(Originally written on Sunday, December 19, 2010 8:50 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 60 (Dragon Models Limited ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6670); German 3t 4x2 Truck - Smart Kit; 220 parts (206 in grey styrene, 7 clear styrene, 7 etched brass); price US$39.99 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: modern, well molded state-of-the-art kit
Disadvantages: two-piece tires a bit old fashioned
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for German softskin fans
There is an unpleasant and curious demand in this day and age for the payment of tribute for the use of certain logos or trademarks when reproducing the items in model form. The first and most egregious example in this in the US was the CSX railroad system which demanded model manufacturers pay them for the privilege of producing their logo in miniature. Others followed suit to include car manufactures (who for years had considered model cars an extension of their marquee names and good free advertising for them) and then aircraft and military vehicle manufacturers. Ergo the second Tamiya Jeep kit came with a "trademark" logo - but for $19.95 for a jeep and driver whereas the original kit provided the jeep, crew of five, trailer and choice of tops for only $3.98 (1973 prices).
It would appear that DML - and their cyber-hobby.com affiliate - have run into the same problem with GM Europe and the Opel brand. While every modeler and historian know that the most common German 3 ton two axle trucks were made by Opel, and this kit is a representative of the Sd.Kfz. 305 two-wheel-drive cargo variant, apparently they did not want to pay the tariff for use of the registered trademark. As a result, the kit is marketed under the very generic logo of "German 3t 4x2 Truck."
Regarding the actual truck the Opel Blitz "S" model was created in 1936 and in 1937 entered full production with a 3.7 liter six-cylinder engine of 75 HP. It was the largest of three models with similar appearances and designs (1, 1.5 and 3 ton capacity) and was built with both 4x2 (from 1936 to 1944) and 4x4 (from 1938 to 1944) configurations. Over 100,000 4x2 variants and 25,000 4x4 variants of the chassis were built with numerous body styles including a tanker and a bus.
While there have been two previous kits of the Opel Blitz S (Italeri in 1975 and Tamiya from 2008) this is the first serious softskin effort from DML and covers the basic Sd.Kfz. 305 cargo version. Since it is being released as a cyber-hobby.com kit, the probability of DML proper releasing the 4x4 variant is likely. That is a bit odd as noted more that 4 times as many 4x2 variants were built than 4x4 models.
Suffice it to say this is a typical DML kit of recent vintage with lots of slide molded parts – and far fewer of them than the armored vehicle kits. The kit includes a nicely done radiator shell with open bars and etched brass Opel Blitz badging. It comes with a complete engine and nicely done hood frame for opening the hood to view the engine. Also the driver’s compartment is complete with all pedals, levers and "stick-on" instruments for the panel (A16). Doors have inside and outside handles and separate clear windows.
The chassis is nicely done but the wheels are two-piece styrene types; they are not bad but seem a bit old-fashioned considering DML’s outstanding molding capability. The kit comes with eight wheels and tires but only uses seven (two singles, duals and a spare).
The body has complete underside bracing and mounts but is accurately spartan on troop seats – five transverse planks are it. Top bows for canvas are provided but only in their stowed position at the front of the body. Two tailgates are provided - one with top rails and one without, but if you want a body without them you will have to remove them yourself.
Technical support was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Six different finishing options are provided for the model: Unidentified Unit, Russia 1941 (grey with white trim); 1st SS Panzergrenadier Division LAH, Kharkov 1943 (whitewash over grey); 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf", Demyansk, Eastern Front 1941-42 (whitewash over grey); 4th Panzergrenadier Division "Polizei", 1944 (white over sand); 2nd Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1943 (sand with green stripes); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1941 (grey with white rings on the doors, white trim). A "number jungle" is provided for license plates as well as the divisional insignia on a Cartograf sheet. Also masks are provided for the cab windows, always a nice touch.
Overall, I am not sure if the modeling community needed another Blitz but this one is very nicely done and heralds a large number of options for future DML/cyber-hobby.com variants (the box body radio van would be a good choice!)
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 16 Opel - cab, hood, fenders
B 18 Opel - body
C 49 Opel - chassis, axles, running gear, engine
D 83 Opel - cab interior, handles, details, lights
E 14x2 Opel - wheels and tires
F 7 Opel - clear styrene
N 12 German Generic - 3 x jerry cans
MA 7 Etched brass
(Originally written on Sunday, December 19, 2010 8:46 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 61 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6660; Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E. Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Mid Command Version Winter 1943 Production; 809 parts (657 in grey styrene, 123 etched brass, 21 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic track runs, 2 prebent wire, 2 twisted steel wire, 1 prebent etched brass, 1 spring); price US$65.99 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: yet another Tiger I variant with changes in the molds and components offered
Disadvantages: the 11th Tiger I (and more expensive than the rest) from DML
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommended: for Tiger fans
I give up. As I am not a Tiger I connoisseur other than the early and late cupolas and rubber-tired and steel wheels I cannot tell them apart, and yet DML and its botique subsidiary cyber-hobby.com have seen fit to provide us with at least 12 different models. To wit:
6252 Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Initial Production (2005)
6253 Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Late Production (2005)
6286 cyber-hobby.com - Tiger I Initial Production DAK (2005)
6350 cyber-hobby.com - Tiger I "Michael Wittmann" (2006)
6335 cyber-hobby.com - Gruppe Fehrman Tiger I (2007)
6269 Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I (Early Production) (2008)
6383 Tiger I Late Production with Zimmerit - Dragon Zimmerit (2008)
6406 Tiger I Late Production 3-in-1 (2008)
6600 Pzkw. VI Ausf. E Tiger I Initial Production - s.Pz.Abt. 502 - 3-in-1 Smart Kit (2010)
6610 cyber-hobby.com - "Wittmann’s Last Tiger" Normandy 1944 - Dragon Zimmerit (2009)
6670 cyber-hobby.com - Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E. Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Mid Command Version Winter 1943 Production
Okay, so at least so far they have not done a mid-production model. Basically this kit combines bits from the "Late" production kits with a number of new cut sprues and details as well as a new decal sheet. It does not come with zimmerit which from what I can gather is not correct for this production cycle.
While some of the details appear to have improved not all good ideas are carried forward, for it still retains the silly feature of a recoiling spring-loaded gun barrel like AFV Club used to provide with its kits. But it also retains the breech assembly, two basic seats, and no other turret interior detail.
But modelers need to note that with all of the sprues swapped around and added there are a very confusing number of repeated parts options in the box which require sharp attention - these include three different mantlets, two different sets of side plates, three different sets of drivers, and numerous small detail changes.
The hull comes with some interior elements, but not a complete interior. It includes the torsion bar assemblies, bow gun assembly, hatch details, and radiator bays and trunking at the rear of the hull. The rear engine deck grilles (parsts P11/12 and P16/17) from the original kit are retained and have the curved louvers found on the original, and based on the use of the snorkel may be shown open or closed.
The hull top comes with a set of tools that have etched brass clasps included, as well as a jig for bending the clasps to shape prior to installation. Note these jigs are on top of one of the smaller sprues for the kit with 2 point type size indicators!
The turret is either new or from later kit molds and comes with a one-piece shell, one piece roof and separate turret race. The commander’s cupola is a single molding with added viewers and details Casting numbers are included on one sprue for the mantlets.
The kit comes with one-piece cleanly molded (e.g. hollow guide teeth) DS plastic runs but 14 extra track links are provided for OVM mounting. An antiaircraft mount is shown on the side views but is not included.
Technical assistance was provided by David Byrden, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Marking and finishing instructions are provided for four/five tanks: s.Pz.Abt. 508, central Italy, 1944 (tricolor, white A2); s.Pz.Abt. 507, Tarnapol 1944 (tricolor, choice of Tigers A, B or C); and s.Pz.Abt. 503, Panzer Regiment "Baeke", Balabonowka Pocket, January 1944 (white, black 1). A small sheet of Cartograf decals is included.
Overall, by this time – after 12 releases – I am sure only Tiger I fans will appreciate the differences and changes. I think the rest of us non-Tiger I fans are stunned into silence. (Note: from comments on the Internet many are squawking about the price; if you are not happy, blame the people who bought the other 11 kits and showed the market demand for the product was there.)
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) drivers, skirts, exhaust shrouds, details
D 28 (Tiger I Late) mantlet, smoke grenade launchers, details
G 45 (Tiger I) drivers, details, engine access hatch, Feifel air cleaners
H 50x4 (Tiger I Late) spare track links, torsion bars
J 39 (Tiger I generic) interior components
J 8 German Generic - MG34 ball mount
K 8 (Tiger I Late) OVM and grilles
L 2 DS Track Runs
L 12 (Tiger I generic) clear blocks
N 9 German Generic - command antenna set
P 39 (Tiger I Late) hull sides, mud flaps, tow cables, hatches
Q 32x2 (Tiger I) road wheels
R 15 Tiger I turret stowage bin
S 9 Clear styrene
U 3 (Tiger I) hull frame, sides
U 1 Tiger I vision cupola shell
V 31 (Tiger I) glacis, turret shell, turret race, small details
W 21 (Tiger I) turret roof, hatches, mantlet, rear plate, details
X 1 (Tiger I generic) hull bottom
Y 33 (Tiger I) tow cables, OVM, hooks, pioneer tools
Y 10 Tiger I radiator air exhaust shunts
Z 2 Twisted steel wires
MA 46 Etched brass
MB 4 Etched brass
MB 1 Preformed etched brass
MB 2 Prebent wire
MB 1 Spring
TA 8 (German OVM) pioneer tools
TB 11 (German generic) jack, S hooks
TC 4 (German OVM) cable heads
TE 4 (German generic) pads
TK 3 (German generic) machine gun ball mount
(Originally written on Tuesday, December 07, 2010 5:23 PM)
Book Review: Osprey "Duel" Series No. 30: M60 vs. T-62; Cold War Combatants 1956-1992 by Lon Nordeen and David Isby, artwork by Richard Chasemore; Osprey Publishing 2010; 80 pp. with illustrations and color drawings; price US$17.95 (ISBN 978-1-84603-694-1)
Advantages: concise history of the combat between these two tanks, coverage of their basic development and history
Disadvantages: probably not enough photos or markings for modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all fans of the Cold War and their armored vehicles
When Soviet Ground Forces commander Marshal Valeriy Chuykov found out that the British were going to install the 105mm L7 gun in an improved variant of the Centurion tank, and the Americans and Germans planned to use the same gun in their new medium tanks, he really did go ballistic. Demanding that the Soviets had to have a bigger tank in the field even if "you have to strap it on the back of a pig" his demand to the military industrial complex set in motion one of the great parings of the cold war – what emerged as the Soviet T-62 in the hands of its client states versus the US and its allies armed with the M60 main battle tank.
Neither one was a very original design – both evolved from proven designs. The T-62 was a modified T-55 tank that was reworked to fit the big 115mm U-5TS gun onto a medium tank chassis; the M60 combined the best ideas of the day with design improvements to the M48A2 medium tank to come up with a diesel powered and 105mm armed tank.
Both tanks evolved due to continual failures to develop breakthrough tank designs. The T-62 came about due to massive problems with the radical Article 430 and Article 432 tank design (later to become the T-64 series tanks) but using the same 115mm gun the evolved Article 432 was mounting. Chuykov’s demand for the big gun could not be fulfilled in a reasonable amount of time due to the teething troubles the new tank had – this was the late 1950s and the T-64 did not become viable until 1969. Leonid Kartsev said that his design bureau at Nizhniy Tagil could get the gun on a tank in less than a year. But the Ministry of Defense refused to put two tanks with identical guns into service at once, so when the T-62 was accepted for service in 1961 it was as a "tank destroyer" and not a tank. (20,000 tanks later, this little definition deviation was clearly ignored.)
Ditto the M60. The future US tank program at the time was the T95 with a totally new chassis, new turret, new gun and new features all around. But with the failure of the T95 program a new design had to be created in a hurry. Design features like the new glacis design, the 105mm M68 (license built L7) and a big AVDS-1790 series diesel engine were used to create the new interim tank that became the M60.
Both tanks evolved as well. By 1965 the M60 had received a new turret with a thinner front profile and wide bustle to become the M60A1; in 1972 the T-62 gave up the pretense of being a "tank destroyer" and added a 12.7mm AA machine gun.
Incidentally both tanks had an outlier tank destroyer variant armed with missiles: the IT-1 with the "Drakon" missile and the M60A2 "Starship" with the Shillelagh. Neither one was very popular and both were only seen as short term solutions.
While thousands of these tanks were soon populating divisions stationed in East and West Germany, the first actual clash between them came during the Yom Kippur war in 1973. The IDF fought with both the Egyptians at the Battle of Chinese Farm and with the Syrians and Iraqis on the Golan Heights. However, while the T-62 fought in both areas the M60s were only used against the Egyptians (upgunned Centurions with that same L7 gun were able to stop and destroy most of the Syrian and Iraqi T-62s at the "Vale of Tears".)
The results of the Chinese Farm battle were very one-sided. The M60A1 tanks used by the IDF had no problems dealing with the T-62s whereas the Egyptians had little real success against the Israelis. Part of the problem – other than training – was the unfortunate problem that the T-62 had with its weapons system. Upon firing, the gun would then turn and elevate so that the automated casing ejector could grab the casing, open a hatch in the rear of the turret, eject the casing, and wait for the loader to feed in the next round. When the breech block closed, the gun would then return to its last position. Fine, if you hit your target; but if you missed, the gun went right back to where it missed. The time required for this was 15 seconds, during which an M60A1 would get off two to three rounds. (There was a T-62 Model 1966 in USAREUR which showed two hits from Israeli 105mm APDS rounds, each about 10" apart and either one fatal; this was a victim of the Chinese Farm battle.)
However, the IDF did note that whereas 2/3rds of Centurions knocked out were returned to service only 20% of the M48 and M60 series tanks were as fortunate.
The last gasp to date between the T-62 and the M60 took place during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Here USMC M60A1 RISE tanks with explosive reactive armor fitted to them clashed with tanks from the Iraqi 5th Mechanized Division and 3rd Armored Division during the ground war. The results were not close, but both sides basically admitted it was due to the poor training levels of the Iraqi crews more than a failing of their equipment to stand up. While Iraqi fairy tales abound (one of the best involves a company of T-62s from the 16th Infantry Division that lulled a company of M1A1 tanks into point blank range, destroyed five and damaged nine while escaping with no losses) the actual results were that their forces were ineffectual.
The book covers these two episodes in great detail and does note where claims are not substantiated. There are a number of good photos and color drawings to illustrate the authors’ text. Both Lon and David are excellent authors and historians, and the book is a good read on these Cold Warriors and their fates.
Thanks to David Isby for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Saturday, December 04, 2010 5:31 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6538; Gebirgspioniere Metaxas Line 1941 - Gen2 Gear; 121 parts in grey styrene; estimated cost US$14.99
Advantages: four related figures in combat poses; come with items associated with combat engineers
Disadvantages: "Gen1" weapons
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German dioramists and engineer fans
The European armies have always used the term "pioneers" not as trailblazer or settlers as we in the US think of the term, but as a synonym for "Combat Engineers". These troops have never been well served in 1/35 scale figures, so this is a set of interest for any fans of the "picks and shovels".
While this set is for "mountain" troops (Gebirgsjaeger) the only real difference between them and regular combat engineers are the mountain boots with leg wraps. The set provides a team of engineers planting the German equivalent of a Bangalore torpedo under a "tanglefoot" barbed wire arrangement while using pistol fire and grenades to keep the defenders’ heads down. One man emplaces the explosive charge while a second one cuts the top wire strands with cutters.
The figures are typical DML "Gen1" types consisting of six parts each (head, torso, legs and arms) with both generic "Gen2" accessories and specific items on the main parts tree. These include two bags of "potato masher" grenades, two separate grenades, a hand for the thrower with another grenade in place, wire cutters with the long arms in the figure’s hands and the head as a separate part (this could be difficult to align properly) and a separate hand and Luger for the NCO firing on the enemy.
The box art is unsigned but not bad, and the kit uses the "stick here" and "follow the box art" form of directions.
Overall this is a nice set and at least something different for a change.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
6538 39 Four figures and special accessories
G 60 German generic kit - helmets, canteens, bread bags, bayonets
GB 8 German pouches
W 14 German generic weapons - 4 x Kar 98K, 3 x MP40, accesories
(Originally written on Saturday, December 04, 2010 5:29 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit Number 6548; M4 (105) Howitzer Tank; 582 parts (490 in grey styrene, 67 etched brass, 22 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 twisted steel wire); estimated price US$49.99 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: heavily reworked kit fixes many early 105mm turret problems; many new parts; one-piece DS track runs
Disadvantages: Nothing major noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all US WWII and Korean War fans as well as "Shermaholics"
Originally the US Army allocated direct support howitzer weapons at the rate of three per tank battalion in the form of either halftracks or M7 "Priest" HMC vehicles. But as the war progressed and units were called on to carry out direct support at small arms ranges, the decision was made to switch to mounting a small 105mm howitzer in the M4 chassis.
Externally these tanks looked just like a normal Sherman with the exception of the different mantelet and rotor assembly and of course the thick, stubby gun barrel. Internally the tanks were rearranged, and while initial production models with the VVSS suspension did not have power traverse it was quickly reintroduced after complaints from the field. Also, early tanks had the old split-cover hatch for the commander with the new oval loader’s hatch. Due to priority for the so-called "vision" cupola to go to the "gun" tanks, it was not until the summer of 1944 that the howitzer tanks began to receive them. Photographic evidence is hard to evaluate, as it appears in some cases either an early tank was updated or a later one swapped out the vision cupola for the split-hatch version as tanks with a variety of features can be seen in photos.
Later production tanks had the new HVSS suspension, and the last group to be built also added fittings for a canvas mantelet cover along with that cover. The Marine Corps in the Pacific also had a modified version that added a flamethrower, dubbed the POA-CWS-H5. In Korea, the USMC used both that vehicle and a regular M4A3 (105mm) but also fitted with an M1A1 dozer blade.
The US Army took delivery of 1,641 M4 (105mm) (800 with VVSS and 841 with HVSS) tanks and the UK received 593 M4 (105mm) tanks.
An earlier DML M4A3 (105) kit came with HVSS (No. 6354) but was noted as having a mantlet which copied the 1/72 scale kits’ too narrow mantlet, which was a shame as it threw off the proportions of the turret. This kit of the earlier variant now comes with a correctly scaled mantlet (e.g. 29.4 mm wide), so the older option of either buying an after-market item or borrowing one from the elderly DML POW-H5 flamethrower tank is no longer needed.
This kit comes with a new mold upper hull and parts from the M4 Pacific Theater of Operations and M4 Direct Vision kits as appropriate. New equipment rails and first-aid kit come with the turret. The turret has the "bulge" on the right front but there is a small seam which will need to be addressed. All of the periscopes and their mounts are separate parts as well.
Both the split hatch and vision hatch commander’s cupolas are provided as is the nicely done DML M2HB AA machine gun with "Slide Molded" muzzle. All viewers are clear styrene, as are all lights.
This kit now comes with a relatively complete selection of suspension components, offering both the "flat top/riser" and "lifted" return roller mountings, separate track skids with bolt details, and a choice of either "spoke" or "cast" style welded wheels. It also offered both "machined" and "smooth" types of driver tooth rings. Single-piece T48 track with extended end connectors are also provided as DS Plastic parts.
Technical assistance was provided by Pawel Krupowicz.
The kit provides markings for three tanks: 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Normandy 1944 (tactical markings with two-tone camouflage); 31st Armored Regiment, 7th Armored Division, Normandy 1944 (OD with white stars, B-19); and HQ company, 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, Belgium 1945 (whitewash over OD). A "number jungle" and set of targeted decals from Cartograf are included.
Overall this is a nice kit, and in this case it is reassuring that DML does listen to complaints and suggestions to improve their kits.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 95 M4A2/A3 late details
B 80 High bustle 75/105 turret
C 34 M4 DV hull rear, air cleaners
C 22 clear styrene
D 16x2 M4 late VVS suspension with "spoke" wheels
F 12 M4 DV engine deck - accessories
G 7 M4 (105) hull and details
J 12 M2HB machine gun and accessories
R 27 M4 PTO - transmission cover, final drives and details
S 1 Twisted steel wire
V 95x2 M4 VVSS suspension system
X 1 Lower hull pan
Y 2 DS plastic track runs
MA 69 Etched brass details and fenders
(Originally written on Saturday, December 04, 2010 5:26 PM)
Kit Review: Miniart 1/35 scale Kit No. 35096; British Infantry Tank Mk. III Valentine II w/Crew; 609 parts (555 in grey styrene, 54 etched brass); retail price US$63.00 (NOTE: MRC is now the new US distributor for these kits)
Advantages: beautifully done model of this widely used Commonwealth vehicle; interior parts for turret and driver’s compartment; layout makes upgrading with aftermarket kits relatively easy
Disadvantages: Single link tracks will be tedious to assemble
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth or Soviet armor fans
The Valentine was one of those tanks that managed to provide both reasonably good performance with relative reliability, and as such was used by the Commonwealth as well as provided to the Soviets under Lend Lease. I leave it to true historians of British armour (with a U!) such as Peter Brown to provide a more detailed history of the vehicle, as most of my knowledge of it is based on Russian sources.
From their point of view it was a good tank. It was what they wanted for an "infantry escort tank" in the same class as the T-26: slow, reliable, possessing relatively heavy armor protection for its size, armed with a machine gun for "eliminating Hitlerists" and a useful gun for dealing with light armor, and as a bonus powered by a diesel engine. Their major faults with the vehicle were insufficient traction from its tracks and that unlike the Soviet 45mm 20-K gun its 2-pdr did not throw a "useful" high explosive round.
The Soviets got their first Valentines at the end of November 1941 and by the end of 1944 had received 3,332 of all models of the Valentine, which they dubbed the "MK III" in service (Matildas were MK II and Churchills MK IV, based on their British Infantry Tank designations). The numbers were 216 in 1941, 959 in 1942, 1,776 in 1943, and 381 in 1944. The tank provide so popular and flexible it was used across the western front and attempts were made to convert them into SP gun as the ZIS-95 with a 45mm antitank gun and a DT machine gun.
A number of years ago VM came out with a kit of the Valentine with 2-pdr (the actual version was a bit fuzzy) and also the later 6-pdr variant; at least the 2-pdr version and a "Bishop" self-propelled 25-pdr were offered by DML in their "Imperial" series of kits. Assembly was rough as fit was "optional" at best, but with some work it COULD be built as a Valentine.
Now Ukranian manufacturer Miniart has released a series of Valentine kits including one with a Russian crew; as this variant was not available and the Soviet ones were basically British models minus their skirts, I picked one up at the 2010 IPMS USA Region 2 show from a chap selling them below retail; later, I received a second one from MRC for review of their new product line. .
I already knew that Miniart did a great job of their kits with only a few minor problems in the ones released so far, such as the turret in their T-70M and suspension alignment in the Su-76M. But as I had already heard fom British armor fans, Miniart did a magnificent job on these kits. While I had swapped parts of the first kit with Peter Brown for the parts to its companion Russian Lend-Lease version, this particular one provides the base Mark II tank with a crew of three British tankers in desert uniform and the desert oriented fender skirts and mudguards. It comes with two different mantlets (one – part D5 – is for another version of the tank as the directions do not indicate it is optional). The kit provides a very complete and complex 2-pdr gun with slide-molded barrrel and a very detailed Besa and breech assembly for the interior of the turret. Note that while the gun and a complete No. 19 Wireless Set (with etched brass "cage" parts) are provided no seats or crew "comforts" are provided.
The driver’s position is relatively complete with controls, panels, and seat, and both hatches may be posed open to show it. However, none of the crew members are posed to fit it.
The suspension is not as fiddly as the VM one was and does a nice representation of the variant of the "Slo-Mo-Shun" suspension used on Vickers designs. The small road wheels come with separate fronts and backs, and the large ones are in two parts with a separate tire. This is neater than some other options. Each driver consists of six parts to get the proper look. Even the springs – molded parts - are nearly flash and seam free.
However, each side takes 98 track links and these are small and come from sprues; cleanup and assembly will be tedious so prepare in advance for an evening or two on those. The good news is that the tracks fit well once the "nubs" are cleaned up, so at least none of them require the even worse filing and fiddling to assemble. Based on my experiences with them it would be a good idea to make a jig from a section of scrap plastic and a thick section of strip; this permits accurate horizontal and vertical alignment and making sections of 10 at a time for easier final assembly. The main thing here is to use a slow-setting plastic cement that provides flexibility for final adjustment during fitting to the model. (Note that the Canadian built ones used a high level of manganese in the tracks; they do not rust but acquire a brown patina through oxidation, so bright red rust finishing is not correct).
