styrene, 30 etched brass, 12 clear styrene, 4 turned brass); price US$41.99 via Dragon USA (www.dragonusaonline.com)
Advantages: one-off variant of German heavy armored car family; 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; one-off variant
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all German armor and wheeled vehicle fans
Once more cyber-hobby.com has found a truly obscure variant of a German vehicle and has produced a “boutique” kit of it by mixing and matching standard DML parts sprues, and the provision of twelve new parts specifically for this kit. All of the information I found on it indicated it was a conversion of the Sd.Kfz. 234/3 (7.5 cm L/24) chassis to mount the late-war suspended 2 cm antiaircraft mount but only a single prototype was built.
On examining the parts I was surprised that cyber-hobby.com did not include the modified parts they had developed to permit the fender bins to be opened up; given that this is “their” kit I think that it should have been expected.
As with other DML “234" kits 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.)
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 vehicle 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, and as noted are molded shut. The etched brass provides the inserts for the “jerry” can centers (the crimped seam on the actual cans), tool mounts, and the gun mantelet.
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.
A single finishing option for the 20th Panzer Division in Czechoslovakia 1945 is included.
Overall this is an interesting concept vehicle but I am not sure how much interest it will inspire from anyone other than kit collectors and diehard “eight wheel” fans.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 3 234/1 upper hull components
B 66 x 3 234 series running gear and tires
C 19 234/1 interior parts
D 42 x 2 234 interior parts
E 79 234 engine bay and exterior details
F 1 234 Lower hull
G 1 Running gear spine
H 34 234/3 Upper armor casement and details
M 12 234 with Schwebelafetter details
J 10 2 cm gun
K 45 251/17 2 cm Schwebelafette
W 6x2 Clear styrene
MA 24 Etched Brass (234 with Schwebelafette)
MC 4 Turned brass
MD 6 Etched Brass (251/17)
TF 10 German Tools (fender poles)
TJ 6 German Tools (jack)
WC 8 German Weapons - MG-34/MG-42
(Originally written on April 27, 2008)
Kit Review: ICM 1/35 scale kit No. 35511; Studebaker US6 WWII Army Truck; 206 parts (200 in grey styrene, 6 clear styrene); retail price estimate as US$34
Advantages: first kit of this well-known truck in styrene in this scale; quality much better than some previous ICM offerings
Disadvantages: tire tread pattern based on postwar and not wartime US tire patterns; some parts broken in transit (but saved by cellophane bag)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII US and Soviet truck fans
As the US began to ramp up for WWII, the major automotive manufactures in the US ceased production of passenger cars early in 1942 and turned their efforts into producing military vehicles. These included GMC, Ford, Dodge/Fargo, White, Diamond T, Mack, International Harvester (IHC), and Studebaker. Of these companies, GMC, IHC and Studebaker concentrated their efforts on all wheel drive (6 x 6) trucks in the 2 ½ ton capacity range. (Note that the Rating is based on off-road, not highway, cargo capability.) The most famous of these, the GMC CCKW design and its related vehicles, was the most widely produced and best known.
The IHC effort, the M-5-6, was primarily used by the US Marine Corps. The Studebaker truck, the US6, was only used by stateside US units. However, the Studebaker was produced by both Studebaker and Reo for provision to other nations via Lend-Lease, and as such became one of the most popular and widespread of all of the American trucks. There were more than 193,000 US6 models built by Studebaker as well as 22,000 more by Reo.
(Note that after the war Reo got the main contract for the “new” standard 2 ½ ton truck, the M35, and positions reversed with Studebaker building those trucks up into the early 1960s.)
All three cargo truck versions used nearly identical cab and body designs on their own proprietary chassis and engine combinations. Externally the easiest way to tell them apart was by their front fenders: IHC used a gracefully curved fender, GMC one with a shallow curve and a sharp bend downward, and Studebaker a flat fender with a near 90 degree bend in it.
Most of the trucks provided to the Soviets were the Studebaker US6 design. As such, they were somewhat humbling to the Soviets, whose own trucks of the period were about 10-15 years behind the US ones. The Studebaker came with all wheel brakes, three driven axles, a 320 cid Hercules JXD engine producing 87 HP, and a five-speed transmission with dual range. (The Soviets adopted this design in their postwar ZIS-151 and ZIL-157 series trucks.)
While kits of the more famous GMC CCKW have been around for over 30 years (coming from Peerless, Italeri, Heller and Tamiya) until now nobody has done the Studebaker. ICM has now produced a kit of this truck, and it is an excellent effort which is much better from a technical point of view than previous ICM kits.
The breakdown of the kit is very similar to the Italeri GMC CCKW and ZIS-151 (BM-13 “Katyusha”) kits with a few twists. While the chassis comes in multiple parts (rails and braces are all separate parts) the complete driveline with axles comes as a single unit; this obviates having to assemble and align the various drive shafts and universal joints, which does make assembly a lot easier. Ejection pin marks are still with us, but are either small or easily removed so quality is far better.
The kit comes with a complete engine as well as a cab interior. The tailgate may be left operating, and the troop seats may be placed either folded or in use. Also, five top bows are provided and may be rigged or stowed as the modeler sees fit.
The one bugaboo with this model is that for some reason ICM did not realize that US “snow and mud” tires used on tactical vehicles used an odd-even staggered rib pattern on the sides and not a symmetrical pattern. The ribs are only slightly staggered, and as a result look too symmetrical. While this is not correct, and some reviewers have fallen all over ICM for this mistake, when you look at trucks with these tires unless you are sitting at an angle or head-on for the most part you can’t see it. There are after-market correction sets for the purist, but if you don’t replace them it won’t be the end of the world.
Finishing instructions and decals are provided for six different vehicles: 3rd Belorussian Front, Lyublin, summer 1944 (Zh-4-32-15); 2nd Ukrainian Front, Prague, May 1945 (K-23-026, “Forward for Our Victory!”); 2nd Ukrainian Front, Prague, May 1945 (N-95-824); 1st Polish Army, Germany, May 1945 (G0-05-21); 1st Czech Army Corps. Czechoslovakia, May 1945 (CS-01-597, “Pravda Vitezi!”); and 8th Air Force, USAAF, England 1944 (USA 4215859). Of these the latter is missing its bumper codes.
Overall this is one of the best efforts so far from ICM and a handy kit. It is also currently popular for conversions, as a number of modelers have pulled that old Italeri BM-13 kit out of the closet and swapped the cargo body and the rocket launcher assemblies around to get a true wartime “Katyusha.”
Advantages: complete kit of this legendary gun from scratch, not a “rebarreled” ZIS-3 kit; figures use very casual poses and should be popular as well
Disadvantages: some damage and warping of the main gun barrel
Rating: highly recommended
Recommendation: for all artillery fans and Soviet modelers
In 1940 the Soviets decided to create a new light antitank gun to supplement their light 45mm Model 1932/1938 series guns. The main reason for this was German “disinformation” of the “10 x 10 tank” – a tank with 10 cm armor protection and mounting a 10 cm gun – which they had no way to defeat. (This later emerged as the Tiger I, but at this time it was still just false intelligence to scare the Soviets.) Legendary artillery designer V. G. Grabin then set to work on three parallel projects: a 107mm heavy gun for heavy tanks and divisional field artillery, a 95mm gun for heavy tanks and divisional field artillery, and a new long-barreled 57mm antitank gun.
The new gun made use of the components of the 76.2mm F-24 field gun. The major changes were that Grabin had to reverse the positions of the recoil mechanism and the compensator on the carriage in order to get good performance from those devices: the former stops rearward movement, and the other pushes the gun back into battery.
The new gun achieved a muzzle velocity of 1000 meters per second with a 3.14 kilogram penetrator by using a necked down 76mm casing and a 73 caliber long barrel; this provided armor penetration of 100mm at 500 meters at that time. (They were eventually able to tweak this up to 155mm by the end of the war.) The new gun was light, even graceful, and very effective. During the course of WWII the Soviets built 9,645 ZIS-2 guns, and even continued in production through 1949 with a total run of more than 13,300 guns.
The ZIS-2 was light enough to be towed by trucks like the GAZ-AA and GAZ-MM “one and a half tonners) and could also use the same limber from the ZIS-3 which carried six cases of four rounds each ready ammunition. After the war it was provided to many other nations and saw service in Korea and the Middle East.
Previously the only kit available in plastic of a ZIS-2 was a Maquette effort which provided the sprues from a Zvezda-injected Italeri ZIS-3 with a single sprue of badly cut injected parts to include a “stick-on” replacement barrel. The limber was provided but was really crude in its design and molding (that was later released separately after its molds were totally revamped.)
Happily now Miniart has continued with its production of Soviet era items by following up on its excellent ZIS-3 kit (No. 35032) but other than the basic research shares no sprues with the former kit. Like all Miniart “with crew” kits this one is available separately as No. 35028.
The kit basically is laid out on two sprues, one of which contains the parts for the carriage and one which contains the parts for the barrel and trails. This is a standard production ZIS-2 with the ZIS-3 style trails; they are round whereas the original trails were rectangular in shape.
The gun comes with its wheels and tires split out with a separate hub and five sections to form the tire - two sidewalls and three inner ribs to give the tires tread pattern. (If you don’t like them, they are standard GAZ-AA wheels and those found with any of the Eastern Express armored cars or Toko GAZ trucks should replace them.) Construction is pretty straightforward beginning with the trails and then the axle, carriage cradle (“l’yulka” in Russian) and locking levers,wheels, barrel and recoil cylinders, muzzle brake, gun shield, ammo crates, breech, and on to final assembly and then the crew.
Parts are fragile and some of the smaller pieces were broken on the sprues, but due to internal bagging all parts were still present so no long-term harm was done. The worst problem was that the long and thin 57mm barrel halves suffered some bending and warpage; but since Miniart cut the molds hollow a section of suitable metal or plastic rodding should stiffen the barrel up and solve this problem.
Again, the figure set provided is very nicely done and here comes in very casual poses. It consists of one officer in a greatcoat and four enlisted men in quilted uniforms, all wearing the winter “ushanka” caps. The crew is enjoying a hot meal and as such the kit provides an improvised spit, spoons, cans and a mat for turning the ammunition crate provided into an improvised table. Each figure comes in seven parts (legs, arms, torso, head and cap) with the officer having a separate coat skirt. No personal weapons are provided except for the officer’s pistol holster. (Fans of DML’s Ron Volstad will note that the Miniart artist obviously likes Ron’s style and presentation!)
Two different finishes are offered for the gun, a three-color “patch” scheme and a two-color winter pattern with white sprayed over 4BO green. Colors are flagged for Tamiya, Revell, Humbrol and Model Master paints. A photo of a finished kit in a vignette by Vladimir Demchenko is provided, but he has added rifles not found in the kit.
Overall this is another excellent effort by Miniart and as seems to be the norm a bargain, as it provides a five man crew for the same basic price levels of some kits with just the guns.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 51 Cradle, one wheel, ammunition
B 62 Barrel, one wheel, trails, ammunition
35028 55 Five figures, accessories
(Originally written on April 27, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Kit No. 7357; Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I - Gruppe Fehrmann; 154 parts (135 parts in grey styrene, 16 etched brass, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 length of twisted steel wire); retail price US$13.95
Advantages: 1/72 scale version of the 1/35 scale kit from DML
Disadvantages: still has some of its diecast “roots” showing
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and “Tiger” fans in small scale
Following their 1/35 scale kit of the “Gruppe Fehrmann” Tiger – essentially a unit formed from various bits of prototypes, test “mules”, recovered vehicles and spare parts – DML has now produced a 1/72 scale variant of this Tiger. For the most part it uses the technology that has evolved along with DML’s “small scale” kits, but the basic hull is still based on a diecast hull from the original model of several years ago and as such still comes with the screw pylons in the lower hull. At least unlike their Tiger II kits they do not interfere with the hatches or other mounting features.
Basically DML has mixed and matched kits to come up with this one, which is what the Germans did with the originals. The result is a reasonably accurate replica of an early Tiger I hull and turret with late-model suspension, as well as some options for the gun mantelet or the main gun barrel (“slide molded” with a hollow bore.)
The steel wheels are separate, unlike the early models which used linked subassemblies to get the suspension aligned. Axles are fixed to the lower hull. As noted from its diecast origins, the model still has holes in the belly for attaching the model to a base, such as the pre-assembled kits. 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.
One set of markings, F13, is provided. As with its “big brother” some instructions are provided to get the “blended” finish used on the prototype.
Overall, this permits the Tiger fans to fill in another member of the family.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
B 56 Tiger I late steel wheels
C 10 Tiger I hull rear, fenders and gun barrel
D 2 DS plastic track runs
E 1 Tiger I upper hull
H 28 Tiger I turret and OVM details
H 31 Tiger I tow cables, turret details, gun barrel
H 7 Tiger I engine deck and details
X 1 Tiger I lower hull
Y 1 Twisted steel wire
MA 2 Preformed etched brass
MB 14 Etched brass
1 Tiger P spare track section
(Originally written on April 27, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Scale Kit No. 7360; LCM(3) Landing Craft + M4A1 w/Deep Wading Kit; 299 parts (229 in grey stryene, 57 in grey DS plastic, 8 etched brass, 2 in tan DS plastic, 1 length of nylon string, 1 length of twisted steel wire, 1 clear vacuformed base); retail price US$31.95
Advantages: “instant” diorama in a box with all elements needed in one place
Disadvantages: LCM(3) and tanks were apparently never used in this manner
Rating: Highly Recommended (kits only)
Recommendation: for wargamers and “Small Scale” fans
Back in 1965 Airfix released one of the neater kit ideas of the time, an LCM(3) landing craft with an M4 (Sherman I) tank embarked on it. Accompanied by their other combo kit from that time frame, an LVT-4 with a Willys MB jeep, they made for a lot of fun as kids when used in wargame type landing scenarios. Never mind the fact that the LCM(3) only had a maximum capability of about 60,000 pounds of cargo and thus was not able to effectively carry a Sherman tank (that fell to the six foot longer LCM(6) series craft) it was a neat idea and did well.
Fast forward to 2008. DML has now released a package deal of their new production LCM(3) with one of their excellent M4A1 Sherman kits in the same sort of concept. Here at least DML provides both kits relatively complete (somewhere along the line half of the infantry from the original LCM(3) kit have gone missing) but the tank does make up for some of the difference.
Since both kits have been reviewed before I shall just sum up from them.
For the LCM(3) DML apparently took a look at what modelers want and what they use kits like this for, and came to the conclusion many of them will be used for wargaming. As a result, the kit is a compromise; a semi-“wargame” ready model with only a limited representation of the lower hull (e.g. only enough of it so that the complete well deck inside the hull can be represented.) Purists wanting a “full hull” or wargamers wanting only a “waterline” version are bout out of luck; if the former was modeled the boat would need a stand to display, and in the case of the latter the well deck would have to be nearly flat to fit inside the scale freeboard of the vessel in the water.
If you have no problems with that, then the model is a very nice representation of the actual vessel. It provides for either scale (etched brass) or sturdy (styrene) gun shields for the gunners. The ramp can be displayed up or down, but while moveable will not be operable without a lot of work. Surprisingly, while rigging thread for the ramp is provided, no directions are included to show how to rig it.
A crew of three and six infantry men are included; these are miniatures of the figures in DML’s 1/35 scale 29th Infantry set and are doubled up for poses (e.g. two each of six.) Each figure comes with a separate pack and canteen as well. All are made from DS plastic and as such have had mixed results from modelers. The figures have exquisite detail but are difficult to paint well due to the flexing of the DS plastic. A selection of 10 US weapons in styrene are provided for them.
The way DML gets around the compromise in the hull molding is to provide a vacuformed base from a clear plastic for mounting the finished model. The model nestles down into the base with its bow up on a simulated beach, so the lack of underwater components becomes a moot point. (Note: the directions don’t give any hints except to color, but I suggest painting the “water” color from the INSIDE of the base to permit it to retain a shiny surface, and the “beach” color from the OUTSIDE to keep it suitably flat. Some drybrushed “foam” should finish the water off to most peoples’ satisfaction.) Three sections of “Rommel’s Asparagus” complete the base.
The M4A1 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 T48 rubber chevron tracks. All tools are separate parts, and the model comes with an essential option for this version of the Sherman, namely a six-part etched brass set of wading trunks that are commonly found on tanks being landed from LCM, LCT or LST vessels. Indicating this kit is most likely intended for wargames is the fact that the rest of the normal etched brass parts found in “Armor Pro” Sherman kits is missing.
Markings and finishing directions unfortunately are not even close. The Normandy 1944 finish for the LCM(3) is fine as is the set for Iwo Jima 1945, but the Sherman was not landed by these craft at Normandy and the USMC battalions at Iwo Jima (3rd, 4th and 5th Tanks) used M4A2 and M4A3 Shermans, not M4A1 types. A nice sheet of Cartograf decals is provided.
Overall while the kits are good this combination doesn’t work out well, but is a handy and slightly more inexpensive way for wargamers to stock up.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 15 LCM well deck, sides, ramp
A 56 M4 low bustle turret with options, hull details for M4/M4A1
B 51 LCM deck details, machine guns
B 41 M4 small details
C 32 M4 “flat top” return rolller suspension with pressed steel wheels
C 12 LCM - beach obstacles
C 9 LCM - crew (DS plastic)
C 48 LCM - six infantry figures (DS plastic)
D 1 Vacuformed Base
E 10 M4A1 late model hull
M 1 M4/M4A1 lower hull pan
X 2 M4 T48 type tracks - DS plastic
Y 1 LCM hull
Z 1 twisted steel wire
MA 6 Etched brass
MB 2 Etched brass
1 nylon string
10 US small arms
(Originally written on April 19, 2008)
Book Review: Tank Warfare On Iwo Jima by David E. Harper; Squadron Signal No. 6096, Squadron Signal Productions, Carrollton, TX 2008; 96 pp. with photos and illustrations; price US$19.95 (ISBN 978-0-89747-559-3)
Advantages: first dedicated, clear cut view of Marine Corps tank operations on Iwo Jima; covers all three Marine tank battalions in action as well as some Japanese tank activity; detailed information on differences among tanks and tankers’ uniforms
Disadvantages: some lack of framework and perspective makes it difficult to understand USMC tank operations in late Pacific War battles
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Sherman and USMC fans and historians
When it comes to the use of the M4 series Sherman tanks, the US Army gets the lion’s share of the coverage, as it was heavily involved in Europe and Africa. Next the coverage goes to the Allies who used the Sherman, especially the Commonwealth, as they too made extensive use of the tanks in the same theater. But while the Marine Corps also used the Sherman in its Pacific combat, they tend to have been ignored and even in coverage of the battles there more coverage in print thus far has gone to Army tank battalions and not the Marine ones.
This book goes far to correct some of the imbalance, and while it focuses on only one battle – but the biggest and most costly one of any fought by the Marines – it provides a great deal of insight into Marine Corps operations and the tanks they used.
As this book shows, the Marine Corps put a considerable amount of armored vehicles ashore on Iwo Jima to include three complete tank battalions – 3rd Tanks, 4th Tanks, and 5th Tanks. As 3rd Tanks was the oldest, it was still equipped with the diesel-powered M4A2 variants of the tank, whereas the newer 4th and 5th Tanks were equipped with M4A3 tanks. While the 3rd Tanks ran their vehicles “stock” the other two had added locally designed protection packages of wood and sandbags, as well as screens and other standoff means, to protect them from Japanese improvised antitank means (showing the concept of what are now called IEDs has been around for a very long time, and was just as effective in 1945 as it is today). The Marine tank losses on Iwo seem to have gone to either point-blank broadside hits by Japanese 47mm antitank guns from either concealed positions or Shin-Hoto Chi-ha tanks, or to IEDs made from items such as 500 lb bombs buried along the main avenues of approach for tanks. With the former the improvised armor protection does not seem to have worked, as photographic evidence in this book shows.
The author has done an excellent job of sorting out whose tanks are whose (the 3rd Tanks vehicles being very easy to spot) as well as the modifications to each one, as well as the supplementary flamethrower tanks used by each of the battalions. Unlike the Army units, the Marines believed in very close support and as a result all of their tanks were fitted with an external telephone box for intercommunications with the tank’s crew for pinpoint target suppression. (The Army picked up on this one later and as such most tanks through the M1 series had a telephone box installed at the factory.)
The book is primarily oriented on the modeler. Using a series of screen captures and what color photos were taken at the time, the color schemes for each battalion and the markings are identified and covered in detail. Of interest is the fact that the 4th and 5th Tanks vehicles were camouflaged, the add-on armor packages added, and then the camouflage paint added to the new items, so that when the add-on armor packages were damaged the original tank still shows the camo scheme.