The rest of the model is pretty straightforward. One word of warning: this kit is closer to the Tristar efforts in that it requires precise fit and trimming to get the parts in place; "that’s close" will not work and cause a lot of frustration. I failed to get a clean assembly job on the turret hatch covers by not paying attention (another reason I was glad to get a second kit!).
All of the covers and shrouds on the engine deck are separate parts (again unlike the VM effort) and will give a great deal of depth to the finished model. However, etched brass parts are integral to the kit and thus require mandatory use; sorry DML fans, no options. These include brackets for the muffler guard, wing nuts for tool holders, and other tiny items. The photo etched parts are not backed by card as many other companies provide to ensure flat shipping, but are coated with adhesive film on both sides which seems to work well in protecting the parts.
The tank provides the "Heath Robinson" spring loaded antiaircraft mount for the Bren antiaircraft light machine gun, which consists of six parts. Oddly enough, the directions then show the Bren gun (which comes with a drum magazine and bipod) attached to the turret roof. Go figure. There is also a nice six part turret antenna mount.
The figures provide an officer and two other ranks with the officer in service cap with goggles and the other two with black berets. But as these figures are basically generic, there are no places or locations given for them with the vehicle. One is seated and the officer and other one are standing, but in positions which will make it difficult to fit into the turret. All was nicely sculpted and I personally rank the Miniart figures up there with DML and Masterbox.
A color booklet with finishing directions is provided for seven different vehicles: "Culloden", C Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, July 1942 (sand, green 10); B Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, December 1941 (sand, white 6); "Mohawk", C Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, December 1941 (sand, no number); "Cheetah", C Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, September 1942 (sand with black patches, no number); "Respond", A Squadron, 50th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, Tunisia 1942 (sand with black patches, red HQ); "Viking", Regimental HQ, 23rd Armoured Brigade, Spring 1942; and captured tank, unknown unit (sand, black crosses on skirts, registration number T27414). A nice sheet of decals is provided for these options.
Overall this appears to be a nice series of kits and already both a "Bishop" and a 17-pdr "Archer" have been hinted at as well as other variants. Good job, Miniart! (Note: the price may seem high, but in a day and age when the average armor kit is going for $50 and figure sets are all $12-16 the price is right in the ballpark.)
Thanks to Bob Lewen for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 34 Upper hull, radiator shrouds, turret race, hull sections
B 70x2 Running gear, road wheels, drivers, idlers
C 74 Bins, fuel tank, exhaust, hull details
D 56 Turret, 2 pdr, Bren gun, radio, details
D1 12 Skirts, mudguards, brackets
E 44x5 Track links
F 28 Three figures
G 1 Lower hull
M-04 54 Etched brass
(Originally written on Saturday, December 04, 2010 5:23 PM)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The Churchill in Canadian Service by Mark W. Tonner; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2010; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-67-7 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: good all around book on the history and use of the Churchill in Canadian service to include Dieppe
Disadvantages: probably not enough for modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth tank fans
The Churchill tank always struck me as something of a hybrid between the rhomboid WW I tanks and more modern vehicles that defined the Second World War. Big, slow, heavy and for the most part undergunned, it nevertheless served well and in special purpose variants actually served into the 1960s.
The Canadian experience only covered the first four marks of the tank, but it did see heavy service with Canadian armoured forces in Europe during 1941-1943. As it was an infantry (infantry support) tank, it did not need high speed or maneuverability, only the ability to accompany infantry while suffering punishment from enemy defenders. Once the war began, Vauxhall Motors produced the first prototype in December 1940. Once the design was accepted for service, production began and the first tanks were fielded in June 1941.
The 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade (CATB) became the primary user of the tank in the early days of the war. Originally fitted out with Canadian built Valentines, the brigade swapped them out once they arrived in England. Under the command of the legendary Brigadier F. F. Worthington, the three armoured regiments – Ontario, Three Rivers, and Calgary – were reequipped with the new tank.
The brigade had a mixture of Mark I and Mark II tanks. The former had a 3" howitzer in the center of the hull and a 2-pdr in the turret along with a coaxial 7.92mm Besa; the Mark II did away with the clumsy howitzer in favor of a second Besa.
But as the early model Churchills left a lot to be desired, before any were committed to action most of them had to go back to Vauxhall for upgrading and correction of problems. Five tanks a week were cycled through the program.
In April 1942 these early tanks began to be replaced with the improved Mark III variant. As each regiment had an authorized strength of 58 tanks, it took some time before all tanks could be replaced. Practice was carried out with assault landings from tank landing ships on the Isle of Wight, and it continued as the initial start of the workup for what became D-Day.
In the meantime, the ill-starred raid on Dieppe was carried out on 19 August 1942 with tanks from the Calgary Regiment. This proved to be a disaster with 27 of 30 Churchills making it ashore (two sank and one never left its transport). 15 made it to the seawall and 10 were able to return after attempting to take the town, but the shale beach was more than the tracks of the tanks could take and most of them broke down right on the beach itself. Four tanks were knocked out by enemy fire, and the rest either broke down or had their tracks snapped. The Calgary Regiment did not get its tanks replaced until the end of October and then mostly by hand-me-down Mark I and II tanks.
In the meantime the Canadian troops tested the "Oke" flamethrower variant, to include taking one to Dieppe as the first Commonwealth use of flame tanks, and the "Carpet Laying Device" to provide beach passage. Two actually did succeed in laying their matting at Dieppe (out of five so equipped) but to no avail.
After Dieppe the Canadian forces quickly soured on the Churchill, preferring the Canadian built Ram. Even though the Canadians were issued the new Mark IV variant. However, in March 1943 the Canadians made the decision to swap them for Ram Mk. II tanks and they soon handed them back to the British. By the end of May 1943 the Churchill was no longer in Canadian service.
This little book provides a number of excellent photos of Canadian Churchill tanks as well as a set of plans by Kurt Gagnon giving the color scheme.
Overall, as with all of the "Weapons at War" series, this book covers little-known aspects of weapons in Canadian service and as such is always of interest.
Thanks to Clive Law for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Saturday, December 04, 2010 5:21 PM)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; Non-Bailey Bridging in Canadian Service by John Sliz; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2010; 24 pp. with B&W photos and not-to-scale diagrams and sketches; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-68-4 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: covers the various types of Commonwealth WWII bridging used other than the famous Bailey Bridge
Disadvantages: may be too esoteric for some modelers’
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all engineer fans and some diorama makers wanting something different
It has long been noted that anyone carrying out warfare in Europe will run into a water obstacle roughly every 10 kilometers, and a major obstacle every 50. While some can be waded or forded, most require bridging of some sort in order to negotiate them. While the best option is always capturing extant bridges intact, that is not always possible.
As a result, bridging units have been part of armies since the time of the Persians in the 5th Century BC. But by the time of the Second World War, most armies had prefabricated bridges and engineer bridging units as part of their makeup as a matter of course.
Having previously examined engineer boats in this series, author John Sliz now turns his attention to the various types of bridging used other than the famous Bailey bridge. The Canadian Army began its work in this area with a 64 foot section of Small Box Girder (SBG) bridge purchased from the UK in 1936. This was followed by folding boat equipment (FBE) and others such as Kapok Foot Bridges and Stock Span bridging. But other than "onesies and twosies" the Canadian Army essentially had no tactical bridging prior to the start of the war.
Eventually the British Army fielded a wide variety of bridges with at least nine classes from 3 to 70 tons in use by the end of the war. Many of these were also used by Canadian forces, but unfortunately all but the lightest ones were slow to erect and install and generally had to rely on securing an area before they could be put into place.
The Kapok Assault Bridge was basically a selection of duckboards and kapok floats which could be easily strung across relatively narrow rivers to provide infantry a dry crossing, but could not easily be erected under fire nor carry great weight. Still, it did serve its purpose as with Canadian troops crossing the Orne river in Italy or the Leopold Canal in Belgium.
Another light bridge was the Olafson Infantry Footbridge, which consisted of jeep transported 15 foot sections. Again, this could not be installed under fire. A double span (e.g. two parallel tracks) would support a jeep in crossing however.
The Large Girder Bridge was designed to be a semi-permanent bridge as it was heavy, bulky, and not quickly emplaced. Able to provide Class 24 crossings (e.g. support for vehicles of up to 24 short tons weight). While faster to install than the WWI Ingals Bridge, it was replaced by the simpler and more flexible Bailey Bridge design.
The SBG served well, with the best known one to modelers probably being the twin end unit short bridge carried by a Churchill AVRE.
Other bridges for "lines of communications" or mainline transport routes include the Callendar-Hamilton Unit Construction Bridge and Track Bridges (again this type had to have two laid parallel for vehicle crossings).
Floating bridges – called "wet bridges" by the UK – were those requiring pontoons for support. These included the Mark V Pontoon Bridge, which if correctly installed was rated as Class 24 and could deal with tanks up to the Matilda; and FBE Mk II and Mk III sets, which were only rated as Class 12 (trucks and light armored vehicles only).
The WW I Ingals Bridge remained in service at the start of the war as there was nothing to replace it. Capable of proving Class 40 support (e.g. tank crossing) it remained in service until replaced by the Bailey Bridge. Unfortunately the Canadians produced several sets of these bridges at the beginning of the war, but when the Bailey was introduced they remained in Canada gathering dust.
Overall this book is not of great use to modelers, but it is interesting and provides sufficient information and closeups that a diorama builder could use it to get a bridge "right" for a diorama or vignette.
Thanks to Clive Law for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Monday, November 29, 2010 8:54 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com (Dragon Models Limited) 1/35 Scale (‘39-‘45 Series) Kit No. 6658; StuG III Ausf. G Mid (July ‘43) Production mit Schuerzen "Die Erzaehlung des Schwarten Ritters";
6365; StuG III Ausf. G Early Production w/Schurtzen - Smart Kit; 659 parts (428 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 21 etched brass, 12 etched nickel, 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price US$47.99 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: mid-production model StuG with schurtzen, new parts added for mid production hill and fender details
Disadvantages: no zimmerit; does not come with DS plastic track runs; ridiculous "Concept" kit
Rating: (physical kit) Highly Recommended; (concept) Recommended with Reservations
Recommendation: For all German and "Stug" fans
Over the years I have followed the evolution of Dragon’s cyber-hobby.com boutique affiliate from what appears to be the sublime to now the totally ridiculous.
First they began with minor variations of popular kits which were probably not sufficient draws to warrant full up release as DML kits, and that made sense. Then they started on more narrowly focused projects such as ammunition tenders or specific vehicles such as Michael Wittmann’s last Tiger I command, which made some sense. Then they switched to one-off desperation conversions, which made little sense except perhaps to kit collectors.
Now they are releasing a series of vehicles based on a series of Japanese comic books called "The Tales of the Black Knights" which makes no sense to me whatsoever. Armor modelers take enough jabs about their hobby as is without now switching over to a series of vehicles based on a comic book which heroically portrays Nazis in Russia during World War II. Nobody doubts there were brave Germans during the war, but this sort of aggrandizement tends to minimize the import of that war and demean the fact that many nations took horrendous sacrifices to stop them. It’s one thing to preserve actual history and another to glorify fantasy.
It’s possible to make good models of actual fantasy characters, and anyone who ever tried to build one of the Japanese robot warrior kits like the Gundams knows they can be fantastic models as well; even beloved children’s characters have been converted to plastic kits over the years. This, however, is ridiculous.
As for the actual model, it is the very nice DML StuG III Early kit (No. 6365) with a set of nickel "schurtzen" plates and styrene hangers and a new set of 15 parts to represent the appropriate changes for a July 1943 built vehicle.
This kit provides the later "Saukopf" mantelet version of the Ausf. G. It uses 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. ll 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.
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 modified engine deck for this variant, as with all DML StuG kits, 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!
Anyone who has done any of the other DML kits with "schurtzen" will recognize the concept of using styrene hangers and etched nickel plates, and this kit has the same options with it. There are two angled end pieces and two overlapping center sections provided for each side of the vehicle.
The kit does not come with any "zimmerit" which photos show applied to vehicles just like this one, and it will disappoint more than a few modelers. It also comes with the single link "Magic Tracks" rather than two simple DS plastic runs; while not incorrect it does make construction more tedious for the modeler.
Its one other addition are two of the comic book characters, a half-figure of vehicle commander "Oberstleutnant von Bauer" with eyepatch as shown on the box art and a standing figure. Both are typically well done DML efforts.
Technical advice for the kit is credited to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson; somehow I am not sure if they did the work on the vehicle or the comic book variation.
Markings are provided for five vehicles of this unit (vehicles 31-35) on a small sheet of Cartograf decals.
Overall, this kit may be popular in Japan where the comic is published, but to me it is an embarrassment and demeans the hobby and a good kit.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 61x2 Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
B 48 Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 31 Casemate and fenders
D 33 Basic upper hull details
E 34 Interior and radio sets
F 16 Gun barrel and mantelet
F 18 StuG III schurtzen hangers
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 108 Magic Track - Left
L 15 StuG III Ausf G Mid/Late - fenders, engine deck, glacis
M 108 Magic Track - Right
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
X 13 "Black Knight" figures (2)
WC 4 MG34
MA 21 Etched brass
MB 12 Etched nickel
(Originally written on Monday, November 29, 2010 8:51 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 Scale Kit No. 53 (Dragon Models Limited ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6544); Pz.Bef.Wg. III Ausf. J - Smart Kit; 794 parts (521 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" individual links, 35 etched brass, 19 clear styrene, 2 pre-bent steel wire, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated price US$47.99 from Dragon USA Online
Advantages: nice clean kit of a late-model command tank with simplified antennas; many options to match specific tanks at set points in the production run; "Smart Kit" minimizes the amount of etched brass required
Disadvantages: kit does not come with DS tracks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII German fans
So far the DML stable has been short on early model command tanks with the exception of the Panzer I series. There was a modified Panzer III command tank in the old "Imperial" series of ex-Gunze Sangyo kits but so far little in the line of new "Smart Kits". Now cyber-hobby.com has released this kit of a late model Panzer III command tank with four distinct antennas for its various communications systems.
Early models of Pzkw. III command vehicles (Panzerbefehlswagen) mounted a dummy 3.7 cm gun and only had machine guns for self defense, and as a result were soon singled out for elimination on the battlefield. As a result, in late 1942 standard Pzkw. III tanks were converted over to command tanks but retained their 5 cm L/42 main gun and coaxial 7.92mm machine gun for self-defense. 81 conversions were made between August and November 1942 when variants aremed with the long L/60 5 cm gun took their place. They were first issued to the SS panzer divisions.
Based on the 2007 DML Panzer III Ausf. J kit (No. 6394) this kit adds some small details such as extra track links and the four radio antenna of the command variant to that kit. The hull pan is similar to that from the StuG but has the side hatches and other detail changes. It retains the full torsion bar suspension from the other kit and the detailed suspension components and muffler assembly. As with the StuG all hatches are separate with some interior details and can be positioned as the modeler chooses. All engine deck ventilators are spaced and mounted on separate frames to get the correct appearance and "lift" needed to give an accurate representation of the original.
The kit provides a number of options to include the complete spaced armor array but as a J only comes with the L/42 gun. The barrel is "slide molded" with a hollow bore. Options also include blackout or clear headlight lenses and the "kugel" mount for the bow machine gun (but the machine guns are not included with this kit). All viewports and viewers may be positioned open or closed as well.
The kit includes the rudiments of an interior, but unlike many Russian or Ukrainian kits the details they provide are highly accurate as far as they go. This should please the "after market boys" as there is more than enough room for a nice resin interior here and enough ports and hatches to see it.
Some modelers are now learning to love the new DML DS plastic tracks, but this kit retains the excellent if tedious "Magic Track" links. As the old curse goes, be careful of what you wish for as you may get it! Also the kit only comes with a modicum of etched brass, but in this case adds the new antenna parts to include the curious "basketball net" one on the rear of the turret.
Technical consultants were Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
The kit provides four different finishing options: Pz.Rgt. 7, North Afrika, 1943 (sand, no markings); 2./SS.Pz.Rgt. 1, 1st SS Panzer Division "LAH", Kharkov 1943 (whitewash over sand, red 555); 1./SS.Pz.Rgt. 3, 3rd SS Panzergrenadier Division "Totenkopf" (whitewash over grey, white I01); Pz.Rgt. 11, 6th Panzer Division, near Stalingrad 1942 (grey with whitewash, white 903). One other unmarked vehicle in green over sand mottle is shown. All markings are targeted and from Cartograf.
Overall this is a good choice by cyber-hobby.com and will appeal to a number of modelers.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 91 Pzkw III J hull details and turret mounting
A 61x2 StuG III Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
B 14 Pzkw III J upper hull and fenders
B 46 StuG III Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 41 Pzkw III J applique armor and details
D 35 Pzkw III J gun and barrel
D 31 StuG III basic upper hull details
E 15 Pzkw III J turret and mantelet details
F 15 Pzkw IV F - turret cupola
F 8 Spare track links
G 52 Pzkw IV F - turret and hull details
G 35 StuG III OVM and light components
H 1 Lower hull pan
L 108 Magic Track - Left
15 Pzkw IV F Clear styrene
N 15 Command antenna set
P 4 Clear styrene
R 108 Magic Track - Right
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
MA 26 Etched brass
MB 1 Etched brass
MC 8 Etched brass
MD 2 Pre-bent steel wire
(Originally written on Saturday, November 13, 2010 6:36 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series No. 6597; Sd.Kfz. 265 kleine Panzerbefehlswagen I Initial Production 2-in1 kit - Smart Kit; 526 parts (249 in grey styrene, 192 "Magic Track" links, 45 etched brass, 38 clear styrene, 2 pre-bent wire); estimated price US$45.95
Advantages: makes it possible to create very early production variants with "rail" antenna and with or without commander’s cupola
Disadvantages: "Magic Tracks" smaller than some 1/72 scale tracks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German modelers
After a five year lull DML now returns to the tiny Pzkw. I based command vehicle with a new set of options that include the provision of a pre-bent wire "hand rail" antenna mount.
This kit modifies the parts from the last release (Kit No. 6222) but retains most of the evolved features of the earlier kits.
This kit still comes with single link tracks – granted, they are now the easier to use "Magic Track" variety – but this kit really should have DS single runs to make it easier on the modeler.
The only major option on this kit is whether or not the modeler wants a very early variant with a commander’s cupola or a later one with only the flat hatch covers. There are no other major option with this kit.
The "rail" antenna comes as a section of pre-bent wire that threads through post heads and then mounts onto posts made of styrene. This simplifies attaching the rear section as the joint will be inside the post but care will have to be taken as it will be an ACC cement joint and must be done quickly. This is probably the most "fiddly" part of assembly and may prove frustrating to some modelers.
Technical consultants were Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Seven different variants are provided in the finishing directions: Unidentified Unit, Germany 1936 (grey overall, white 7); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1938 (grey, white 601); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1936 (four color - brown/green/sand mottle over grey, white 7); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1936 (four color - brown/green/sand mottle over grey, white 1C); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1938 (grey and brown); and Unidentified Unit, Germany 1938 (four color - brown/green/sand mottle over grey). The last two have the commander’s cupola. A small sheet of Cartograf decals is provided for the kit.
Overall, this is a nice tip towards prewar German armor and the pre-bent antenna, if it can be neatly added, will be a nice touch.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 38 Pzkw. I upper hull, engine deck, details
B 25 Pzkw. I Ausf. A fenders, details
B 61 Pzkw. I hull details, tools, fender tips
E 6 Pzkw. I Ausf. A alternate commander’s cupola
H 13 Pzkw. I Ausf. A details, OVM
H 4 OVM tools
J 4 Pzkw. I alternate casemate roof
J 21x2 Pzkw. I road wheels, springs, return rollers
K 20 Pzkw. I casemate, machine gun barrels
L 12 Pzkw. I Ausf. A road wheels and spring units
R 18 Smoke candles
S 5 Antenna braces
W 38 Clear styrene
X 1 Lower hull
Z 192 "Magic Track" links
MA 29 Etched brass
MB 16 Brass rings
MC 2 Pre-bent antenna wire
(Originally written on Saturday, November 13, 2010 6:33 PM)
Kit Review: Bandai 1/48 scale Pin Point Series Kit No. 8284; U. S. Willys Jeep: 122 parts (117 in olive drab, 5 clear styrene); price when new US$1.98, now OOP
Advantages: simple, easy-to-assemble kit of popular subject; most likely cheaper than new production versions from Tamiya and Hasegawa; comes with four generic US figures and a trailer
Disadvantages: OOP; decals not likely to last 35+ years
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for "quarter scalers" of both aircraft and armor
The Willys Jeep needs no introduction as one of the most popular vehicles ever built. Even today repro parts are in wide scale production and use to keep them going for both fans and preservationists. And the same is true in the modeling community.
In 1/35 scale there are a number of kits of which the new Tamiya, Italeri, and old Tamiya are the best (and in that order). But in 1/48 the first kit was put out by Bandai in 1974. Part of a broad attempt to create a new 1/48 scale market with the cost of 1/35 scale kits going up (Horrors! The Tamiya 88 was $10.95 at the time!) Bandai added many detail accessories to their very inexpensive kits such as figures, interiors, engines, and in this case a 1/4 ton trailer to boot.
How has time treated the little beast? Having picked up one at Maraudercon today in Baltimore, the answer is not bad. This kit was complete less the decals which sort of rotted out over the past 36 years, but overall it is a nice little model even today.
What you get is a complete Jeep kit with the trailer and a choice of raised or lowered top, something not often found in new mold kits. The wheels have the proper tread pattern but are a little squared off on the shoulders, but a bit of work with some sanding sticks or sandpaper should fix that. The only major item I saw that was missing was the rifle rack for the back of the windshield.
Running gear is complete down to the shocks and while simple the engine and transmission are there as well. Shift levers are included, too.
Oddly enough the model comes with a whip antenna for a radio – but no radio!
The figures are generic in field jackets but with no kit other than a helmet. Four M1 rifles are also included. However, the basic moldings are still acceptable for use today.
Overall, this is a worthwhile little beastie and for flea market prices will do fine as opposed to $25-30 for the modern competition.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 65 Details, engine, seats
B 23 Body, frame, top, trailer body
29 Four figure
5 Clear styrene
(Originally written on Saturday, November 13, 2010 6:32 PM)
Kit Review: Bandai 1/48 Scale Pin Point Series Kit No. 8282; U. S. M4A1 75mm Sherman; 219 parts (217 in olive drab plastic, 2 silver vinyl track runs); price when new US$3.95 (OOP)
Advantages: still buildable model of this popular subject; interior parts add to the interest; comes with crew of four tankers
Disadvantages: thin tracks, decals long since disintegrated
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for "quarter scalers" of both armor and aircraft
Bandai made a big push in 1974 to claim the 1/48 scale ground modeling market for its own with a great series of kits called the "Pin Point Series". At the time they were probably the best overall as they were more accurate than the Tamiya kits of the day, Italeri was just getting started, and outside of Hong Kong there was no Chinese modeling effort. More than 50 kits covered German and American subjects in their first release sets (eventually they added some T-34 and KV tanks along with British Matilda and Valentine tanks. But the effort failed to catch on and as a result went dormant until about six year ago.
Their kits are still sought out by many models doing 1/48 scale dioramas or aircraft models as they fit in well with them and even today are not bad. This is one such kit and as is will build into a very late production M4A1 75mm tank with wet stowage "Big Hatch" hull, the loader’s hatch and M34A1 gun mount.
It comes with T48 tracks but they are a bit on the thin side, so modelers who want to do one up right could think about an after-market set of tracks for one of these kits.
It does show its age as the tools are partially molded to the hull and the hull is totally smooth. But the engine deck is separate and the kit provides a nicely done Wright engine so it does have some potential.
The suspension has the welded "cast disk" style solid road wheels and idlers and the machine drivers. It also comes with "flat" return roller mounts.
The interior is not complete, but the parts that Bandai left out (the transmission!) can’t be seen anyway on a vehicle of this scale. The turret has a sufficient interior with the main gun, basket and 10 rounds provided.
The crew has two crewmen in the standard issue "football" helmets with goggles and two crewmen with helmets, so that matches pretty well with many photos. The crew consists of the driver, gunner, loader and commander figures.
Overall the model is a bit of a stretch (Bandai did it this way to use the 76mm turret on a single set of molds) but as some were finally identified as produced at the end of the war it’s a better example of a Sherman than the Revell one. It’s a good choice for a diorama background vehicle and even now is cheaper than the new Tamiya or Hobby Boss kits.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 54 Suspension, wheels, tools
B 41 M4/M4A1 common fittings, hull details, skirts
C 22 M4 Stern Plate, bulkhead, driveline parts
D 46 75mm turret with loader’s hatch and M34A1 gun mount
E 20 Wright aircooled engine
1 Lower hull
1 Upper hull
32 Four man crew, interior parts and details
2 Silver vinyl
(Originally written on Saturday, November 13, 2010 6:30 PM)
Kit Review: Zvezda 1/35 scale Kit No. 3560; Russian Armored Personnel Carrier BTR-80A; (248 in olive styrene, 8 black tires, 1 section of clear acetate); price between US$30-37
Advantages: only kit in plastic of this vehicle in this scale; with work may even be built as a BTR-82 model
Disadvantages: kit’s origins with "crab claw" hatch hinges shows; may "squat" on suspension; replicates early vehicle features (see text)
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all Russian and Third World country armor fans
During the mid 1970s the Soviets tried to see if they could create a wheeled version of their then-new BMP-1 for use with motorized rifle units. After many years they decided it was not worth the effort, but used the new hull they designed for that purpose to create a better designed version of their wheeled armored personnel carrier, the BTR-60PB. The new machine, dubbed BTR-70, went into production prior to the Soviet entry into Afghanistan.
Once there it was found to have two major flaws: the heavy 14.5mm KPVT could not elevate high enough to hit targets in the mountains, and as it retained the gasoline engines of the BTR-60 series it was easy to ignite and burn. While a new turret with 65 degree plus elevation was soon developed, it took a couple of years before the final variant, the BTR-80 with a big single diesel engine, came into service. This vehicle has remained the primary Soviet and Russian "battle taxi" to the present day.
While the Russians were happy with the new vehicle, some of their customers (including the MVD Internal Troops) wanted more firepower. As nothing bigger would fit in the small one-man turret, the solution was soon found to use an elevated gun mount over a heavily modified turret base. This could be used to fit a remote control 30mm 2A72 lightweight cannon and a 7.62mm PKT machine gun. Once it was accepted for service, it entered production as the BTR-80A. However, in service the 2A72 was found to have pronounced barrel whip and as such was not useful for more than single shots.
The Russians now have a new variant with a digitalized control system and stabilization which has been accepted for service as the BTR-82 and one with a KPVT as the BTR-82A. However, this variant appears to have the more stable 2A42 cannon.
A bit over 15 years ago DML released a pair of kits of the BTR-70 and early production BTR-80 armored personnel carriers. While the shapes were pretty much accurate, the models suffered from too many toylike features such as working steering for the front four wheels, opening hatches, and a rotating and elevating gun in the turret. The original tires were also subject to cracking without any warning, thus ruining a completed model.
In 2004 Zvezda used these same molds with one totally new sprue of parts to produce the BTR-80A variant. Alas, it retains all of the hatch problems and working steering from the parent kit but now seems to have a much harder plastic used for the tires. It is not known if the latter will outlast the original DML tires but as they are quite different there is hope.
The basic BTR-80 is not a bad model, but it can use some TLC to fix up the details. Replacing all hatch hinges is a good start. Also the two hull doors need to be fixed in place or a lot of detail work done to represent their interior details.
The turret, since it was done by Zvezda over nine years after the base kit, is much better. It comes with six smoke grenade launchers which look much more the part than the wimpy ones from the original kit. The mount looks the part as does the skinny and flimsy looking 2A72 barrel (the length is the reason for the barrel whip problem).
The kit provides finishing directions for three different vehicles, all of which are probably MVD Internal Troops (albeit some are used for security with the RVSN strategic missile forces): Unidentified Unit, white 521 (light green, dark green, black); Unidentified Internal Troops unit, white 133 (light green, dark green, black); Unidentified Internal Troops unit, white 122 (overall dark green).
Overall this kit is a bit past its prime, but with some detail work and some effort it can be used to produce an accurate BTR-80A.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
8 Black tires
A 19 Lower hull, engine deck, details
B 43x2 Generic BTR suspension and wheel backing plates
C 44 Upper hull, engine deck details, hatch covers
D 49 Hull details, exhausts, wheel covers
E 50 BTR-80A elevated turret
1 Clear acetate
(Originally written on Saturday, October 30, 2010 4:56 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6654; Ghost Division Tank Crew Blitzkrieg 1940 - Gen 2 Gear; 114 parts (106 in grey styrene, 8 etched brass); price US$12.95 via DragonUSA Online
Advantages: four more nice single figures for use with models; nice selection of casual poses
Disadvantages: not a "set"
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for early war German fans
The latest set of "vignette" figures from DML are four early war German soldiers from the 11th Panzer or "Ghost" Division, which was one of the better known units from the early war campaign in France. Advertised as produced for the 70th Anniversary of the 1940 Blitzkrieg, this new set follows recent DML format and is more along the line of four individual standing figures. Two of them, a wounded tanker and an officer with a pistol, can be posed together as shown in the Ron Volstad artwork.
Three of the figures are panzer crewmen in the early war uniforms with the floppy berets. One is wearing a headset cocked up to hold conversation with anyone outside the tank, and the other two are the wounded man in a beret and officer with pistol and sidecap. The fourth figure is an infantryman with rifle shouldered; the box art again shows them both smoking cigarettes.
Each figure is typical DML in that it consists of six parts – head, torso, arms and legs. The main sprue includes their headgear, headset cups, and even cigarettes for the two smokers.
One of the generic "Gen2" kit sprues is provided with all of the usual accessories, albeit only the infantryman needs them. Weapons are the one-piece "Gen 1" type but without etched brass slings provided for them. (All it is for is the headband for the headset wearer.)
It should be noted that DML Kit No. 6631S is a special edition of their new Pzkw. III Ausf. E kit and includes this figure set with it for US$52.95 via DragonUSA Online.
Overall it is a nice set and again provides up to four single figures for use with models on bases.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
6654 32 Four figures and basic kit
G 60 German generic kit - helmets, bread bags, canteens, sidearms, etc.
W 14 German small arms - 4 x Kar 98K, 3 x MP-40
MA 8 Etched brass
(Originally written on Saturday, October 30, 2010 4:54 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6631; Pz. Kpfw. III Ausf. E France 1940 - Smart Kit; 827 parts (560 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 26 etched brass, 23 clear styrene, 2 prebent steel wire); price US$47.95 via DragonUSA Online; also available as Kit No. 6631S with figure set No. 6654, Ghost Division Tank Crew Blitzkrieg 1940, for $52.95 from the same source
Advantagesw: changes or adds 46 parts from Kit No. 6632 (Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. F) kit
Disadvantages: kit does not come with DS tracks, which will disappoint a few modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII German fans
The Pzkw. III Ausf. E was the first variant in the family to essentially "get it right" and have a production run of more than 30 vehicles with 96 being built. It was also the last of the prewar Pzkw. III designs with the last ones produced in October 1939.
As the vehicles entered into service they soon were found to be wanting in the way of armament, and as soon as later models with the short 5 cm gun began to roll of the production lines the survivors were either rearmed with that gun and given applique armor protection or used for conversions into armored observation posts.
This is the second new build kit of an early model Pzkw. III to come out from DML, and many modelers are hoping they keep moving "backwards" to the earlier production variants.
This kit changes 46 parts from the previous Pzkw. III Ausf. F (No. 6632) kit, mostly being a new set of road wheels, fenders, and the early model turret shell. As with the F DML requires the modeler to drill out holes in the kit for specific parts, as well as calls out options. Alas, theses are tucked into the very busy directions and thus the modeler must be attentive to ensure he does not miss them.
The suspension begins with four of the original seven "mini-sprues" and three new ones provided for the early model "porthole" drivers and more complex idlers, plus newly molded shock absorbers as well as replacing the road wheels with the new items.
The hull pan is one with the side hatches and other detail changes. It retains the full torsion bar suspension from the other kit and the detailed suspension components and muffler assembly. As with the earlier kits all hatches are separate with some interior details and can be positioned as the modeler chooses. All engine deck ventilators are spaced and mounted on separate frames to get the correct appearance and "lift" needed to give an accurate representation of the original. A completely new engine deck is provided for the early variants of the Pzkw. III with this kit.
The kit includes the rudiments of an interior, but unlike many Russian or Ukrainian kits the details they provide are highly accurate as far as they go. This should please the "after market boys" as there is more than enough room for a nice resin interior here and enough ports and hatches to see it. One amazing thing (which shows why the Soviets laughed at it) is the huge amount of room in the early turret with the 3.7 cm gun. The gun follows most of the DML standard design concepts and faithfully replicates the internal mantlet as well as the rest of the small details of this petite weapon.
The cupola provided is from an early Pzkw. IV kit and comes with a number of options and two different types of view block mountings. Covers can be displayed open or closed.
The kit comes with 36 cm "Magic Track" single-links, and while not wrong many modelers appreciate the DS plastic tracks as they speed construction.
Technical consultants are Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
The kit provides seven different finishing options: 1st Panzer Division, France 1940 (brown over grey, white 219); 5th Panzer Division, Greece 1941 (grey, yellow 124); Pz.Rgt. 36, 4th Panzer Division, France 1940 (brown over grey, white 156); Unidentified Unit, Poland 1939, (brown over grey, white crosses, no number); Unidentified Unit, France 1940 (brown over grey, white 332); Unidentified Unit, France 1940 (brown over grey, white 132); and II/Pz.Rgt. 1, 1st Panzer Division, France 1940 (brown over grey, white 700 or 701). All markings are targeted and from Cartograf.
Overall it is nice to see DML continuing with the early war variants and it is hoped they continue to go "backwards" along the line.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 91 Pzkw III hull details and turret mounting
A 55x2 StuG III Ausf. G Wheels and torsion bars (4 mini-sprues connected)
B 17 Pzkw. III fenders, applique plates, smoke candle details
B 53 StuG III Road wheel arms and lower hull details
D 33 Pzkw III gun
G 52 Pzkw IV F - turret and hull details
G 15 StuG III OVM and light components
H 9 Smoke candle rack and smoke candles
J 8 Machine guns and muzzles
L 108 Magic Track - Left
K 34 Pzkw. III Ausf. J Initial Production engine deck details
15 Pzkw IV F Clear styrene
P 1 Pzkw. III Early Model hull pan with side doors
P 4 Clear styrene
Q 24 Pzkw. IV Early Model Cupola
R 108 Magic Track - Right
R 6 Clear styrene
S 41 Pzkw. III Early Model turret with 3.7 cm gun
T 4 Early model Pzkw. III drivers
U 1 Cupola base
V 61 Pzkw. III Early Model engine deck and details
X 6 Early model Pzkw. III idlers
Y 6x4 Early model Pzkw. III road wheels
Y 1 Early Pzkw. III turret shell
Z 4 Shock absorbers
MA 26 Etched brass
MB 2 Preformed steel wire
WC 4x2 German Generic Weapons - MG-34 machine gun
(Originally written on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 2:33 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 54 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6412); StuG III Ausf. G May 1944 Mid-Late Production - Smart Kit; 776 parts (502 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" single links, 31 etched brass, 16 etched nickel, 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price US$45.95 via DragonUSA Online
Advantages: specific production cycle modification of this very popular vehicle; nicely done interior bits;
Disadvantages: single link tracks make assembly tedious
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all WWII German fans
The latest effort from DML’s boutique subsidiary is actually a "real" vehicle as opposedd to an obscure one-off and should be more popular. This time they have selected a version of the Sturmgeschuetz III Ausf. G which was a transitional model; there is some reason to believe that it was right at the "break" point between zimmerit and non-zimmerit equipped vehicles and thus does not have the problem with missing that coating.
As is the norm with cyber-hobby.com there are some new sprues with this vehicle that cover new driver faces, new return rollers, new fenders and casemate and engine decks. It has the "Saukopf" mantlet but does not come with a machine gun for the loader.
Like its predecessors this 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. But this one also adds the "luggage rails" at the rear of the hull from etched brass; this is not available in styrene as an option so the modeler must bend and install the brass parts.
All fender details are separate and go on in subassemblies. In point of fact, most of this model consists of subassemblies, which is how it gets its tremendous level of details. This also shows in the sprues, as for example the "A" wheel sprue actually consists of seven sub-sprues, so future kits can be done by gating off or ungating other sections of the master sprue to meet the need of those kits. DML seems to be getting smarter in their old age, using this technique vice tossing in 5-10 other sprues from other kits to get one part from each one.
The kit comes with a high level of interior parts, including the gun, commander’s cupola assembly, floor, and the radios and stowage racks for various bits on each side of the casemate.
Likewise the engine deck consists of several subassemblies combined to form the deck. Note that every hatch on this vehicle can be opened for display of the interior, but there is no engine or transmission provided.
This kit includes the complete "Schurtzen" assembly of 16 plates and hangers from previous StuG III kits as well.
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, there are still no comments made about the antennas for them.
Technical assistance was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Four different finishing options and a targeted Cartograf decal sheet are provided: Pz.Kp.(Fkl) 316, Panzerlehr Division, Normandy 1944 (tricolor, white 5; shown with and without Schurtzen); 9th SS Panzer Division "Hohenstaufen", Arnhem, Holland 1944 (tricolor with divisional markings); Unidentified Unit, Western Front 1944 (sand with black 201); and Unidentified Unit, Russia 1944 (sand with whitewash bands, no Schurtzen).
Overall, this should do better as it is an actual production vehicle and not an oddball.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 61x2 Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
B 48 Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 29 Casemate
D 31 Basic upper hull details
E 34 Interior and radio sets
F 16 Gun barrel and mantelet
F 31 StuG Schurtzen brackets
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
L 16 Mid-Late engine deck, fenders and casemate roof
M 38x2 StuG Schurtzen brackets
P 12 Mid-Late - driver faces and return rollers
R 2 Mid-Late - final drives
R 144 Magic Track - Left
S 144 Magic Track - Right
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
MA 20 Etched brass
MB 5 Etched nickel
MC 5 Etched nickel
MD 6 Etched nickel
ME 11 Etched brass
(Originally written on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 2:36 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6545; Sd.Kfz. 7 8t Half-Track Early Production w/Crew - Smart Kit; (257 in grey styrene, 256 "Magic Track" two-piece track links. 9 etched brass, 6 clear styrene, 2 film masks, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price US$49.95 via DragonUSA Online
Advantages: the basic prime mover version of this vehicle gets a matching crew; nicely done rear compartment with all hatches optional position and interior bulkheads; well done lower frame details and fender section; DS plastic tires to avoid seams and extra assemblies; full engine and underside details
Disadvantages: as a "Smart Kit" probably not enough brass for some; small links perhaps better as DS tracks; no "kit" nor ammunition provided
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German halftrack and artillery fans
DML has now enhanced their basic artillery prime mover version of the famous eight ton halftrack with the addition of a crew. This kit "tweaks" the previous version (No. 6466) by adding a sprue of modified parts - new sides with a new rear deck and the luggage rails – and six figures.
The box art by Ron Volstad is dated 2009, but this kit follows in the order of things. But the vehicle shown on the box lid is one with a full crew of 11 men and a 15 cm sFH 18 in tow, so unfortunately anyone wanting to have such a machine will have to get a second set of figures as only six are provided. (They will be released separately as DML Kit No. 6671, but no idea when.)
Happily, unlike the Tamiya "zombie clones" from 1974 the figures here each have distinct poses and personalities. Each is a "Gen1" figure of six basic parts but as they are in travel mode all come with sidecaps and not helmets. Also no rifles are included, which is a bit of a shame as most photos of the vehicles in transit show Kar 98K rifles clipped to their mounts in the crew sections.
As before DML has provided a very thorough kit with a complete engine and undercarriage to include the winch and all associated parts, as well as passenger body with its three rows of seats and stowage compartments at the rear of the hull. Once more two-piece "Magic Track" halftrack tracks are included – this time apparently with an earlier version of the track – but as often noted are very small and DML could have made many modelers happy by molding them as one-piece runs in DS plastic. Also, as the kits are "Smart Kits" they make use of slide molding and other tricks to avoid needless small parts assemblies and minimize the use of brass.
It still comes with complete engine, transfer case, fuel tank, four-part winch drum, and complete towhook installation that form part of the chassis. The drivers are two-piece with suitable rollers represented and also add etched brass centers for scale appearance.
The front tires are again DS plastic outers and treads combined with a styrene inner section. As fit is reported as good and the joint is on the inside it should not be a problem, and the result is a nice diamond-pattern tread all the way around with no seams. Another complete tire unit is included as the spare for under the cargo bed, and here it is provided with a partial stowage bin of its own.
Once again, the grille is solid, and perhaps could have been molded differently to give it some "airiness" with the radiator behind it. The hood comes with separate side panels which can be left off as per the originals.
The passenger body is nicely done with rifle clips on the backs of the preceding seats and a very finely molded rail assembly for the cargo stowage on the top of the stowage compartments at the rear of the body.
While the compartments come with all interior dividers in place – a one piece base unit accomplishes that – the doors are molded in one piece with a thin center joint, so anyone who wants to show them open can open them up with a simple knife cut and snap. But as the vehicle comes with no kit or accessories, the modeler will have to provide his own ammo cases or kit. (Given the fact it could tow either 8.8 cm Flak guns or 10 cm/15 cm artillery this is actually understandable.)
This kit again provides masks for the windshield sections so that the model may assembled and then painted, and which is a nice touch.
Research and technical assistance were provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Nine different finishing options are offered with a"number jungle" set of Cartograf decals but no unit markings. The variants which can be modeled are: Unidentified Artillery Unit, Operation "Barbarossa" 1941 (panzer grey with license plates); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1941 (panzer grey with license plates); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1942 (panzer grey with sand stripes); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1942 (panzer grey with whitewash mottle); 21st Panzer Division, North Africa 1942 (sand with markings); "Herman Goering" Division, Tunisia 1942 (sand with green stripes and WL license plates); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (sand with license plates and white trim); 256th Infantry Division, Eastern Front 1943 (sand with no markings); and, Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (tricolor with no markings).
Overall the addition of a new mold crew makes a nice model even better.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
6671 54 Six seated figures
A 1 8 ton - chassis
B 55 8 ton - Underframe details - winch, drivers, front axle, subframe, muffler
C 42x2 8 ton - road wheels, front wheel backs, body details
D 72 8 ton - engine, hood, radiator, standard passenger body components less sides
E 38 8 ton - crew body, seats, rear stowage compartments, frame mounts
G 1 8 ton - rear fender assembly
H 7 8 ton - body sides and rear deck plate with rails
H 6 8 ton - clear styrene
W 3 DS plastic tires
Y 1 Twisted steel wire
Z1 128 "Magic Track" track pads
Z2 128 "Magic Track" track links
MA 9 Etched brass
(Originally written on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 2:31 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale Kit Number 6415; Soviet SU-85M Tank Destroyer - Premium Edition; (349 in grey styrene, 192 "Magic Link" track links, 191 etched brass, 3 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel); price US$45.95 via DragonUSA Online
Advantages: Kit actually provides "2-in-1" choice of SU-85M or SU-100 vehicle; new moldings mixed with upgraded parts from earlier T-34-85 "Premium" kits; plentiful etched brass parts
Disadvantages: still have to cut out engine deck grille to replace it with screen version; plentiful etched brass parts
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all Soviet armor fans
The Soviets quickly realized that they needed more firepower to knock out German tanks, and as such they modified their 85mm antiaircraft gun design to fit in tanks and provide the necessary increase in firepower. Two variants were produced: the D-5 from F. F. Petrov and the later ZIS-S-53 from V. G. Grabin. The Ural Factory for Transport Machinery Building (UZTM) quickly modified a T-34 Model 1942 chassis to mount the new gun in a casemate, and starting in August 1943 it entered production and service.
But even this gun eventually began to have problems in penetrating the later German tanks, and as a result in mid 1944 a heavier gun, the 100mm D-10, was developed. UZTM Chief Designer L. I. Gorlitskiy modified his SU-85 design to take the new gun, but as production was slow in starting he decided to simply modify it to take either the 85mm D-5S or the new 100mm D-10S on a standardized (unifikatsionnaya) chassis. The modified SU-85 became the SU-85M and was produced in parallel with the SU-100 from September to December 1944. A total of 315 SU-85M guns were produced.
The main differences between the two externally were the smaller gun and a different mantlet, as the chassis now had the expanded commander’s position with bulge to the right side of the hull and other improvements.
DML has now released a "Premium" level version of their earlier SU-85M kit and also included parts to build an early model SU-100.The model has some neat touches, such as totally separate parts for much of the casemate, cupola and gun mounting. There are also separate sides to the casemate, but DML’s directions still have not improved from their SU-100 Premium kit and this is still very fuzzy. They have to be installed in in Step 5 (they are parts P8 and P9 and the upper hull is C7.) While many modelers will probably figure this out (the parts are not "blued out" and it is obvious where they go) it is still something more than one will miss until after other bits are installed. This kit only comes with one rear plates for the casemate without the "dutch door" flap behind the ammo loading/access hatch.
The now all too common love/hate relationship with DML kits takes over. They have made all of the grilles separate parts with optional etched brass screens; happily this kit DOES include one with the opening provided. The etched blades for the louvers which are underneath it are included, and unlike the last iteration of these they stand free so there is no brass tab to interfere with mounting the screen assembly when finished.
The wheels are the 1944 production disk wheels with solid rubber tires. The "Magic Track" are pretty straightforward by now, but the usual word of caution to leave the idler mounts (A6) loose until you have the tracks ready to install so that you can get the right amount of links to fit. Remember T-34 track links are "A" and "B" ones which do not swap and must be added in pairs.
All hatches can be posed open or shut, which is nice, but since the vehicle has not one whiff of interior I am not sure how many will be used. It also comes with a choice between "new" and "slightly used" fuel tanks, so the modeler has an option. The exhausts designed for this kit replicated welded tubes with "slide molded" openings.
The kit provides three gun barrels: two 100mm ones (original two-piece type and a "slide molded" styrene one) and a turned aluminum 85mm barrel. The commander’s cupola comes in 14 parts and has the option for either styrene or brass components as well. In point of fact, this kit comes with a plethora of brass parts – tie-downs, louvers, grilles, fenders, trim, and even working snap-locks for the tow hooks. Most have a plastic counterpart, but this is NOT a "Smart Kit" in that regard.
Technical assistance was provided by Nick Cortese.
Finishing information and a nice sheet of Cartograf decals provide markings for six vehicles: Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1945 (4BO green with white 119, "bull’s eye" cockade and white 7A); Unidentified Unit, Poland 1945 (white overall, black 281); Unidentified Unit, Bohemia 1945 (4BO green, white F2); 7th Mechanized Corps, Hungary 1945 (worn whitewash over 4BO green, white K-10); Unidentified Unit, Bohemia 1945 (4BO green, white 432); and Captured SU-100,l 4th Panzer Division, Danzig April 1945 (two color camo, black crosses.) The first three are SU-85M and the last three are SU-100.
Overall this is a nice kit and the option to make either an SU-85M or early SU-100 enhances it.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Breakdown:
A 12x2 T-34-85 road wheel arms and driver mounts
B 27 T-34-85 cupola and rear deck hatch
C 28 SU-85M/SU-100 upper hull and details
F 42x2 T-34 Mod 40/41 idlers, drivers and details
F 24x2 T-34-85 fuel tanks and drivers/idlers
G 8 SU-100 casemate glacis and rear plate
H 6 T-34-85 louvers and driver’s hatch
I 1 Lower hull pan
J 3 clear styrene
K 12x2 SU-100 dented fuel tanks and two-piece barrel
L1 96 "Magic Track" flat link
L2 96 "Magic Track" toothed link
M 14x2 tiedowns and details, clean fuel tanks
N 8x2 T-34-85 spring suspension
P 9 SU-100 gun barrel and casemate details
P 15x2 T-34-85/SU-85 roadwheels
P 4 Spare track links with bolt head details
Q 3x4 grousers
S 1 Twisted steel wire
MA 191 etched brass
MB 1 turned aluminum gun barrel
(Originally written on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 10:11 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6640; 7.5 cm Pak 40/4 auf RSO - Smart Kit; 495 parts (311 in grey styrene, 144 "Magic Track" single links, 40 etched brass); price US$45.95 via DragonUSA Online
Advantages: first totally new kit of this vehicle in 35 years; very thorough chassis; accessories included
Disadvantages: single link tracks very small
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German WWII "Ostfront" fans
The Germans were no stranger to the concept of "run what you brung" and as the war progressed more and more vehicles were converted to self-propelled artillery of all types - antiaircraft, light and medium artillery, and of course antitank guns. In 1943 the Austrian Steyr Raupenschlepper Ost or RSO was selected for such a conversion. This tiny tractor received a new cutdown lightly armored cab and a fixed mount for the top carriage of a 7.5 cm PaK 40 antitank gun. Only 60 of them were converted in this manner.