What the book does not do is put things in context. Marine tank battalions were not identical to their Army counterparts nor was their organization the same, and the reasons for the different types of tanks is not explained very well. To really get the best out of this book (unless simply using it for a “monkey-see-monkey-do” painting and finishing reference for a specific model) it should be read together with the excellent “US Marine Corps Tank Crewman 1941-1945 Pacific” by Kenneth W. Estes (Osprey Warrior No. 92, Osprey Publishing 2005, ISBN 1-84176-717-4). This book shows the organization and evolution of USMC tank units and explains many of the details found in Mr. Harper’s book in greater detail; taking both books together will give a very detailed picture for the level of heroism and achievement of these units.
Overall, as noted above, this is a great book for modelers and provides a wealth of photo information for the historian.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on April 19, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Kit Number 6231; Sherman Mk. III Mid Production Sicily; 479 parts (386 parts in grey stryene, 67 etched brass, 23 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated price US$50.50
Advantages: more accurate hull for mid-production M4A2/Sherman III tank; very nicely done WE210 pattern tracks
Disadvantages: may be later than period claimed; no commander’s machine gun
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth armour fans
Following on the heels of their Early Sherman III kit (no. 6313) DML have now released a new mid-production M4A2 Sherman III kit with a complete welded hull. There were some complaints with the previous kit as to whether or not DML was trying to “fudge” the kit as the armored hoods for the driver and co-driver were not “soft” enough or narrow enough to replicate the proper cast models correctly, but with this kit it states all over the box blurbs that it is a welded hull variant.
The kit does provide that, and as with most of the recent DML Shermans now has beautifully done weld beads and welding marks on the hull proper as well as many of the details. This kit now also sports a more accurate set of engine access doors (the grilled ones on the engine deck) with 24 grille bars in each one; I had not fully counted the ones in previous kits but someone had and dinged DML for not getting it right. (There is a limit to the resolution of the human eye when one gets older, and I too have had to yield to the Optivisor to see things better these days.)
There are minor or major tweaks to several of the kit sprues for this model from past efforts, so once again DML is continuing to make corrections to their kits as they evolve. While this is now becoming maddening to a number of modelers (buy a kit and two issues later you feel you are “stuck” with a bad kit, and then refuse to buy the new one out of spite) it shows that unlike at least two major manufacturers DML will listen and take criticism from valid points of view to heart. Just recall the old Irish maximum “be careful what you wish for.”
Most of the bits here are familiar to Sherman fans over the last three or four years, such as the low bustle turret with a choice of M34 mount without “ears”, M34 mount with “
ears”, add-on armor protection for the coaxial machine gun with the M34 mount, or the M34A1 mount. From the box art the correct choice for this particular variant is the M34 with “ears”and supplemental armor. But once again, even though the box art shows an M2HB machine gun on the commander’s cupola mounting none is included in the kit.
The directions are pretty much status quo and cover assembling the suspension with the use of the “spoke” road wheels provided (parts D-6) and “spoke” idlers (parts D-8) for the M4A2 suspension. This version uses the one-piece “blunt” transmission cover and no three-piece one is provided as an alternative. Note that in Step 6 there are a number of mounting holes inside the hull which need to be drilled out for mounting the tools and OVM on the rear of the tank. The bolt pattern, as with previous M4A2 hulls, is pre-painted on the stern plate for easy location and attachment of the chosen parts (either etched brass or countersunk via drilling holes.) _
As with the previous kit the etched brass supplied covers mostly larger details this time, such as a partial complete sand shield and fender installation which is apparently specific to the kit prototype. New design headlight guards (e.g. easier to fold and install) 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.
Most useful from a Commonwealth standpoint will be the one-piece DS plastic WE210 “Double I” pattern tracks, which appear to be very nicely done. They are packed flat and not protected, but the ones in the review sample suffered no ill effects to the guide teeth.
Finishing directions and markings are included for but ONE tanks: CLIVE from the 3rd County of London Yeomanry, British Army, Sicily 1943, and a targeted Cartograf decal sheet is included. This is really unfortunate, for many of the British units in Italy in 1944 appear to be equipped with this specific type of tank, and Steve Zaloga has done some work showing Polish units in Italy manning this model. Perhaps Woody Vondracek or other after market specialists will provide a wider range of markings for those vehicles.
The choice of this one vehicle is also somewhat limiting as all of the bits in the kit in the of etched brass are only for this tank or a few others, and ergo the rear sections of the sand shields are missing. CLIVE also has “catch-alls” welded to the sides of the rear decking which photos show were not universally applied to other Sherman III tanks. My final question is also one of timing: the kit claims Sicily 1943 but the all-welded version of the M4A2/Sherman III did not reach final approval until August 1943 and only entered production after that whereas the Sicilian campaign ran from 10 July to 17 August 1943, so how did a tank which did not even get into production until the fall of 1943 wind up serving in Sicily?
Overall, while this specific example may not have been the best choice the kit itself offers a broad range of options for Commonwealth modelers and should be popular with anyone who wishes to do up a Polish tank in Italy or similar tanks in Normandy.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Breakout:
A 96 hull details (A2/A3)
B 63 Low bustle turret with M34 and M34A1 gun mounts
C 23 Clear styrene
D 14 56 degree welded hull
D 16x2 M4 suspension
E 2 British turret bustle bin
F 2 DS plastic track runs
S 1 twisted steel wire
V 89x2 VVSS flat top/pillow block suspension with pressed/welded wheels
X 1 Lower hull pan - M4A2
MA 67 etched brass
(Originally written on April 19, 2008)
Book Review: Tank Plant: How They Made Tanks in My Hometown in World War Two by Dr. Gregory T. Jones, self-published, 2008, 122 pp.; available from the author directly for US$27.95 plus $3 shipping and handling (Dr. Gregory T. Jones, 3704 Pontoon Road, Granite City, IL 62040)
Advantages: insight into how the American factories cranked up production of the M3 and M4 series tanks and provided them to the front; some useful information for modelers and historians of Sherman details and history
Disadvantages: some “pixelated” photos hard to discern
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all die-hard Sherman fans as well as anyone interested in military history and industrial production history
(Note: This is an early print release version and will be subject to change and revision by the author as needed – sort of a “Beta” version of the book)
Every single modeler of US armored vehicles knows his “Shermanology” by heart: the M4 and M4A1 were powered by air cooled engines, M4A2s by diesels, M4A4s were the “long hull” tanks with the Chrysler A57 cluster engine, M4A3s were powered by Ford V-8s, and the M4A1s were the only ones with cast hulls. But outside of a handful of serious researchers like Steve Zaloga, Joe Demarco and Kurt Laughlin few know WHERE they came from or how they came to be.
Many of the cast components such as the one-piece transmission covers, the turrets and the hulls of the M4A1 came from major steel foundries that had a lot of experience with casting large unwieldy objects, the primary ones of which were one-piece frames for steam locomotives. During World War I the railways in the US were taken over by the United States Railway Administration (USRA) who designed many standardized locomotives for all railroads to use. During this period they refined their casting techniques and could cast massive locomotive frames in one piece with even the cylinders and steam chests already in place, an innovation possible in few other nations even during World War II.
As such, when the US began to spool up its industries for World War II, the first place they turned was to the foundries with this experience in the United States. (So did the Russians, which is why their first tanks came out of the Kharkov Steam Locomotive Factory in the Ukraine.) Tanks require three kinds of steel: rolled steel (e.g. homogenous armor), face hardened (non-homogenous armor) steel, and cast steel. The first two are superior metallurgically from the point of view of armor plate; however, while the latter requires an increase of about 15% in thickness to achieve the same level of protection, it is faster and cheaper to manufacture.
General Steel Castings was a major US supplier of such items and owned among other things two major plants which could serve to provide such items to the tank production program: one in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, and the Commonwealth Steel Foundry in Granite City, Illinois. There was also another steel foundry in Granite City, the American Steel Foundry. Commonwealth Steel had been incorporated there in 1901 but came under the aegis of General Steel in 1929.
With the spoolup to the war, both foundries in Granite City had been producing castings for turret used in the early war tanks for both the American Army and for provision to the British Army. These were essentially the M3 Medium Tank and the M3 Grant Cruiser Tank. General Steel also provided a great deal of material to the Canadian war effort, such as much of the cast material used in the M4A1 “Grizzly” variant as well as the Canadian designed Ram Cruiser Tanks produced by Montreal Locomotive Works (a subsidiary of the American Locomotive Company – ALCO – showing a leitmotif for production facilities.)
During the course of the war General Steel provided both 75mm and 76mm turrets for the M4 series tanks, turrets and components for the T26E3/M26 Pershing, and M4A1 series cast hulls to a number of different assembly plants.
Casting armor parts is not as easy as one would think, as it is not quite as simple as a modeler casting parts in resin which are nearly ready to go out of the mold. Molding steel – especially when it has to provide armor protection of a determined level – requires a great deal of work and specifics. Being easier and faster to produce a cast hull over a rolled homogenous steel welded one does not mean it is a simple task. This book, among other really useful bits on the tanks, explains how it was done as well as shows what the raw castings for US tanks actually looked like.
One fascinating photo shows a Sherman hull and turret immediately after coming out of the mold – imagine a giant practicing voodoo and sticking a tank model full of golf tees and you have a rough idea of the results! (Each of these was a pour gate to ensure a constant thickness product would result.)
Another shows a 4-head 48" Cinncinnati Hypro-New Style Electronic Planer type Milling Machine. I was personally surprised, as I recently saw the exact same machine in another photo – but this one was being used in the Ural Tank Factory No. 183 in late 1942 to build T-34 tanks! (One thing not generally well known is how many tool stands and heavy machinery items we provided to the Soviets under Lead Lease!)
Thanks to shared research by Joe “Mr. Sherman” Demarco there are also some fascinating photos. One on page 67 apparently shows a prototype for the M3A1 cast hull which does not match any of the production variants
The book also shows life at the Commonwealth Steel works and what a rough life it could be. The most likely injures appear to be from flying chunks of steel during the milling and cleanup process which required the wear of heavy goggles. Some workers are shown with shattered (but intact) lenses and a safety poster is included as well. Another facet was that for morale purposes the Army would bring in finished tanks to show off to the workers as to where their products were going, as well as captured German equipment to show what they had achieved.
Greg has catered to both historians and modelers with this excellent little book and points out that General Steel used the shield with a G inside as their logo; the G inside an octagon was from American Steel Foundries - Granite City. Greg noted that while General Steel had excellent records to research no such luck was achieved with ASF-G.
Overall this is a fascinating book and one many historians and historically inclined modelers will enjoy a great deal. (I think my own home town, Jamestown, New York, produced ball bearings at Marlin-Rockwell and the furniture factories made rifle stocks but have never investigated to see just what they did!)
Thanks to Greg Jones for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on April 12, 2008)
Kit Review: Italeri 1/35 scale Kit No. 6461; Sd.Kfz. 140 “Gepard” Flakpanzer 38(t); 319 parts (317 in tan styrene, 1 length of silver twine, 1 section of nylon mesh); retail price US$60
Advantages: simple, easy build of this popular vehicle; only kit with “link and length” tracks
Disadvantages: third kit of this vehicle in the last year to appear may be iced out of the market; higher price than competitors will hurt
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Praga tank fans
When I heard this kit was going to be released I was curious as it was going to the third one in a relatively narrow market, and based on how other companies do things I was afraid that all they would do is the old Tamiya trick of adding one new sprue and upping the price. While there is one small section of the 30+ year old Praga kit from Italeri in the box (sprue A) only a handful of parts are used from it, and this kit boasts a totally new suspension with details on both sides of all parts. The Italeri kit also is the only one of the three (DML and Tristar being the others) to come with “link and length” tracks and not individual link tracks. Again, however, Italeri also calls this the “Gepard” (Cheetah) which so far I have had no luck in confirming anywhere.
As kits become more and more complex there seems to be a subtle backlash against some of the overly technical kits (a Tiger I kit can now come with as many as 1,300 parts) and as such modelers seem to want to find projects they can complete. (I have the same problem, generally referred to as AMS for “Advanced Modeler’s Syndrome” and now seek out simpler things myself!) This kit is the answer to that sort of approach and will satisfy the modeler who will accept a slightly lesser amount of detail for getting the project done in a reasonable amount of time. The model car fans have what they call “slammers” – simple car kits without any interior bits other than the passenger compartment that they can get together in a weekend. This isn’t one of those (!) but it looks to be an easy build.
The model has a new mold hull and partial interior which covers the parts most modelers are likely to detail and show. This includes a basic transmission, drive shaft, seat and controls in the driver’s compartment and some basic interior firewalls. Care will be needed in installing the exhaust pipe (part 39D) as it has to be snaked through the side of the hull to fit in the interior bulkhead behind the vents (part 36D).
The suspension is new and from what I recall of the other two kits much easier – a bogie assembly consists of five parts: spring, road wheel arms, and two road wheels. The road wheels are detailed on both sides and come with a tire in place. Oddly enough Italeri shows the drivers being secured by assembling them and installing the drivers with a small ring in the back (part 4B) which is then sealed with a hot screwdriver.
There are a number of holes on the underside of the main hull roof (part 33D) which must be opened up before installation and which are shown in step 6. Step 7 shows the installation of the “link and length” track; there are a few small ejection pin marks on the long lengths but nothing really objectionable or visible and I suspect most people will simply ignore them. With small pitch/small width tracks like this, this is a much easier proposition for installation, and having done the Tristar tracks I wish they had used this option as well.
The fenders on this kit go on in step 8 and go in flat. This appears to be correct for “as built” but as most modelers have figured out the fenders for these vehicles were quite flimsy and bent easily. There is no detail on the bottom of the fenders, so they will actually be easier to bend that the stiffened ones in the other kits so this may be an advantage.
Most of the details that go in in step 10 are a bit thicker than the competing kits but look reasonable enough so that they will suit the modeler’s purpose.
In step 13 two gas mask canisters (parts 45D) are installed but these look wimpy; if you have some from a DML “Gen2" figure set I suggest you use them.
Steps 16 and 17 cover the installation of the folding armor plates around the casemate. Ergo plan ahead as to which one you want and use the appropriate step.
The gun is assembled in steps 19-21. Sharp-eyed modelers will note that this gun is identical with that provided in kits 371 (Demag D7 with 2 cm Flak) and 380 (Maultier with 2 cm Flak.) This dates from 1999 and apparently is not related to the older ESCI 2 cm Flak which Italeri purchased from ESCI when they went under. As such it is a nice little weapon and simpler than the ones in the other kits, but comes with similar details. Instead of an etched brass “catcher” cage for the 2 cm casings this kit comes with a nylon mesh section that must be cut and fitted into place on the brackets (parts 11A, 14C, 12A). Apparently the kit went “final” before somebody got the size of the patterns, as while the patterns are provided life-size the dimensions are listed as question marks. Well, I’ve seen worse flubs in directions lately!
There are four finishing options provided: 26th Panzer Division, Italy 1944 (tricolor stripe); 29th Panzergrenadier Division, Italy 1944 (green splotches over sand); 90th Panzergrenadier Division, northern Italy 1944 (sand overall); and Unknown Unit, 1944 (white 13, tricolor stripe). A small sheet of targeted decals is provided.
Overall this would be a great kit if it was offered at about $40 or so. When I found out the high price, I queried MRC and they glumly noted the prices here are pegged to the Euro (which is trading at $1.58 to 1 Euro as of yesterday.) This is unfortunate as it is the most expensive of the three. But on the other hand, this is a kit more modelers are likely to assemble and enjoy than the other two, which take a totally serious approach to modeling and a commitment of more time.
Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 40 Pzkw. 38(t) engine deck and details
B 48x2 Pzkw. 38(t) suspension and tracks
C 53 Sd.Kfz. 140 rear section and details
D 66 Sd.Kfz. 140 front section and hull parts
E 62 2 cm gun and ammunition (371/380)
1 silver twine
1 nylon mesh
(Originally written on April 8, 2008)
Book Review: A Field Guide to the M5 Series Light Tanks and the M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage by Kurt Laughlin; self-published, 2008, 88 pp. with drawings and illustrations; price US$20; available from Formations Models, PO Box 424, Bolivar, TN 38008-0424; phone (731) 658-1521 or e-mail at info@formationsmodels.com
Advantages: excellent modeler’s guide to the M5 and M5A1 light tanks, and useful for detailing the M8 75mm HMC
Disadvantages: guide only covers the externals of the light tanks and is light on materials on the M8
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for anyone doing a model of the new AFV Club M5A1 kit or interested in the production of the M5 series light tanks
Modelers are an extremely literal group of people and moreso than many others prefer to see a photo of an object in order to understand it and then replicate it in miniature. As such, they tend to purchase “picture” books more than any other major source or reference, and it is unfortunately all too rare when one comes with an explanation of what the actual differences between different items are.
Kurt Laughlin is well known among modelers who participate in groups such as the Yahoo G104 Sherman group and Missing Lynx on the Internet, and is a serious student of the hows and wherefores of why American armored vehicles look the way they do and what it means. After some teasing and “put your money where your mouth is” challenges, he has now applied his talents to produce a modeler’s guide to the American M5 series light tanks – the M5, M5A1 and the derivative M8 75mm howitzer motor carriage.
Doing this requires a lot of work, and few others have made such efforts over the years. The best known of those who have been published are Pete Harlem (the Modeler’s Guide to the Sherman), Tom Jentz (Panzertracts) and Sergey Kirsanov (T-34 “Bottom to Top” series in Russian). As it is a major undertaking, Kurt has worked with some of the better-known modelers and historians on this project – Mike Canady, Joe DeMarco, Andre Flener, Mike Foncannon, Mike Haines, and Steve Zaloga as well as other members of the Yahoo G104 group.
The book is presented in spiral-bound format, which is very useful for modeling as it permits the book to be opened to a specific page and cite. While it is self-published using commercial reproduction sources, the photos are clear and details are easy to see as well as any extant markings.
The first 13 pages of the book describe the various sections of the vehicle which changed, how they changed, and the specific reference data for each one. Like other nations, specifically Russia and Germany, the changes are denoted by drawings or blueprint numbers, which are cited in the text for each of the major differences. Also, where different manufacturers were involved, there is a chart at the end of the book which covers the specific initial production features for each manufacturer, which serials numbers were assigned, and what the corresponding registration numbers for the vehicles (the US 3xxxxxx numbers) in US Army service.
The core of the book are the photos and drawings of the three different major vehicle types and the differences in each one as they evolved in production. All of the photos are based on either archival materials or photos of existing vehicles in museums or private collections, and they back up the text.
As mentioned above, this guide is basically focused on the externals of the vehicles, as that is what the majority of modelers are really interested in and what they usually prefer to correct. Most of the coverage focuses on the M5 and M5A1, and only a few items cover the M8. As the M8 has an open turret and requires a lot more coverage of its interior due to its visibility in a model, this is probably a good compromise (as well as leaves the option for a “sequel” on the table!)
The photos show the differences in items, such as how the M5 turret differed from the late model M3/M3A1 turrets, how the M5A1 turret differed from the M3A3 turret, and the various changes which took place to common fittings such as the gun mantlets.
The book then moves on to the hull and its fittings, covering the different types of engine decks and attachments by one of three methods – elliptical head screws, surface hex screws, or countersunk hex screws. Coverage of the glacis and the six noted different styles used is also provided and backed up with drawings. (Note: there are no 1/35 scale plans provided, so some modelers may be disappointed.) Photos are then used to show each of the types and how it looked in service.
Early and late model tool and OVM stowage is covered, as well as the late-model hull stowage bin and the air deflectors added to cut down on dust kicked up by the tank when moving. The early and late towing hook arrangements (mostly used by the M8 HMC for towing an M8 ammunition trailer) are shown as well.
Finally the book shows the details of the suspension and the differences in the various types of wheels and details of the bogies and mounts. Tracks are not covered, but for the most part this is not a major problem, and many details of the three major track types – T16 rubber pad series, T55 rubber chevron and T36 three-bar cleat series can be seen in the photos.
Having gotten into a nasty argument with a supposed “expert” on M5 series light tanks several years ago, I wish that this book had been available then. But now we have a nice new kit (and the promise of more to follow!) so most of the arguments would have been mooted, and this would have been the coup de grace to the disagreements.
Overall, this looks to be a great book for anyone wanting to build the new AFV Club kit or just a lesson in how complex US armor production was during WWII. Thanks to the author for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on April 5, 2008)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/35 scale accessory sets:
Set AC35008; Mantlet Cover for Centurion (Type A); price unknown
Set AC35009; Mantlet Cover for Centurion (Type B); price unknown
Set AG35018; 20 Pdr. Gun Barrel (A Type) For Centurion; price unknown
Advantages: dress up AFV Club kits and permit customizing a kit to match a specific prototype
Disadvantages: odd that one cover at least is not provided with the base kits; some possible shape problems with the Type A Mantlet (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Centurion fans
AFV Club has been a good company at providing customizing accessories for their line of kits so that the more demanding modeler or somebody simply wanting to match a specific prototype can find a 100% matching accessory to use on a model. The three items listed here are the newest items released and provide for different variants.
Anyone who has followed Centurions is aware of the fact that few of them have ever been used without fitting the gun mantlet with a canvas or plastic cloth cover, occasionally with “Metalastic” metal covers fitted to them. But the majority of Centurions either came with a basic canvas cover or a canvas cover cut away over the coaxial machine gun mounting and fitted to a sealing ring and cover over the machine gun. The former item is provided by AFV Club as their “Type A” mantlet cover and is listed as suitable for the Mk 3, 5, 5/1, 6, 7 and 7/1 variants. The “Type B” is listed as for the Mk 6/2 and Mk 11, as well as the Australian Mk 5/1 but photo evidence seems to indicate it could be retrofitted to any Mk 5 and later tank.
Both mantlet covers are made out of vinyl and appear to require ACC cement to attach them to the plastic turrets of the kits. There is a bit of flash which will require a fresh Number 11 blade for removal (another recommendation I have heard is to freeze in your refrigerator freezer and then sand it, but as this vinyl is very thin I would imagine it would “thaw” too quickly to work.)
The “Type A” one just mounts on the tank, but while it seems to match the photos I have it does not seem to reflect the “bump” on the face of the mantlet where the machine gun exits. However, the overall effect is good and I don’t think most modelers will quibble.
The “Type B” one, however, requires that both the outside perimeter and the area around the coaxial machine gun opening be cemented to the tank, and this may be a bit trickier. Getting a good seal will most likely require thickened ACC and a lot of patience to get it sealed in place.
The barrel is the early model 20 pdr barrel without the bore evacuator and with the heavy ring type counterweight at the muzzle. AFV Club has even included rifling at the muzzle and a very nicely done taper, with a square peg at the rear to mate up with the kit fittings.
Overall these three items are of use to Cent fans, and should permit a good deal of customization and accurizing for anyone assembling a “stud” of Centurions.
Thanks to Shirley Lin of Hobby Fan Trading for the review samples.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on April 5, 2008)
Hobby Fan 1/35 scale resin figure sets:
No. HR581, 1/35 IDF Centurion Mk. 5 (Six Day War) Crew - 2 Figures; 13 parts in tan resin; price unknown
No. HR582, 1/35 U.S. M5A1 Tank Crew & Sandbags - 2 Figures; price unknown
Advantages: crew figures designed to match up with new AFV Club kits; well sculpted and easy to assemble
Disadvantages: minor cleanup of pour blocks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for the specific nations given
Some modelers may not realize it but Hobby Fan Trading Company of Taiwan (ROC) is the holding company and parent of both Hobby Fan 1/72 and 1/35 scale resin products, AFV Club 1/48 and 1/35 scale plastic model kits and accessories, and the current holder of the Skybow 1/35 scale plastic kit molds. (Skybow originally broke away from AFV Club but was later reabsorbed.)
As such, Hobby Fan (the model branch) is very good about creating detail sets and figure sets in resin to compliment their AFV Club plastic kit line. The two sets listed above are designed to compliment two recent releases, the M5A1 Light Tank (AFV Club Kit No. 35105) and the 1967 IDF Sho’t Centurion Mk 5/1 (AFV Club Kit No. 35122).
Each set comes with the individual figures packed in their own zip-lock bags inside a larger zip-lock bag and that is packed inside a coil of bubble wrap in a sturdy cardboard box, so breakage should not be a problem.
The IDF figures are in the last of their purchased and borrowed uniforms, and consist of a tank command and an infantryman. The tank commander comes in four pieces and builds up to a figure designed to fit in the commander’s cupola of the tank. He comes with the WWII style US Army tanker’s helmet and is relatively relaxed. The infantry comes in nine parts and builds into a figure with his rifle, a Galil, at the ready. Both figures are cleanly sculpted and while large the pour blocks and parts are designed to make separation relatively easy.
The American figures, a tank commander and an infantryman, are firing at either an aerial target or something on the higher floors of a building. The tank commander figure consists of four parts and is kneeling on the roof of the M5A1 while using the .30 caliber Browning to fire on his target; the position does look a bit awkward but from what I recall is based on some photos of contemporary troops in action. The infantryman consists of six parts and is kneeling on the ground to elevate his weapon, an M1A1 Thompson submachine gun. Also included in this kit is an applique armor set of sandbags, logs and a canvas tarpaulin roll for the glacis of the M5A1. The figures both have pour blocks which as noted are easy to remove, but the applique has a much larger and thicker one and cleanup will take a bit longer. From the back it is designed to drop fit on the AFV Club kit.
Overall these are nice accessory sets, perfectly matched to their original kits and worthy of consideration.
Thanks to Shirley Lin of Hobby Fan Trading for the review samples.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on April 5, 2008)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/35 scale Kit No. 35124; IDF Shot Kal 1973; 621 parts (527 in olive drab styrene, 52 in black vinyl, 18 etched brass, 18 clear styrene, 6 copper coated coil springs, 6 in gunmetal styrene, 1 black nylon string, 1 black nylon mesh, 1 resin casting, 1 turned aluminum barrel): price not known but estimated as at least US$48
Advantages: first styrene kit of this popular subject; kit provides sufficient parts for either a Centurion Mk 5/1, early IDF Shot, or later production Shot Kal; well designed parts breakdown provides flexibility
Disadvantages: vinyl tires and tracks always problematic to paint; melting plastic parts a retrograde assembly feature
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all Centurion and IDF fans
The real world and the modeling world rarely meet up; if they did, the most popular subjects would be modern Soviet, American, Chinese and British subjects, not WWII German ones. And of all of the modern subjects, one of the most enduring in regard to longetivity and popularity is the British Centurion tank. Developed at the end of WWII and with the first production models coming off the lines in 1945, this tank evolved through 13 major production variants and countless subvariants as well as the foreign models and modifications. Since its inception, the tank has been in nearly constant use or combat since 1950, and has suffered the ignonomy of having to fight itself on occasion.
As such, once the arms embargoes began to be removed from Israel in the late 1950s the tank was sold to the IDF where it proved very popular, and was the premier striking weapon in the 1967 Six Day War. But it did suffer the drawback of being gasoline powered in a day and age where all other new tanks were diesel powered. Gasoline engines translate into two major problems: high degree of flammability and short range. As such, and with a supply of American M48 tanks and Continental diesel engines flowing into Israel after that war, the IDF gave the Centurion – or Sh’ot as they dubbed it – a major makeover and installed the American Continental AVDS-1790 engine in the tank, giving it the trademark “humpbacked” engine deck seen on US M48 and M60 tanks. They also upgraded the tanks to 105mm British L7 guns at the same time.
During October 1973 the Sh’ot Kal (as the upgrade was dubbed) was allocated to the units operating in the north of Israel, where mobility as not as important as the desert areas and protected was considered more important (a Centurion has roughly 305mm of armor around the mantlet area). As such they fought many desperate but ultimately successful battles, such as that fought by Avigdor Khalani’s 77th Tank Battalion of the 7th Armoured Brigade overlooking the “Vale of Tears” where they destroyed over a hundred Syrian T-55 and T-62 tanks.
As such, ever since 1973 this particular version of the Centurion has become nearly iconic and forever associated with the IDF. Surprisingly up until now nobody has made a kit of this famous vehicle, and it has only been in the last few years that a decent model of any Centurion kit has come on the market. Up until then if you wanted a Sh’ot Kal you had to buy the ancient and badly flawed Tamiya Centurion (or one of its clones) and a conversion kit such as those sold by AEF Designs. As the base kit was awful – it was designed for a motorization pack and batteries which badly distorted the hull shape and size – the result was only going to be an approximation.
This kit is a simple conversion of the great recent AFV Club line of Centurions, and only adds a few small sprues and one major one to their run of Mk 5 kits. The kit also includes all of the Mk 5 series parts such as the engine deck, fenders and stowage bins, so the modeler has a wide variety of options as to what to do with it. (Note that the directions only cover building the Sh’ot Kal variant, however!)
The model adds a total of 88 parts to cover the differences. These include the plethora of IDF water and fuel cans and the .30 caliber Browning guns used by Israeli tank commanders. They also provide a resin folding stretcher which appears to have been an IDF accessory to deal with wounded crewmen. Other features include the IDF bustle rack and of course the vented version of the “humpback” on the engine deck and M48-style US side loading cassette air cleaners. However, it does not come with a mantelet cover and those must be picked up separately from AFV Club (e.g. accessories AS35008 or AS35009).
The kit comes with two features I personally don’t get excited over, namely a spring-operated working suspension which requires heat fusing the pins of the parts for operation, and vinyl tires. The former at least is covered by the side skirts for most variants, and those who have more experience with the suspension report it is not as gimmicky as the rubber-bushed Sherman suspensions have been. Also this time AFV Club thankfully did not spring load the main gun to “recoil!”
Construction is pretty straightforward and the directions, albeit of the “stick here” sketch variety, do not appear to have any major glitches. The kit is a typical AFV Club kit, however, so pay close attention as there are a lot of parts and some do not stand out as well as they should. They do highlight some such as the American taillights (L49 and L50) as the taillight goes on the left and the brakelight (the one with the rectangular top section) goes on the right. Also the lens on the headlights (parts D4) are actually correct for the period; while the inside lights are supposed to be infrared (e.g. for all practical purposes black in scale, as they are such a dark purple as to be indistinguishable in the housings) according to Khalani they had no IR equipment or viewers and needed the lights for night driving.
All of the hatches are optional position types, but all AFV Club gives you is a white arrow that shows the other positions and doesn’t clarify that point.
Technical assistance for this kit was provided by Mr. Robert Manasherob.
Four different units are covered and markings are provided for them, all for the Yom Kippur (1973) War: 7th Brigade, Golan Heights; Ugdat Peled, Golan Heights; 188th Brigade, Golan Heights; and Ugdat Adan, Sinai Desert. All are IDF sand with minor trim. Note that three of the tanks have temporary tac signs mounted on canvas panels and the modeler will have to add those himself from tissue or thin (e.g. 0.005") plastic or lead sheet.
Overall this a great kit of a popular subject, and I for one am glad to finally see this famous tank kitted. Kudos to AFV Club for listening!
Thanks to Shirley Lin of Hobby Fan Trading for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 1 Lower hull
B 54 x 2 Centurion small details and accessories
C 43 Centurion 3-5 hull roof and details
CA 6 Individual links of Centurion track
D 18 Centurion clear styrene
d 52 US style vehicle accessories and tools
E 57 x 2 Centurion wheels and suspension components
F 6 Browning .30 caliber machine gun
H 26 Centurion final drives, fenders and hull details
I 66 Centurion Mk 5 and later style turret
J 1 Black nylon mesh
J 1 Black nylon string
K 2 Centurion side skirts
L 66 Shot Kal engine deck and parts
M 1 105mm turned aluminum barrel
M 6 Coiled copper coated springs
N 17 Centurion exhausts and air deflector
0 18 Etched brass
R 26 Black vinyl keepers
R 24 Black vinyl tires
S 13x2 Spare water and fuel cans, tow cable heads
T 2 Black vinyl track runs
1 Folding stretcher (resin casing)
(Originally written on April 5, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7348; Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. D mit Wurfrahmen 40; (192 in grey styrene, 94 etched brass, 2 DS plastic runs); price about US$14.98
Advantages: very nice, clean model of the D version 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"; adds complex bending etched brass to original kit
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all German WWII “Small Scale” fans
There are times I am befuddled by DML marketing strategies and this is one of them. Approximately one year after DML released the D model variant of their “Stuka zum fuss” rocket launcher halftrack (No. 7310) they have re-released the kit with some changes. First off, and for reasons best known to themselves, they had added six 11-part etched brass launcher-shipping crates which are a lesson in origami to assemble. The plastic versions are not included in the kit any longer so if you purchase this one you have to use the brass frames.
The rest of the kit is a verbatim copy of No. 7310. As I said at that time, retaining the misconception that the rockets are mounted on a “Stroke 2" variant of the halftrack, it nevertheless presents a nice kit of the Sd.Kfz. 251/1 with the six Wurfrahmen 40 launchers. (The “Stroke 2" is a dedicated mortar carrier for an 8 cm mortar.)
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.
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 now include both the 28 cm ones and the 32 cm ones from the previous kit, but only launcher/crates for one set of six rockets. As before 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
New decals from Cartograf and finishing options are provided: SS Pz.Gren.Rgt Liebstandart Adolf Hitler, 1st SS Panzergrenadier Division, Kharkov 1943 (whitewashed); 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitler Juengen”, France 1944 (green mottle over sand); 5th SS Panzer Division “Das Wiking”, Warsaw 1944 (three color mottle); and Pz.Rgt. 13, 5th Panzer Division, East Prussia 1944 (green stripes over sand). A targeted sheet and a generic license plate sheet are included, but no license numbers are given for the specific vehicles presented.
Overall another nice effort, but the forced use of the etched brass may not be appreciated by all modelers.
Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 27 D upper hull
B 38 C/D interior and road wheels
C 27 x 2 D front wheels and interior details
D 2 DS plastic tracks
E 24 x 3 C/D Wurfrahmen with rockets
I 1 D lower hull
MA 4 etched brass
MB 24 etched brass
MC 66 etched brass
(Originally written on April 5, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6454; 10.5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G with Zimmerit; 731 parts (422 in grey styrene, 288 “Magic Track” links, 20 etched brass, 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price estimated at US$50.95
Advantages: neat idea using the “Smart Kit” StuG III kit with pre-covered zimmerit hull parts, ready for easy(er) assembly or suitable for super-detailing
Disadvantages: single choice option of zimmerit pattern not appreciated by some modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all WWII German fans
DML continues with its new series of German armor that comes pre-molded with the “zimmerit” anti-magnetic mine paste in place. This kit provides a StuH 42 with the “waffle pattern” of zimmerit on its upper and lower hull. To accomplish this, DML swapped out 32 parts from their StuG III Ausf. G “Smart Kit” (NOT the previous StuH 42 kit No. 9058 from 2004) and replaced them with the new ones with the “waffle pattern” in place. They also provided the new gun assembly from their “Heuschreke” kit instead to provide some of the 10.5 cm howitzer parts; this does mean a two-piece (barrel and muzzle brake cap) styrene barrel, and no metal parts are provided for the gun. This does result in a curious composite of the 7.5 cm gun and 10.5 cm howitzer parts being used, but as the forward part of the 7.5 cm gun is very difficult to see through open hatches it may not be a big deal.
This kit provides the “early production” – e.g. welded mantelet/recoil cover vice the later “Saukopf” mantelet – version of the Ausf. G assault guns, and no “Saukopf” as fitted to some of the latter StuH 42s is provided.
As it uses the “Smart Kit” StuG III, 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!
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. 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.
As mentioned in regard to the howitzer assembly, 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!
Three different finishing options and a targeted Cartograf are provided: Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1944 (sand overall); 202nd Sturmgescheutz Brigade, Kurland 1945 (whitewash over sand); and 904th Sturmgescheutz Brigade, East Prussia 1945 (whitewash over sand).
The kit design was supervised by Hirohisa Takada and input on this kit was provided by Minoru Igarashi, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, this should be another very popular kit, and I would bet an Ausf. G variant of the StuG III will follow using these molds in short order.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
A 54x2 Wheels and torsion bars (6 mini-sprues connected)
B 48 Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 31 Casemate and fenders
D 31 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 34 Heuschreke gun details
J 10 Clear styrene
K 144 Magic Track - Left
M 144 Magic Track - Right
P 29 Zimmerit coated hull parts
Q 2 Zimmerit coated casemate and engine deck
X 1 Zimmerit coated lower hull pan
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
WC 4 MG34
MA 20 Etched brass
(Originally written on March 30, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘38-‘45 Series Kit No. 6373; Fallschirmhjaeger w/Kurzer 8 cm Granatenwerfer 42 - Gen2; 278 parts (256 in grey styrene, 22 etched brass); price US$14.95
Advantages: clean, new moldings of paratroops with a very nicely done mortar
Disadvantages: some modelers consider “Gen2" figures too busy; relaxed poses not suitable for “action” dioramas
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German airborne fans
DML continues to roll on with its “Gen2" super-detailed figure sets. This one effectively replaces and eclipses kit no. 6215 (Fallschirmjaeger 8 cm Mortar Team - Italy 1944) and is a beautifully done set.
The four figures are shown in full paratrooper gear with smocks and camouflaged helmets relaxing between missions while one of the men swabs out the mortar barrel. Two have cigarettes and the fourth man has a pipe. Note that only the man with the bore brush is standing flat; all others will need a base or trench wall to lean against.
Each figure follows the now standard DML “Gen2" breakdown of some 17 parts per base figure: torso (2), legs (2), arms (2), head (2), boots (2), hands (2), coat skirt (4) and collar. Heads as usual are split along the chin strap. Small items such as belt buckles are offered in either plastic or etched brass, and the latter includes assault badges and awards as well.
Weapons are from the generic “W” sets DML has used now for some time, so each weapon has a “slide molded” hollow bore, choice of open or closed bolt, and a brass sling. The 8 cm mortar is new and replaces the one from Kit 6215, providing a nine-piece mortar with separate aiming dials and cranks and a hollow bore; it comes with eight bombs and four ammo carriers as well.
The rest of the kit are the now familiar “G” sprues with a plethora of German kit – ponchos, bread bags, mess kits, canteens, bayonets, ammo pouches, entrenching tools, gas mask canisters, and holsters.
This kit gets the “A” treatment with box art and directions by Ron Volstad.
Overall this is a nicely thought out kit and while “action” modelers may be disappointed in the poses they are more realistic and provide for a centerpoint for a diorama more readily than the more frenetic ones.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 50 Two figures
B 39 Two figures
GA 64 German Kit - gas mask canisters, canteens, mess kits, bayonets
GB 56 German Kit - bread bags, ammo pouches, ponchos
GC 6 German Kit - Fallschirmjaeger helmets
WA 18 German Weapons - 2 x Kar 98K with accessories
WB 18 German Weapons - 2 x MP-40, 1 x MP-44, 1 x Gewehr 43
WG 25 German Weapons - 8 cm Mortar with accessories
MA 22 Etched brass
(Originally written on March 23, 2008)
Book Review: “Weapons of War” Series; The M38A1 1/4 Ton Truck in Canadian Service by Andrew Iarocci; Service Publications, PO Box 333071, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2C 3Y9, 2008; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-48-6 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: The Canadian view of the postwar American designed Jeep; good look at Canadian vehicles and usage
Disadvantages: camouflage colored vehicles have no callouts
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all US and Canadian Jeep fans
Follow their recent “Weapons of War” Series boon on “The WWII Jeep in Canadian Service” (ISBN 1-894581-34-9) Service Publications has now presented a new volume on the postwar Jeep vehicles in Canadian service.
After WWII ended, Kaiser Industries took over Willys and then looked to the postwar market for new vehicles. They soon developed postwar variants of the popular and iconic Willys MB which became the CJ2 on the civilian market and M38 in US service, the main difference being the civilian model upgraded to a 12 volt electrical system and the military one to a standard 24 volt system.
Canada too decided the Jeep was a good thing and wanted to procure newer vehicles, but soon decided even with a robust autmotive industry – linked directly to US companies – it made little sense to spend the extra money to purchase self-designed vehicles. As a result, the decision was made to purchase new vehicles from the US (most of which had Canadian-made parts in them anyway) or from the Canadian subsidiaries of the US plants. The main vehicles thus purchased were the Dodge/Fargo 3/4 Ton 4 x 4 M37 , the GMC designed M135 2 ½ Ton 6 x 6, and the Kaiser/Willys M38 and later M38A1 1/4 Ton 4 x 4 Jeeps. While most of the vehicles were actually built in Canada, by using standard military pattern (SMP) US designs more could be procured for less money and, given the high probability of joint operations with US forces, greater commonality of vehicles and support.
The M38 was only in production for a short time before it was replaced on the production lines by the more attractive and less spartan M38A1, and this version remained in Canadian service and production long after the US Army switched over to the Ford designed M151 series. The M38 and M38A1 were built in Canada by Ford of Canada in Windsor, Ontario, with the latter basically produced in three major lots, referrdd to as : M38A1 CDN, 1952-1953; M38A1 CDN2, 1967-1968; and M38A1 CDN3, 1970-71; the latter batch were Toledo-built, as were an interim group of CJ7 Jeeps provided between 1982-1985.