While these vehicles did not really have a major impact on the war, they did their bit. Over the years this conversion – admittedly one of the neater ones done by the wartime German industry – has proven popular with modelers. Back in 1975 when Peerless Max came out with a kit of the standard prime mover version with pressed steel cab, many modelers bought it and the Italeri Pak 40 (a near contemporary kit) to convert them into this variant.
Now DML has introduced a completely new from-the-ground-up version of this little beast using the top carriage of their Pak 40 kit. This kit is typical of recent DML efforts as it has a very detail suspension and includes an amazing 49 part V-8 engine. Unfortunately little of it can be seen when the model is completed if the front body is cemented in place! (My bet is that the prime mover with pressed steel cab is not far behind on DML’s list.)
Assembly is straightforward. The chassis takes the first six steps of the instructions (as this is a small and "clean" vehicle the directions are easier to read than many DML efforts). The engine is composed of several subassemblies and each of the 16 rocker arm covers is a separate part. The twin blower fans for the air-cooled engine are each four part assemblies as well.
The running gear is simple but nicely done, with the bogie mount and springs as separate parts. The entire lower running gear forms one giant bogie assembly when done. There is a lower chassis pan all of this mounts on and it comes with separate frame risers and crossbars. Note that the drivers and idlers on an RSO are nearly interchangeable so you have to keep them straight during installation.
The armored body section consists of a one-piece shell, a separate rear panel and a floor. All of the primary controls are provided as well as two seat pans (no backs - nobody ever said this was a nice ride) and two seat-back shaped "jump" seats for two of the crew members mounted on the back wall. Covers are provided for each crew position for either storage or combat.
The Pak 40 is a familiar item and comes with three different styles of muzzle brakes, two different cradle caps, and a thin two-part gun shield with a brass rider plate for the central slot. The new mount is built up from 14 separate parts and mounts through the body to the subframe. The sides may be installed in either travel (up) or combat (down) positions as can the travel lock.
The one dumb thing in the directions is that DML shows the "Magic Tracks" assembled (67 links per side) and simply slipped onto the running gear. Not gonna happen. Most modelers know there are many ways to skin this mule but this is NOT one of them without DS plastic one-piece tracks.
Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson are cited as the consultants for this kit.
Surprisingly with as few built the directions provide finishing information for seven different vehicles: five are unidentified and the other two are for Pz.Jg.Abt. 152, 1st Ski Jaeger Division, Eastern Front 1944 (one in tricolor mottle and one in whitewash). A small sheet of Cartograf decals is provided for the RSO but only one - WH-427932 – has a plate. A much larger sheet is provided for the Pak 40 and its ammunition.
Overall this is going to be a popular model as it comes "pre-converted" and it is contemporary design and production quality. Now on to the prime mover version!
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 41 RSO - frame sides, control linkages, details
B 65 Pak 40 - gun, upper carriage
B 27x2 RSO - wheels, drivers, final drives
C 30 Pak 40 - ammo crates, ammo canisters, full and expended rounds
C 1 RSO - differential
D 2 Pak 40 - gun shield
D 33 RSO - body, seat pans
E 49 RSO - engine
F 27 RSO - Pak 40 mount
G 7 RSO - driver’s controls
H 1 RSO - armored cab
J 1 RSO - main frame
Z 144 RSO - "Magic Track" links
MA 22 Etched brass - Pak 40
MB 18 Etched brass - RSO
(Originally written on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 10:09 PM)
Kit Review: Miniart 1/35 scale Kit No. 35096; British Infantry Tank Mk. III Valentine II w/Crew; 609 parts (555 in grey styrene, 54 etched brass); retail price US$47.95
Advantages: beautifully done model of this widely used Commonwealth vehicle; interior parts for turret and driver’s compartment; layout makes upgrading with aftermarket kits relatively easy
Disadvantages: Single link tracks will be tedious to assemble
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth or Soviet armor fans
The Valentine was one of those tanks that managed to provide both reasonably good performance with relative reliability, and as such was used by the Commonwealth as well as provided to the Soviets under Lend Lease. I leave it to true historians of British armour (with a U!) such as Peter Brown to provide a more detailed history of the vehicle, as most of my knowledge of it is based on Russian sources.
From their point of view it was a good tank. It was what they wanted for an "infantry escort tank" in the same class as the T-26: slow, reliable, possessing relatively heavy armor protection for its size, armed with a machine gun for "eliminating Hitlerists" and a useful gun for dealing with light armor, and as a bonus powered by a diesel engine. Their major faults with the vehicle were insufficient traction from its tracks and that unlike the Soviet 45mm 20-K gun its 2-pdr did not throw a "useful" high explosive round.
The Soviets got their first Valentines at the end of November 1941 and by the end of 1944 had received 3,332 of all models of the Valentine, which they dubbed the "MK III" in service (Matildas were MK II and Churchills MK IV, based on their British Infantry Tank designations). The numbers were 216 in 1941, 959 in 1942, 1,776 in 1943, and 381 in 1944. The tank provide so popular and flexible it was used across the western front and attempts were made to convert them into SP gun as the ZIS-95 with a 45mm antitank gun and a DT machine gun.
A number of years ago VM came out with a kit of the Valentine with 2-pdr (the actual version was a bit fuzzy) and also the later 6-pdr variant; at least the 2-pdr version and a "Bishop" self-propelled 25-pdr were offered by DML in their "Imperial" series of kits. Assembly was rough as fit was "optional" at best, but with some work it COULD be built as a Valentine.
Now Ukranian manufacturer Miniart has released a series of Valentine kits including one with a Russian crew; as this variant was not available and the Soviet ones were basically British models minus their skirts, I picked it up.
As I had heard from British armor fans, Miniart did a magnificent job on these kits. This one consists of the base Mark II tank with a crew of three British tankers in desert uniform and the desert oriented fender skirts and mudguards. It comes with two different mantlets (one – part D5 – is apparently for another version of the tank as the directions do not indicate it is optional). The kit provides a slide-molded 2-pdr barrel and a very detailed Besa and breech assembly for the interior of the turret. Note that while the gun and wireless set are provided no seats or crew "comforts" are provided.
The driver’s position is relatively complete with controls, panels, and seat, and both hatches may be posed open to show it. None of the crew members are posed to fit it however.
The suspension is not as fiddly as the VM one was and does a nice representation of the variant of the "Slo-Mo-Shun" suspension used on Vickers designs. However, each side takes 98 track links and these are small and come from sprues; cleanup and assembly will be tedious so prepare in advance for an evening or two on those.
The rest of the model is pretty straightforward. All of the covers and shrouds on the engine deck are separate parts (again unlike the VM effort) and will give a great deal of depth to the finished model. However, etched brass parts are integral to the kit and thus require mandatory use; sorry DML fans, no options. These include brackets for the muffler guard, wing nuts for tool holders, and other tiny items.
The tank provides the "Heath Robinson" spring loaded antiaircraft mount for the Bren antiaircraft light machine gun, which consists of six parts. Oddly enough, the directions then show the Bren gun (which comes with a drum magazine and bipod) attached to the turret roof. Go figure. There is also a nice six part turret antenna mount.
A color booklet with finishing directions is provided for seven different vehicles: "Culloden", C Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, July 1942 (sand, green 10); B Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, December 1941 (sand, white 6); "Mohawk", C Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, December 1941 (sand, no number); "Cheetah", C Squadron, 40th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, September 1942 (sand with black patches, no number); "Respond", A Squadron, 50th RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, Tunisia 1942 (sand with black patches, red HQ); "Viking", Regimental HQ, 23rd Armoured Brigade, Spring 1942; and captured tank, unknown unit (sand, black crosses on skirts, registration number T27414). A nice sheet of decals is provided for these options.
Overall this appears to be a nice series of kits and already both a "Bishop" and a 17-pdr "Archer" have been hinted at as well as other variants. Good job, Miniart!
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 34 Upper hull, radiator shrouds, turret race, hull sections
B 70x2 Running gear, road wheels, drivers, idlers
C 74 Bins, fuel tank, exhaust, hull details
D 56 Turret, 2 pdr, Bren gun, radio, details
D1 12 Skirts, mudguards, brackets
E 44x5 Track links
F 28 Three crew figures
G 1 Lower hull
M-04 54 Etched brass
(Originally written on Monday, October 25, 2010 8:45 PM)
Kit Review: Revell/Monogram 1/48 Scale Kit No. 5508; A/B-26C Invader; 152 parts (142 in black styrene, 10 clear styrene); price around $26-30 but currently OOP
Advantages: first model of this aircraft in this scale in styrene
Disadvantages: missing some features which would give the builder greater flexibility; no crew figures; fixed canopy
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all light bomber and Korean War fans
When the Korean War broke out in 1950, the mainstay light bomber in the Far East was the Douglas B-26. Introduced in WWII as the A-26 to succeed the A-20 series, the Invader was a popular aircraft as it was nearly as fast as many fighters and very maneuverable. Two full wings eventually participated in combat in Korea, and while carrying out many of the USAF night strike missions they did suffer heavy casualties. Over the three years of the war a total of 157 B-26s were lost – 110 of the "gun nose" B models and 47 of the "glass nose" C models. Even so, it still went on to be rebuilt and serve in Vietnam as the B-26K.
One of the first models I built was the "box scale" Monogram B-26B with an eight gun nose back in the mid 1950s. I always liked the aircraft and even got one of the later Airfix kits when it came out around 1970; the great thing with that kit was that it came with all three noses – both of the gun noses and the glass nose. It did suffer from "rivetitis" but few of us cared back then. But while a number of new 1/72 kits came out, nothing appeared in 1/48 until Monogram released a B model in the late 1980s-early 1990s. This was backed up with the C model, which is the subject of this review.
The B model kit is unfortunately the better of the two, for it comes with more options. That kit comes with both the early (and hated) "flat top" canopy and the later raised canopy; one of the other options is a second raised canopy variant with a separate section to permit posing it in the open position. It also came with the six gun nose (alas, a eight gun nose was not an option) and both turrets.
The C model is optimized as the later variant and comes with only one (the upper turret). It also has only a single canopy and also missing from this kit are the three standing figures, as usual outstanding Monogram efforts and really nicely done.
What it does provide is a few of the standard options, such as an optional position set of bomb bay doors. This is populated with eight 300 pound HE-FRAG bombs, racks and internal details to include a pair of functional wing spars. These are neat as not only do they space and support the central fuselage they also provide the mounts for the wings – no tabs.
Underwing armament is sparse – either another pair of 300 pound bombs or a pair of twin .50 caliber machine gun packs (to be used if the aircraft did not mount the normal six wing guns). It would have been nice if they had offered either napalm tanks or rockets with this kit (rockets did come with the B kit) but alas they do not.
The fuselage has reasonably well done interior sections for the navigator/bombardier and pilot and a combination gunsight/seat for the gunner. This latter item can be left to swivel as desired by the modeler, as can the upper turret. It should be noted that Monogram created a wholly new fuselage for this kit – not just a "stick-on" nose to replace the gun nose – and as a result they eliminated the mount for the lower rear turret in the process. This is a shame, as some of the Cs in Korea had both turrets or even no turrets with a simple dome on the top. Others mounted a target acquisition radar in place of the lower turret.
Landing gear is nicely done and the main wheel legs fit rather cleverly into the nacelles. Engines consist only of the front row of cylinders but with the tight fit of the cowlings this does not seem to be much of a problem as far as visibility is concerned (not everyone carries an "IPMS Death Ray" by way of a penlight with them at all times!) It does have a major problem compared to the B model as there are few places to hide weight, and if no good solution can be found the modeler may have to resort to the clear plastic peg provided for getting the model to sit on its wheels.
Markings are for two B-26C bombers from the 34th Bomb Squadron (Light), 17th Bomb Wing (Light), Korea 1952-1953: 44-35423 "Dream Girl" and 44-35684 "Toni C II" (both of which survived the war). Both are in overall black with light green trim and red markings.
Overall this isn’t a bad kit, but one could wish for a "Pro Modeler" or Revell Germany version which combined all of the bits – two turrets, crew figures, and a choice of all three noses – in one box.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
19 - Left fuselage half, engines, cockpit floor, elevators
20 - Right fuselage half, landing gear, bulkheads and spars
23 - Left wing, turret, interior details
32 - Right wing, bombs, gun packs
10 - Clear Parts
October 18, 2010
(Originally written on Saturday, October 02, 2010 10:30 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6656; Advance to Kharkov 1942 - Gen2 Gear; 134 parts (132 in grey stryene, 2 etched brass); estimated retail price $14.95
Advantages: four nice vignette figures, good selection of weapons
Disadvantages: not designed as a true set (see text)
Rating: Highly Rated
Recommendation: for German fans, especially for summer uniform wear locations
Lately DML seems to be marketing figures they sculpted and worked up as figures but could not fit into other sets in groups of four single figures. This as was previously noted is great for use in single figure situations such as posing with a single vehicle on a base. But for those who want coordinated sets to go with a diorama, then the choice of poses here is not so good.
What the kit provides are four single figures, two of which seem to compose a machine gun team. One figure is a Luftwaffe flak gunner in field blouse with side cap and what appears to be a helmet with bullet hole in it (probably from a photo); two are infantry in helmets and with one carrying an MG-34 and ammo belt; the other is kneeling with a rifle but would appear to be the ammo bearer for the machine gun. The last figure is another infantry soldier in march order with side cap and slung MP-40.
Each figure is "Gen1" with six parts to the basic figure (torso, head, arms and legs) with the apparent machine gun team having their sleeves rolled up to the elbow. All look the part and overall the poses are somewhat static but casual.
Cover art is by an artist named Zgonnik and appear based on photos of actual German soldiers. But the assembly instructions are of the "point and stick" type with assembled black and white photos and only a reproduction of the box front with color callouts. NO color key is provided other than a small blurb which keys them to Gunze Sangyo or Model Master colors by number.
Overall this concept of four in a box seems popular but those wanting an "instant diorama" will have to look elsewhere for a set of posed "action" figures.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
6656 38 Four figures and basic kit
G 60 Gen2 Gear - helmets, gas mask containers, canteens, ammo pouches
W 30 German weapons - 4 x Kar 98K, 1 x MG-34, 1 x MG-42, Gewehr 43, MP-44
3 x MP-40, accessories
4 German entrenching tools
MA 2 Etched brass
(Originally written on Saturday, October 02, 2010 10:28 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 58 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6673); Panzerjaeger I B mit 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48; 652 parts (347 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 46 etched brass, 42 clear styrene, 1 turned aluminum); estimated retail price US$49.95
Advantages: ONLY kit of this vehicle likely to be produced in styrene
Disadvantages: expensive diversion into the totally obscure
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all German one-off and obscure armor fans
There is a company in the US called Rhino Records which specializes in finding and collecting truly obscure music into collections on CD. Among the things they collect are what are often referred to as "one hit wonders", e.g. records by artists who had but a single hit to their name and then vanished into total obscurity.
At first cyber-hobby was producing kits of specific vehicles such as "Wittmann's Tiger" or early or late production variants of other kits, but lately they seem to have become the "Rhino Records" of armored vehicles, producing truly obscure German armored conversions. Their latest one-off is this curious and extremely desperate conversion of a Panzerjaeger I vehicle (originally mounting a 4.7 cm Czech antitank gun) to mount instead a 7.5 cm L/48 gun from a Sturmgeshuetz III Ausf. G. According to the info provided it was used in Berlin during 1945 by an unknown unit, but it had to have a very short life and would seem to have not been able to make more than one or two shots before being destroyed. While the kit seems to indicate the gun could traverse, it is not likely to have had a traverse of more than few degrees due to stability and stress problems. (The similar US M56 Scorpion from the 1950s had similar problems and watching one fire shows how much bucking a heavy caliber gun can inflict on a lightweight chassis).
Nevertheless the boutique DML affiliate has produced it as a kit, combing parts from their excellent Panzerjaeger I kit (No. 6230) with bits from their excellent StuG III late production series. To this end the kit adds 17 new conversion parts on a single tree and the appropriate gun sprues from the StuG III; fans of a deep parts box will be happy to note one sprue is the one with all of the radio sets on it. (Note that the splash sheet of parts indicates they are to be used but no provision is made to place them inside the hull.)
As with the base kit the lower interior is relatively complete and includes internal bulkheads, controls, batteries, foot pedals, a brass radio mount, very complex but complete clear view ports and frames, and all hatches and ports on the upper side of the vehicle are optional position bits. While there is no engine, the kit now adds a cut steel beam mounting to hold up the heavy 7.5 cm gun.
The tracks are again "Magic Track" links, which in this scale would be fine except for the fact that they are smaller than most 1/72 scale track links. This is one area where the use of DS plastic flexible track would probably have been more popular!
The gun itself offers a choice of styrene or aluminum barrels, but as it was designed to go down inside a casemated vehicle may need some more details now that it is "up top". The breech is positionable and other parts may be set as the modeler sees fit.
Etched brass is limited to items such as the wheel rims (20) and the fender edges with some other small bits.
The only problem I had – and one of the rare ones with a DML kit – was that the main gun shield (a DML "Razor Edge" molding with near scale thickness edges) was bent during shipment. It should bend back with some hot water.
Credit for technical support is given to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Only one finishing option is offered – two-color mottle painted number red 742 in Berlin, with either an unpainted or camouflaged gun barrel.
Overall cyber-hobby has done a nice job, but the subject (while having stimulated some interest on the Internet) is so obscure it really seems to have not merited kitting.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Sprue Layout
A 35 Pzkw. I A engine deck and details
B 49 A Details - tools, hatches
D 15 Pzkw. I A upper hull parts
E 34 StuG III Ausf. G parts - gun breech, radios, mount
F 16 StuG III Ausf. G parts - barrel, mantlet
G 32 Pzkw. I A Interior parts
H 12 German generic parts - lights, NOTEK lights
H 4 German generic parts - fire extinguisher, OVM
H 38 Panzerjaeger I upper hull parts
J 18x2 Pzkw I drivers and suspension bogies
J 10 Clear styrene
K 34 Panzerjaeger I interior parts
L 216 Magic Track links
L 12x2 A modified suspension parts
M 17 Panzerjaeger mit 7.5 cm parts (gun shield, travel lock, etc.)
P 3 Panzerjaeger I clear parts
W 29 Pzkw. I clear
X 1 A lower hull pan
MA 25 Etched brass
MB 20 Etched brass rings
MB 1 Turned aluminum barrel
MC 1 Etched brass
(Originally written on Saturday, October 02, 2010 10:26 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6576; Sd.Kfz. 167 StuG. IV Early Production w/Zimmerit - Dragon Zimmerit Kit; 771 parts (665 in grey styrene, 63 etched brass, 16 etched nickel, 14 "Magic Track" links, 12 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US$59.95
Advantages: adding zimmerit will enhance this kit; uses "Smart Kit" Pzkw. IV and StuG III components; comes with DS Plastic tracks
Disadvantages: none noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and "Stug" fans
As I noted when the first DML StuG IV kit was released, it would seem a step backwards to create a self-propelled 7.5 cm gun using the Pzkw. IV chassis; after all, this same gun was already available in an all-around traverse turret on the same chassis and would seemingly be a better idea. But the Germans had a great number of doctrinal uses for self-propelled guns, and as the Alkett factory had been basically put out of business by Allied bombing (hence the end of StuG III production due to a lack of chassis) tests were made in late 1943 to fit the StuG III casemate to the Pzkw. IV chassis. The result was a success, and between December 1943 and March 1945 more than 800 of these vehicles were built. The chassis mirrored the Pzkw. IV chassis so they began using Ausf. H chassis and ended up with late model Ausf. J chassis.
Following on their previous "non-zimmerit" variant of this vehicle, DML have now revised that kit and by combining parts of their excellent Pzkw. IV Ausf. H kit and the StuG III Ausf. G kit with bits of the Brummbaer and a number of newly molded StuG IV parts with zimmerit molded in place. The kit comes with a partial interior and all of the predetermined optional position hatches and viewers to permit an interior to be fitted to the rest of the hull. As with other recent DML kits with "schuertzen" armor shields, it provides the hangers and fittings in styrene and the plates themselves in etched nickel. Note that this version has a double-thickness fitting on the upper sections of its center three panels (MD1 parts) as well as extra bolt heads on the M sprue for each set of shields.
A major word of warning: DML does not have the best directions and in the case of this vehicle – where a large number of parts are replaced with those from either new sprues or other kits – you will have to pay very close attention to find the correct parts and make any modifications (such as drilling out holes, etched brass versus styrene options, etc.)
The rest of the kit follows the earlier kits. This kit has another new hull pan complete with zimmerit 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. New details are provided for the tow hook at the rear of the hull as well.
The upper hull again consists of a rear 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 no interior components for the front lower rear hull or engine compartment are yet present, the hull still provides a rudimentary firewall for the engine compartment, and the various vents and louvers are also poseable either open or closed. Note that all ports have clear styrene inserts as well.
Using the StuG III parts 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. A loader's machine gun is provided for the kit along with the folding shield and mount.
This kit replaces the "Magic Track" single link tracks with a set of 40 cm DS Plastic track with ice cleats. 14 single links of"Magic Track" are provided along with other links for spares. The zimmerit is nicely done and in the case of this vehicle is not as much of a problem in getting external bits to fit as the Tiger and Panther kits had.
Technical assistance on this kit was provided by Steven Van Beveren, Notger Schlegtendal, Thomas Anderson, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
A total of seven different finishing options are again provided with this kit: Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1944 (green stripes over sand, black 113 with crosses); Unidentified Unit, "Gothic Line", Italy 1944 (tricolor stripes, red 121); Unidentified Unit, East Prussia 1944 (tricolor, black 23 with twin black crosses per side); StuG.Brig.394, France 1944 (green and brown stripes over sand, white A); StuG.Brig. 277, East Prussia 1945 (faded whitewash over tricolor; no skirts); 17 Pz.Gren. Division "Goetz von Berlichingen" Camp, Normandy 1944 (tricolor, "Bruno", no skirts); Pz.Lehr Division, Normandy 1944 (tricolor, no skirts). A very small sheet of Cartograf decals accompanies the kit.
Overall this an even better effort than the first one (No. 6520) and should prove popular.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 37x2 Pzkw. IV Generic drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Generic road wheels and bogies
B 17 Brummbaer - front glacis details
C 21 Pzkw. IV Generic Tools and OVM
C 28 StuG III - roof and outer casemate details
D 3 StuG IV casemate and engine deck with zimmerit
E 33 StuG II - floor and interior details
F 16 StuG III - Gun mantlet and details
G 54 StuG III - smoke grenade launchers and fender details
H 57 Engine deck and details
J 12 StuG III clear styrene
J 7 German Generic Jack
K 47 StuG IV fenders and details
K 10 German Generic Antenna and tail light set
L 8 Pzkw. IV spare road wheels
M 32+22 Schuertzen hangers and brackets
N 5 StuG III Generic cleaning rods and OVM
Q 6 Spare track links
R 8 Three muzzle brake styles
S 26 Brummaer with zimmerit hull plates and details
T 3 Pzkw. IV stern plate and upper bow with zimmerit
T 7 Pzkw. IV small detail plates with zimmerit
T 12 Pzkw. IV side plates and turret mantlet with zimmerit
V 14 "Magic Track" single link tracks
X 1 Lower hull pan with zimmerit
Y 2 DS Plastic single track runs
Z 1 Twisted metal wire
WC 6 German Generic Weapons - MG-34
MA 63 Etched brass
MB 5 Etched nickel shields
MC 5 Etched nickel shields
MD 6 Etched nickel shields
(Originally written on Thursday, September 09, 2010 3:43 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6411; German s. 10 cm Kanone 18 - Smart Kit; 239 parts (228 in grey styrene, 3 clear styrene, 2 etched brass, 2 etched nickel, 2 brass tubing, 1 turned aluminum); estimated price US$39.95
Advantages: first kit in this scale of this artillery piece; limber included for either in action or march order display
Disadvantages: no crew; stingy supply of ammunition
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and "Redleg" fans
During the 1930s the creation of "duo" or even "trio" gun programs were popular with all of the developed countries. The concept was to develop a single sturdy carriage and then swap barrels to meet specific purposes, using a gun for long range firing and a heavier howitzer for short range engagements. Some worked well such as the US Army's M1 155mm gun and M115 8" howitzer or the Soviet Br-2 152mm gun and B-4 203mm howitzer. The Germans developed their "duo" of guns in the 1920s by Krupp with one common carriage created for a 10 cm Kanone 18 field gun or the 15 cm schwere Feldhaubitze 18 field howitzer.
While a good idea, the 10 cm gun proved to be too light a caliber for the heavy carriage, so the main production version was the sFH 18 howitzer. Weighting about six metric tons, the s.10 cm was mostly deployed in battalions of three batteries of four guns each towed by the eight-ton Sd.Kfz. 7 halftrack fitted with lockers for the 10 cm ammunition.