The M38A1 series of Jeeps had minor differences, with the only major difference being that the M38A1 CDN models were delivered without heaters. (Something that does not jibe for me is Canada - Jeep - no heater - snow but then again I only ever had one M151 series jeep with heater!) The M38A1 also introduced what became a standard fitting in all subsequent tactical vehicles – a sturdy grab bar for the passenger which the Canadians dubbed the “Chicken Bar” (we called them “Jesus Bars” as it was likely the first comment one would make when grabbing it for dear life.)
Critics at the time argued whether the new design was better or not, but it was based on functionality and the longetivity of the vehicle’s service and popularity would seem to be on the side of the designers and not the critics. More powerful than WWII models and blessed with stronger components, the mileage was less as with all designs of the 1950s – bigger engine, more power, lower mileage. Reliability of components, mostly seals, also caused problems which led the US Army to begin replacement after only six years of service.
The book covers some of the Canadian modifications to the little vehicle and accessories such as the M110 CDN trailer (the WWII Bantam-style trailer in its postwar guise) and the 106mm RR version; the author does not indicate if the Canadians bought the M38A1C version or simply made their own.
Some comments on painting and finishing are also included, and most useful for modelers, Service Publications is now including 1/35 scale plans and scrap views in the center of each book. Kudos to them for taking modelers into consideration.
It should be noted that AFV Club is offering the ex-Skybow M38A1 and M38A1C kits, and some after-market sets of markings for Canadian UN service vehicles are available from companies like Archer Fine Transfers.
Overall this is another nice little volume from Service and gives another view of a popular subject.
Thanks to Service Publications for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on March 23, 2008)
Book Review: “Weapons of War” Series; The 2-Pounder Anti-Tank Gun in Canadian Service by Doug Knight; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2008; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-36-3 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: Good, clean description of how the 2-pounder came to be and its developmental history, along with some information on organization and details; basic explanation of ballistics and antitank theory useful for new readers
Disadvantages: modelers may regret not having more detail information on regiments and markings
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all “gonners” and Commonwealth fans
Between the wars all of the major powers saw tanks as a coming threat, and as a result developed new antitank guns firing solid shot to knock out the threat. But due to an inability to foresee the problems of tank versus antitank combat, and taking their own tank developments as a baseline, nobody produced very useful antitank guns. The US produced the 37mm, the Germans another 37mm, the French a 25mm, the British the 2-pounder (40mm), and the Soviets an upgraded German 37mm in 45mm caliber. By the end of the first two years of the war, all but the Soviet gun were found wanting, and that gun’s days were also numbered.
The British underwent a number of trials and errors but settled on the 2-pounder in 1936, and at that time it was superior to any of the other world efforts. But production was difficult, and as a result the British approached Canada in 1939 to use her industry to augment domestic British production of the weapon. Dominion Engineering Works eventually took over production of barrels and General Electric Canada made the carriages.
The 2-pounder used a plethora of barrel designs, of which eight were naval designs and at least four were ground based. Most common was the Mark 9 barrel that was used on the standard ground mount for the 2-pounder, the Mark 2. This was a tripod with two legs to the front and one to the rear, and in which in order to get 360 degree traverse the wheels were removed and the gun cranked down flat. Still, the 2-pounder was tall (about 40" or 1 meter to the top of the shield) and heavy at 1,852 pounds combat ready; this was its major drawback as an antitank weapon.
But it was obsolete as an effective weapon very quickly. Considering that in 1939 every major tank design used the 2-pounder – the A9, A10, A13, Covenanter, Crusader and Churchill, as well as the semi-commerical Valentine – by the time they were involved in major combat the Germans had uparmored and upgunned nearly all of their in-production tanks which minimized the value of the 2-pounder. Paper values rarely count, and Doug provides a primer on why a paper value of penetration of x mm of rolled homogenous armor at y meters may not give the entire truth of the use or effectiveness of a specific type of gun. On paper the 2-pounder could defeat most of the German tanks under perfect conditions; under actual conditions, the Germans would simply stand off out of effective range and pound the hapless 2-pounder and its crew with HE-FRAG ammunition to suppress or destroy them.
Still, as it was the only AT gun in production the British decided to increase production rather than look for something better. This probably kept the much more powerful 6-pounder (57mm) out of production for another 18 months as a course, but as noted here the final production models of the 2-pounder used the 6-pounder carriage, and that at least simplified the changeover to the more powerful gun.
A prototype of an improved 2-pounded dubbed David was produced which used a 2-pounder shot in a necked down 6-pounder casing. While the performance was nearly as good as the 6-pounder, the gun was bigger, heavier and as a result no major improvement over either the 2-pounder or 6-pounder.
The one improvement which did work was the late-war “Littlejohn” adapter using the “squeeze-bore” effect. This used a 40mm projectile with a tungsten carbide core penetrator (a very heavy and solid item, still the composition of many penetrators today) with heavy brass driving bands that folded down when the round passed through the adapter and compressed it to 30mm. The result was a 1600 fps increase in velocity and the ability to pentetrate up to 75mm of armor at useful combat ranges. The 2-pounder received the Mark 10B barrel with an adapter 17 5/8" long added to it. Ironically, the Germans had used a very similar concept with their 28/20mm Gehrlich tapered bore guns but dropped it when they ran out of tungsten early in the war.
There are some notes provided on organization and operational use of the gun in service, and it is interesting to note that originally the guns were under the purview of the Artillery and not infantry units. Later a platoon of twelve 2-pounders or 6-pounders were assigned permanently to infantry regiments. Ironically the Canadian Army did not use the 2-pounder in combat overseas!
The book as with all new Service Publications provides a large number of 1/35 scale drawings of the most common gun, the 2-pounder Mark 9 on Carriage Mark 2 as well as the Mark 10 with Littlejohn adapter, Mark 4 carriage and even the 2-pounder David prototype.
Overall this is a very handy book but for modelers, alas, for so far there are only resin 2-pounder kits to choose from.
Thanks to Service Publications for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on March 15, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6456; German Officers - Kursk 1943; 56 parts; estimated price about US$10
Advantages: four new poses for use with tank kits
Disadvantages: Gen1 figures with very early DML weapons set; somewhat static poses; bizarre box artwork
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII German armor fans
DML tends to take turns between producing its very detailed “Gen2" series of figures and what could be termed “Gen1" sets with far less complicated figures and fewer details. This is one of the later sets; while not as detailed or offering as many options, the figures as usual are up to DML’s high standards. (Note that a good number of modelers really don’t care for the “Gen2" figures as they are “too busy” to assemble, so there are fans of both styles.)
This set provides four officer figures and appears to be based on photos of actual German troops at Kursk. One senior officer in a service cap and without a blouse is reading from a map; two Panzergrenadier officers are next to him, with one officer in a camouflaged smock really looking like it has been “warm work”; the fourth officer is seated on the edge of a Pzkw. IV hull and pointing to something in the distance. All have very good facial details and a variety of uniforms and kit give the impression of “not on the parade ground” which some companies tend to miss. Note that all of the officers are SS officers but the collar tabs are “pre-censored” as are their cap badges, even though the “death’s head” items are minuscule the ones on the uniforms are also “service neutral.”
The weapons are a letdown as they are from one of the very first DML sets and are over 15 years old. DML should retire these and use the Wx sets from their “Gen2" figures as they are state of the art, and even if you don’t want to use a 17-piece figure in place of a 6-piece figure they should have decent weapons. They also come with three diferrent styles of binoculars and two sets of lens caps, a near scale cigarette, and four different styles of headgear.
The really odd thing is the box art; this is not a Ron Volstad set and it shows, as the figures are clearly “Photoshopped” with what looks to be xerox-like precision and the Pzkw. IV tank is obviously the same image with cut and paste. Likewise the back of the box shows completed figures with “stick here “ arrows and no detailed painting directions. Even if Mr. Volstad did not do the artwork, the system he uses is far better and more flattering to the product than this sort of production level.
Overall, Germans are always popular and Kursk being a focal point this set should prove a good one for most modelers
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
6005 7 German weapons - 2 x Kar 98K, 1x MP-40, 1 x FG-42
6456 43 Four figures and basic kit
D 6 German helmets with and without camouflage covers
(Originally written on March 15, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6428; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther D w/Zimmerit; 578 parts (383 in grey styrene, 159 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, 12 etched nickel, 4 cast metal, 2 turned brass, 2 DS plastic tracks, 1 length of copper chain, 1 turned aluminum barrel); estimated retail price US $46.99 (via Mission Models)
Advantages: “Premium” kit receives zimmerit treatment; many modelers will appreciate the DS plastic tracks
Disadvantages: another amortization of older molds
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German modelers
F I R S T L O O K
DML has just redone its Panther Ausf. D kit with the new zimmerit treatment they have been using in a high acceptable manner and which many modelers have appreciated. This kit is the recent “Premium” kit with the addition of the parts needed to display zimmerit – a total of 14 parts replaced from the other kit (No. 6299, released in July 2006.) As such, the zimmerit parts are as with the other new kits very nicely done, and will look great with a bit of weathering and dry-brushing.
As noted, other than those parts this kit is a verbatim re-release of the earlier kit. Most of the sprues are from their A and D kits and so labeled, with only three new items (sprues F, M and P) new to the 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 the choice of wheel hubs for the drivers and eight specially molded track links with separate guide teeth, but in the case of this kit it does not provide any single link track and instead two full DS plastic runs in tan. Details are very well done (the guide teeth are hollow, but the purist may want to enlarge the holes in the teeth) and the tracks are packed in a cardboard rack to prevent bending the teeth or kinking the track.
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.)
Only two different finishing options are included: “Unidentified Unit 1943" in two-tone green and sand camouflage with thin brown overspray, and “Unidentified Unit 1943" in thre-tone camouflage (green, red-brown and sand). Only generic markings are provided by Cartograf.
The project as with most recent ones was supervised by Hirohisa Takada and technical drawings by Minoru Igarashi. Technical help was provided by Steven Van Beveren, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, the pre-zimmerited kits have proven quite popular and this kit should be no different.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 24 D turret and hull details
B 43 D/A sponson liners and details
C 1 lower hull
D 43x2 D/A gun and details
E 34 D/A mantelet and turret back plate
F 1 D upper hull with zimmerit
J 40 D turret details
K 10 x 4 D wheel sets
L 14 D/A clear styrene
K 6 German tools/OVM
M 3 D/A muzzle brake
M 11 D parts with zimmerit
P 20x2 D/A suspension arms
P 2 Rear stowage bins with zimmerit
Q 24x2 D track with separate guide horns
Z 2 DS plastic track runs
CG 4 German jack
MA 159 etched brass
MB 1 turned alumimum
MB 12 etched nickel
MB 4 cast metal
MB 2 turned brass
MC 1 length of copper chain
(Originally written on March 8, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 04 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 series Kit No. 6452); T-34 /76 No. 112 Factory “Krasnoe Sormovo” Early Production 3-in-1 Kit; 781 parts (578 in grey styrene, 180 “Magic Track” links, 119 etched brass, 2 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire, 1 turned aluminum barrel); price US$39.95 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: much better research on this kit that the STZ Model 1942; plentiful options and choices; nicely done “slide molded” turret
Disadvantages: some quirks in their research; “three in one” is deceptive in the case of this vehicle!
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet and “34" fans
The Soviets always tried to come up with the lowest common denominator for mass production: pick one good design, and then put them into mass production at two or more factories. As a result, they rarely had a singularly outstanding weapons system, but they had very good ones and a lot of them. Such was the case with the T-34, which had been picked just prior to WWII to be the standard medium tank.
The “home” or lead factory was Factory No. 183 in Kharkov, and it was to be followed by Factory No. 112 - “Krasnoye Sormovo” - and then the Stalingrad Tractor Factory (STZ) in getting the tank into mass production of more than 2,000 tanks per year.After the war began, on 25 August 1941 Factory No. 183 sent five knocked-down T-34 Model 1941 tanks to Factory No. 112 along with nine machine tool jigs and five “kontovateli” – a very large barrel-hoop shaped rotating jig for welding the hull components together. As Factory No. 112 had been working on partially knocked-down T-34s for some time, they were prepared and had two of the hulls finished by 1 September. In that month they received another 35 knock-downs from the armor factory at Mariupol’ and made 48 more on their own.
Due to the fact that the armor plate they were manufacturing was quite hard and edge welding was not as reliable as needed, they switched to a “notched” construction design to fit the glacis plate to the hull sides. Prototypes were finished by 25 October and then full scale production commenced. Documentation was provided to the STZ; they later adopted a similar style but used it for both the glacis and upper stern plate.
Other than the “notched” assembly at the front, the hull “signatures” of Factory No. 112 tanks were the large hinges at the rear for both the air exhaust grille and the entire upper plate. The upper rear plate also introduced a round access hatch held in place by four bolts; later this was modified to a larger one held in place by seven bolts but offset slightly to the right. The turrets generally matched the Factory No. 183 designs (e.g. with or without the rear bolted hatch for gun barrel replacement access; without it the turret had to lifted by a crane and tilted forward to get to the barrel) but with some minor changes in form and shape.
The other item that distinguished Factory No. 112 tanks from the rest of the T-34s were the fact they sported more handrails for “tankoviy desant” riders than any others – up to four on the turret and 14 on the hull!
Factory No. 112 built this design well into early 1943 before they changed to the six-sided “Gayka” turret design. I haven’t found the changeover point yet but there were probably more than 2,900 of these tanks built.
So far cyber-hobby.com has been hit or miss with their “boutique” versions of the T-34 series tanks; their STZ Model 1941 was nicely done but the STZ Model 1942 was riddled with simple and annoying errors, most of which related to the hull. Happily, this kit is mostly a “hit” as they got much more right with it.
The kit adds two new sprues to the tried and true DML T-34 Model 1941 molds – a new sprue with two stern plates and two sets of rear air exhaust grilles – and a new turret sprue with a lovely new one-piece turret shell for the cast turret. They also provide the very early model T-34 Model 1940 tracks on sprues but then happily add the “Magic Track” links from their premium T-34-85 kits. Since many Russian sources attribute this design to Krasnoye Sormovo, and it was the one used on nearly all of their tanks, it is more accurate for any of the tanks produced after October 1941, which this kit represents.
The old parts provided with this kit are tried and true, and have generally been well received by modelers. Suffice it to say there are still the usual quirks that must be dealt with, such as the late-model double bump stop on the lower hull molding; as it can’t really be seen when the model is assembled, it is not right but pretty much a “so what” correction. The front glacis plate for this kit (P-1) has the “notches” molded in place (unlike the STZ 42 hull which had them molded in place on it) and as such care will have to be taken in installing it to the hull body. The kit also provides the “bars” that were welded to the hull to protect the turret race.
Both of the Factory No. 112 hull stern plates and access hatches are included, but only the later one has the wide hinges on the air exhaust grille. The hatch is missing the top bolt, but that should be easy to replace from one of the other two stern plates (one of which is not used at all). Note that there is no verifiable data on what constitutes a “gasser” or M-17T powered T-34. The early grille which cyber-hobby.com calls the “gasoline” grille is really the pre-June 1941 design which had a taillight ensconced in the notch; later ones either did not use one or provided only a wire and fitting for a detachable one.
The turret is a nicely done new sprue (T) which includes a one-piece shell (thanks to “slide molding” for the Factory No. 112 type castings. Note that the bead around the front of the shell is weld bead and NOT a seam to remove! Also note that the turret comes with two hatches, of which the second one (T-3) is the more common hatch for this tank according to the “Top to Bottom” books. The model comes with an early type PT periscopic sight/viewer without the more popular “acorn” shaped cover found on T-34s. The modeler has a choice of three barrels for the F-34 gun: two-piece, one-piece with hollow bore from “slide” molding, and a turned aluminum one. A gun breech and partial interior to the turret are provided as with all of the DML T-34 kits.
All 16 hand rails for the tank are included as well as at least two spares or alternate ones.
This project is listed as supervised by Hirohisa Takada, with drawings from Minoru Igarashi and the Dragon design team; technical assistance was provided by Nick Cortese.
The model doesn’t really come with specific finishing directions other than to paint the tank Soviet armor green (shade 4BO to the Soviets) and only provides specific info for one tank, “From the Workers of Kazakhstan” with a “number jungle” to create specific vehicles. Use of two or three digit numbers at this stage of the war was common, but most of the latter only started with 1, 2, 3 or occasionally 4 and the rest never went much above 22 or so as tank companies were only 7 to 10 tanks in size and battalions 22 to 31. The sheet is from Cartograf and provides three different styles of numbers.
Overall, this is a much better kit than the STZ 42 and possibly the best of the DML T-34s so far.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout
A 12x2 T-34 driver mounts, road wheel arms
B 21 T-34 40/41 turret roof and hull details
C 21 T-34 40/41 upper hull and details
D 15x2 T-34 40/41 solid disk wheels
E 16 T-34 tie-downs and brackets
F 37x2 T-34 40/41 drivers/idlers, auxiliary fuel tanks
G 23 T-34 40/41 welded turret and hull details
H 6 T-34 engine intake vents, driver’s hatch
H 14 T-34 41 turret front and details
I 1 T-34 standard hull pan
J 2 Clear styrene
K 13 T-34 41 F-34 gun assembly
L 65x3 T-34 Model 1940 early model tracks
M 18x2 T-34 95 liter round auxiliary fuel tanks
N 4x2 T-34 spring towers
P 51 Sormovo plant details (glacis, stern plates)
R 11 T-34 Model 1940 glacis plate and details
S 1 Twisted steel wire
T 16 T-34 Model 1941 Cast Turret
Y 180 “Magic Track” waffle pattern track
MA 119 Etched brass
MB 1 Turned aluminum barrel
March 8, 2008
(Originally written on February 25, 2008)
Kit Review: DML 1/72 Scale Figure Pro Series Kits;
Kit No. 7361, 3rd Fallschirmjaeger Division - Kingtiger Henschel Production Ardennes 1944 Part 1; 405 parts (147 for tank in grey styrene, 252 for figures in grey styrene, 4 etched brass, 2 DS tan plastic); price US$22.00
Kit No. 7362, 3rd Fallschirmjaeger Division - Kingtiger Henschel Production Ardennes 1944 Part 2; 403 parts (147 for tank in grey styrene, 250 for figures in grey styrene, 4 etched brass, 2 DS tan plastic); price US$22.00
Advantages: good base kit plus amazing figures and detail parts, sure to find “homes” in many other projects as well
Disadvantages: very tiny parts, only difference in the kits are the figure sets
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German small scale modelers and diorama modelers, especially beginners
DML has now moved into a new area – 1/72 scale figure sets, but unlike the majority of their excellent 1/35 scale figure sets, these are combined with a related kit. Here, since this kit is based on the Ardennes (e.g. Battle of the Bulge) with the 3rd FJG Division, it comes with a late-production Tiger II without zimmerit.
The vehicle is based on the recent upgrades with zimmerit and as such has the two-peice styrene hull designed to screw together; as it was based on the old diecast one it retains screw holes under the engine deck and radio operator’s hatch. The axles remain attached to the hull, but this is slide molded with sponsons in place as well.
The rest of the parts are cleaned up versions of the original parts . A very shallow engine bay is also included (recall it used to have to clear the screw mounts) as well as solid plastic screens for the front intakes on the engine deck; however, this kit now also includes much better and more accurate etched brass ones as well. The turret has two optional position crew hatches and the rear gun removal hatch. No interior parts are included in this kit except the engine bay.
The wheels appear to be nicely done, and all injection pin marks are hidden when the suspension is in place. The tracks are now the DS ones so may be glued together as with normal styrene plastic.
This kit only includes eight two-link track sections, which are more than sufficient.
The figures are amazing for their size, and the details approach the 1/35 scale ones in quality. Each figure consists of seven parts – legs, arms, torso and two heads, one bare and one designed to fit under a helmet. The four figures in Set 1 provide one standing figure and three seated tank riders, and Set 2 provides four standing figures. All are in casual poses, so it will be difficult to get an “action” pose out of any of them. All are in smocks.
Each one also comes with nearly the exact same amount of kit as a 1/35 scale “Gen2" figure and more weapons. Each set comes with a huge amount (134 pieces) of general purpose kit and 50 pieces of weapons. The weapons set includes two sets of four helmets (land forces and airborne styles), 12 x Kar 98K, 4 x MG-34, 4 x MP-38/40, 2 x MP-44, and 2 x Sten Guns. There are extra helmets on the sprues with netting or camouflage covers.
Finishing directions are provided for both in color. The figure finishing directions are by Ron Volstad. Markings are provided for only one unit – s.Pz.Abt.501, Ardennes, 1944. A number jungle is provided for all companies in the battalion and the headquarters, so the numbers cover black, red, yellow and blue numerals. The sheet is from Cartograf.
Overall, while it might have been nicer to provide different kits with each figure set, this way the intrepid modeler gets two Tiger II tanks and eight figures with both kits, plus a ton of kit to use in halftracks or other German vehicles.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
King Tiger:
A 76 Jagdtiger wheels
B 20 Tiger II Henschel turret and hull details
C 49 Jadgtiger engine deck and hull details
D 1 Tiger II upper hull
E 1 Tiger II lower hull
K 2 DS plastic track runs
MA 4 etched brass
Set Part 1:
GA 67x2 German 1/72 kit (canteens, mess kits, gas mask canisters, ammo pouches)
WA 25x2 German 1/72 weapons (Kar 98K, MG34, MP38, MP40, MP44, helmets)
I 34x2 German Ardennes Figures Set 1 (two figures)
Set Part 2
GA 67x2 German 1/72 kit (canteens, mess kits, gas mask canisters, ammo pouches)
WA 25x2 German 1/72 weapons (Kar 98K, MG34, MP38, MP40, MP44, helmets)
II 33x2 German Ardennes Figures Set 2 (two figures)
(Originally written on February 23, 2008)
Kit Review: Peolini Designs 1/48 scale Kit (no number); Dodge WC54 Ambulance Type 2; 88 parts (31 etched brass, 30 creme colored resin, 19 white metal, 6 acetate, 2 straight pins); price E54.50 (about US$80.66 at current exchange rates) including shipping and handling; available from Peolini Designs, Vierkerweg 42, 7532 RX Enschede, The Netherlands (website http://www.peolini-design.nl)
Advantages: first kit of this vehicle in this scale; nicely thought out and laid out kit uses all of the materials to their best advantage; outstanding directions (!); very useful for both ground and air displays or dioramas
Disadvantages: pour plugs will have to be trimmed off; few transport compartment fittings
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for both 1/48 Armor and Aircraft modelers for use as a stand-alone model or in a diorama setting
One of the most enduring vehicles from the Second World War was the basic and modified versions of the Dodge WC series 4 x 4 trucks that followed on the success of the VC series pre-war vehicles. Increasing their payload from ½ ton to 3/4 ton, the trucks were sturdy, handy, very useful, and in their postwar updated versions – the base version being the M37 truck – they served with the US Army into the 1980s and with foreign armies right up to the present day.
The WC series chassis came in three basic sizes: a short (98 inch) wheelbase version which was used for the WC-51/WC-52 weapons carrier, the WC-56/WC-57 command car, the M6 37mm gun motor carriage; a longer (114 inch) body used for the WC-53 carryall and WC-60 field repair truck; a long version (121 inch) for the WC-54 ambulance and WC-64 "knock-down" ambulance, and a 6x6 version for the 1 ½ ton WC-62/WC-63 trucks. (In the case of two numbers the second one came with a winch.) Postwar the basic models were combined and given a hardtop cab to become the very popular Dodge "Power Wagon" pickup trucks.
The ambulance was a universal vehicle, serving with all elements of the United States armed forces and in all theaters. Between 1942 and 1945 29,502 WC-54 ambulances were built by Dodge and its subsidiary Fargo Motor Corporation. There were two basic versions that were built: one, which Peolini designs designates as "Type 1" used parts list D-10534; the other, of which this model is representative, is dubbed "Type 2" and used parts list D-10583. The differences have to do with product improvements, such as protruding fuel filler nozzles and indented ones and radiator shells with and without "DODGE" stamped in them.
Peolini Designs is a new company from the Netherlands and announces that this is their first kit. With the resurgent popularity of 1/48th scale military vehicles and the enduring attraction of 1/48th scale aircraft, the choice of this kit is a great one and the model is a very well done representation of the vehicle. The kit's part layout does not show a great similarity to the only major kit previously issued, the much-traveled 1/35 scale WC-54 from Peerless Models (later Peerless/Max, Italeri, Testors, Bilak, and now Italeri again) which had the most annoying selection of part separation in any kit, a massive crosswise joint in the front of the roof.) It comes with most major parts in one piece, and here that thankfully includes the entire roof assembly.
The kit uses four materials – a creme-colored light resin, white metal castings, etched brass (provided by Aber) and pre-printed acetate windows. The latter are – aircraft kit style – provided with masks for painting, which is a nice touch. All of the resin parts use pour plugs, but the attachment points are well thought out and demarcation lines obvious so cleanup, while tedious, is not difficult. The use of white metal parts is something I normally dislike in a resin kit, but due to the smaller size of this model and the choice of items for casting in white metal they make sense and are less prone to breakage or damage (or lost for the clumsy of fingers among us, like me) during shipping and installation. Note that this kit comes packed in a sturdy cardboard box with internal plastic wrapping, which proved impervious to the USPS attempts to crush it!
One of the most outstanding things about this kit is its directions: other manufacturers, even mainstream injection molded kit manufacturers, should pay attention to this! The directions are a very nice 8-page booklet in black and white with clearly laid out parts identification, assembly order and location of parts, use of specific drill bits for cleanup callouts, and finishing directions. Two pages can even be dedicated to identifying the model and advertising of forthcoming products, and the directions STILL beat those of others for detail and aid. There are a couple of minor errors in them. One is the fact that apparently the original bumper was to be from white metal (part 12) but the production version came in resin (part 22); there is a big X through the white metal part as indicated but the directions still give it as an option in Step 19.
Assembly follows a set format: floor plate to chassis, interior and cab elements, body, fenders, suspension, chassis details, front end, wheels, and external details. The doors are all separate parts; however, the transport compartment doors are one piece. They are seemingly thick, but then again these had partially insulated doors which were thicker than sheet metal ones so this is not a problem. There is a well-aligned seam in the center so they may be opened up with a few strokes of a razor saw or resin cutting tool (I have one from Show Modeling; it looks like a sickle with the sharp face of the blade pointing inward.) However, the kit provides only a minimal interior in the transport compartment (e.g. the seats are folded up and only the side stretcher hooks are present; none of the hangers or lower racks are provided.) Creating one in 1/48th scale should not be too hard for the average modeler, as the stretchers are simple and the parts can be simulated with brass or styrene strip and rod.
There are few decisions made in producing this kit I could quibble with: the only major one, which appears to be done for the sake of sturdiness, is the solid white metal headlights. Since like many modelers I prefer to use MV Lenses or similar products, drilling these out to take a lens will be a bit tricky due to the small size.
One option is given in the finishing directions, and waterslide decals are included to match. The vehicle's finish is based on a preserved and restored vehicle which appears to represent a vehicle from headquarters, C company, 1st Battalion 33rd Armored Regiment, 2nd US Armored Division. It is missing the second "Delta" behind the 33 on the bumper codes, but the serial number is correct from the third batch of WC-54 ambulances ordered in 1942 in which more than 11,000 were built.
Overall this is a very nice little vehicle and the kit does it up right. I expect somebody will do some additional decal or markings sheets for it, especially for the USAAF and USAF units as well as Army units. For those modelers with a B-17 or B-24 kit who wanted to do up a diorama, this model should prove the catalyst to get them started! (Note: while this kit may seem expensive at first, the prices are proportional to the same factors in 1/35 scale for armor kits with a factor of about 2.5-3:1 for resin to plastic.)
Thanks to Dennis from Peolini Designs for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on February 17, 2008)
Kit Review: Miniart Kit No. 35036; SU-76M Soviet Self-Propelled Gun w/Crew; 604 parts (600 in grey styrene, 4 in clear styrene); retail price US$55.95
Advantages: nice, new molds of this popular little Soviet SP gun; good amount of detail for the fighting compartment and plenty of ammunition; crew figures nicely posed
Disadvantages: lots of very small and fragile parts; some ejection pin marks on the interior faces of the fighting compartment components
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet armor and artillery fans
In October 1942 a design team at Factory No. 38 in Kirov, led by M. N. Shchukin and S. A. Ginzberg, developed the SU-12 prospective light self-propelled gun mounting using the components of the T-70M light tank. The vehicle was completed in November, tested in December and adopted for service as the SU-12 but popularly called the SU-76, entering immediate production at that time. This weapon carried the famous dual purpose ZIS-3 field gun which also functioned as an effective antitank gun.
The SU-76 had a number of serious problems with its design, first and foremost being the fact it had a closed compartment at the rear which limited both visibility and the ability to service the gun. The gunner had a small cover elevated above the sights for use to observe the battlefield, but overall it was very dark, cramped and difficult to operate. Production ceased in July 1943 after only 560 were built.
The vehicle was redesigned by T-70 designer N. A. Astrov in April 1943 and in July 1943 the SU-15 (SU-76M) officially replaced the SU-76 in production (actual replacement on the lines appears to have taken place in May 1943). The cooling louvers on the left side of the roof was removed, the roof eliminated and the back of the sides and rear of the hull cut down for easier use of the gun and servicing by the crew. A much handier design, it proved quite popular in service, and during the war 11,494 guns were built by the Gor'kiy Automotive Plant, Factory No. 38 in Kirov, and Factory No. 40 in Mytishchi. A further 2,238 were built after the war, bringing total production to 13,732.
The SU-76s were used in four-gun batteries, three batteries per battalion, and in some cases three battalions to a regiment. Each battalion was issued with a T-70 or T-80 light tank as a command vehicle. During and after the war, these vehicles were freely distributed to allies of the Soviet Union as well as the forces of "struggling national movements" such as the PLA, the KPAF, and the PAVN.
There were two models of the SU-76M built, apparently referred to as either Model 1 or Model 2. The latter had an open casemate but higher sides and a bar across the back for attaching an antiaircraft mount for the vehicle's DT machine gun.
The SU-76 earned the unfortunate nickname "Suka" or "Suchka" in Russian, which translates as "little bitch." The name apparently transferred to the SU-76M, but this seems to have become more of an affectionate one than the pejorative used on its parent vehicle.
About 15 years ago Alan from Russia came out with a kit of the SU-76M that was later placed in wide release by DML. This kit was something of a dog, as it had probably the thickest and heaviest part ever placed in a small model in a floor plan approximately 6mm (1/4") thick. It was not popular and few modelers wanted to rebuild the kit to get good results.
Miniart has now taken the work done on their T-70/T-70M and T-80 kits, as well as their ZIS-3 gun, to create a brand-new kit of the SU-76M Model 1. The kit is very nicely done and has beautifully delicate work on the parts and the components used in it, but it is not a "quickie" build. (The fact it has over 535 parts should be an indicator of that!)
The kit is laid out with what appear to be modified sprues from the T-70/T-80 kits for its suspension. The wheels are the same T-70 size wheels, which are a tad too thin (104mm in real life or about 2.97mm in scale, and they are dead on; the T-70M/T-80/SU-76 wheels are 130mm wide or 3.7mm. Track links, however, are dead on for the M series tracks with a scale size of 300mm x 111mm (8.57mm x 3.17mm). The reason seems to be a conscious decision to make the teeth sturdy enough to resist breaking and the wheels are sized to fit the track and vice versa. Overall, it does not look bad when assembled, so this is not as major a fault as kits like the Tamiya T-62 or ESCI T-55 having skinny wheels.
The first 10 steps of the directions cover assembly of the gun, which, while it appears to be based on the separate kit of the carriage-mounted ZIS-3, is a new sprue. There are 55 parts to the complete gun and armored shroud assembly, and while some modelers may complain they are all separate parts with two-section round objects (read seams) they are nicely done; make good use of a FlexiFile and it should not be a problem.
Assembly of the hull is pretty straightforward but the cooling air intake on top of the hull roof (part 99) is a solid molded grille, so it will be a bit more difficult to cut and replace with a mesh or etched component. The cooling air exhaust on the right side of the hull uses a clever "herringbone" center section (part 137) to produce the louvers, which is a smart idea.
The gun assembly is pinned to the hull from below in Step 19 by the use of a plastic pin (part 81) which looks to an awkward method and may cause problems, especially those who do not paint the model as they assemble it. Since this pin is then sealed behind the firewall (part 57) it is something to be taken into consideration.
The kit comes with a nearly complete "basic load" of ammunition, which Miniart has wisely designed with the mounting clamps attached to the individual shells. However, the shells are designed for the different racks and have the clamps in different places – high around the projectile or low around the neck of the casing. Alas, while the kit includes eight "Arrow" shells (APC ammunition) as parts 71, the two different clamp types of HE-FRAG rounds are all called "Part 45" so you will have to pay close attention as to which is which.
This particular vehicle comes with two PPSh submachine guns in racks and ammo drums for them; it does not come with a DT machine gun, which is a bit unfortunate as it limits the modeler's options. Most of the brass add-on kits for the old Alan/DML kits have the disk racks for the DT guns, if you really want to have that option instead. (More of them were used with the SU-76M Model 2 variant anyway.)
The driver-mechanic's hatch and rear door are optional position parts. This helps when one examines the crew figures, which appear to provide a crew for a vehicle in firing position. The kit provides the complete #35037 set (available separately) which provides a five man crew: commander, gunner, and three "other numbers" loaders. Two of the figures (commander and loader standing behind the vehicle) are wearing greatcoats. The other three (gunner using the sights, loader behind the gun, and kneeling loader with the ammo supply) are wearing the quilted Soviet winter combat uniform; all five have the "Shelomofon" type padded helmets.
The figures are well sculpted and animated, and should be useful for other purposes as well by dioramists. As a bonus, the figure set also includes eight more HE-FRAG rounds but without the rack clamps as found in the vehicle part of the kit. Each one consists of eight basic parts (torso, legs, arms, hands and head) with a three-piece "Shlemofon" helmet; the greatcoat figures add a respectably thin two-piece skirt.
Finishing options are well covered with a color finishing direction set for painting (a nice touch in all of the Miniart kits so far) and covers the following vehicles as well as the crew: SP battalion, 11th Guards Army, East Prussia 1944 (white A-514 2); Unknown regiment, East Prussia 1945 (white 2-314, with one tank kill); 1238th SP Artillery Regiment, Poland March 1945 (white 1659); 1448th SP Artillery Regiment, 9th Krasnodar Cossack Division, Poland 1944 (white 31); 1223rd SP Artillery Regiment, 5th Guards Tank Army, 3rd Belorussian Front, Vilnius July 1944 (white 14 2). Serial numbers are also included where known.
Overall this is a nice little kit and even with the large number of parts should be a relatively easy build compared to the Alan/DML one. While the price seems high, it must be remembered that in a day and age where standard provision of a figure set from 25 years ago is now an option the kit does include appropriate figures, so the price is competitive with other kits.
NOTE: Those wishing to do a postwar or Korean variant should recall that Miniart has advertised a "late production" version of the SU-76M which should be the Model 2 variant.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 126 Upper hull and fighting compartment
B 104 76mm gun and hull glacis/roof
C 42x2 Wheels and suspension
D 44x5 Track links
E 4 Clear styrene
F 1 Lower hull tub
35307 65 Russian Artillery crewmen
(Originally written on February 9, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale Kit No. 03 (‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6335); Pzkw. VI Ausf. E Sd.Kfz. 181 Gruppe Fehrmann Tiger I; 839 parts (651 parts in grey styrene, 168 etched brass, 8 white metal, 5 turned aluminum, 2 pre-bent wire, 2 DS track runs, 1 spring, 1 twisted steel wire, 1 pre-formed etched brass; pre-order price via Dragon USA $42.95
Advantages: amazing amount of optional parts for one kit; molds cleaned up and improved once more; DS tracks solve the tedium of single link track assembly; choice of detail parts
Disadvantages: most confusing DML-produced kit yet for repetitive use of letters and sprue designators will give modelers fits sorting out parts
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German Tiger fans
I must confess that as I am not a Tiger afficionado I have no idea who "Gruppe Fehrmann" was or what made it different from other Tiger units. However, as this kit – like all cyber-hobby.com kits – is a "boutique" kit oriented at a small group of modelers with a very selective variant of a specific vehicle, it would appear that it does represent a specific vehicle and unit. The directions only indicate it was apparently involved in the defense of the Reich in 1945.
This is now the sixth Tiger I to come out using DML molds, and is soon to be followed by the eagerly awaited Tiger I with zimmerit variant to make number seven. A recap:
Kit Number Production variants Release Date Parts in kit Price
6252 Initial Jan 2005 756 $32
6253 Late Jul 2005 1,134 $45
6286 Initial - DAK Oct 2005 950 $45
6350 Early "Wittmann" Nov 2006 1,053 $100 (cyber-hobby.com)
6406 Late Jun 2007 720 $45
6336 Gruppe Fehrmann Feb 2008 839 $43 (cyber-hobby.com)
Note that the pre-order prices are usually not the retail prices for cyber-hobby.com kits, and the actual price in a hobby shop may be up to 60% more; the StuG III with Ausf. M muffler was pre-ordered at US$42 and sold for US$67.
This kit represents a steel wheeled Tiger I without zimmerit and with a lot of early features on it as well. To that end it mixes sprues from the Tiger I Early, Tiger I Late and Porsche Tiger kits. This makes the directions maddeningly confusing, as there are now two Cs, two Ds, two Ks, two Ps and a lot of other unmarked bits and sections of sprues to sort through to find the correct parts. There are also extra casting numbers on top of a few sprues and a bending jig for the etched brass components on one other, so even reading the directions is a challenge.
This kit is typical for cyber-hobby.com kits as it includes a lot of etched brass details and add-ons. Happily, what DML giveth they taketh away, and it comes with the tracks provided as DS Plastic runs. Based on some complaints of bent or squashed guide teeth, this set comes packed in its own special tray and sealed in plastic to prevent damage. The guide teeth are hollow but may need a bit of enlarging to look satisfactory to purists.
As noted, in order to reproduce this kit some 10 sprues were added or changed out from the last version of the Tiger I kit from DML. I am not sure if any of the specific details were modified or upgraded from past kits. There are a lot of leftover parts from what the "blue" do not use coloring in the sprue chart shows.
The kit comes with a small sheet of targeted Cartograf decals for but one vehicle: Kompanie Fehrmann, Wietersheim, Germany, 1945. The tank is a blended paint scheme and as a result DML offers a suggestion for blending colors with an airbrush to get the right results. The goal is a fuzzy and less delinated version of the red-brown/green/sand scheme.
Technical assistance and research for this kit came from David Byrden, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, as it is a Tiger, it should be popular, but on occasion I wish someone would realize that a bit of historical information would be nice to provide for those who are not omniscient of such vehicles.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Breakout
A 26 (Tiger I generic) 8.8 cm gun
B 40 (Tiger I generic) drivers and idlers
C 39 (Tiger I Late) fenders and alternate drivers
C 47 Tiger (P) Turret and details
D 27 (Tiger I Late) turret details
E 12x2 Tiger I details
F 12 (Tiger I Late) hull sternplates
F 21 Tiger I upper glacis and hull details
G 31 x 2 (Tiger I Late) Steel road wheels
G 45 Tiger I "Fiefel" air cleaners and alternate parts
H 54 x 4 (Tiger I Late) torsion bars and single track links
J 39 (Tiger I generic) interior components
K 10 (Tiger I Late) hull grilles and tools
K 18 Tiger I hull roof and details
L 12 (Tiger I generic) clear blocks
P 39 (Tiger I Late) hull sides and cable details
P 26 Tiger I torsion bars and wading equipment
R 15 (Tiger I Late) turret stowage bin
S 9 (Tiger I Late) clear
V 32 Tiger I "Fiefel" compontents
W 2 DS tracks
X 1 (Tiger I generic) hull bottom
Y 28 Tiger I alternate fittings
TA 5 (German OVM) pioneer tools
TE 4 (German OVM) small ends
TF 7 German OVM - jack
TG 4 German OVM - large cable heads
MA 110 Etched brass (Tiger I Late)
MB 34 Etched brass
MC 4 etched brass
MD 1 Spring
MD 1 Prebent wire
MD 1 Preformed etched brass
MD 8 White Metal
MD 5 turned aluminum
MD 1 turned brass
ME 1 twisted steel wire
MF 20 etched brass
(Originally written on February 7, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7315; Sd.Kfz. 251/7 Ausf. C w/2.8 cm sPzB 41 AT Gun; 181 parts (165 in grey stryene, 14 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic tracks); price US$13.95
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 has now released a kit of the C model engineer halftrack to joint the D model with Gerlich gun which they released in June 2007 (No. 7317) and upgrades the original C model
"Stroke 7" (No. 7265) from April 2006.