Whereas the s.FH 18 could fire a 43.5 kilogram HE-FRAG round to a maximum range of 13,325 meters, the 10 cm only fired a 15.5 kg projectile to a bit over 18,000. numbers. As they were considered insufficient in firepower for their size, most were eventually relegated to coast defense.
Three years ago DML produced an excellent kit of the s.FH 18 and announced they would follow it with the s. 10 cm. Noting that 50 years ago ROCO made this "duo" in 1/87th scale with both the 10 cm and 15 cm barrels, as well as the Sd.Kfz. 7 prime mover, by now DML also makes a excellent Sd.Kfz. 7 prime mover for both guns.
As with the earlier kit - with which as it should the 10 cm shares nearly its entire carriage - DML has pulled out all of its tricks to get a very nicely done result. The heavy rubber tired disk wheels are "slide molded" with the injection mold points at the top rim of the wheel, to ensure fast and easy cleanup while molding all of the grooves in place. The same goes for the much thinner limber wheels. The trails are hollow molded using similar techniques.
The gun proper consists of the complete barrel in turned aluminum and a 13-piece styrene breech assembly. Two of the brass parts, the tubes, are used for the elevation cylinders. The nickel parts cover the gun's data plate and the stamped metal firing table placed in front of the gunner's position. The two etched brass parts are the linkages on the parking brakes. Note that while the gun tube has a rifled muzzle cut into the twist is amazingly high - I am not sure of what the actual gun used but here it is about 1 turn in 6 calibers which seems far too tight.
The gun has an incredible amount of detail to it and even the limber consists of no less than 30 parts. The spades are optional position and the kit is designed so that the gun may be left assembled with a friction fit so it may be displayed either in march order (racked up, trails on the limber) or in firing position. This may not work quite as well as the directions indicate, but it is nice to know you may have a longer time frame to make a selection on towed or firing displays.
The gun comes with but three rounds: one AP, one HE-FRAG and one ammunition tube. This is a bit stingy for a gun this size and also limits what can be done with it. (I do not know if DML plans to released a dedicated crew with ammo supply for this gun or not.)
The sights are clear styrene parts, which seems to be popular but still have to be painted.
A sheet of generic artillery decals from Cartograf is included along with "kill" rings and generic ammunition placards for the packing and rounds. Five finishing schemes (three grey, one sand and one tricolor camouflage) are provided but no units or locations.
Technical assistance on this project came from Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson, and the project director was Hirohisa Takada.
Overall while this is a nice kit and captures its subject well it lacks something comparted to the excellent 15 cm "Big Brother" kit.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 66 Gun cradle, trails and breech assemblies
B 29 Fittings and cleaning rods
C 26 Lower mount and axle details
D 33x2 Main wheels, limber wheels, trail spades
E 21 Limber components
F 2 Gun trails
J 18 s. 10 cm ammunition, gun breech
K 3 Clear styrene
MA 2 etched brass
MB 2 etched nickel
MC 1 turned aluminum
MC 2 brass tubing
(Originally written on Thursday, September 09, 2010 3:40 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7376; Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Initial Production s.Pz.Abt. 502 Leningrad 1942; 144 parts(127 in grey plastic, 14 etched brass, 2 DS plastic tracks, 1 twisted steel wire); price US$19.95
Advantages: adds Pzkw. III type storage bin
Disadvantages: 33% price increase over previous releases is hard to understand
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Tiger fans
Following on last year's Early Production Tiger I kit DML has now released another initial production variant, this time the one with the jury-rigged Pzkw. III style turret stowage bin. Other than that it is a virtual duplicate of the earlier kit but with new decals.
As I noted with the earlier kit, DML borrowed the interconnected wheel sets from their popular Sd.Kfz. 251 series of halftracks and the new model has the back roads of road wheel connected by arcs that do not show once the entire four-layer set of road wheels is assembled (inner, center inside, center outside, and outer). Thus the entire 32 wheel set of road wheels per side now only requires seven parts – three linked sets and four single road wheels. The wheels are detailed on both sides even though the insides will be impossible to see.
The turret is properly asymmetric and consists of a one-piece shell with separate roof and front. As it is the early model it comes with two stowage bins, two pistol ports, and a "dustbin" cupola with an interior set of periscopes. It also has a fording air cleaner and etched brass parts for the intake grilles and radiator guides. The model also offers a choice between tall and short exhaust tubes for the rear of the hull.
The tracks are now DS plastic which will be welcome over the original black vinyl tracks.
The model comes with two finishing options, both for s.Pz.Abt. 502: Mishkino, February 1943 (whitewash over gray, bort number black 3); and Tosno, September 1942 (gray overall with white bort number 132). A tiny sheet of Cartograf decals is provided.
Overall this is a nice upgrade but as before now costs one-third more than the earlier versions.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 33 Tiger I upper hull and details, Pzkw. III turret bin
B 31 Tiger I turret and hatches
D 42 Tiger I turret and hull interior parts, idlers
E 20 Tiger I Early (rubber tire) road wheels and drivers
X 1 Lower hull
Y 1 twisted steel wire
Z 2 DS plastic track runs
MA 14 Etched brass
(Originally written on Thursday, September 09, 2010 3:38 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6669; Panzefaerhe Faehrendeck mit Gepanzerte Landwasserschlepper Prototype No. II - Smart Kit; 676 parts (428 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" single link tracks, 22 etched brass, 9 clear styrene, 1 length of nylon string); estimated retail price US$69.95 (See Text for Details)
Advantages: first kit of this vehicle in this scale in styrene
Disadvantages: requires first prototype to create a ferry (See Text)
Rating: Recommended (See Text)
Recommendation: for all German Pzkw. IV fans
As I recently noted with the release of Prototype No. I (DML Kit No. 6625) like many combatant nations in WWII, the Germans were faced with river crossings roughly every 10 miles or so in European conditions. While taking bridges intact was obviously a priority and having engineer bridging units a must, they did not have any true means of amphibious crossings in hand during the war. The closest that they came was the boatlike Landwasserschlepper which was not armored. Later in the war Magirus was tasked with creating an armored replacement, and as such did produce two prototypes of the Panzerfaerhe (armored ferry) vehicle.
This it was not, as it was basically a large amphibious vehicle that carried any troops or cargo internally (ferries by their very nature carried their cargoes on open decking or at least on a main deck). As a result, experiments were made with a decking set that connected two of these vehicles together (and which was apparently tested with the two Magirus prototypes). But by that time (mid 1942) the Germans apparently saw such vehicles as a luxury they could no longer afford.
DML has now released the second part of this two-part model and this section also comes with the dedicated floating pontoon with decking which makes the two units into a self-propelled ferry. The second prototype differs from the first in some of its details, such as having three fixed vents on the deck vice the four folding vents with the first prototype as well as a hatch and combing on top of the casemate for the ferry commander's use.
Like its predecessor, other than the road wheel sets from its line of Pzkw. IV kits, DML's ferry is new from the ground up. The kit comes with a foam bumper over the mounting bracket for the vehicle's tow hook (seen in action on page 119 of the Chamberlain/Ellis/Jentz "Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two" with an amphibious trailer in tow) which is a nice way to protect a fragile bracket.
Assembly is like that of the tank kits and begins with the suspension. It then moves to the propeller and propeller guard (I profess ignorance of the vehicle, for it seems to lack a rudder so I have no clue how it was steered!)
The deck and casemate are next, and while they all come with separate hatches there is zero interior anywhere on the model to show by leaving them open. The armored flaps on the front of the casemate may also be positioned.
The three vent stacks come next, and this kit offers an option between fixed stacks and the folding ones used on the first prototype. However, as before where they may be folded down for travel on the original the kit only provides for them to be shown in the up or operating position. With some work they can apparently be folded down. The winch and crane are next and neither one may be shown in any position but stowed.
Step 9 covers general assembly and adding the false bow (flotation chambers) before attaching the deck. The tracks are next (dark gray left, light gray right) as well as two curious lengths of chain at the front and rear of the hull. The tracks appear to be the earlier 38 cm tracks and lack traction cleats.
Note that there are a number of holes that must be drilled out during construction. Also this kit came with an addendum that notes if you leave the armored flaps open you need to cement the clear styrene windows into the openings from the inside.
The nylon line is used on this kit for the handrail stanchions and is not part of the winch or any tow cable.
Steps 10-12 cover the assembly and rigging of the decked pontoon. Note that the chains at the front and rear must be bent to attach to the pontoon. Also, and a major word of caution, the design apparently was that the pontoon has to float on its own and is only held to the Panzerfaehre vehicles for propulsion and control; this is not a rigid mounting at all and as such it means if a complete ferry is modeled it will have to be on a solid base with fixed attachment. Given the size of the kits and parts the base will have to be at least 12" x 18" (30 x 45 cm) so figure that accordingly.
Technical assistance was provided by Notger Schlegtendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundsen.
Finishing directions are provided for Prototype II in the hands of an unknown unit (probably either the factory or a weapons/engineer test range). A set of white crosses are provided on a Cartograf sheet.
Overall this is again a nice model, but now the costs come into the picture. Right now DML offers via its Dragon USA Online site both kits at reduced prices: kit 6625 is $49.95, kit 6669 is $59.95, and kit 6669C – which apparently includes both Panzerfaehre prototypes and the pontoon in one go – is $99.95 as pre-order kits. It is likely that based on normal pricing kit 6625 will retail for $59.95, 6669 for $69.95, and 6669C for $119.95 when placed in general release.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 45x2 Pzkw. IV Generic drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Generic road wheels and bogies
B 1 Panzerfaerhe - deck
B 15 Panzerfaehre - deck details, winch
C 39x2 Panzerfaerhe - deck details
C 14x2 Panzerfaerhe - exhausts and blowers
D 39 Panzerfaerhe - casemate and hull details, propeller
E 9 Panzerfaerhe - clear styrene
F 7x2 Panzerfaehre - Decked Pontoon
L 108 "Magic Track" single link - left
R 108 "Magic Track" single link - right
X 1 Panzerfaehre - lower hull
Y 1 Length of nylon string
MA 22 Etched brass
(Originally written on Friday, September 03, 2010 11:20 PM)
Kit Review: Tamiya 1/35 scale Military Miniatures Series Kit No. 35309; Russian Tank BT-7 Model 1935; 264 parts (213 in green styrene, 17 in grey styrene, 10 large vinyl keepers, 8 small vinyl keepers, 8 clear styrene, 7 etched nickel, 1 length of steel chain); retail price US$62.00
Advantages: nice, clean, easy-to-assemble kit of this vehicle; use of slide molding extensive and parts breakdown well engineered; figures a plus
Disadvantages: choice of early production model perhaps not what modelers were hoping for
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet armor fans
When eccentric American inventor J. Walter Christie sold his "Model 1940" wheel-and-track drive tank to a Soviet purchasing committee in 1930, it is doubtful that he would eventually see close to 100,000 vehicles built using that basic design and suspension over the next 16 years. While the British also bought the design and used it for a series of tanks ending with the Covenanter, Crusader and Cromwell, the Soviets put theirs into production first as the BT (for Bystryy Tank or Fast Tank) series of tanks and then the legendary T-34 series.
The first tank, the BT-2, was basically little more than the Christie design fitted with a Soviet-designed turret mounting a 37mm gun and a 7.62mm DT machine gun in separate mounts. Between 1932 and mid 1933 the Soviets built 620 of these tanks. Starting in mid 1933, they changed over to a new tank, the BT-5, which corrected a number of the problems with the BT-2 and also used a new turret similar to the single turret on the T-26 tanks. This was fitted with a 45mm antitank gun and DT machine gun in a coaxial mount, and also was fitted to mount an optional rear machine gun (rarely used with this tank and eventually dropped for a pistol port).
From 1933 to December 1934 the Soviets built 1,884 BT-5 series tanks (of which 243 were fitted with radios and the curious "handrail" antenna). But there were still problems with the tank, and as a result it received a major redesign that culminated with the BT-7 design that entered production in January 1935.
The BT-7 was wider, had a new bow section and a completely redesigned stern that used internal mufflers and also provided additional fuel stowage at the rear of the hull. It soon switched over to a common design "elliptical" turret which it shared with the T-26 tanks of the period. Over the five years of production the Soviets produced more than 5,5500 BT-7 series tanks of all types, with the final model being the BT-7M. This tank, virtually identical to the late BT-7 series tanks, was fitted with the naturally aspirated BD-2 diesel engine of 400 HP. This was later modified to become the famous V-2 diesel of 500 HP which was used throughout WWII and forms the basis for many Russian tank engines to the present day.
But like all Soviet tanks of the period, the tanks underwent "tweaks" and modifications as they progressed down the line. The most obvious change took place in mid 1937 when the T-26 type turret was replaced by a conical one with tapered sides offering slightly improved armor protection. In 1938 a new lighter short-pitch track was introduced along with a six-roller drive wheel for them when used (the earlier BT-5 type track used a four-roller drive wheel). This track was later retrofitted to BT-5 tanks as well, but when the war broke out not all tanks were overhauled and so equipped. The track was also accompanied by new drive wheels with wider tires (from 52mm wide tires with the BT-5 style track to 75mm) as well as new idler wheels (tires went from 38mm to 52mm); the road wheels were enlarged from 815 mm bto 830mm diameter with 102mm wide tires.
Note that all basic T-26 fittings - combat spotlights above the gun and the P-40 antiaircraft machine gun mount – were also fitted to select BT-7 tanks.
During production some changes were made which did not show (such as a new transmission casing) but others did, such as new guards for the tracked final drive units that were better armored and better protected from dust and mud. The BT-7M replaced the large air cleaner for the gasoline engine with a small one for the diesel (basically its one major external feature).
Production apparently went as follows: 1934, 2 prototypes; 1935 - 500; 1936 - 1,049; 1937 - approximately 314 with cylindrical turrets and 314 with conical turrets; 1938 - 1,102 tanks with new tracks and conical turrets; 1939 - 1,347 tanks; 1940 (BT-7M) - 779. They also produced 155 of the BT-7A model "artillery tanks" with T-26-4 model turrets mounting a 76.2mm howitzer and DT gun in separate mounts as well as a handful of prototypes culminating with the A-20 ("BT-20").
The only kits of the BT-7 in styrene in 1/35 scale up until this point were the Eastern Express kits from Russia, which – while they did a good job of replicating the BT-7 series tanks – were beastly builds with very nasty front wheels and other quirks. Tamiya recently surprised the modeling community with this kit of an early Model 1935 based on the vehicle at the Central Army Museum in Moscow.
Tamiya's kit is shown by comparison with all references I have (which are plentiful for these vehicles now) to be a straight up Model 1935. It matches up with one of the first 1,860 tanks built in features and accuracy, and also can be built as either a "line" tank (BT-7) or "radio" tank (BT-7 radio, occasionally seen as BT-7RT). The kit is one of the most beautifully engineered kits I have seen in some time and also comes with Tamiya's exemplary directions. (Some of its competitors should take note and not scrimp on their instructions.) In point of fact, the kit comes with assembly instructions, history, finishing directions, and a set of color photos of the Moscow vehicle as a package.
Tamiya appears to already have plans for other versions of the BT family as they have designed the kit in such a way that selected sprues can be replaced and used for both the more desirable BT-7 Model 1937 with the conical turret or also any of the BT-5 series tanks.
There are a goodly number of "in your face" engineering tricks used on this kit, which pleases me no end! (As a big Russian armor fan and having seen their mediocre T-72M1 and pedestrian IS-3 kits I did not hold out high hopes they would get this one right.) For example, the entire rail antenna with brackets is molded as a single piece, including the "pot" attachment to the turret roof. The rear radiator air exhaust louvers are molded in place with the slots for the exhaust pipes (hollowed out using slide molding) right in them.
For fitting the mandatory etched nickel grille over the air exhaust louvers, Tamiya provides a two-part "press" that automatically bends the grille to the right shape for installation.
Suspension is conventional with the familar vinyl "keepers" on the wheels but it does come with the more common recent Tamiya use of "link and length" BT-5 style tracks (as the BT-5 style drivers come on this sprue it is likely that the BT-7 drivers and short-pitched tracks will come later on a different sprue). While the tracks will thus be fixed the use of the keepers means you can remove the wheels and paint them separately (or rotate them on the model to accomplish that) which is always handy.
Unlike the hapless EE BT-7 front suspension this kit comes with a very solid and easy to assemble one that solidly supports the leading road wheels.
Accessories are few but it does come with the 40-liter flat fuel tanks that mount on top of the fenders in tracked mode and under them in highway mode. However, while the tracks may be positioned on top of the fenders there are no brackets or straps to attach them in that position.
The turret is nicely done and includes great details such as the proper rim on the outside of the mantlet carrier (part C8). The barrel is in two parts but has a slide molded muzzle and from all appearances will not need an aluminum barrel unless you really want one. There is a basic gun breech as well as two basic seats in the turret but that is it for interior. There is a driver's seat and interior to his front hatch as well. (Note that Zvezda makes a set of figures which are proper for this tank with pre-war rank insignia and will fit nicely with this kit).
Clear styrene parts are provided for the headlight lenses and driver's viewer. The etched nickel covers the grilles over the radiator air intakes on each side of the engine deck as well as the air exhaust at the rear of the hull.
Speaking of figures, Tamiya includes two figures with the kit, a tank commander in enlisted coveralls (officers got leather) and an officer in standard dress. Both are kneeling over a map and appear to be of better quality than many other Tamiya figures (still their one great weakness with kits).
Five different finishing options are offered, all in Soviet 4BO green camouflage (which Tamiya notes may be replicated with their paints by a 50/50 XF4/XF58 mixture). These are: Unknown Unit, Lithuania, Summer 1941 (white recognition cross on turret); Unknown Unit, Moscow Military District, 1936 (white leader's stripe around turret top edge); Unknown Unit, Ukraine 1941 (small white lines on turret top edge); 6th Tank Brigade, Khalkin Gol, Mongolia 1939 (command stripes on turret and white ID stripes); 4th German Police Division, Pskov Oblast, Russia 1942 (crosses on turret sides). The decal sheet also includes prewar rank insignia for the figures as well, a nice touch.
Overall this is one of the best Tamiya kits I've seen in years and while very pricey for a small vehicle it is a fairly complete package. I don't hold it against them that they didn't do the Model 1937. Yet.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 57x2 Wheels, suspension, detail componets
B 14 Hull sides, engine hatch
B 21 Hull belly pan, fenders, grille press
C 28 Hull top, turret, antenna, gun and mount
G 8 Clear styrene
P 18x2 BT-5 style track and drivers
Z 17 Two figures and kit
7 Etched nickel
10 Larger vinyl keepers (black)
8 Small vinyl keepers (gray)
1 Length of steel chain
(Originally written on Monday, August 30, 2010 5:01 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6652; Ostfront Winter Combatants - Gen2 Gear; 124 parts in grey styrene; estimated retail price US$14.95
Advantages: casual poses and use of "Gen1" figures with Gen2 kit a good idea
Disadvantages: not really a figure "set" (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for anyone needed one figure to set off a model
Occasionally DML seems to stall out on producing some figures, and has good figures but no place where they really fit in. Since the industry standard for 1/35 scale plastic figures appears to be four to a set, they would make a "fifth wheel" if added to the normal production sets.
This set appears to combine four "orphan" figures in winter battledress in one box. While not a true set, this may be of more use to modelers who only wish to use one single foot figure with a kit to set it off (think Steve Zaloga's magnificent efforts in Military Modelling).
The four dissimilar figures in this set are a German Fallschirmjaeger in a quilted winter coverall set; a German NCO in greatcoat with flare pistol; a Soviet soldier with PPSh in the quilted winter uniform in fur cap; and a Soviet soldier in greatcoat with Tokarev self-loading rifle.
All are "Gen1" figure sets with six basic parts per figure (legs, arms, torso and head) but separate coat skits for the greatcoat figures. The Soviets have their weapons and kit on the base kit sprue but the Germans have "Gen2" kit on a separate sprue. Oddly enough the Germans only receive "Gen1" weapons (e.g. one piece Kar 98K rifles and MP40 submachine guns).
Only the German NCO is in what could be called an "action" pose as he prepares to fire a signal flare. The rest are in casual stances and at ease positions.
While all four figures appear to be painted by Ron Volstad the directions are of the B&W "stick here" variety and only repeat the front paintings for painting directions.
Overall this is a good idea for those who only use one or two figures per model and want to set them off.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
6652 50 Four figures and basic kit, Soviet weapons
G 60 Gen2 Generic German Kit
W 14 "Gen1" German weapons - 4 x Kar 98K, 3 x MP40
(Originally written on Monday, August 30, 2010 4:59 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7339; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther G w/Steel Road Wheels; 114 parts (111 in grey styrene, 2 DS Plastic track runs, 1 section of twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US$19.95
Advantages: Nicely done steel wheels offer variety
Disadvantages: Possible high price for an older kit
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German fans
After a four year hiatus DML has returned to its line of 1/72 scale Panthers with a new variant, the late war production version with steel road wheels. DML offers a number of options for this kit in the box, and while the directions show the modeler using the earlier "rounded" mantlet the "chin" style is also provided in the box. It also provides either the lower fan tower or the extended height fan tower for the engine deck.
The rest of the kit is identical to the earlier kits (less the original one with diecast metal parts for the hull). This means it still has the screw towers in the hull for assembly and holes in the belly as well as closed driver's and radio operator's hatches.
As with the last kit, these photo-style "stick here" directions are somewhat spare as there seems to be an assumption that anyone building this kit knows what a Panther looks like, what "interleaved" road wheels are, and how they work. At least the DS Plastic track runs may be glued down to the road wheels.
Surprisingly there is no etched brass with this kit so the modeler will have to fend for himself on grille screens for the engine deck.
Five finishing options are provided: SS.Pz.Rgt. 1. SS Panzer Division "Liebstandart Adolf Hilter", La Gleize 1944 (tri-color, black 221); Pz.Rgt. 15, 11th Panzer Division, Germany 1945 (tricolor, black 432); Pz.Rgt. 24, Ellendorf, Germany 1944 (tricolor, white 221); Pz.Rgt. 2, East Prussia 1945 (whitewash, red 434); Pz.Rgt. 24, Aachen, 1944 (tricolor, red 232). A sheet of Cartograf decals is provided with a small number jungle as well.
Overall this is a very nice little kit but the base parts are starting to age in comparison with the other DML kits.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 40 Steel road wheels, drivers, idlers, exhausts
B 25 Turret and mantlets
C 44 Jagdpanther - engine deck, OVM, cables
D 2 Hull pan and top
E 2 DS Plastic track runs
F 1 Twisted steel wire
(Originally written on Monday, August 30, 2010 4:57 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7242; Sd.Kfz. 166 Stu.Pz. IV Brummbaer Mid Production; 195 parts (187 in grey styrene, 6 etched brass, 2 DS Plastic track runs); estimated retail price US$19.95
Advantages: first new mold of this vehicle in some time; nicely done details and assembly based on previous Pzkw. IV kits; optional position hatches and "slide molded" parts
Disadvantages: no zimmerit; no solid road wheels for modified vehicles
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for "Stupa" fans
DML has now added its first Sturmpanzer IV kit to its line of 1/72 Pzkw. IV kits and it shows the results of the evolution of those kits. Packed with a number of details (read tiny, tiny parts) this kit provides the mid production variant of the vehicle but does not come with zimmerit (even though it is shown on the box art).
The parts breakdown is conventional and makes use of the past designs as mentioned above. Each bogie consists of two twin road wheels molded together and separate front faces for each outside wheel. However, whereas most of the Sturmpanzers tended to switch to solid steel road wheels very quickly due to fracturing problems this kit does not provide them but only the regular Pzkw. IV style.
Fenders are separate with separate details and the engine deck assembly consists of some nine parts. Etched brass cold weather covers are provided as well as what appears to be an external air cleaner on the right fender.
The casemate has no real interior to speak of but does have some of the detail parts installed from inside and also has a swiveling ball attachment for the 15 cm howitzer. This consists of a barrel insert and ball arrangement to permit it to swivel and still provide the correct design. All sights are separate parts.
The side skirts are single piece plastic parts with a number of hanger and attachment parts to mount them on the fenders. These include hangers (A103) and the hanger plates (A88/89) and some standoff bars on the fenders to ensure the schurtzen plates hang correctly.
Technical information for the kit was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson (I suspect it was part of what they provided for the larger 1/35 scale kits in this case).
Painting and finishing information is provided for three vehicles: Stu.Pz.Abt. 216, Italy 1944 (brown squiggle over sand, white 2); Stu.Pz.Abt. 216, s.H.Pz.Jg.Rgt. 656, Ponryi 1943 (green and brown spots over sand, white 20); Pz.Div. "Schliesen", Frankfurt 1945 (brown and green stripes over sand, white 46). A small sheet of Cartograf decals provides these markings.