As with the previous kits in this series, 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 interior fittings but they are quite tiny 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 parts include the "Notek" headlight and mount and the drum magazines for the two MG 34 machine guns (only one is used.) 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. This kit also includes the complete 2.8 cm Gehrlich gun and its fittings, so they will take up some of the barren features inside the hull. Note that the bore is "slide molded" and looks very convincing.
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 sheets and markings, but only one suggested scheme is provided: our old friend "Unidentified Unit", Eastern Front 1942 (sand with a green hatch pattern overlay.)
Overall this is another variant on the basic C model and should be popular.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 32 251 C upper hull
B 38 251 C/D interior and road wheels
C 30 x 2 251 C front wheels and interior details
D 2 DS plastic tracks
E 9x2 251/7 footbridge assemblies
G 16 2.8 cm Gerhlich gun and mounts
I 1 251CD lower hull
MA 12 etched brass
MB 2 etched brass gun shields
(Originally written on February 9, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Model Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7275; M4A2(76)W Red Army; 177 parts (145 in grey styrene, 29 etched brass, 2 DS plastic, 1 twisted steel wire); price US$13.95
Advantages: new kit of this version in this scale
Disadvantages: Some engine deck details may be off
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for small-scale Sherman and Soviet armor fans
The Soviets were pleased to get American M4 medium tanks for a number of reasons, and one of the most important was that they mostly got the M4A2 variant with twin GMC diesel engines. Since all other Soviet tanks built after the start of the war were diesel powered, the fact that they only needed one form of fuel supply for tanks, as well as their being less susceptible to fire, was considered a great advantage. While they thought the 75mm gun was acceptable in all roles except tank killing, the 76mm gun in the later model Shermans at least put them on a par with the T-34 76mm tanks in tank-versus-tank combat.
DML has now released a kit of the Soviet version of the Sherman using many of their myriad of parts for Shermans in 1/72 scale, and this is one which sports a number of new parts to get the right version. The model uses the A sprue for the T23 style turret with oval loader's hatch, and comes with a choice of all three major guns used (M1, M1A1 and M1A1C – without, with threading, and with muzzle brake).
The hull is a brand new molding but does make use of some of the M4A2 (56 degree hull) parts. There is a short correction note in the kit that shows the changes needed to adapt those parts to this kit, most of which requires modification to the engine cooling air exhaust grille under the rear hull overhang. The kit also includes etched brass grouser stowage bin vent covers so that the modeler does not have to remove them from the kit.
The suspension is the familiar pressed steel welded wheel set for VVSS Shermans with flat top return rollers, which I seem to recall is not quite right for this particular M4A2 variant. (I believe more of them had the raised return roller mounts by this time of the war.)
One nice new touch is a pair of T49 three-bar steel cleat tracks, which is more accurate for this particular tank as the Soviets liked the extra traction they provided. As usual the tracks are single piece DS plastic runs.
Etched brass comes on two frets and covers most of the small details such as the stowage rack at the rear of the hull and the light guards. There is a supplemental fret with the aforementioned covers on it.
Markings and finishing are provided for two vehicles: 2nd Guards Tank Army, Berlin , 1945 (white 154); and 8th Guards Mechanized Corps,. 1944-1945 (white 216). I would like to have seen Colonel Dmitriy Loza's white 900 from the Vienna operation, but that's just me!
Overall this is another gap filler in DML's excellent run of small scale M4 tanks.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 39 T23 style turret with oval loader's hatch
B 40 Sherman 47 degree hull details
C 32 VVSS suspension with pressed steel wheels and straight return rollers
D 32 M4A2 parts and three-piece transmission cover
E 2 M4A2 47 degree hull
X 2 T49 track in DS plastic
Y 1 twisted steel wire
MA 27 Etched brass
MB 2 Etched brass
(Originally written on February 9, 2008)
Kit Review: Preiser 1/87 (HO) Scale Kit No. 16567; Tank Crew US Army 2000; 30 parts in sand color styrene; price about US$8.98
Advantages: modern tank crews welcome in this scale; nice choice of positions and options
Disadvantages: most poses not suitable for "in the hatch" mounting
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all small-scale modern US armor fans
I really like the Preiser figure sets in the smaller scales, as they are very sharp and well defined with a good number of optional poses. They are also about the only game in town, but if so at least they have brought their "A Game" to play.
About three years ago I went to work on a platoon (four) M1A1 tanks in the NATO standard camouflage and had a hard time coming up with suitable crews. The only figures available at that timer were the ROCO US Tank crew figures, part of a split set of modern US and Bundeswehr figures that had come out nearly 40 years ago. Somewhat short and stocky, they could still be moved around to fit the tanks and look acceptable.
Now Preiser offers this set, which shows figures in mostly modern desert camouflage but with judicious painting is good for the last 25 years. The kit comes with a total of eight figures in mostly relaxed or working poses.
Two of the figures are in the infamous (if you ever had to wear one, you know why) MOPP – Military Operational Protective Posture – chemical defense suits. They are at MOPP 1 (suit worn, and boots, gloves and mask nearby) in standing positions. One figure appears to be designed to sit on the engine deck of a ROCO M1A1 and if show any other way, um, would appear to be a bit odd. These are shown in their original OG 107 color olive drab and not the later CDU desert pattern.
The other six are in combat uniforms – either the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) or CDU (desert or "Chocolate Chip") variants, based on paint. Two figures are loading M829 series sabot rounds into an M1A1, one is sitting, one is climbing, one is on one knee checking the tank, and one appears to be in hatch. Most have separate heads and arms, so positions and functions may be varied. However, unlike some other Preiser sets these are not provided with extra arms or heads so the choices are more limited.
Overall this is a nice set which will help get the most recent series of ROCO or Trident miniature kits to get figures that are at least as good as the basic model.
Cookie Sewell
February 6, 2008
(Originally written on February 1, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6315; Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F1(F) - Smart Kit; 750 parts (503 parts in grey styrene, 216 “Magic Track” links, 15 etched brass, 15 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire); estimated price US$45
Advantages: totally new from the ground up kit; did not use older kit parts for changes; prepared for “drop in” after market engine sets; some new features
Disadvantages: probably not enough etched brass or mixed media parts to suit some modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German armor fans
F I R S T L O O K
There was some speculation on the internet when this kit was announced that DML would simply either (a) upgrade their original Pzkw. IV F1 kit from 1997 to “Premium” level or (b) mix and match parts with the excellent Pzkw. IV F2 “Smart Kit” (No. 6360). The answer is not quite (b) as DML has simply added a new sprue of parts (sprue L) to provide the L/24 gun to their F2 kit.
Like its sibling this is based on the brand-new “Smart Kit” molds with the new new hull pan which is complete less the stern plates, separate final drives, and much of the surface detail simulates screw or bolt holes; it also has an applique lower glacis plate. Drivers now consist of only four parts; the separate bolts are gone. Bogies are now nine piece affairs without separate tires (sounds like the sales of painting masks will go up again!)
The upper hull consists of a deck and framework with applique sides, front and rear engine intake components and fenders. The muffler has a central tube section and six add-on parts to complete it along with a “slide molded” exhaust pipe.
All ports and hatches are separate parts so they can be posed open. While not present, the hull does come with a rudimentary firewall for the engine compartment, and the various vents and louvers are also posable either open or closed. The bow also comes with a well-done machine gun and ball mount. Note that all ports have clear styrene inserts as well.
The turret is relatively conventional in its parts breakdown, but like the KwK 40 in the F2 this one uses the same system for the L/24 gun. unique. The barrel is nearly complete in regard to length, being trapped between the recoil cylinders at the rear and slid through the armored recoil cover and barrel jacket; again, this is only in styrene, but a metal part could be provided later in an upgrade set. Other than the gun and a very well done commander’s cupola of 18 parts (5 are optional) there is only a minimal interior for the turret, however.
Etched brass is kept to a minimum and only covers items such as the engine air intake louvers, some small brackets, and the flaps for the engine air intakes on the sides of the rear deck.
Tracks are the “Magic Track” snap-together-then-cement type, and modelers are advised to recall that when facing the head card the left side track links are on the left and right are on the right; glad DML simplified that as before I needed a 10x jeweler’s loupe to tell which was which!
A big sheet of targeted Cartograf decals is provided with this kit, and given that there were more F1s than F2s built (about 462 versus 175) it gives no less than TEN different finishing options! These include: Pz.Rgt. 31, 5th Panzer Division, Russia 1942 (grey with sand overspray, white 423; 3./Pz.Rgt. 35, 4th Panzer Division, Russian 1942 (sand with red-brown overspray, white 301); 4./Pz.Reg. 31, 5th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1942 (whitewash, white 821); 8./Pz.Rgt. 36, 14th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1941 (grey, yellow 831); 3./Pz.Rgt. 21, 20th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1943 (tricolor, white outline 334); Unidentified Unit, Kursk 1943 (no indications of colors; black 3); Pz.Gren.Div. Grossdeutschland, Voronezh 1942, (sand over grey, white 2); Captured Vehicle, Major Shalimov’s battalion, Leningrad Front 1942 (grey with white Soviet markings); 4./Pz.Rgt. 5, 21st Panzer Division, Libya 1942 (sand, red 402); 8./Pz.Rgt. 8, 15th Panzer Division, Libya 1942 (sand, black 8).
Credits include project supervision by Hirohisa Takada, technical drawings by Shin Okada and technical assistance from Tom Cockle, Gary Edmundson, and Notger Schlegtendal.
Overall this kit makes a nice “bookend” to the F2 and should appeal to the same fans.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Breakdown (all labeled as Pzkw. IV generic)
A 37x2 Drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Road wheels and bogies
B 28 Turret base and details (“gated” version of original sprue)
C 19 OVM and pioneer tools
C 8 Jack and details
D 19 Hull and turret details
E 27 Hull details and gun barrel
F 16 Commander’s cupola
F 8 Spare track links
G 52 Turret and hull ports, smoke grenade launchers
H 57 Engine deck and details
K 2 Fenders
K 1 Upper glacis
J 2 Hull top and turret top
J 8 Machine guns
L 19 L/24 Gun assembly
L 108 “Magic Track” left side
M 15 clear styrene
R 108 “Magic Track” right side
Y 1 Lower hull pan
Z 1 Twisted metal wire
MA 15 Etched brass
(Originally written on February 1, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6377; U.S. 10th Mountain Division Italy 1945 – Gen2; 214 parts (186 in grey styrene, 28 etched brass); price estimated at US$14.95
Advantages: any new US figures welcome; different figures with different uniforms nice change of pace
Disadvantages: niche uniforms and equipment limit their options for dioramas
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for US figure models and dioramists
The US deployed a large number of specialized forces and troops during WWII, but one of the least publicized was the mountain troops. Essentially cold-weather equipped and trained light infantry, these soldiers were optimized for operations in the mountains. One full division, the 10th Mountain, served in Italy.
DML has now offered a set of four figures representing these personnel and has created them in the Gen2 format. This is a good idea, as they have clothed them in the mountain parka, which means they are quite suitable to the Gen2 formula of separate coat tails and hems.
The figures are all clothed in the knee-length parka with fur-trimmed hoods, wearing the 1944 version of the “shoe-pac” (a rubber sole and lower section with short leather uppers) and carrying the mountain rucksack with the backpack frame. All of these items are pretty much unique except the shoe-pacs.
Each figure comes in 17 parts (2 x head, 2 x torso, 1 x collar, 2 x legs, 2 x arms, 2 x hands, 2 x boots, and 4 x coat tails) with the packs and frames separate. The figures form a vignette with two soldiers standing in relaxed poses, one kneeling and one sitting, massaging what may be a sprained or broken leg. The molding is excellent and matches the references I have for this sort of equipment (the French-printed “GI Collectors Guide” for the ETO).
The US figures do rate Gen2 status and equipment, and come with five different weapon, with the M1 Garands and carbine having optional position bolts (open or closed) and clips and magazines. All are provided with etched brass slings as well.
Other Gen2 bits include helmets, canteens, ammo pouches, first aid pouches, pistol holsters and compass pouches. Helmet chinstraps are etched brass as well as the tie-down straps for the rucksacks (outside, not shoulder straps). However, none of these are indicated on the directions, which is another overlooked item by DML.
Since this is an “A” kit, artwork and directions are by Ron Volstad.
Overall this is a very nicely done effort, but they are a very narrowly focused set whose only only other use is probably Korea in the winter of 1950.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 44 Two figures and accessories
B 41 Two figures and accessories
MA 28 Etched brass
GA 61 US Kit: canteens, ammo pouches, medical pouches, holsters
GA 6 US Kit: M1 helmets
WA 18 US Weapons: M1 Garand with clips
WA 22 US Weapons: M1 carbine, M1A1 submachine gun, BAR
(Originally written on January 23, 2008)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/35 scale Kit No. AF35105; M5A1 Stuart Light Tank - Early
Production; 519 parts (428 in olive drab styrene; 72 in black styrene; 10 etched brass; 4 black nylon; 2 black vinyl tracks; 2 turned aluminum; 1 black nylon string): estimated price around US$40
Advantages: FINALLY somebody got an American armored vehicle right; numerous options and nice touches give the modeler a wide variety of options; promise of more to come!
Disadvantages: does not provide a full set of T16 single-link track; took a long, long time to come to market (five years!)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all US armor fans and also Commonwealth Stuart VI fans
F I R S T L O O K
Up until now it has been a disappointing year and a half for American armor modelers. Of the five most highly anticipated kits, the first four saw one hit (the Hobby Boss M4 HST), one satisfactory (the Academy M7 Priest) and two duds (the Academy M3 Lee and Grant). But now after a five year delay behind their excellent M3A3 (Stuart V) kit, AFV Club has now released the first of their M5 kits, an M5A1 early production, and it is thankfully worth the wait.
AFV Club “teased” us back in 1997 when they released two sets of M3/M5 track, the rubber pad T16 (AF35019) and steel three-cleat T36E3 (AF35020) types and a lovely M3/”M5" suspension kit that was superior to anything else on the market. But then it took until 2002 before they released the first of their kits, the M3A3, and while a beautiful kit in its own right it was not a more common American type like an M3 or M3A1 variant. In the meantime Academy released their kits of the M3A1 (which was not) and M3 Honey which, while better in many areas than the 30+ year old Tamiya kits, were no bull’s-eyes. Now as we roll into 2008 this kit has come to market and it is everything many modelers had hoped it would be.
First off, it does not use many of the sprues from the M3A3 kit and where it does supplementary parts for the correct bits on the M5A1 are provided. These specifically cover items like the new mounts and VVSS springs for the idler wheels - but being AFV Club, the provide nylon inserts so the “springing” action works! Go figure. The modeler also has a choice of either welded spoke road wheels or the welded “pressed steel” types, as well as welded open spoke or “patched” spoke idlers.
The lower hull is molded flat, but this is not a major problem as it actually permits more accurate construction of the hull. The hull also comes with a firewall and mounts for the twin fans at the rear of the compartment, but no engines or any other lower hull innards are included. The crew escape hatch is also a separate component. The engine access doors come in six parts – two folding sections and two fixed sections. Fenders and the rear section of the sponsons are separate parts, and the lower glacis is also provided with separate bolt heads molded on one of the sprues for accuracy. AFV Club doesn’t appear to have tumbled to the tricks of “slide molding” as used by DML, Trumpeter and Academy, but their molding is nonetheless first rate.
The upper hull comes in a total of six basic parts – upper sides, upper glacis, turret roof, fuel tank covers, and engine deck. The bow gun is mounted so that it can move and all of the hatches and periscope inserts are separate components, and if carefully assembled the directions also indicate the hull periscopes are moveable. Brass parts basically cover two of the big grilles at the rear for the upper air intake and exhaust vents from the engine compartment. None of the lower grilles are provided, however.
The kit comes with one sprue – 24 links – of AFV Club’s T16 single link track. This is only for the four spare links carried at the rear of the hull, and it comes with two acceptable vnyl track runs for the main track; I daresay most modelers will be very happy with these and will use them vice going for single links. AFV Club indicates, like most other manufacturers, these can be cemented – but in the fine print it says “Instant Glue” (e.g. ACC cements.)
The turret comes with a complete 37mm gun and a turned aluminum barrel (no plastic option.) A few other interior parts are included to include an SCR-508 radio set for the turret bustle (no No. 19 set is provide for the Stuart VI, so Commonwealth modelers are on their own here.) The base for the .30 caliber AA machine gun mount is also a turned aluminum part. A different set of turret moldings are provided for the M5A1 turret and are different from the M3A3 ones in the placement of grouser mounts and other details. There are some small ejection pin marks inside the turret but nothing of major note most places. Note the grousers are quite accurate but come in two pieces each, and since there are 24 of them this may be the most tedious part of the kit.
AFV Club offers six finishing options: “Carol”, C-34, 3rd Battalion 33rd Armored Regiment, 3AD, Normandy 1944; 2nd “Chasseurs d’Afrique” Regiment, 1st Division Blinde, Free French Army, 1945; ROC Army, 1950s; 4th Tanks, 4th Marine Division, Saipan 1944; 23rd Hussars, 29th Armoured Brigade, 11th Armoured Division, British Army; and D Company, 34th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division. “Carol” also comes with a box-size portrait packed with the kit directions. Markings look okay but the very fussy will want to replace them with dry transfers.
Overall this kit is what modelers have been asking for five years, and while it does seem to take AFV Club a while to get their kits out for the most part they arrive ready to meet the anticipation.
Thanks to Miin Herng Tsueng of AFV Club for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 41 M5 lower hull and fittings
B 34 M3A3 kit engine details and rear panel
C 87x2 Suspension and wheels
C 16x2 Fuel caps, lift rings, fire extinguisher
D 53 M3A3 D59954 turret base and internal components
E 12 M3A3 .30 caliber machine guns
F 2 M5 upper front hull and fan mounts
G 10 etched brass
H 2 turned aluminum
I 3 M5 glacis and turret decking
J 1 black nylon string
K 37x2 M5 fine details, lights, extra bolt heads
L 3 M5A1 alternative turret
P 4 black nylon wheel keepers
T 2 black vinyl tracks
72 T16 track for M3/M5 series tanks
(Originally written on January 21, 2008)
Book Review: Allied-Axis: The Photo Journal of the Second World War; Issue 19 (2008), 96 pp., no ISBN number; published by Ampersand Publishing, Delray Beach, Florida; price $16.95
Advantages: big, clear photos of subjects, keyed for the most part to recent plastic kit releases; wide variety of archives researched and used
Disadvantages: some photos familiar to all from NARA or other heavily used sources
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all WWII fans
I like to pick up the “Allied-Axis” series of books when they come out and I recently spotted this one at the Ordnance Museum Gift Shop here in Aberdeen. As with all of their past efforts, this one does not disappoint.
This volume covers four basic subjects: the M2/M2A1 halftrack, captioned by Denise Moss and Pat Stansell; Sd.Kfz. 10 Demag D7 1-ton halftrack, captioned by Pat Stansell; Bergepanzer recovery tanks, captioned by David Doyle; and Krupp L2H143 Mannschaftstransportwagen, captioned by Ken Dugan.
The M2/M2A1 section covers 32 pages and, in light of many recent books on halftracks, does not plow former ground but instead provides new coverage wherever possible. Fans of the 2AD M4 conversion that reversed the direction of the mortar, while the photos are relatively well known, will appreciate the full page clear photos here when making the same conversion with the DML kit.
While the only kit currently available of the Demag D7 is the revived and slightly reworked ESCI one, the book provides 24 pages of coverage of this popular little vehicle in action, which is always a good topic for modelers. The photos give a wide selection of presentations of the vehicle – top up, top down, new, loaded down, worn out, and several different field camouflage paint schemes.
The section on recovery tanks is short but has 23 pages of some nice new (to me at least) shots of the Pzkw. III, Hetzer and Panther recovery vehicles in action.
The last 17 pages cover the Krupp 6 x 4 “Protze” cargo truck and present 12 pages of them which cover a restored vehicle in private hands.
Overall this is another good photo essay and a handy item for modelers or historians.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on January 21, 2008)
Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 scale Kit No. 00379; Russian PT-76 Amphibious Tank Mod. 1951;
193 parts (184 in grey styrene, 5 etched brass, 2 black vinyl tracks, 1 nylon string, 1 copper wire); price US$39.99
Advantages: best kit of the PT-76 series tanks going; nicely done details
Disadvantages: wrong hull for this model of the PT-76; some dimensional differences with recent plans; vinyl tracks so-so
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet and third world light tank fans
Occasionally a major industry creates something seemingly off the cuff, and that item comes in “under the radar” but goes on to have a much longer life than many of that industry’s other products. Such is the case with the PT-76 amphibious tank, which was created in the late 1940s and yet remains in service today.
The PT-76 was developed out of a postwar requirement for a light amphibious reconnaissance tank (in the mold of the prewar T-37 and T-38 light tanks) with no more than 15mm armor protection and mounting a 76mm gun to protect itself. The PT-76 was created by the Chelyabinsk Kirov Factory under the auspices of Zhosif Kotin, who was the chief of all tank designs from both Chelyabinsk and Leningrad after the war. A task force of designers was created from Chelyabinsk, Leningrad and the VNII-100 research institute under designated project head designer Nikolay Shashmurin; he was responsible for the design of the popular and successful IS-2 heavy tank. However, at that time Kotin was caught up in designing the IS-8 (later the T-10 heavy tank) and therefore gave the “light work” to Shashmurin.
Based on work done at the Factory No. 112 (“Krasnoye Sormovo”) just after the end of the war, Shashmurin’s team created two vehicles on one chassis: Article 740, which was the amphibious light tank; and Article 750, an open-topped amphibious armored personnel carrier (which became the BTR-50). They worked on the project from 1949 to 1951, after which Article 740 was accepted for service as the PT-76 (P for “Plavayushchiy” or amphibious, T for tank, and 76 for the 76.2mm D-56T gun). A number of enterprises thus shared in the award of the “Stalin Prize” for the creation of the PT-76 and BTR-50 in 1953. Most of the vehicles were built by the Stalingrad Tractor Factory even though it was designed “up north.”
The vehicle underwent several upgrade programs in service: these included work on a “Zarya” gun stabilizer, an upgrade to an 85mm gun, and various minor improvements. In 1955 the original D-56T gun with its multibaffle muzzle brake was replaced by the D-56TM with a two-chamber type as well as finally provided with a HEAT round which gave it better ability to deal with tank type threats. In 1957 a TDA smoke generator system was installed, as well as a new R-113 VHF radio to replace its 10RT type HF set from WWII.
In 1958, a new and heavily modified version entered production, the PT-76B. This tank used the D-56TS gun with the “Zarya” stabilizer, a radiation and chemical protective filter system (FVU and PAZ systems), the hull was increased in height by 60mm at the turret centerline area to increase buoyancy reserves and seakeeping qualities, the turret handrails were moved up 150mm on the sides, twin 90 liter auxiliary fuel tanks were fitted, a third (IR) headlight added, and a number of minor changes were also made.
In 1962 the vehicle hull was redesigned, with the sides increased another 70mm and the lower front plate angles changed from 45 degrees to only 35 degrees.
Between 1951 and 1969 a total of 4,172 PT-76 tanks of all types were produced, of which 941 were exported to a variety of countries to include China, Vietnam, Egypt, and India. Widely popular with Russian forces, especially the Naval Infantry, the PT-76 was still in service in 1990 and declared in CFE – but as a “light armored vehicle carrying heavy armament” so it would not count against tank strengths.
Oh, and the T-10? Went into service in 1953, built until 1966; 8,000 built, all pulled out of service by 1980 and only a few left that escaped the scrappers’ torch.
In 1958 Ideal Toy Company offered a 1/32 scale motorized kit of a PT-76B that was neat, but basically only as it was one of only a handful of Soviet armor kits on the market. For the next 35 years that kit – and the Ringo re-release – were worth a small fortune if you could find one.
Then in 2002 Eastern Express from Russia came out with a totally new kit of the PT-76B, consisting of some 349 parts and providing a simple but nice kit of this vehicle in 1/35 scale. It came with single link track and for a change of pace from Eastern bloc manufacturers, a one-piece lower hull and one-piece upper hull. The US price was about $22 and this was a good deal for the time.
Now Trumpeter from China has released a state-of-the-art series of three kits – the Model 1951, the interim (Model 1958), and the PT-76B. Each has some unique elements to it but while there is good there is also some room for comment.
The Model 1951 kit comes with the early model D-56T gun with the multibaffle muzzle brake, but quick measurement of the vehicle shows it also comes with the Model 1958 hull with 60mm raised sides. This is a royal pain to correct, but at it is only a difference of 1.7mm I doubt anyone will do it. Also from comparison with current plans (2002 from Aleksandr Koshchavtsev, one of the best of the Russian draftsmen) the suspension units are slightly strung out, with the lead one being about 70mm in scale (2mm) too far forward and the rest graduated down the line until the rear units match. Again, I doubt many modelers will correct this error. (Note that the EE kit is of the 1958-1961 version of the PT-76 with the 60mm raised hull and dual baffle muzzle brake.)
That being said, whereas the EE kit was a good kit the Trumpeter one is a very good kit. It comes with useful etched brass for the engine deck grilles (air intake and exhaust/ejection cooling) and also the headlight guards; formers are thoughfully provided for their complex shapes. For some reason Trumpeter includes the entire water jet trunking even though I doubt many will put the model on a mirror to see it! There are some major pin joints inside the trunking as well as the barrel, but a few minutes with a Dremel Minimite should solve that problem.
The gun barrel is as nice as anyone could wish in plastic, even though due to the screwy multibaffle design it had to be done using conventional molding methods and thus the assembly pins in the bore to rout out. A gun breech is provided for the kit as well but as no basket comes with it for the turret you may wish to just “button it up” for simplicity’s sake.
With the exception of the tracks, all bits on the Trumpter kit are just that much better. Engine deck hatches are separate parts so detailers may install an engine and driveline, and the crew hatches also are optional position items. The tracks indicate they are cementable vinyl (e.g. like the DS plastic used by DML or the type used by Tamiya) but are thin and somewhat flimsy. Given that an EE kit probably goes for $10-12 at flea markets, you may wish to pick one up for the single link tracks that will fit on this kit.
Two sets of markings is included for a PT-76 Model 1951 during Operation “Dunay” or the Czech Invasion of August 1968. One vehicle has the white invasion stripe scheme and the other the convoy tactical markings seen during “Dunay.” Both are finished in Soviet postwar green (about the same as the 4BO color.)
Overall it is a bit disappointing that Trumpeter missed the fact that all three PT-76 tanks use different height hulls and the lower hull changes on the “B” itself.
Sprue breakout:
A 57x2 Suspension, water jets, hull details
B 58 Turret and hull details
C 10 Turret and hull rear details
1 Upper hull
1 Lower hull
2 black vinyl tracks
PE-A 3 etched brass
PE-B 2 etched brass
1 Nylon string
1 copper wire
(Originally written on January 20, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited (cyber-hobby.com) 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6267; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther G Early Production Pz.Rgt. 26 Italian Front - Smart Kit; 732 parts (513 in grey styrene; 170 "Magic Link" tracks; 15 etched brass; 14 clear styrene; 12 pre-bent brass wire; 6 turned brass; 2 twisted steel wire); price estimated at US$45
Advantages: provides another low-production rare "niche" variant of this popular vehicle; minimal amount of brass parts
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
I am slowly tumbling to the system DML and its affiliate partner cyber-hobby.com are using to market kits. If the kit is destined for wide distribution it comes in a "Green" box with DML's name first and cyber-hobby.com elsewhere, as well as relatively normal prices; if it is a cyber-hobby.com kit, the model is in a "White" box with their name first and, as they are limited run kits, the price will be whatever somebody figures the market will bear. When I get a review sample, please note that I do not get a recommended retail price with it and have to search it out; I was a bit shocked recently to find the cyber-hobby.com StuG III Ausf. G with Ausf. M deep wading muffler - which added two sprues to the standard StuG III kit – did not go for a retail price of US$45 as I thought but US$67.
This kit is apparently another requested variant of the Panther, this time an early production Ausf. G serving in Italy whose claim to fame is a layer of spaced applique armor on the roof of the turret. As a result, DML has provided the nearly complete Ausf. G Late Production "Smart Kit" (No. 6268) but with some minor changes. The kit does not provide the separate idler mounts (Sprue N) of the latter and adds a new sheet of etched brass with the space armor for the roof, six turned brass studs for stand-off, and twelve pre-formed wire spare track hangers.
The base kit remains as astounding from a technical point of view. It makes more use of "slide molding" than any previous DML kit, such as the vents, torsion bar connector ends, and other fine detail items. The lower hull is a one-piece "slide mold" part with all of the torsion bars complete and separate parts. Fine details such as "bump stops", "pin knockers" and braces are all separate. The kit provides the rubber tired road wheels, but as it is an early model the two sets of "steel" road wheels for the last road wheel station on each side should probably head to the parts box.
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 of an after-market set.
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.
While 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 rounded one is the only one that can be used with this variant. 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.
One finishing option is provided – Panzer Regiment 26, Italy 1944 (three color scheme with red numbers; red 222 is the one given in the directions but a short "number jungle" is provided for other vehicles.)
Overall, by at least being a DML dominant variant the price of this kit should be within normal limits and slanted more towards the builder than the kit collector.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout: A 52x2 Engine deck details and fine details
Kit Review: Hobby Boss 1/35 scale Kit No. 82408; M4 High Speed Tractor (155mm/8-in/240mm); 333 parts (269 in grey styrene, 44 etched brass, 16 clear styrene, 2 black vinyl track runs, 1 length of nylon string, 1 section of brass chain); price US$36.99
Advantages: FINALLY a decent kit of this popular tractor; nicely done details and accurate suspension
Disadvantages: some details simplified (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all US and Artillery fans using tracked prime movers
Back in 1957, when I was nine the only good way to make money was off my report card, as I had a wonderful grandmother who believed that "bribery works wonders." As such, other than birthdays, Christmas, and a stray generous uncle or two it was the only time I could get enough money together to buy "expensive" model kits. In the fall of 1957, for my first good report card, I made enough to afford a good spree and went to my local model shop. The first thing I saw there for the princely sum of $1.98 and no tax was the brand new Revell Kit No. H-532, the "Long Tom" artillery piece set. For a 9-year-old, this came with a "tank," a big gun, a wheeled thing, and five little men – how cool is that?!
I loved that model and really had a good time with it, but eventually it bought the farm as did many others (a problem which was exacerbated the year I got a Daisy Model 111 BB gun.) But I never forgot it and when I grew up wanted to do one in 1/35 scale.
Alas, there were two major problems: number one was no 1/35 scale 155mm gun kits, and only one really crummy model of the M4 18-ton High Speed Tractor (the "tank" of my youth) from Nitto of Japan. This was merely a pantographed version of the old Revell/Adams kit with a motor added and rubber band tracks. Eventually, when AFV Club came out with their great kit of the M2 (AKA M59 in its postwar MAP version) I tried to tackle converting that kit to an accurate M4 HST. I gave up as it would have to be totally scratchbuilt. I also passed on the resin one which came out about three years later as it was too much for my budget.
Now, after two years of anticipation and waiting, Hobby Boss of China has released the second of two kits of the HST. The original vehicles were called the 18-ton High Speed Tractor M4 (90mm) and the 18-ton High Speed Tractor M4 (155mm and 240mm). That is straight out of the handbook, TM 9-785 dated April 1952, but apparently the WWII ones were called either Type A or Type B. The first Hobby Boss kit was of the Type A variant, with a "box" on the back that was optimized for ammunition stowage for the 3" and 90mm AA guns. The Type B variant, of which this is the kit, was designed to carry heavy artillery ammunition and could carry either 155mm, 8 inch (203mm) or 240mm ammunition in its "box."
The latter one is the more interesting one of the two, as it has an open compartment at the rear which has an ammunition handling crane and interchangeable plates for use with any of three types of ammunition – 155mm gun, 8 inch howitzer, or 240mm howitzer. These require racks that snap into the floor of the compartment and hold-down plates which lock into place to keep the ammunition stored vertically. The racks all nested to store on the floor of the compartment when not in use and to ensure the vehicles would be interchangeable as needed. Stowage was not great, as normally the stowage was for no more than 30 155mm rounds, 20 8 inch rounds, and 12 240mm rounds (the vehicle also had to carry their separate propellant canisters as well as the ammunition.) Handling was via a manual winch and erectable crane that used the nose plugs of the projectiles as shipped for pickup (a ring was normal).
Hobby Boss' models cover both vehicles, but as this one is the more involved – and the only one with artillery pieces available for it – it has been the one more in demand. The model provides a nice selection of features and a complete engine bay, as well as the basic racks for the rear and two 155mm rounds with transfer plugs in place.
The lower hull is a nice replication of the original, and using etched brass gives the modeler the options to have two vents at the front of the hull either open or closed. The idler wheel consists of three parts (center and two rims) to capture the welded structure accurately. (Note that while the suspension LOOKS like that of the American M3/M5 light tanks, it is more closely related to that of the M4 medium and has most of its parts interchangeable with them.) The bogies are nicely done with good wide wheels and a heavy VVSS spring assembly.
The tracks are somewhat thin versions of the T48 Sherman track (rubber chevron) but most M4 HST 155mm prime movers tended to use the T49 three-bar cleat type for extra traction. I suggest checking on them and if doing a WWII version replacing the kit's tracks with suitable single-link ones from RHPS, Model Kasten, or Fruil.
The rear section of the hull is provided with a wealth of interior details, such as the winch, the big Waukesha gasoline engine, and all of the engine systems. Since the bay is painted white and the vehicle has large side grilles, this helps show them off once completed. The side grilles are someone simplified to get them to turn out as etched brass (the real ones have at least two layers from photographic evidence) but this should not look too bad on the finished model.
The model also gives the modeler the option to either leave it open or "button it up" with a full set of canvas doors and panels. They also provide masks for painting so the windows may be installed prior to finishing, a nice touch.
The hardest steps in the model's construction will be the forming of the headlight (front) and floodlight (rear) lens guards from etched brass, as the originals are domed. I suggest seeking out something about the size of a pencil eraser and using it to shape the guards before installation.
The model comes with only one finishing option: A Battery, 987th Field Artillery, 1st Army. This was a non-divisional 155mm gun unit that fought in the ETO from July 1944 to V-E Day, but it is listed as an SP 155mm unit (e.g. M12) and not a 155mm tracked drayage unit, which is what the M4 units were. I suggest checking more thoroughly into WWII order of battle or good photographs for correct markings.
Overall, this is a great kit and answers the mail. The only question I have is – why didn't AFV Club do one when they did their 155mm?
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 38x2 Suspension, seats, exterior details
B 54 Cab components, engine
C 67 Cab components, engine and suspension details
D 16 Clear styrene
F 70 Ammo plates, details, drivers and idlers
1 Lower hull
1 Cab assembly
44 Etched brass
2 Black vinyl track runs
1 Nylon string
1 Brass chain
(Originally written on January 19, 2008)
Kit Review: Academy 1/35 scale Kit No. 13211; M113A3 "Iraq 2003"; 600 parts (430 in sand colored styrene, 144 black styrene, 14 poly caps, 10 clear styrene, 2 steel colored vinyl); retail price US$42
Advantages: Best basic "113" on the market; add-ons match many photos of M113 vehicles used in Iraq; provision of individual link tracks as an option welcome
Disadvantages: sink marks on every track link face; motorization holes in the hull belly; retains M113A2 engine, transmission and controls
Rating: Recommended (Highly Recommended if buttoned up)
Recommendation: For modern American armor fans and also fans of the "Papa Chuck"
When the US Army adopted the Bradley IFV, the M113A2 armored personnel carriers in service – affectionately nicknamed "little friends" or "Papa Chucks" from the NATO phonetics Alpha Papa Charlie – did not simply go out to pasture. Not every unit needed the Bradley or even wanted them. Thus, most units such as artillery survey crews, ground surveillance radar teams, and combat engineer squads kept them. But as many were in need of rebuilding, they were upgraded to extend their service lives with a number of improvements.
Chief among them were a Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbo-supercharged diesel of 275 HP and a new Allison X-200-4 or -4A transmission, which when coupled with new torsion bar suspension providing 15" travel really perked up the vehicle. Externally there were essentially no basic changes, but some units proceeded to modify the vehicles to meet their needs with extra stowage or even experimental supplemental armor arrays.
The M113A3 variants are still seeing service in Iraq today, and this latest variant to come from Academy is an upgrade to their excellent M113A2 kit from 1998 and its third major variant (they also "backdated" the M113A2 to a Vietnam era M113A1.) The kit is basically a verbatim re-pop of the M113A2 kit but with all parts now in sand color styrene and two new sprues (a and b) added with a total of 116 new parts for the A3.
They also now give the modeler the option of the one-piece vinyl tracks (which really aren't very good, even if better than the Tamiya ones) of using their single link track sets. These date from 1992, but are not bad and at least give more definition than the one-piece tracks do. Note that every single track face has a sink mark in it; while annoying as they all have to be filled (an easier task than one would think) the similar sets from AFV Club, Model Kasten, and the link-and-length sets in the Italeri 113 based kits all suffered the same exact problem. I have no idea why this shape is so prone to sink marks (as is the M2/M3/M41/LVTP-7 series track shapes as well) but it seems endemic.
The basic kit is a nicely done effort which fixes most of the problems with the 33-year-old Tamiya M113 kit, namely its fixed suspension and poorly rendered wheels. While not perfect the Academy ones look much more the part, and the adjustable suspension arms help (most M113 variants I've seen with the "chicken nest" commander's station sit with a distinct nose-down attitude).
The interior has been completely redone to match the M113A2 with separate seats, braces, "commuter" straps hanging from the ceiling, and this kit adds the sliding Kevlar panel spall liners inside the hull (parts a1 and a11). However, the radio appears to be missing (it hangs down from the ceiling on a platform last I looked at one) and there is one major problem with the interior. As noted the interior is correct for an A2, and would not look wrong for an M113A1; however, the A3 has a new design of transmission and a turbocharger on the engine, neither of which are provided in the kit. Most of all, the "laterals" or steering levers have been replaced by a W-shaped steering wheel on the A3, and that is missing. Note that if you simply button up the engine access hatch and the driver's hatch the model will accurately represent an M113A3.
The A3 kit also comes with modified rear external fuel tanks and a modified exterior ramp which appear to sport improved details. The vehicle also now offers a choice of weapon between the .50 caliber M2HB or the 30mm Mark 19 automatic grenade launcher. The wimpy smoke grenade launchers from the A2 kit are also replaced with more "manly" ones that look the part, as well as better looking guards.
The same three crew figures are provided for the vehicle, which for the early 2003 period is not too bad as the desert combat uniform was quite similar to the battledress uniform of these figures and they also come with the more common "boonie" hats as seen in Iraq. They also appear to still have ACLE ("Alice") packs vice the newer MOLLE ("Molly") packs, but since the early versions of the latter were throughly hated due to their poor serviceability many soldiers bought Alice gear from places like "The Cav Store" or simply kept their old kit.
The kit comes with two large welded steel strap bins on the sides of the vehicle, and in this case I suggest the modeler look for references. I am not sure if they are standardized as I have seen a variety of racks on M113s in Iraq. DML had a similar problem with its supplemental bustle racks as only certain units (like A Company 1-64 Armor) used them, and the same may be the case here. They are a neat looking change to the boxy shape of a 113 but you need to check on which units used them.
In addition to the three figures, the kit comes with some other add-ons such as what appears to be two sets of camouflage (a big bag and a small one constitute one set), nine water bottles, a water cooler, the aforementioned Alice packs, ammo cans, two 20mm ammo cans, two Minigun ammo cans, and two 5-gallon plastic water jugs.
Finishing options are provided for two "generic" US Army vehicles in Iraq, 2003: however, both have bumper codes and therefore can be identified. One is an artillery survey team track, HQ-35, from 2-3 Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division; the other is an armored ambulance from HQS Company, 2-7 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. Both are finished overall in Iraq sand.
Overall this vehicle looks the part and if nothing else presents a sturdy and basically accurate "canvas" which the modeler may begin. I do wish Academy would pay attention to details such as the engine and driver's controls however.
Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout: A 48 M113 suspension
B 44 M113A2 hull details, hatches and ramp
C 59 M113A2 interior components
D 82 M113A2 hull roof and details
E 29 M113A2 engine and floor details
F 61 M113A2 Crew and add-on accessories
G 10 Clear styrene accessories
X 72x2 M113 single link tracks
a 84 M113A3 parts and bins for Iraqi service
b 22 M113A3 fuel tanks and rear ramp
1 Hull
14 Poly caps for axles
2 Steel vinyl track runs
(Originally written on January 18, 2008)
Kit Review: Academy (MRC) 1/35 Scale Kit No. 13212; M3 Grant; 488 parts (486 in sand colored styrene, 2 steel color vinyl tracks); retail price US$46
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: nothing corrected from the M3 Lee suspension; turret has some shape problems, among them being about 1.5-2mm too high
Rating: Recommended with Reservations
Recommendation: for all Shermaholics and Commonwealth fans
I have to admit I like Academy as they have great molding and very good ideas that they use in their kits, such as offering numbers and letters molded on the sprues for modelers to do up their own casting marks, as well as extra nuts and bolts for replacing or enhancing their kits. But when they miss the mark, too often they do not seem to pay attention to honest review comments and move to correct them. Two of their major competitors, Trumpeter and DML, now do that and make adjustments to the kits in the light of comments. (There are always "Boo Birds" out there who will quibble over any transgression, and happily most companies have learned to dial them out of the equation.)