Overall this is a nice model and another member of the very well done DML Pzkw. IV family.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 85 Fenders, gun, casemate details, fine details
A 20x2 Side skirts and hangers
B 2 Casemate and lower hull
E 4x2 Bogie carriers
F 20 Road wheel centers
G 4 Idlers
H 4 Drivers
K 8x2 Road wheels
M 8 Return rollers
X 2 DS Plastic track runs
MA 6 Etched brass
(Originally written on Monday, August 30, 2010 4:55 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6625; Panzefaerhe Gepanzerte Landwasserschlepper Prototype No. 1 - Smart Kit; 654 parts (406 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" single link tracks, 22 etched brass, 9 clear styrene, 1 length of nylon string); estimated retail price US$59.95
Advantages: first kit of this vehicle in this scale in styrene
Disadvantages: requires second prototype and decking to create a ferry (see text)
Rating: Recommended (see text)
Recommendation: for all German Pzkw. IV fans
Like many combatant nations in WWII, the Germans were faced with river crossings roughly every 10 miles or so in European conditions. While taking bridges intact was obviously a priority and having engineer bridging units a must, they did not have any true means of amphibious crossings in hand during the war. The closest that they came was the boatlike Landwasserschlepper which was not armored. Later in the war Magirus was tasked with creating an armored replacement, and as such did produce two prototypes of the Panzerfaerhe (armored ferry) vehicle.
This it was not, as it was basically a large amphibious vehicle that carried any troops or cargo internally (ferries by their very nature carried their cargoes on open decking or at least on a main deck). As a result, experiments were made with a decking set that connected two of these vehicles together (and which was apparently tested with the two Magirus prototypes). But by that time (mid 1942) the Germans apparently saw such vehicles as a luxury they could no longer afford.
While several kits have recently been released of the curious Landwasserschlepper this is the first kit of the Panzerfaerhe to emerge. While it is an interesting vehicle on its own, as noted it requires two of them together to make an actual ferry and DML has shown advertising material they eventually plan to release just such a kit. (As an aside, note that the US was the only major combatant to create a true amphibious vehicle - the Roebling inspired LVT series - and get it into large-scale production. After the war the Soviets developed a number of amphibians and self-propelled tracked ferries such as the GSP.)
Other than the road wheel sets from its line of Pzkw. IV kits, DML's ferry is new from the ground up. The kit comes with a foam bumper over the mounting bracket for the vehicle's tow hook (seen in action on page 119 of the Chamberlain/Ellis/Jentz "Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two" with an amphibious trailer in tow) which is a nice way to protect a fragile bracket.
Assembly is like that of the tank kits and begins with the suspension. It then moves to the propeller and propeller guard (I profess ignorance of the vehicle, for it seems to lack a rudder so I have no clue how it was steered!)
The deck and casemate are next, and while they all come with separate hatches there is zero interior anywhere on the model to show by leaving them open. The armored flaps on the front of the casemate may also be positioned.
The four vent stacks come next, and where they may be folded down for travel on the original the kit only provides for them to be shown in the up or operating position. With some work they can apparently be folded down. The winch and crane are next and neither one may be shown in any position but stowed.
Step 9 covers general assembly and adding the false bow (flotation chambers) before attaching the deck. The tracks are next (dark gray left, light gray right) as well as two curious lengths of chain at the front and rear of the hull. The tracks appear to be the earlier 38 cm tracks and lack traction cleats.
Note that there are a number of holes that must be drilled out during construction. Also this kit came with an addendum that notes if you leave the armored flaps open you need to cement the clear styrene windows into the openings from the inside.
The nylon line is used on this kit for the handrail stanchions and is not part of the winch or any tow cable.
Technical assistance was provided by Notger Schlegtendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundsen.
Finishing directions are provided for Prototype 1 in the hands of an unknown unit (probably either the factory or a weapons/engineer test range). A set of white crosses are provided on a Cartograf sheet.
Overall this is a nice enough model on its own, but it appears it requires the Number 2 prototype and decking to complete it as a prototype tactical ferry. Given today's prices that may be an expensive model.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 45x2 Pzkw. IV Generic drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Generic road wheels and bogies
B 1 Panzerfaerhe - deck
B 12 Panzerfaehre - deck details, winch
C 39x2 Panzerfaerhe - deck details
C 12x2 Panzerfaerhe - exhausts and blowers
D 38 Panzerfaerhe - casemate and hull details, propeller
E 9 Panzerfaerhe - clear styrene
L 108 "Magic Track" single link - left
R 108 "Magic Track" single link - right
X 1 Panzerfaehre - lower hull
Y 1 Length of nylon string
MA 22 Etched brass
August 18, 2010
(Originally written on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 10:57 PM)
Kit Review: Academy 1/35 scale Kit No. 13217; CV9040B Swedish Infantry Fighting Vehicle;
688 parts (344 in black styrene, 268 in tan styrene, 28 etched brass, 24 vinyl keepers, 21 clear styrene, 2 vinyl track runs, 1 turned aluminum barrel); retail price US$58.00
Advantages: first kit of this vehicle in styrene; nicely done hull provides all hatches as optional positions; choice of tracks; choice of barrels; crew figures a bonus
Disadvantages: no interior (!); injection marks on insides of parts (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for fans of modern armored fighting vehicles and small armies
When most people think of state-of-the-art modern infantry fighting vehicles, only four countries usually come to mind first: Russia, the US, England and Germany. These countries produce the BMP-1/2/3, Bradley IFV, Warrior, and Marder series vehicles in those classes to be sure; but they are not alone. While most other countries so far do not earn the publicity of the "Big Four" there are a number of other contenders such as several vehicles from China, Ukraine, Belarus, and Sweden. The latter has produced their vehicle series, the CV9040, for over 15 years now and more than 1,000 have been produced for Denmark (45), Finland (102), Netherlands (192), Norway (104), Switzerland (186), and of course Sweden (509).
This vehicle began life as a Swedish military tasking levied upon the Haegglunds company to develop an infantry fighting vehicle in the early 1980s. Five prototypes of the new vehicle, dubbed the CV90, were ready for testing in 1984. After seven years of extensive trials and testing of optional configurations, armament and other systems, the vehicle was accepted for service with the Swedish Army in 1991. The first vehicle armed with a 40mm Bofors gun, the CV9040, was handed over in November 1993.
Since then there have been several variants of the vehicle bought by the Swedish Army as well as those sold abroad; the CV90 can mount a wide variety of armament to include a 30mm US "Bushmaster II" chain gun (CV9030), the CV9035 with a 35mm "Bushmaster III" gun, the CV90105 with a rifled 105mm tank gun, the CV90120-T with a tank turret and smoothbore NATO type 120mm gun, CV90120-T: Equipped with tank turret and smoothbore 120 mm gun, the CV9040 AAV (TriAD) air defense vehicle with radar and a gun with increased elevation, the CV90 Command Vehicle, CV90 Forward Observation Vehicle, CV90 (BgBv90) Armored Recovery Vehicle and a proffered CV9056 Bofors RB56 anti-tank missile carrier which was not purchased. Each export series has been adjusted to the using country's standards and is suffixed as such (e.g. CV9030 CH for Switzerland, CV9035 NL for the Netherlands). South Africa has also apparently trialed the CV9040 turret on its 8 x 8 Rooikat series of vehicles.
There are four basic variants of the CV9040: the based (1993) model; the CV9040A, which added a stabilized sight and gun to provide fire-on-the-move capability; the CV9040B, which added the Vehicle Command and Control System (FUM/SLB is the Swedish abbreviation for the system) and the CV9040C which is modified for use in peacekeeping operations.
The CV9040B which is the subject of this kit is armed with a 40mm Bofors L/70B gun which can now fire APFSDS-T ammunition, HE-FRAG, and various rounds optimized for antiaircraft/anti-helicopter suppression. It also has a 7.62m coaxial machine gun, six smoke grenade launchers, and may be fitted with two 71mm illumination flare launchers at the rear of the turret. It has a crew of three (driver, commander, gunner) and carries a seven man dismount team. It is a "medium" IFV as it comes in between the BMP-1/2 (13-14.7 tons) and the heavy Bradley (29-32 tons) and Marder (29-32 tons) classes of vehicles.
Academy has had a run of good luck lately with vehicles from smaller armed forces such as the IDF and ROKA kits (Merkava IV, K1A1 tank, K9 Thunder howitzer) and this kit happily comes from that line. While I plead that I am not intimate with the CV9040, the model appears to match all of the photos and plans I have and the Jane's coverage of the vehicle. All of the main hatches are separate parts, several options are provided for the kit, and as with most of the recent Academy kits it comes with a matching set of crew figures (here the commander and gunner).
On the negative side, there is no interior detail whatsoever – the 40mm gun rests in a cavity with sealed components so there is little to see there anyway. All of the hatches are without any internal detail and what inner surface they have is peppered with ejection pin marks. Anyone who wants to scratchbuild an interior will have to line them anyway so that may not be a major problem except under the main engine access hatch.
Assembly is straightforward. In the case of this vehicle, surprise! The now familiar and annoying oval hole in the belly of all "motoritis" Academy kits is gone and a flush square plate is provided to seal the opening. No cuts are found over the final drive slots so this kit may not have a motorized compatriot.
Steps 1 and 2 cover the suspension and lower hull. There is a small pin (F8) that cements in the back of the road wheel arms (F9/10) which apparently is the axle. Nice touch! The wheels are installed in step 3 and are pretty conventional (two halves and trapped vinyl "keeper") but the other row of road wheels has a separate tire and rim (F12) to simplify painting. Note that while the tires are black both the painting directions and box art show white rims!
The lights are installed in Step 4 and have clear styrene lenses; as they are rectangular it is difficult to replace them with any commercial lenses that I know of.
The stern plate and details are installed in Steps 5, 6 and 7. This includes the access hatch (E52) but note that it is one of the few hatches which has interior detail. (There's still nothing to see inside, however!) The modeler has a "DML" choice of a solid access ladder step (E46) or a frame (E45) with an etched brass insert.
In Step 8 the assembly of the upper hull begins with the installation of the driver's hatch (which has no interior) and the engine hatch and radiator grille assembly. While the latter has two etched brass screens oddly enough the engine air intake (E57) is a solid plastic part. The driver's hatch may be left operational, so it is a shame it has no interior.
Assembly continues in Steps 9 and 10 with more hatch covers for the side stowage bins and the OVM rack on the upper crew access hatches (E60/63 and E62/63). An etched brass applique is added to the right rear outside of the hull and also requires etched brass bolt heads (PE6) and bracket loops (PE5) added to it.
Steps 11 and 12 cover the basic turret structure with separate clear viewers (J1), whip antenna bases, and details added as well as two bins and a case at the rear of the turret.
In Step 13 the outside bits are added to the turret, such as the smoke grenade launchers, spare track links, and what appear to be stowage "pouches" (for lack of a better term) on the sides of the turret. In Step 14 the commander's and loader's hatches are installed, but these again have interior detail. They also may be made to work. Step 15 covers the installation of the gunner's multimode sight and its details.
Step 16 covers the assembly of the Bofors gun and provides for either a single piece slide-molded styrene barrel (D25) or a turned aluminum barrel with three styrene detail parts (D24/26). Either one mounts on the breech assembly of the gun, which then drops into the turret cavity where the side mounts (D30/31) trap it before the turret base (C2) is attached. A partially folded canvas cover (D16) then mounts on top of the gun breech. From what I can tell it gives the gun about 15 degrees of elevation (the TriAD version can go up to about 70-80 degrees from photos, but that may be coming in a later kit).
Step 17 covers the crew, but while the rest of the directions are clean and refreshingly easy to follow after DML efforts in this case the figures are shown assembled and with painting flags attached. Each figure consists of a body, separate boots, arms (one witha separate hand) and heads.
Step 18 is everyone's favorite – tracks. Here the modeler has a choice of either using the single vinyl runs – nicely detailed if a bit thin – or the two-piece single link tracks. Each link comes with a separate pad, again to simplify painting, and link. They are not working tracks. Each side takes 84 links per the directions and since 86 are provided it leaves four for sacrifice to the "Carpet Monster".
Step 19 is final assembly. (Big deal – insert turret and turn 90 degrees.)
As the kit I received was a pre-production shot I did not receive a set of decals. Painting directions are provided for the very bright Swedish "splinter" pattern for one vehicle, registration number 142041. I am not sure if more come on the decal sheet as the box art is for vehicle 140154.
Overall this appears to be a lovely kit and one which will compliment Swedish Strv 122 (Leopard 2A6) tanks on any fan's shelves.
Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
C 2 Turret and base
D 85 Crew figures, hatches, gun details, barrel
E 83 Hatches, hull rear, OVM, skirts, details
F 48x2 Wheels, suspension arms, final drives
G 86x2 Track links
H 172 Track pads
J 21 Clear styrene
1 Hull top
1 Hull
2 Vinyl tracks
24 Vinyl keepers
1 Turned aluminum barrel
28 Etched brass
(Originally written on Saturday, August 07, 2010 5:07 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 57 (Dragon Models Limited '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6667) 8.8 cm Flak 37 Auf Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H - Smart Kit; (793 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 71 etched brass, 18 clear styrene, 7 aluminum, 1 twisted steel cable, 1 length of steel chain); estimated price US$69.95
Advantages: probably only kit of this combination that will ever be released
Disadvantages: "Magic Track" not popular with some modelers; another "one off wonder" from cyber-hobby.com
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for collectors and anyone modeling singular vehicles
At the very end of the war the Germans were absolutely frantic to find weapons to oppose the Allies on both fronts and as such would try to mount any useful weapon on any functioning chassis. This particular combination, of which at least two may have been converted, is typical of that fervor. Mounted high on the chassis and without any stabilizer jacks or spades, this could only have been used in head-on firing and even then would probably start breaking suspension components after a few rounds. (Note that the similar concept of the "Nashorn" at least had a purpose-built chassis and a very narrow arc of fire as well.)
This latest effort from DML's boutique subsidiary cyber-hobby.com is another low rate oddity which always strikes me as focused more on collectors than modelers. Forgive my cynicism, but model companies that kit one-off models of the very exotic, strange and marginally useful armored vehicles when they have no real place in the history of armored vehicles are something I find puzzling. I understand things like the Maus and E–100 – one of the former actually being completed and one of the latter being nearly built - but frantic field conversions such as this kit are something we modelers used to prefer to do on our own.
Granted, in today's market if I wanted to model this one-off vehicle it would cost me about $50 for the Pzkw. IV chassis and another $40 for the 8.8 cm gun, but I would at least have a spare turret and Sd.Ahn. 202 carriage and mount base to show for it and which could be used for other projects.
What this kit comprises is – to paraphrase Dan Aykroyd on "Saturday Night Live" – is "Box O' Parts". It provides most of the components from the initial DML Pzkw. IV Ausf. H kit (No. 6300) with those from the 8.8 cm Flak 36/37 kit (No. 6287) with a single sprue of six new parts and a new engine deck element. These parts basically seal off the casemate section where the turret used to mount, add a hole for the pedestal of the Flak 37, and provide some accessories from the 8.8 cm kits.
Technical assistance and support for this kit come from Notger Schlegtendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Finishing directions are either for "Unidentified Unit Germany 1945" in a three color patch scheme with hard edged painting or three color patch scheme using a softer sprayed on effect. A tiny sheet of Cartograf decals (two black crosses) is provided but no markings are shown in the painting directions.
Overall the constituent parts are up to DML's high standards – it's just the concept which leaves me cold.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 28 Flak 36/37 pedestal base and outriggers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Generic road wheels and bogies
A 37x2 Pzkw. IV Generic drivers, idlers and return rollers
B 17 Brummbaer - front glacis details
B 44 Pzkw. IV Generic turret base and details, gun breech
B 52 Flak 36/37 - Flak 18 and Flak 36/37 barrels and cradles
C 57 Flak 36/37 gun upper carriage details
C 21 Pkzk. IV generic OVM
C2 1 Pzkw. IV rear engine deck
D 29x2 Flak 36/37 carriage details
E 26 Pzkw. IV generic hull sides and glacis plates
E 43 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H turret details and applique
G 52 Turret and hull ports, smoke grenade launchers
H 57 Engine deck and details
J 8 MG-34 machine gun
J 7 German Generic Jack
K 3 Painted dials on clear styrene
K 10 German Generic Antenna and tail light set
K 2 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H fenders
L 144 "Magic Track" left side
M 15 clear styrene
M 13 8.8 cm wooden boxes (2)
N 9 Pzkw. IV/8.8 cm Flak 37 conversion parts
P 33 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H engine grilles and vents
Q 12 8.8 cm ammo (6 full, 6 casings)
Q 6 Spare track links
R 108 "Magic Track" right side
X 1 Lower hull pan
Z 1 Twisted metal wire
MA 51 Etched brass
MB 15 Etched brass (casing bases)
MC 3 Etched brass
MD 2 Etched brass
ME 7 Aluminum parts
MF 1 Steel chain
(Originally written on Saturday, August 07, 2010 5:04 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6644; StuG III Ausf. F8 Late Production w/Winterketten - Smart Kit; 870 parts (548 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 72 "Magic Track" ice cleats, 18 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire, 1 preformed etched brass basket); price estimated at US$55.95
Advantages: New version of popular StuG series with complete set of winter tracks; includes new interior bits which will will be appreciated
Disadvantages: "Magic Track" links still part of the kit
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all WWII German fans
The Ausf. F/8 variant of the Sturmgeschuetz III series appeared in the fall of 1942 and added to the upgrade in the vehicle's armament provided by the base Ausf. F (the long-barreled L/48 gun) by a redesign and uparmoring of the hull. Other parts were either simplified or strengthened. 250 were built before production changed over to the Ausf. G which would become the most widely produced.
This kit provides more than 80 new parts to DML's popular kit of the Ausf. G. and also adds the "Winterketten" and ice cleat set from their recent Pzkw. III Ausf. M kit.
As with all kits in this series. it 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. 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.
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. This kit adds new radio sets and other changes plus the twin hatch (vice commander's cupola) casemate roof and details. There is also a preformed plastic or etched brass guard for the gunner's sight (parts R12 or MB1/MA8/R23) but the directions are not very clear on how these assemblies install.
The kit comes with a new engine deck that like previous kits 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.
The kit comes with the single-link "Magic Track" tracks with the extended blades for the Winterketten molded in place. While many modelers have been asking for the easy to install DS plastic single track runs, as I noted with the Pzkw. III Ausf. N kit this may be better here due to strength and rigidity. The ice cleats are separate and suggested installation options are provided.
Technical credit is given to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Three finishing options are provided: StuG Brigade 901, Kharkov 1943 (whitewash over sand with black crosses); StuG Brigade 901, Kharkov 1942-43 (whitewash over grey with black crosses); and three separate vehicles from Luftwaffe Felddivision, Norway 1943 (whitewash spots over grey, "Gerda", "Erika" or "Ulla"). A small sheet of Cartograf decals are provided for these options.
Overall, this is a nice option to a popular kit and the offering of an F8 makes for another member of the "Stug" family.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
A 61x2 Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
A 88 Pzkw. III generic details
B 48 Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 29 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 72 Ice cleats
N 1 Twisted steel wire
P 26 Ausf. F8 casemate and details
Q 50 Ausf. F8 details and radio sets
V 8 Ausf. F8 engine deck and fenders
V 4 Clear styrene
Y 108 "Magic Link" tracks - left
Z 108 "Magic Link" tracks - right
WC 4 MG34
MA 18 Etched brass
MB 1 Preformed brass
(Originally written on Saturday, July 10, 2010 3:29 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6547; 2 cm Flakvierling 38 Late Production w/crew - Smart Kit; 176 parts (167 in grey styrene, 9 etched brass); price US$24.95 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: first release of this kit outside of a mobile platform; crew is more what many modelers have been begging for in regard to temperate uniforms
Disadvantages: no carrier trailer included in kit
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German "Duck Hunter" fans
DML has now released its nicely done 2 cm Flakvierling 38 mount as a separate kit and happily supplied it with a brand new set of four crew figures. The best news for most modelers it that this crew is in temperate smocks and thus is more suitable for any time of the year.
The gun is identical in all respects to that which came with the Sd.Kfz. 7/1 kit (No. 6525) some time back. This means it comes with two different types of gun shields and a number of options for posing the gun as well as spare ammo magazines and other bits. Unlike the single barreled 2 cm Flak 38 these guns can be left moveable and swing through their entire range of movement.
One thing missing in this kit is the travel carrier trailer for towing. However, since it comes with a crew and there are a number of resin or plaster "flak pits" out there from after market manufacturers I somehow doubt most modelers will complain.
The crew is posed in semi-action poses and consists of "Gen1" figures in six parts (head, torso, arms and legs) with some small bits of kit provided such as bread sacks and Kar 98K clip pouches (no rifles are provided, however). They consist of a gunner, a seated loader, a standing loader, and a gun commander with binoculars. While no longer in the bulky winter uniforms, they are wearing camouflaged smocks and thus are basically suitable for late war themes. They come with four extra magazines as well.
Three suggested finishing schemes are provided: "Hermann Goering" Division, Italy 1943 (sand brown); Unidentified Unit, Western Front 1944 (three color "spot" pattern); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1944 (whitewashed shield fronts over sand). A small sheet of Cartograf decals are provided for stenciling on the gun.
Technical assistance is credited to Dan Graves, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall this is a nice kit and by now many of its possible upgrades are on the market; most of the ones I have seen involved etched brass for the magazine stowage racks at the base of the mount and the shields themselves. While the crew is not in standard field uniforms, at least putting them in smocks makes them more suitable for other than winter dioramas.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
A 52 7/1 Flakvierling carriage and details
G 26x2 7/1 Flakvierling - 2 x 2 cm Flak 38 and ammo clips
H 4x2 7/1 Flakvierling shields (two different)
MA 9 Etched brass
6547 55 Four figures and basic kit
(Originally written on Saturday, July 10, 2010 3:29 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6596; Sd.Kfz. 166 Stu.Pz. IV "Brummbaer" Early Production w/Zimmerit - Smart Kit; 1,130 parts (777 parts in grey styrene, 260 "Magic Track" links, 73 etched brass, 10 etched nickel, 9 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire); estimated price US$59.95
Advantages: first new version of the early Sturmpanzer; adds zimmerit paste finish; complete main gun assembly and partial interior; choice of options and assembly
Disadvantages: "Magic Tracks" not appreciated by many modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German heavy armor and Panzer IV series fans
When the Germans first introduced their heavy 15 cm "Sturmpanzer" assault gun, it had a number of features which did not prove to be an advantage. These included the lack of an under armor machine gun for infantry suppression, various clunky design features such as a poorly laid out driver's armored compartment and a lack of a commander's cupola. After 52 were built the design was improved and the remaining 236 vehicles corrected those deficiencies.
This kit follows on No. 6500 (the later production Sturmpanzer with zimmerit) but modifies or adds new sprues to cover the differences. A total of 136 new parts are provided in this kit to better represent the early version.
As with Kit No. 6500, the zimmerit coated parts are the casemate, the lower hull sides, the upper and lower glacis, the rear plate, the fender tips, the driver's enclosure and hatches, the pistol port plugs, and a few smaller bits. Paint dots locate the places where the modeler will have to drill out holes for mounting various bits to the model.
The casemate includes some interior details and a complete gun and mount. The periscopic sight also projects through the roof of the casemate, and all hatches may be shown in the open position (but again other than the gun there is not much to see!) The kit retains the standard new generation Pzkw. IV firewall and optional position engine deck hatches as well.
The kit uses most of the previously generated Pzkw. IV generic parts but most of the mid-production Sturmpanzer parts are here replaced by Pzkw. IV generic parts. It still provides 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.
Due to the earlier model – and presumably as DML only makes the late 40 cm tracks in DS Plastic – this kit reverts to the older "Magic Track" single link handed track sets. Modelers who are happy with the former will be disappointed but the "Magic Link" tracks are at least accurate and easier to use than some others.
Technical assistance on this kit was provided by Notger Schlegtendal, Steven Van Beveren, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
There are only two suggested finishing options, both for a single vehicle in sand with green stripes: with or without side skirts. A small sheet of Cartograf decals is provided for the model.
Overall this is a nice kit with the zimmerit in place.