When they released their M3 Lee, I was quite happy to look into the box and see some major corrections looking back at me in comparison to the ancient and over-used Tamiya M3 Lee kit from the mid 1970s. First and foremost were tracks with the end connectors in the right place and five-spoke wheels. But as one got into the kit – and especially when Steve Zaloga took a ruler and set of plans to the kit – it turned out to have many new and unhappy errors introduced, the worst of which were an oddly shaped turret and a too-tall M3 suspension. This was a great shame as I had even provided Academy with the reduced factory blueprints for the M3 Medium Tank direct from the original plans, and still they missed the mark.
The M7 Priest kit was another cause for hope, and this kit did correct the suspension errors while unfortunately bringing in new ones to a much-desired kit. So with the experience of two misses behind them, I had high hopes that Academy would redo the molds and get the even more anticipated Grant right.
Alas, such was not to be. Academy's new kit of the M3 Grant is a verbatim reuse of the M3 Lee molds, too tall suspension and other errors intact, and adds but one new sprue of parts distinct to the Grant. Again, it is a case of frustration on my part.
Academy did apparently study some plans and resin kits, as the turret for the Grant is quite correct in plan view (e.g. from above) and the right size, something Tamiya has yet to figure out with their shopworn kit. But it has new problems, and a cursory comparison to what is arguably the best resin replacement turret on the market, the M3 Grant turret from Armoured Brigade Models from Canada (their ABM015 kit) shows some of the subtle shapes of the Grant turret were missed. Worst sin is the fact that for some reason Academy added a "riser" into the lower part of the turret, boosting it up about 1.5-2 mm and giving a "stalky" look not seen on any Grant. The good news is that from the same comparison most of the errors CAN be correct with sanding, filing and cutting, but once again it is a pain to have to do that to a brand-new kit which should have corrected those errors.
The rest of the kit, as before, is a partial "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 Lee kit's mounts with rollers on top (D47527 bogies) – as noted before some 2mm too high – and a third set of drivers are provided on one of the kit's dedicated sprues. This kit also has the oddity of coming with nicely done one-piece vinyl T51 irreversible link tracks, but then the kit provides WE210 "Double I" British pattern shoes as spares! Go figure.
The rest of the kit is new, but as before it is a case of quirks and oddities. The lower hull is one piece less the stern and transmission cover, but still has the odd Academy "trademark" finger hole in the belly. 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. 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 three correctly shaped barrels for either the early M2 (short), transitional M2 with stabilizer and counterweight, or later M3 (long) guns. However, no counterweight is provided for the 37mm gun. 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 again provides the early pattern of mufflers and stern plate, but this was quickly replaced or modified due to problems with heat venting and it should have at least optional air cleaners and "fishtail" exhaust tips.
The tank again comes with four .30 caliber machine guns (two hull and turret) but the AA one is not used. Again, 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 most egregious sin to Commonwealth modelers will be the fact that the kit does NOT provide the driver's periscope which sticks out of the hull roof over the driver's position.
The kit comes with two finishing options: "Atlanta II", serial T24334, which is simply identified as "Royal Army, North Africa 1943" and is overall sand; and a sand and grey camouflaged tank from the 7th Armoured Division, 8th Army, El Alamein 1942 with flashes on the fenders but no other markings. Unfortunately, having pre-released these markings they have been identified by Commonwealth modelers as lacking and therefore the kit will require after-market markings.
Overall, I am really frustrated that Academy apparently paid no attention to the negative comments on the Lee suspension and the positive comments on he Priest suspension and then reuses the inferior one. I really want to see Academy succeed, but so far they are nought for three in scoring a hit with these much wanted and highly anticipated kits. They are far superior to the ancient Tamiya ones (the Lee and Grant at least) but still take a lot of work that they should not have required.
Thanks to Bob Lewen for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 55x2 M4 suspension and wheels
B 67 M3 hull details and bow components
C 45 M3 floor and interior hull components
D 103 M3 gun and interior components
E 76 M3 suspension and turret base
F 8 M3 upper hull components
G 76 Grant turret and major parts sprue
1 M3 lower hull pan
2 vinyl tracks
(Originally written on January 12, 2008)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The Bobcat APC in Canadian Service by Doug Knight; Service Publications, PO Box 333071, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2C 3Y9, 2008; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 978-1-894581-47-9 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: probably ONLY history of this vehicle ever produced!
Disadvantages: very obscure vehicle will only appeal to the historian or modeler in search of the truly offbeat; should have had some basic statics for comparison to put the vehicle in perspective with competitors and similar designs
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all fans of APCs and Canadian armoured vehicles
The story of the Canadian arms industry in the 1950s tends to focus for the most part on the tragic tale of the Avro Arrow, probably the greatest fighter interceptor never built. In that case, and in retrospect rightly so, the Canadians were blackjacked into dropping the Arrow for first the failed concept of the IM-90 Bomarc strategic SAM and then for second-hand McDonnell F-101B Voodoo fighters. This nearly destroyed the Canadian aviation industry.
The story of the Bobcat is a parallel tale, but as it virtually ends with a similar finish (the Canadian army being talked into dropping the Bobcat APC in favor of the American-built M113) does not leave the same sour taste of the former. From this nicely done history by Doug Knight, the tales of a vehicle literally designed by committee and with no "buy-in" by most of the developers that resulted in a truly bad design seems to have been happily condemned to the dustbin of history.
The Bobcat was begun in 1952 as a logical development to replace the wartime Ram Kangaroo APC and correct for the faults of that converted tank. Negotiations and amendments to the concept proceeded over the next four years as the concept swung between an amphibious fully armored carrier and a modernized replacement for the Universal Carrier. In 1956 Leyland Motors (Canada) began to build a mild steel prototype under the program title Project 97, based on studies for a concept known as XA-20. It must be noted at the same time nearly every other industrialized nation was working on such vehicles, to include Sweden, Austria, France, West Germany, the UK, the US, Switzerland and Belgium.
In the meantime Leyland Motors (Canada) had been taken over by Canadian Car and Foundry Company Limited (CCF) and they immediately began to squabble with the government over timelines. A mockup was produced and evaluated at the Canadian Armour School at Camp Borden, Ontario, but while they provided comments back on the testing, in the meantime CCF was taken over by A. V. Roe Limited (the builders of the Arrow).
The general concept was for a ten-man fully enclosed APC with track drive, of which the crew consisted of a driver, commander and eight infantrymen. The vehicle was to be amphibious, lightweight, and with large doors in the rear of the hull for troop exit. To balance the vehicle, the engine and its equipment were located at the front of the hull and the transmission and final drives were at the rear, connected by a driveshaft dividing the dismount team compartment. This created a large sill and boxy housing right where the troops had to dismount the vehicle, as well as create a resonance and tremendous amount of noise inside the vehicle. Some variants were to have a machine gun in a cupola like the Ram Kangaroo, and others were not, based on the design specifications at the time.
Nevertheless CCF delivered three prototypes of the vehicle (two APC and one projected SP howitzer version carrying a US M101 105mm howitzer). Tests were reasonably promising and in 1959 production of armored hull versions of the prototypes were approved. Problems arose when the government and the Ministry of Defence began to try and estimate the numbers of each kind needed (an unarmored cargo carrier, much like a larger, amphibious version of the Universal Carrier, was also required.) The ultimate decision came down to 500 Bobcat APCs for the Canadian Army.
1960 consisted of testing and changing the design and its components, as well as problems trying to ensure funding from a government which had just clamped down on the military (this is shortly after the Arrow was cancelled as a point of reference). In February 1961, however, the Cabinet did approve the purchase of the 500 Bobcats. Considering that the Bobcat concept was now in its ninth year of development, at one point consideration was made of upgrading 300 Universal Carriers and modifying 292 Shermans to APCs to cover the interim period but the concept was dropped due to cost considerations.
But in 1962 A. V. Roe dissolved CCF and took over production. But as they were primarily an aviation company, they were unfamiliar with the assembly of armored vehicles and had to start from zero to build the vehicles at their factory in Malton. In one of the more clever manipulations of government contracting, A. V. Roe did manage to con the government into paying for the vehicle and then testing it! This wound up reversing the service test trials and engineering trials. Testing commenced in February 1963 and by June the vehicle had completeed nearly 75% of its requisite 2000 mile test run. Proving that not every country is as dim as the US in picking the testing officers and expecting an honest report when their promotions and careers are on the line for success, Captain Murray Johnston filed a report on the Bobcat which could politely be termed "scathing" and yet still went on to become Colonel Commandant of the RCEME Corps before retiring.
The Bobcat was an engineering and operational nightmare, noisy, nasty and of marginal reliability. Many of its problems were due to the overall design and thus not possible to correct. Still, the overall assessment was that it was sound and could be developed. Once again, however, while the government argued about the contracts, Hawker-Siddeley, who then owned A. V. Roe. dissolved that company and in July 1963 sat down to see what could be done to fix the problems with the Bobcat. But Hawker refused to spend any more money of its money on the Bobcat project.
Fed up, in November 1963 the Chief of the General Staff requested permission to terminate the Bobcat project and instead purchase American M113 APCs. This was now going to be some CDN$10 million cheaper than the Bobcats, and the M113 was a much more suitable and reliable vehicle, already tested and in service with the US Army and a number of other NATO nations. Final cost for the Bobcat program was CDN$9.25 million, and today only the gutted armored prototype remains at Camp Borden.
At least the Canadian ability to produce good armoured vehicles survived this episode, as today their improved versions of the Swiss Piranha as the LAV series and Stryker series vehicles are doing well in the US and Canadian armies.
Overall, this is a nice little book on a truly offbeat and relatively obscure vehicle. As an American, it's nice to know that we aren't the only ones who suffer from this sort of bureaucratic nightmare!
Thanks to Clive Law for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on January 12, 2008)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The Staghound in Canadian Service by Roger V. Lucy; Service Publications, PO Box 333071, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2C 3Y9, 2008; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 978-1-894581-37-0 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: well-timed publication release coincides with two new plastic model kits of the Staghound; nice operational history of the Staghound
Disadvantages: could probably have used some more comments on markings from a modeler's standpoint
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all armored car and Commonwealth armor fans
There are few American weapons built during the Second World War which did not serve with the US Armed Forces in some way, shape or form. Even the P-63 Kingcobra had a number of aircraft serve as gunnery trainers. (There are others, such as the Martin Maryland and Baltimore, but those were designed for overseas sales and little used by the USAAF.)
The Staghound armored car is one of the few that was built and accepted for service with the US Army, but never used or wanted by them and thus nearly 100% of its considerable production run went to the Commonwealth for use as a heavy armored car. The US Army instead opted for the lighter M8 6 x 6 Armored Car and its companion M20 6 x 6 Armored Utility Car as they fit the US Army model for cavalry scouting vehicles. The US Army considered reconnaissance more important than combat, whereas the Commonwealth doctrine saw heavy armored cars used to engage light targets and provide infantry support.
The Staghound began as a 1941 US concept for a medium to heavy armored car, and was the 4 x 4 GM (Chevrolet) contender as the T17E1 versus a 6 x 6 vehicle dubbed the T17 from Ford. The T17E1 wsa determined to be the winner, but as it weighed nearly 14 tons (or more than the M3 light tank) it was considered as a "wheeled tank" by the Ordnance Board in November 1942. The British, thus far unable to come up with a suitable heavy armoured car design, liked what they saw and while under test order 2000 of them in February 1942. Overall, the British order ran to 2,687 Staghound armoured cars and 789 Staghound AA vehicles (T17E2) with an open turret and twin M2HB .50 caliber machine guns. These were delivered between October 1942 and December 1943.
The British developed four versions of the Staghound on the Chevrolet chassis: the Staghound I, armed with a 37mm gun in a three-man turret; the Staghound II, which replaced the 37mm gun with a British 3" howitzer; an American variant dubbed the T17E3 which was not further developed, which replaced the enclosed turret with the open turret from the M8 HMC with its 75mm howitzer; and the Staghound III, which swapped the 37mm turret for the complete turret from a Crusader Mk. III tank fitted with a 75mm gun.
The Canadians, via the Canadian Army Overseas or CAOS and as part of the Commonwealth forces, requested Staghounds in September 1942. The Canadian Fox I armoured car, a cross between a Humber armored car and a GMC truck chassis, was not suitable and they wanted to get a good, useful armored car for service in the ETO. Originally the Canadians wanted the T17 Ford armored car, but it was the loser in the US competition so they turned to the T17E1 as well. The Canadians eventually received enough Staghounds to equip two full regiments, the 1st Armoured Car Regiment (Royal Canadian Dragoons) and the 18th Armoured Car Regiment (12th Manitoba Dragoons), as well as several independent reconnaissance squadrons with divisions.
Changeover for British service to the vehicles was minor. All of the turreted vehicles were fitted with a 2" smoke mortar on the right front of the turret and the standard British No. 19 Radio Set (an HF AM set, unlike the standard US Army VHF FM radio sets in use and hence the necessary changes) in the turret bustle. Communications variants had their armament removed and were fitted with an American SCR-299 high power HF AM command set with a range of 200 kilometers. A turretless command variant, dubbed "Charger", was provided for regimental commanders.
Other options included the Bantu mine roller device, a roller system using electromagnets to detect buried mines but not set them off. The most useful device developed was a pair of 12 foot sections of No. 9 track bridge carried by one Staghound in a troop (three vehicles) that was useful for crossing ditches or short gaps. Other variants included rocket armed Staghounds with 60-lb rocket rails on the turret or a truly enterprising version with two 4-round "Land Mattress" launchers on the sides of the turret. These did have some problems, and Mr Lucy has included one photo of this vehicle with crushed rear fenders (mudguards) where the backblast of the rockets pressed them down.
Overall each of the regiments had a headquarters and four line squadrons of five line troops each with a total of 58 Staghound armored cars, two communications versions, and 5 AA Staghounds in its basic TO&E. There were also 8 Staghound II or III fire support vehicles per regiment. Later another 14 Staghounds were added for a total of 72.
The book covers the wartime exploits of the two regiments, and also provides a great selection of photos that should assist modelers in building up either the Bronco or Italeri kits of this neat little vehicle. They seem to indicate no two vehicles were the same nor did they receive the same modifications, with ammunition chests either welded to front fenders or in once case having the fenders cut out so the chests sit parallel to the ground. Markings details are somewhat sketchy but photos do give some indication on markings and locations, as they varied a great deal even with the two regiments. Photos of postwar Staghound use in Canada are also provided.
Overall, this is a very handy and timely book and one anyone building a Staghound model will want to get his hands on!
Thanks to Clive Law for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on January 12, 2008)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 10 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6229); StuG III Ausf. G auf Fgst. Pz. III Ausf. M w/deep-wading muffler - Smart Kit; 835 parts (508 in grey styrene, 288 "Magic Track" links, 28 etched brass, 10 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire); price estimated at US $41-45
Advantages: "Boutique" version of popular StuG III kit adds some new parts for a later production variant
Disadvantages: not sure if this kit was aimed at modelers or kit collectors
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all WWII German fans
I am one who has to plead easy confusion with the kits coming out from cyber-hobby.com, the boutique or niche kit subsidiary of Dragon Models Limited. While they were offering some nice upgrade kits to kits in the general DML lineup, their own kits tend to the truly obscure and this one is one of which I have to plead total ignorance. I assume from the fact that some well-known modelers and researchers have contributed to the technical support side of the kit (Notget Schlegtendal, Thomas Anderson, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson) that it was an optional production variant of the StuG III but without the very late model "Saukopf" (Boar's Head) mantelet option.
There are good reasons for high mounted mufflers, and wading shallow streams and water obstacles is primary. All Soviet tanks from the end of WWII on were designed to be able to ford 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) of water without any preparation, and that covers most of the small rivers and streams in Europe. It is possible to ford them with the exhaust under water as long as pressure from the exhaust is positive and constant, but one flutter in the pressure and the backpressure from the water will stall the engine with no chance of a restart. Mounting the muffler and exhaust higher as with this vehicle prevents that problem. (Of course, the hull better be sealed or the results could be just as unpleasant for the crew.)
This kit provides a verbatim version of the StuG III Ausf. G Early Production "Smart Kit" (No. 6320) but with one sprue from the Pzkw. III Ausf. J kit (No. 6394) sprues and the muffler sprue from what appears to be a forthcoming Pzkw. III Ausf. M kit. These sprues as is too often the case share indicator letters with the regular kit sprues so you have a sprue A (black), a sprue A (blue) and a sprue A (lower case) in the directions. This makes the normally complex DML directions that much worse in trying to sort out the right parts combinations.
As before 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.
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. However, as before these only provide the fighting compartment interior and nothing for the driver's or engine compartments. 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!
Four different finishing options and a targeted Cartograf decal sheet are provided: Unidentified Unit, Russia 1943 (sand, black 2); Pz.Abt. "Feldherrnhalle", Southern France, 1943 (sand); 16th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Reichsfueher-SS", Italy 1944 (sand with reversed color crosses); and 16th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Reichsfueher-SS", Italy 1944 (sand).
Overall, while the base kit is a good one and has proven popular, this niche version is hard to fathom as it seems designed more for the kit collector than the modeler.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
A 61x2 Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
A 86 Pzkw. III fender details and lights
A 34 Pzkw. III Ausf. M details and muffler assembly
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 27 Etched brass
MB 1 Etched brass
(Originally written on January 6, 2008)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6433; 7.5 cm PaK 40 w/Heer Gun Crew - Premium Edition; 454 parts (411 in grey styrene, 25 etched brass, 12 turned brass, 4 black vinyl, 2 preformed etched brass): estimated retail price US $29.95
Advantages: nice new crew for this popular weapon; many options provided in kit
Disadvantages: none obvious
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and artillery fans
Dragon has now released a "Premium" version of their PAK 40 kit, using the corrected and updated "Late" version of the kit with a nice new crew and five sprues of their generic German kit.
Surprisingly, especially as it is a "Premium" version, this kit now no longer includes the turned aluminum barrel or turned ammo rounds. It retains the four vinyl (I think; not sure if they are actually black DS plastic or not) tires, either new or "chewed up." The kit provides for options in regard to three different styles of wheels and three different styles of muzzle brakes (each formed of a casting and a face, with the casting being hollow molded.) Also, the modeler has optional positions for shields, trails, suspension arms, breech block, and gun servicing panels. The gun is fixed, however, so traverse must be set during assembly.
The gun shield is now offered as either two injection molded styrene sections or a pair of preformed brass ones with turned brass bolts for standoff (in a similar manner to the AFV Club 8.8 cm Pak 41 kit). Both use a brass gun mask between them. The plastic part edges are "feathered" to a knife edge, so the modeler winds up with a shield that looks thin but is actually quite sturdy and easy to attach.
The kit provides a very nice "Gen1" set of new DML figures with a five man crew provided. Each figure comes in six basic parts but only one set of arms, unlike the great option in the DML 15 cm gun crew set. The figures appear as designated closer to the Army styles of uniforms and are in standard uniforms, no fancy smocks or other variations. The now common GA and GB sprues are provided, and this set comes with a full issue set of Mauser rifles for use by the crew.
The Pak 40 sprues are provided complete with a few "tweaks" to the molds, and it provides eight AP rounds, two ammo crates and a number of shipping tubes and three expended cases. The latter two items have been "slide molded" with open ends for better definition and more options. Most of the Cartograf decals are primarily for these parts and provide the necessary stencils in both black and white. Since guns rarely bear any markings other than stray "serviced on" decals, there are none included.
Finishing options are for but two weapons, one in sand brown and one in grey.
Overall this is a nice upgrade to a well designed kit and again should prove popular in a diorama.
Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 55 Pak 40 lower carriage
B 63 Pak 40 upper carriage
C 31 Pak 40 ammo shipping material and eight rounds
D 8 Pak 40 wheel centers, gun shield
E 4 Black vinyl tires
GA 68 German kit: helmets, canteens, mess tins, bayonets
GB 56 German kit: ammo pouches, bread bags, ponchos
WA 18x3 German weapons: 2 x Kar 98K and accessories
6433 76 Army gun crew (5 figures) for antitank guns