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 32 Pzkw. IV Generic - covers, drive casings, details
C 42 Brummbaer - casemate and details
D 38 Brummbaer - hull interior
D 90 Pzkw. IV Generic - exhaust, hull details
E 54 Brummbaer - casemate details and gun barrel
E 40 Brummbaer Early - casemate details, gun mount, engine deck, fenders
F 62 Brummbaer Early - details and schurtzen hangers
F 16 Brummbaer - schurtzen hangers and details
G 46 Brummbaer - hull details
G 34 Brummbaer Early - Zimmert - zimmerit-coated components
H 57 Pzkw. IV Engine deck and details
J 7 German generic jack
K 10 German generic external details
L 8 Spare road wheels
L 130 "Magic Track" left links
N 2 Brummbaer casemate with zimmerit and engine deck
P 3 clear styrene
R 2 Brummbaer - flaps
R 130 "Magic Track" right links
S 9 Clear styrene
X 1 Lower hull pan with zimmerit
Z 1 Twisted metal wire
MA 73 Etched brass
MB 5 Etched nickel shields - right
MC 5 Etched nickel shields - left
(Originally written on Saturday, July 31, 2010 9:20 PM)
Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 Scale Model Kit No. 00364; BMP-3 MICV early version; 770 parts (402 in brown styrene, 349 in tan stryrene, 14 etched brass, 5 clear styrene); price US$49.95
Advantages: Excellent kit of this vehicle; relatively complete interior; some optional choices; all hatches have optional positions
Disadvantages: Two-piece single link tracks unlikely to win many friends
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For modern Russian and "Third World" armor fans
F I R S T L O O K
Back in 1998, when the first kit of the BMP-3 was released, I wrote the following: "During the early 1980s, the Soviet General Staff returned to its Great Patriotic War roots and recreated what they saw was the best formation to defeat a massive enemy armor grouping: the Operational Maneuver Group. This force was designed to be based on a tank army or tank division, and to break through into an enemy's rear area and destroy as much of his military infrastructure as fast as possible, permitting the rest of the Soviet forces to proceed forward with little to stop them. But the BMP-1 and then-new BMP-2 were not felt capable of providing sufficient firepower, and as a result a new, heavily armed and armored vehicle was required.
The search led them to reexamine a related pair of failed light tank and infantry fighting vehicle designs called Object 685 and Object 688, both of which dated from 1981. The turret from Object 685 was rearmed with a new low-pressure 100mm gun and paired 30mm cannon, given a coaxial 7.62mm gun, and placed on Object 688's hull. The new vehicle, again called Object 688, was felt to be capable of performing as the standard IFV with the Operational Maneuver Group as well as an airborne or amphibious light tank. It was accepted for service in 1990 as the BMP-3. Unfortunately, by that time both the Soviet Union and the Operational Maneuver Group requirement were things of the past, and as a result, less than 100 were in service with the Russian Army.
Since that time, however, the BMP-3 has been popular with Third World countries, mostly in the Middle East, and sales of over 1,000 abroad have keep the Kurgan Machinery Construction Plant afloat during times of no sales to the Russian Armed Forces. Cooperative efforts with France have provided those vehicles with air conditioning and a thermal viewer, and this has been one of the few bright spots for the Russian defense industry."
This was to herald the introduction of the SKIF kit of the early production BMP-3. While it was not bad (by SKIF standards) it was not a great kit as it had a lot of soft detail, a very sketchy interior, and lousy tracks which were too soft and loose to fit properly. With after-market tracks, some resin bits, etched brass and a LOT of hard work the model could be turned into a nice representation of the vehicle.
Now after more than two years of advertising and announcements Trumpeter has released their kit. It is a quantum leap from the older kit and will permit the construction of a really decent model of a "Troika" right out of the box.
Molded in a light tan color plastic (the same one used by many Tamiya and Academy kits) the kit comes in a large box with internal dividers and the upper and lower hull and turret shell stowed in a separate compartment. The box is full, but note that Trumpeter has used a 50 x 50 mm cardboard bar as a brace to "bulk" it up (my guess it that there were too many parts for a smaller box and too few for a big one, so they compromised with the brace).
Detail is very petite and well done for most bits. All of the crew hatches are separate items and may be posed as the modeler sees fit. The kit comes with most of the interior bits (and a logo molded into the hull floor, but happily that goes underneath the turret) nicely done and pretty much fully fleshed out. Interior parts include seats, fire extinguishers, basic controls (the BMP-3 uses a "motorcycle" type tiller bar with the throttle on the grip from what I recall). The turret comes with all constituent parts including the 30mm ammo bins, the machine gun ammo bin, the underfloor carousel and three 3UBK20 100mm "Bastion" missiles. No 100mm ammo is provided.
A number of bits are missing, however. The PKT machine gun muzzle section is provided but no breech section; ditto for the 2A72 30mm cannon. No radio sets are provided for the vehicle nor are the intercom boxes. Most of this is hard to see, however, so it may not be a problem once the kit is assembled.
Assembly of the kit is relatively straightforward with one exception. The model comes with two-piece single link tracks (U-shaped guide teeth and flat link). While Trumpeter may have decided this was the best way to render the tracks, it is going to be extremely tedious and testy. The good news is that the vehicle requires 168 links (per the directions) and comes with 180 flat links and 222 guide teeth so even the most clumsy and "shag carpet challenged" may be able to assemble that number successfully. But it will be long and tiresome.
Note that as there are three versions currently advertised (BMP-3 early model, Naval Infantry model, and upgraded late model with 4S24 reactive armor) you have to drill out holes for some bits as you go along.
Only one thing of all of the assemblies bothered me and that was the 100mm gun and the three "Bastion" missiles. The missiles provided are larger in diameter than the gun (the missile has a warhead section about 3.2 mm or a scale 112mm but the gun is only 3mm or 105mm in diameter through most of its bore section). These may seem like small differences but it is quite noticeable when one is next to the other. While the gun is a low pressure (read thin-wall) design this not right and a diehard modeler may simply wish to replace the barrel with 1/8" (3.175mm or 110mm) tubing and scratchbuilt fittings. A simpler solution is just don't use the "Bastions" anywhere where they can be seen.
Painting details and markings are included for two BMP-3 vehicles in Russian service: white 733 in standard Khaki No. 2 (e.g. olive green) paint and white 238 in what appears to be the standard Russian camouflage scheme (light sand, olive green and black).
Overall, this is a much better kit than the SKIF one and once modelers get past the tracks will build up into a nice replica of the "Troika".
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
1 Upper hull
1 Lower hull
1 Turret shell
2x90 Track links
14 Etched brass
A 71x2 Drivers, suspension parts, interior parts
B 17 Stern plate, bulkhead, scraper blad, unditching log
C 35 Interior panels, control compartment front bulkhead
D 59 Turret and fighting compartment interior
E 40 Exterior details, skirts, applique armor panels
H 24 Road wheels
K 27 Front and stern plates, idlers
L 2 Dismount team top hatches
M 3 Driver faces, cover
T 111x2 Track center guides
GP 5 Clear styrene
(Originally written on Saturday, July 10, 2010 3:29 PM)
Kit Review: Trumpeter 1/35 scale Kit No. 00377; Russian T-62 Mod. 1972; 534 parts (489 in grey styrene, 20 in black styrene, 12 clear styrene, 11 etched brass, 1 turned aluminum barrel, 1 length of twisted copper wire); retail price US$49.95
Advantages: new mold kit fixes most of the errors in the Tamiya kit; beautifully done details and numerous detail options
Disadvantages: some quirky detail errors and one remaining point of contention
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet era modelers and fans of the "62-ka"
F I R S T L O O K
When the Soviet Union accepted the T-62 for service in 1961, it was under the provision that it was only to serve as an interim "tank destroyer" until the T-64 tank entered service. As such, and with the belief that it could not use an antiaircraft machine gun against jet aircraft, it was initially produced without an antiaircraft (and anti-material) machine gun mount like those on the T-54 tank.
Five years after the tank entered service it was slightly modified to operate with an OPVT underwater driving system and as such got a new engine deck and the intake tube as well as other minor changes.
But after ten years in service and complaints from commanders that the T-62 did not possess an antiaircraft weapon for use against helicopters – and an identical complaint against the T-55 – both tanks were fitted with a mount for a 12.7mm DshKM heavy machine gun. This necessitated a new turret design with a bulge on the right side for the AAMG rotating mount. While both the T-55 and T-62 carried the same gun, after a few early models both tanks had different hatches and ring mounts.
This became the face of the T-62 best known to the world, and it remained in production for another eight years with this weapon. Over 20,000 T-62 tanks were eventually built, but as of this writing it is hard to assess accurately how many were the later Model 1972. (Note that some countries like Iraq eventually created a cast and welded in place upgrade to the earlier Models 1962 and 1967 just to confuse things!)
As I noted on the earlier version of this new kit (No. 00376) the T-62 initially scared NATO forces with its powerful 115mm smoothbore gun and APFSDS ammunition. But as intelligence worked on the problem they found out it had a number of serious drawbacks. Fire control was mediocre at best, accuracy of the gun was suspect, and if the semiautomatic ejector was working the tank could only get off four shots a minute, during which it was helpless due to the cycling of the device.
The original 1977 Tamiya "T-62A" kit was of this vehicle, and while popular at first soon was noted as falling well short of the mark. Last spring Trumpeter released its long awaited and heavily anticipated kit of a Model 1962, and while far superior to the Tamiya kit it unfortunately had two glaring errors: a skewed loader's hatch (the evidence showed only perhaps a few pre-prototype vehicles may have had such an arrangement) and a stern plate set at 90 degrees relative to the ground vice 90 degrees to the depressed engine deck (86 degrees from vertical which is noticeable when the tank is seen without the accouterments at the rear).
Now Trumpeter has released its second kit, and many of us were curious if we rated as well as the aircraft modeling fraternity. Trumpeter made headlines among modelers several years back when they pulled a large scale model of an F4F-4 Wildcat from the market and redesigned the fuselage to get the shapes right.
While this kit has a new turret that has to be judged in its own right, as to the question of the correction of the hull stern plate the answer is sadly, no.
The good news is that Trumpeter did change a considerable amount of parts from the previous kit. First off, they replaced the original OMSh track (T-54/T-55 style) with RMSh tracks (T-72 style) and a new set of drivers to fit those tracks. These are single pin "dead" tracks and are provided in the kit as single link track.
The turret is the later production one and comes with a nicely done loader's hatch with separate race and an eight-part DShKM machine gun with a very nicely done muzzle brake; it does not have a "slide molded" muzzle for the tube but is clear from side to side, which is normally the harder part to clean up.
The model has a new engine deck with new covers and details, and a separate fording cover for the fan exhaust is provided; oddly there is NO grille to go underneath it so you have to cement it shut. All of the other engine vents have etched brass grilles over them as well as separate fording covers.
An option is provided for KMT mine roller mounts on the bow or smooth, albeit the illustration of the smooth lower glacis (part C13) is upside down.
For the turret the modeler must drill out the mounting holes for the "desant" handrails and spare 12.7mm ammo cans. A travel mount for the DShKM is included (part E3) and the modeler has a choice of where to attach it to the turret. The casing ejector port (part G1) is also separate. The OG-2 searchlight mount is a bit spartan but I think most modelers will not notice (it is actually two thin steel plates held apart by rubber spacers to provide shock absorption to the searchlight bulb). The commander's OG-3 is better and has a more accurate mount.
All other details remain as before. The hull is molded as a tub with torsion bar mount and belly pan details in place, and other details are present on the upper hull as well. The suspension is completely separate and provides for the "lever arm" shock absorbers, even providing special corner wheel sets for each one. Each wheel has a separate tire in black styrene and creates a wheel unit with relatively accurate width. The tires bear the external mold markings found on some tires but are easily removed, but as with most round objects the tread face will need sanding or trimming as well. The "starfish" shape is pretty accurate and the wheels are index so they line up spoke in opening like the actual wheel sets.
Details include the track bumpers (four per side), fender guards and separate fenders. The fenders even have the drain holes present in each straight run and the front and rear tips are separate items.
Details about and in many cases you have options. The fuel tanks are not bad for the early ones, and Trumpeter seems to be aware of the fact that the rear pair on the right fender are linked together by an angle iron strip; the kit has them molded together with the iron in between. But if you wish to "plumb" the tank this is a bit awkward, as the fuel line connections go in between the tanks and will be hard to drill out with the tanks connected.
The modeler still has a choice between a turned aluminum gun barrel or a five-piece styrene one with a "slide molded" bore, both of which then take an etched brass ring with the bolt heads on the bore evacuator. However, the muzzle depth is not wide enough; the opening is correctly gauged at 115mm (about 3.2 mm) but somebody did not realize the cap on the muzzle is designed to protect the muzzle crown and is much larger (about 135mm or 3.8mm). While this is easy to fix with the styrene barrel, it will be tedious with the aluminum one.
Fittings overall are petite and nicely done, and all lenses for lights are separate components as well. For example, the tow hooks have the cable retainers included as separate parts and the tubular guard for the headlights comes in two pieces to get a proper design.
There are still minor glitches in the kit. The weld bead where the lower and upper glacis joint is present, but it is a bit thick and inexplicably stops before it reaches the side of the hull. Also there is still no heat shroud between the oil tank (B-10) and the exhaust outlet (C-6).
Decals consists of a targeted sheet for four specific tanks, the well-known Soviet 193 with its Guards badges and 185, and from the 1973 Yom Kippur War two Syrian camouflaged tanks, numbers 756 and 732. Color five-views are provided for 193 and 756. along with recommended color matches for Mr. Hobby, Model Master, Tamiya and Humbrol.
Overall this kit still has some issues but is much better than the Model 1962 and in a different league from the Tamiya kit. Once the back of the tank is covered in kit and fuel tanks, most modelers will probably not notice the straight stern plate.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 57x2 "Starfish" wheels, drivers, suspension components
B 65 Fenders, fuel tanks, details
C 17 Upper hull, front and rear plates, turret race, gun barrel
E 14 Model 1972 engine deck, turret shell, loader's hatch
F 8 DshkM machine gun
G 44 Fender tips, details, track bumpers, wheel bosses
H 4 Loader's hatch ring, engine grille covers
K 6 RMSh drive wheels
L 12 Clear styrene
N 31x7 Single link RMSh tracks
Z 5x4 Tires (black styrene)
1 Lower hull
1 Turned aluminum gun barrel
1 Twisted copper wire
11 Etched brass
(Originally written on Saturday, July 10, 2010 3:29 PM)
Kit Review: Vision Models 1/35 scale Kit No. VM-35002; BA-64B Armored Car; 92 parts in olive drab styrene; price US$34.95
Advantages: clean, petite kit of a small armored car; well done DT machine gun
Disadvantages: some details skimpy on the inside of the turret and hull
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for Soviet fans and anyone wanting a weekend project
The Soviets always loved armored cars, and from the beginning made great use of the Austin-Pulitovs during WWI and the Civil War. This continued into the 1930s and the advent of the Soviet armor industry with both light four-wheel and heavy six-wheel armored cars in service by 1941. However, most of them were obsolete by the start of the war and also suffered from poor mobility.
When the war started, the most promising of the new generation of trucks was the GAZ-64, a small field car very similar in concept to the US "Bantam" and Jeep vehicles. It was a "vezdekhod" or all-wheel-drive vehicle and as a result was soon converted into an armored car as the BA-64 (BA for "broneavtomobil' and 64 for its GAZ-64 parent). But the BA-64 had a narrow axle track which was not suitable for the heavier armored car, and it tended to bog down off road where it was easily tipped over.
In 1943 an improved model, using the broader track of the GAZ-67B field car, was produced as the BA-64B. This was a much better vehicle and proved to be far more popular in service. Roughly one of out every two was fitted with a 12RT radio set for use as a scout vehicle. By the war's end 3,901 BA-64s and 5,160 BA-64B basic models were built; after the war all of the BA-64s were quickly scrapped. The BA-64B was also issued to client states and were encountered in some numbers in Korea. The vehicle began to leave the Soviet Army in the early 1950s and the last one in active service was retired in 1954.
There were a number of variants, including two different railway variants, one with a 12.7mm DshK machine gun, and one with an armored roof.
This nice new kit from newcomer Vision Models is a petite model with some well done details, many reminiscent of AFV Club kits (Vision is also out of Taiwan and could be using the same mold maker). It is a great step ahead from the old Alan kit of some years ago and while sparse (there is not much in a BA-64B at the end of the day) is nicely done.
The chassis and components are all separate parts, but for some odd reason there is no engine even though space has been left for one. This is odd as there is no provision for access to one so normally model companies give you a dummy oil pan and that is the end of it. There is also no firewall at the front of the compartment (there may not have been one from some information) and the driver sits astride the transmission, which is correct.
While none of the ammo racks and the fuel tank are present in the rear of the hull, once the turret is in place it is very hard to see so should not be missed.
The turret mounts very close to the prototype, with a "Rube Goldberg" (Heath Robinson to non-Americans) arrangement of a pedestal with a revolving frame and a bicycle seat to permit rotation of the asymmetrical turret and DT machine gun. Modelers who are not interested in turret rotation may wish to cement this in place or the turret appears to be able to fly off at a moment's notice.
The cross-country tires are molded separately but have no sidewall data or other markings; at least they are nearly seam free. They do match one of the patterns used on BA-64B armored cars.
The little car fits perfectly on a set of plans in the Yevgeniy Prochko book "Vezdekhody RKKA" (All-Terrain Vehicles of the Workers and Peasants Red Army, Armada #7, 1998).
The model comes with a total of seven different finishing options; alas, all are wearing 4BO green paint. Unidentified unit, Ukraine 1943-1944 (4 -N3 - 7, "Vpered Zapad!" (Forward to the West)); 13th Guards Mechanized Brigade, 4th Guards Mechanized Corps, Ukraine August 1944 (white donkey); Unidentified unit, Razdel'naya Railway Station, Ukraine, 1944 (white stag over RR); Unidentified unit, Unidentified Ukranian Front, Germany 1945 (bar shape 4); Czech 1t Armored Brigade, Prague 1945 ("Marenka"); Unidentified Unit, Unidentified Ukranian Front, Germany 1945 ("Kavkaz - Berlin" ( Caucasus to Berlin), "Slava Stalinu" (Glory to Stalin) with white trim); 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, Vienna, Austria, April 1945 (white 249 - diamond 50). Surprisingly the decals were taped to the bottom of the box!
Overall this is a somewhat spartan but quite nice little model, and without brass or other bits it is a nice little weekend project.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 12 Fenders, turret, doors
A 1 Upper hull
A 1 Lower hull
B 73 Chassis details, DT machine gun, 8 large and 16 small rivets
C 5 Tires
July 17, 2010
(Originally written on Saturday, July 10, 2010 3:29 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6637; M7 Priest - Mid Production - Smart Kit; 284 parts (260 in grey styrene, 10 clear styrene, 4 etched brass, 1 twisted steel wire, 1 turned aluminum); price estimated at US$45
Advantages: very nicely done new mold kit of this vehicle using only selected sprues from other DML products; excellent 105mm howitzer
Disadvantages: Few noted other than selection of T48 track may limit options (see text); fixed ammunition stowage limits options
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all "redlegs" and US armor fans, as well as Allied forces and postwar
DML has now released a kit of the M7 Priest, and as it is the second new kit of this vehicle released in the last three years I return to my review of its competitor.
During WWII there were four iconic open-topped self-propelled guns used by the major powers: the German 15 cm "Hummel," the Canadian-designed "Sexton" with a 25-lb gun, the Soviet SU-76M, and the American M7 150mm HMC "Priest." The latter three were excellent designs and went on to live long after the war, all three serving into the early 1960s with various second- and third-world armies. Two of them, the Sexton and the M7, were based on the reliable US M3 medium tank chassis.
The M7 came about due to a perceived need for self-propelled armored artillery weapons to keep up with armored divisions. After a number of prototypes were tested, the M7 entered service and full-scale production in April 1942. While it was based on the M3 chassis, it also absorbed many of the changes that came about due to the introduction of the M4 series medium tanks and reflected those changes as production proceeded along. A total of 2,814 were built as well as 826 of the later M7B1, which used the M4A3 tank's Ford GAA engine in place of the original's radial air-cooled engine. Roughly one-quarter of these vehicles served with the Allied forces, going to the British and Canadians (and later replaced by the Sexton, which carried the preferred 25-lb gun in place of the American M2 105mm howitzer) and the Free French forces as well as postwar MAP deliveries to many other countries.
Italeri came out with a kit of a late production M7 that had been modified for Military Assistance Program use in the early 1950s, and while a nice kit for its time, suffered from being both a very late production vehicle and their quirky M4 suspension and T51 tracks. When Academy promised a new kit, it was to be based on their new M3 Lee kit, But when that was noted to have some serious problems, it was held up for a number of revisions. What they eventually produced was a mid-production M7 with a riveted hull, T51 tracks and some of the MWO changes that went with it to include the increased ammunition stowage racks which appeared about the time of the Operation Husky landings in Sicily, based on combat operations in North Africa. It has the production three-section bolted transmission housing with the full-size E4151 right side housing section vice the E1230 used on very early production vehicles and taken straight from the M3 medium tank, top-opening stowage bins on the rear deck vice the side-opening ones from the early production series but not the mesh baskets which appeared on top of them or vents which are seen on late production vehicles. It also has the early model shallow "pulpit" for the .50 caliber machine gun.
But that kit suffered from a number of detail problems and missing details such as the engine deck venting, clumsily executed ammo storage, and some problems with the gun itself.
Needless to say, when DML began releasing new mold kits of both the early model M4 Sherman tanks with the early ("M3") type bogie units with integral return rollers and then an excellent M2A1 105mm howitzer, it was only a matter of time before they too issued a kit of this popular subject.
While they are focusing on the same model – the mid-production version of the M7 or "Priest" – the results are much cleaner and closer to the prototype. In this case they have produced a mid-production vehicle with some of the MWO upgrades applied such as the raised AA MG "pulpit" and the folding side shields and increased ammunition stowage. The model has the early model bogies with five spoked welded wheels and six-spoke idlers, machined drivers, and T48 rubber chevron tracks. The additional air vents are present on the engine deck as are the covers that go over the top of those vents. Grouser bins with grousers molded in place are provided as is an interior of all visible components. The kit also comes with the current generation of DML's take on the M2HB machine gun. Top bows are provided but only in their stowed positions.
DML did skimp on some items. For example, the ammo racks come filled less four rounds on the right and six on the left; while more to scale than the Academy ones and with at least the dividers in place there are no separate ammo rounds or shell casings provided. All of the engine deck vents are solid with the brass grille work simply mounting over them, but as little can be seen through the original even from a few feet away this may not be bad other than making their installation more difficult to accomplish in a clean manner. The engine access doors are molded closed and the auxiliary air vents are also solid. However, it does come with the earlier "round" air cleaners.
The T48 tracks are a good set and represent their prototype well, but photos show them as more common to the later production vehicles and the M7B1 and M7B2 variants. A better choice for "all around" use would have been the T51 irreversible rubber shoe track (which DML also makes as a DS product).
The lower hull is a new mold for this kit and includes the mounts and baffles found in the Priest. The transmission cover replicates the same version as the Academy kit but is cleaner and has a more realistic cast texture. The driver's instrument panel is the long narrow type. The interior is fairly complete as the upper hull is molded in flat components and as such has inner and outer details on the fighting compartment section.
Stowage bins are the non-vented top-opening type and no stowage basket for mounting on top of the bins are provided.
The M2A1 howitzer is provided verbatim to include the turned aluminum forward section and in this case is missing the shield Steve Zaloga noted was a later addition. A complete new lower carriage and the original travel lock for the weapon (which interfered with access to internal hull ammo stowage) is also provided. Three grouser bins are provided but the grousers are molded in place.
Technical support for this kit is listed as the H3 Design Office.
Three sets of markings are provided, all for solid olive drab vehicles: Battery A, 73rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Armored Division, Germany 1945 (gun A10); Battery A, 231st Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, Germany 1944 ("All American/Crazy Helen", no bumper code); and Battery A, 399th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Armored Division, Bohemia 1945 ("Minnesota", gun A2). A set of Cartograf decals are provided and include yellow warning stripes for the ammo shipping canisters.
Overall, this is a much better kit than the unfortunate Academy kit and offers a solid base for conversions to either early production or late production kits to modelers with a deep Sherman/Grant/Lee parts box. I do wish it had come with the markings for either the 54th, 67th or 391st Armored Field Artillery Battalions (3rd US Armored Division)!
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 12 M7 - upper hull, engine deck and interior sections
A 46 M2A1 Howitzer upper carriage and gun section
B 63 M7 - hull details, interior, M2HB machine gun
C 35 M7 - Howitzer lower carriage and OVM
D 31x2 M4A1 DV suspension and road wheels
D 41 M7 - Ammo racks, bins, fittings, pulpit riser
E 10 Clear styrene
S 1 Twisted steel wire
V 4x2 Drive wheels
X 1 M7 Lower Hull
Z 2 DS Plastic T48 type track runs
MA 4 Etched brass
MB 1 Turned aluminum barrel
(Originally written on Sunday, July 04, 2010 6:06 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited (cyber-hobby.com)1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6606; Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. N w/Winterketten s.Pz.Abt. 502 Leningrad 1943 - Smart Kit; 837 parts (576 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 26 etched brass, 19 clear styrene); price unknown
6431; Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. N Smart Kit; 838 parts (565 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 42 etched brass, 15 clear styrene): price via Dragon USA US$41.99
Advantages: builds one specific variant of this tank; "Smart Kit" minimizes the amount of etched brass required
Disadvantages: kit does not come with DS tracks, which will disappoint a few modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII German fans, and anyone doing early Tigers
F I R S T L O O K
There are two sides to every story, and the loss of the first Tiger I in Russia in early 1943 is one of them. The Germans very rarely if ever want to admit these tanks were lost in combat, and the records uncovered by Tom Jentz show that in most cases they only cited damaged tanks repaired and not the cost to the Germans to ensure the tanks were not taken by the enemy.
In early 1943, during one of the battles outside Leningrad the Soviets came upon a broken-down Tiger I and proceeded to try and capture the tank. The Germans fought back furiously and tried stuffing the Tiger with engineer explosives in case they failed. But the Russian counterattack was too stiff and the Germans were driven back, losing the Tiger to the Red Army.
The German version only notes the loss of one Tiger I. The Russian version notes that in addition to the captured Tiger, which had to be cleared of explosives before it could be moved, the Germans also lost five Pzkw. III Ausf. N escort tanks and about 200 infantry in trying to recover the tank. Flummoxed by the enormous bulk of the Tiger, under fire from the Germans the Soviets had to come up with "harness" linked to FIVE T-60 light tanks in order to tow their prize from the battlefield. A few short weeks later, the Tiger was on display in Red Square and later was sent out for range testing for Soviet tank guns.
DML has now released a kit of one of these specific escort tanks, and while it is basically only their original Pzkw. III Ausf. N kit from 2008 they have added a nice set of "Winterketten" with the extended blades on the outside of the track, and also thrown in a set of ice cleats for these tracks.
As such there is little changed from the first kit. However this kit, unlike the others, has an early hull pan is a with the side hatches. It retains the full torsion bar suspension from the other kit and the detailed suspension components and muffler assembly. As with the StuG all hatches are separate with some interior details and can be positioned as the modeler chooses. All engine deck ventilators are spaced and mounted on separate frames to get the correct appearance and "lift" needed to give an accurate representation of the original.
The kit provides some of the options for spaced armor arrays to include the additonal armor. Options also include blackout or clear headlight lenses and the "kugel" mount for the bow machine gun. All viewports and viewers may be positioned open or closed as well.
Once again this kit includes the rudiments of an interior, which accurate as far as they go. This should please the "after market boys" as there is more than enough room for a nice resin interior here and enough ports and hatches to see it.
Once more this kit offers DML "Magic Link" single link 40 cm tracks with the extended blades molded in place. For people who find that tedious, DML has also thrown in a set of 72 ice cleats which have to be cemented to the track links. They provide suggested attachment patterns. Perhaps it is easier and stronger to use "Magic Link" tracks for this configuration.
Technical advice was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
The kit provides two finishing options: s.Pz.Abt. 502, Leningrad 1943 (whitewash with grey number patches and white 116); and s.Pz.Abt. 503, Eastern Front 1942 (grey with white 142). All markings are targeted and from Cartograf.
Overall while perhaps releasing a separate set of Winterketten and ice cleats would have provided modelers with options for previously purchased kits. this does provide an opportunity for making a known Tiger escort tank.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 82 Pzkw III J hull details and turret mounting
A 61x2 StuG III Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
B 11 Pzkw III J upper hull and fenders
B 46 StuG III Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 41 Pzkw III J applique armor and details
D 31 StuG III basic upper hull details
D 35 Pzkw. III J turret details
E 15 Pzkw III J turret and mantelet details
F 15 Pzkw IV F - turret cupola
G 52 Pzkw IV F - turret and hull details
G 15 StuG III OVM and light components
G 11 Pzkw. III fenders and mantelet parts
H 1 Lower hull pan
J 8 Machine guns and muzzles
L 19 Pzkw. IV L/24 gun
L 108 Magic Track - Left
15 Pzkw IV F Clear styrene
P 4 Clear styrene
R 108 Magic Track - Right
W 72 Ice cleats
MA 26 Etched brass (6394)
(Originally written on Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:06 PM)
Book Review: Otechesvennye Bronirovannye Mashiny XX Vek Tom 3: Otechesvennye Bronirovannye Mashiny 1946-1965 (National Armored Vehicles of the 20th Century Volume 3: National Armored Vehicles 1946-1965) by A. G. Solyankin, I. G. Zheltov, and K. N. Kurdyashov; Zeughaus Publishing, Moscow, 2010; 671 pp. with photos and illustrations; price (via East View Publications - http://www.eastview.com) US$150 plus $45-50 shipping and handling; ISBN 978-5-9771-106-6
Advantages: best single source reference book of its type on the market; covers dozens of vehicle types in detail and many more one-off prototypes, plus updated vehicles
Disadvantages: low print volume (1000 copies); Russian text only
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for serious Soviet/Russian armor historians and modelers
The Soviets (and now the Russians) divide things up into periods – based on the rise of the Soviet Union, not the demise of Imperial Russia – for their own use in reference or analysis, and armored vehicles are one of their prime subjects. They cut them up into five separate periods: pre-war (1930 to 1941); the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945); the first postwar period (1945-1965); the second postwar period (1965-1990); and the third postwar period or first Russian period (1990 to the present). This book examines events and vehicles designed and built during what they refer to as the first postwar period.
While it is one of the truly great reference books for Soviet and Russian armored vehicles going today, this book requires a bit of background explanation as to why it is so significant.
In the late 1990s four Russian friends sat down to write the most comprehensive and inclusive history of Soviet and Russian armor ever done, as at that time the Soviet (now Russian) state archives were opened to Russian researchers and a wealth of material was now accessible for the first time. The four men were: M. V. Pavlov and I. V. Pavlov, brothers, sons of VNIITransmash design V. S. Pavlov and armored vehicle designers in their own right; A. G. Solyankin; and I. G. Zheltov. They proposed to produce a four volume scientific work covering the following eras: Volume 1 (1905-1941); Volume 2 (1941-1945); Volume 3 (1945-1965); and Volume 4 (1965-2000).
The first volume, Otechesvennye Bronirovannye Mashiny XX Vek Tom 1 (1905-1941) ((ISBN 5-94038-030-1)) was published by Exprint Publishing in 2002. This book was a 343 page compendium of all of the pre-WWI and post 1930 Soviet design efforts. A run of 2000 copies was produced, and anyone who was "into" Russian and Soviet armor immediately began to seek these books out for reference.
The second volume, Otechesvennye Bronirovannye Mashiny XX Vek Tom 2 (1941-1945) ((ISBN 5-94038-074-3)), was larger at 447 pages and came out in early 2005. Building on the earlier volume, this one covered the Great Patriotic War and all of the most famous designs of that war – the T-34, KV series, IS series, and T-60/T-70 light tanks. Once again only 2000 copies were printed, and they were snapped up as fast as historians and modelers could find them.
But even with increased prices to Western audiences, the rising costs of production in Russia and other economic woes suddenly hit the authors very hard. There also appears to have been a falling out among them, with the Pavlovs going one direction and Solyankin and Zheltov another. At that time the authors apologized on blogs, newsgroups and in magazines that Volumes 3 and 4 would not be forthcoming.
But suddenly in May 2008 the Pavlov brothers began to serialize their version of Volume 3 in the magazine "Tekhnika I Vooruzheniya" under the sobriquet " Otechesvennye Bronirovannye Mashiny XX Vek 1945-1965". Since then, and on an average of 12 pages a month, they have been publishing their version of the third volume via the magazine (and now also available on the "Otvaga" website (http://www.otvaga2004.narod.ru).
Needless to say, sometime later a bit of a shock hit the Russian armor fan world when the other two authors, Solyankin and Zheltov, joined by a third author, Kurdyashov, and published a hard back version of Volume 3 on their own. Now designated as "1946-1965) to separate it from the Pavlov brothers, the only thing these two works share is the subject matter and the first paragraph.
This book covers the whirlwind Soviet armor development made between the end of the Second World War and the appearance of the first production model T-64 tanks (the first second generation tank by Soviet estimation). It follows the same precise format at the first two volumes. This covers: a overall description of the development of tanks and armored vehicles in that time frame; component layouts; firepower; protection; mobility; tank means of communications; and markings and conditional numbers used on armored vehicles. The next sections of the book cover groups or families of vehicles by first an overview, then series production vehicles followed by prototype designs and then upgraded variants of previously built vehicles. The groups cover light tanks, medium tanks, heavy tanks, flamethrower tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, airborne fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers; SP missile launchers; SP artillery mounts; SP tank destroyers; SP AA guns; SP SAM launchers; command and staff vehicles; armored patrol and reconnaissance vehicles; special vehicles; engineer vehicles; tank engineer fittings and accessories; and finally tank retrievers and repair vehicles. It finishes up with short biographies of famous designers of the period and a short listing of vehicles covered in the text.
The coverage includes all models of the most famous Soviet tanks of the period – PT-76, T-54, T-55, T-62, IS-3 and T-10 – as well as all of the prototypes and modifications of those tanks, production numbers, general information on each one. Prototypes which never made it into service such as Article 430 (the progenitor of the T-64), Articles 140 and 167 (the ancestors of the T-72) and the bizarre Article 279 (the "Flying Saucer" tank with four sets of tracks) are all here and covered in great detail.
For example, take one of my personal favorites, the T-10 heavy tank. Begun in 1948 as the IS-5, it morphed into the IS-8 by 1953 and was then renamed T-10 after Stalin died. Long credited by US intelligence sources as having more than 8,000 built, this books breaks down its production by not only model but factory (Leningrad and Chelyabinsk were producing "dueling versions" of the tank with differences to each one). EIGHT different versions were built from 1950 to 1965 but the total of all variants was only 1,544.
The book also presents the best picture so far of the famous BMP infantry combat vehicle. For the first time coverage shows that there were four different tracked prototypes from four different factories and three different wheeled prototypes competing for selection as the standard "nuclear war" combat vehicle for motorized rifle units. While the book does not continue with their development past 1965 (the vehicle did not enter full scale production until 1966) it provides very clear information on how the selection was made and why the variant seen came to be.
It also shows how one of the failed prototypes was redesigned and morphed into the BMD airborne fighting vehicle.
Right now there are three great drawbacks to this book. One is that it is only available in Russian, and thus is of limited value to non-Russian speakers. Two is that it has an even shorter print run than the first two - 1000 copies. And three is that all five authors seem to concur that Volume 4 (1965-2000, which would have covered T-64, T-72, and T-80 among others) will probably never be completed. While the information contained in this book will probably eventually come out from the Pavlov brothers, it will not be in one concise format nor a single source (and again will only be in Russian).
Overall, however, for anyone who can read the language or at least the designators in the text or margin this book is a gold mine.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:43 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7352; Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. C and 3.7 cm Pak 35/36; 150 parts (145 in grey styrene, 4 etched brass, 1 length of stiff wire); price about US$19.95
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
In one of their continuing revisit and redo cycles, DML has now released a welded version of their 251 halftrack as the C model (welded) with towed 3.7 cm Pak 35/36 antitank gun. This is virtually the same as their kit No. 7371 (Ausf. C riveted hull) but does not have the riveted upper hull parts in styrene or the etched brass rivet strips for the lower hull.
Like its predecessor from September 2008, DML has combined their Sd.Kfz. 251 Ausf. C kit with with the 3.7 cm gun on the roof of the fighting compartment and a new ground carriage for the gun. Therefore the kit is as previous models.
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.
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.
Technical advice was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Painting and marking options are provided for four vehicles: one from Panzerdivision "Grossdeutschland", Eastern Front 1942 (grey with white outline crosses and markings); Pz.Rgt. 110, 11th Panzer Division, Kursk 1943 (sand with green patches, grey gun); 24th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1942 (sand with green stripes, grey gun); Pz.Rgt. 12, 4th Panzer Division, Kurland 1944 (three color scheme, black 232, sand gun). A sheet of Cartograf decals with targeted markings and license plate "jungles" are provided.
Overall, again a nice effort and another "gap filler" in the 251 family.
Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 32 Welded 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 2 3.7 cm gun barrel and guard
G 17 3.7 cm carriage
I 1 C lower hull
MA 4 etched brass
MB 1 antenna wire
(Originally written on Saturday, June 19, 2010 9:06 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6572; Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. B - Smart Kit; 883 parts (540 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 90 etched brass, 33 clear styrene, 3 pre-bent steel wire, 1 preformed etched brass); price estimated at US$45.50
Advantages: DML now has produced a first-rate early variant of the Pzkw. II family; new bits improve on earlier kits; full interior
Disadvantages: daunting number of parts for a relatively small vehicle; consideration should be giving to using DS Plastic tracks for smaller vehicles such as this one
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all early war German fans
There is an old military saying on equipment – "you run what you brung." This was certainly true of the Germans in 1939-1940 as they had not been able to create the armored force they had planned before combat operations commenced. Therefore they wound up with a large number of tanks being the light Pzkw. II models armed with a 2 cm gun and a 7.92mm machine gun, with a maximum of only around 15mm of armor protection at any one spot on the vehicle. At least even this lowly vehicle had a separate commander and gunner, which put them one step up on the Soviet tanks they would face in 1941.
While the vehicles were nimble and fast for their time, they were not the weapon of choice and even in the Polish campaign it was discovered they were easily knocked out by antitank rifles. Later most of the survivors underwent an up-armoring program, and serious changes were made in the final major production model, the Ausf. F. Still, over 1,000 of the evolutionary Ausf. c and the production A, B and C variants were built before production ended on these models early in 1940.
In 2008 DML released their Kit No. 6432, Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. C mit Zusatzpanzer, which was one of the remanufactured vehicles with added armor protection. They have now gone back and produced a straight Ausf. B with the early thin armor protection and also some odd bits not usually seen, such as the short-lived antiaircraft machine gun for the commander. The kit now has another 63 parts over that release but adds 49 new parts to cover the major differences, mostly in the bow and upper hull and turret external details.
As previously noted with Kit 6432, DML has made use of their Marder II and Pzkw. II Ausf. F kits and made 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. This vehicle with proper changes (and I am sure either DML or cyber-hobby.com will provide them!) can represent nearly any one of four variants (c, A, B or C) so anyone wanting the early Polish/French campaign Pzkw. II variants now has a "canvas" with which to work.
As before 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 model also offers tools with molded on straps and tools without, as well as all of the proper etched brass straps and mounts for affixing them.
The turret now sports the original split-flap hatches for the commander as well as the earlier viewer covers for the turret view blocks. 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 should be removed prior to installation but may not be necessary (it uses flaps vice an aperture installation). Note that the AA MG mounts low on the right side of the casemate and not on the turret – I think I understand why this feature was dropped from the original vehicle's "options" list!
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, retains an advantage. With the links being no larger than a good sized medium tank's tracks in 1/72 DML should give serious thought to making a set of DS tracks for these kits. As usual "Magic Tracks" links differ slightly by color (but the easier way is left side on the header card – left, right side – right.)
Technical assistance on this project was provided by Ed Kusiak, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
A total of seven finishing options are shown – however all are solid grey: 5./Pz.Rgt. 35, 4th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1941 (white 521 with black crosses); Pz.Rgt. 15, 11th Panzer Division, South Russia 1941 (white 2 - red dot); Pz.Rgt. 18, 18th Panzer Division, Central Russia 1941 (white 704, white outline crosses); Pz.Rgt. 3, 2nd Panzer Division, Greece 1941 (white R02, white outline crosses); 1./Pz.Rgt. 24, 24th Panzer Division, South Russia 1941 (white 368 with snake on stick); Pz.Abt. 101 (Flamm), Central Russia 1941 (white 300, white outline crosses); and, 1./Pz.Abt.zBV40, Denmark. 1941 (red 622, black crosses). A very nice sheet of Cartograf decals covers these targeted markings.
Overall this is "Chapter 3" of the Pzkw. II family and should give the Tamiya kit a run for its money. But oddly enough, and as an aside, it has probably the worst box art of any recent DML kit. The artist has shown one German soldier in the foreground and - unless the Germans were using "Rupert" type rubber dummies and nobody ever found out – when scaled against the tank in the center of the painting it is about the size of a Tiger I. Perhaps the artist used a DML figure and a Tasca 1/24 scale model for this perspective.
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 20 Pzkw II - final drives and spare rivet heads
H 5x2 Pzkw II - bump stops
J 38 Generic German tools and lights
J 38 Pzkw. II - interior parts
K 22 Clear styrene
L 10/15 Pzkw. II Ausf. B/C springs and idler wheels
M 14 Clear Styrene
N 41 Pzkw. II Ausf. B/C upper hull and turret shell
P 21 Pzkw. II Interior - ammo boxes, magazines, spent casing bags
P 108 "Magic Track" links - left
Q 108 "Magic Track" links - right
S 19 Pzkw. II Ausf. B bow section, early details
S 4 Pzkw. II AA MG mount parts
Z 1 hull
MA 90 Etched brass
MC 1 preformed etched brass
MC 3 pre-bent steel wire
RB 9 German Generic Radio - mounting components
RD 14 German Generic Radio - radio sets
WC 4x2 German Generic Weapons - MG-34
(Originally written on Monday, June 14, 2010 4:37 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 56 9Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6646); Sd.Kfz. 164 Nashorn Command Version - Smart Kit; 1,067 parts (759 in grey styrene, 240 "Magic Track" links, 38 etched brass, 25 clear styrene, 2 coil springs, 2 springs, 1 length wire, 1 turned aluminum barrel); estimated retail price US$55
Advantages: includes new mold Fu 8 command set
Disadvantages: massive number of parts to this kit, very small parts may be fiddly; some models prefer single run DS tracks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all German fans
DML's botique affiliate cyber-hobby.com has now produced a command variant of the popular Nashorn self-propelled 8.8 cm antitank gun. While I may be remiss, the only difference of note I found in this kit was the inclusion of a very nice 20-piece Fu 8 command radio set and antenna. The rest appears to have most of the parts from the recent DML Nashorn 3-in-1 kit (No. 6386).
It comes with the correct single hatch glacis and positionable hatch and viewers. As with all Smart Kits most of the detail parts are provided from styrene with optional replacements in brass.
The suspension is straight from the Panzer IV "Smart Kits" with alternative drivers for the Gw III/IV chassis. . The "Magic Tracks" are still with us, and the only thing to recall is left bag - left track, right bag - right track as you look at the header card. DML calls them "dark grey right - light grey left" but too often the colors are not well differentiated.
The gun is the new tooled one from kit 6386 with both the original kit barrel (dating back to Kit 6004) but also with the "Premium" turned aluminum barrel provided.
The upper hull is the DML "Razor Edge" one and all parts are much finer. The much maligned louvers of the early kits are now "slide molded" from styrene and separate parts (D29). The walls are also about half the thickness of normal parts (0.050" or 1.25mm seems to have been the default in the past; these are about 0.020" or 0.5mm with thinned edges) and look more like sheet steel parts than plastic.
Like its predecessor this one provides a good selection of bits for the ammo lockers, and now provides a selection of options. 18 8.8 cm rounds are provided with racks or clips as needed.
Generic detail sets from DML include an MG34 machine gun, but surprisingly this kit does not include the "GA" German generic kit sprue with canteens, helmets, ponchos, etc. A very nicely done Fu 8 radio is included as well as the RB German generic radio installation set.
Project supervisor was Hirohisa Takada, with technical support from Minoru Igarashi, H3 Design Office, and Dragon engineering; technical assistance provided by Notger Schlegtendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Decals and finishing directions are included for four guns: Unidentified Unit, Russia 1944 (tricolor, black 200 with crosses); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (sand brown, black 300); s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 519, Russia 1943-1944 (whitewash over sand, "Puma" with unit flashes); 3.s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 519, Russia 1943-1944 (whitewash over sand, "Tiger"). Note that markings are also included for guns "Pommern" and "Bueffel" from that unit. A targeted sheet of Cartograf decals is included.
Overall this an offshoot of the now well done Nashorn/Hummel kits and the radio is a nicely done addition.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 30x2 Hornisse/Nashorn/Hummel - Gw III/IV drivers and details
A 37x2 Pzkw. IV Smart Kit - drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Smart Kit - road wheels and bogies
B 10 Nashorn upper sides and shield assemblies
B 36 Nashorn/Hummel - upper glacis and details
C 19 Hornisse/Nashorn - interior floor and details
D 70 Hornisse/Nashorn - 8.8 cm gun and details
E 57 Nashorn - fenders, interior details, travel lock
F 66x2 Nashorn ammo racks, clips and ammunition
G 10 German generic jack
K 19 German generic tools and accessories
J 14 Clear styrene
K 11 Clear styrene
10 Nashorn/Hummel - exhausts, spare wheel carriers
M 39 Nashorn - gun shield and travel lock
X 1 Nashorn/Hummel lower hull
Y 120 "Magic Track" left side links
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
Z 1 Vinyl hose
Z 120 "Magic Track" right side links
MA 38 Etched brass
MB 1 Turned aluminum barrel
MB 4 Springs
MB 1 Wire
RB 8 German generic radio - base details
RF 20 German generic radio - Fu 8 set
TF 3 German generic - 8.8 cm muzzle brake
WC 29 German generic machine guns - MG34 and ammo
(Originally written on Saturday, June 05, 2010 12:50 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6560; Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H Late Production w/Zimmerit - Dragon Zimmerit; 767 parts (676 in grey styrene, 51 etched brass, 15 clear styrene, 14 "Magic Track" single links, 10 etched nickel, 1 twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US$52.50
Advantages: first version of this popular tank with zimmerit factory applied; DS Plastic track runs now provided
Disadvantages: some modelers do not like pre-applied zimmerit
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Pzkw. IV fans
DML has now released what amounts to their 19th kit of the popular German Pzkw. IV series kits (14 previous DML releases and four cyber-hobby.com versions) since 2006. This is the first one to be placed in their new "Dragon Zimmerit" series of kits where it joins Panther, Tiger, Tiger II and Sturmgeschuetz III kits as well as a Sturmpanzer IV which came with factory molded zimmerit paste replicated on the model.
It also now comes with a set of DS Plastic tracks rather than a full set of "Magic Track" single link tracks (14 of those are provided for use as spares).
Most of the discussion about this kit will undoubtedly center on those two facts. Some modelers have loudly protested about having factory-molded zimmerit paste on German kits as they only use a single pattern, it looks too regular, no variety, does not look "right", etc. Others will carp that as Panzer IV series tanks used "dead" tracks which tended to sag when worn the use of single track runs will not permit replication of that feature. However, many more modelers, faced with less time for modeling, have commented they appreciate anything which removes tedious or messy operations from kit construction, and those modelers have a winner here as two of the most tedious tasks when building modern kits of WWII German armor - putting on "zimmerit" paste and assembling single link tracks – are now gone.
Once past that, this kit basically replicates the previous Pzkw. IV Ausf. H Late Production kit from May 2009 (No. 6300) with the exception of replacement of the relevant parts with ones with the zimmerit past finish molded in place. A total of 44 parts have been replaced or supplemented with new sprues in this kit. Zimmerit is now provided on exposed parts of the hull and the turret face; as the rest were covered by "schurtzen" shields when the tanks left the factory none of the rest of the tank has the finish applied. (I am not an expert on "zimmerit" but must note that when vehicles did not have the "schurtzen" fitted the paste was applied to the hull sides above and below the fenders, as could be seen on a "Wirbelwind" SP AA gun at Camp Borden, Ontario.)
Construction follows the previous kits. As with the earlier kits this kit has another 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. New details are provided for the tow hook at the rear of the hull as well.
The upper hull again consists of a deck and framework with applique sides, front and rear engine intake components and fenders. Note that the upper hull parts (E21, E28 and new rear plate T2) need to have holes drilled in them in Step 8 but the directions note that these are optional. 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 no interior components for the lower hull are yet present, the hull still provides 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 the KwK 40 is 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 before having the muzzle brake installed; this is only in styrene, but a metal part could be provided later in an upgrade set. The new commander's cupola now consists of 22 parts and also a mount is provided for the AA MG-34 machine gun. Other than the gun and cupola there is still 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, the inner guides of the idler wheels, some small brackets, and the flaps for the engine air intakes on the sides of the rear deck.
The zimmerit parts include the front glacis sections, fender tips, rear plates, turret face and gun recoil housing, and other exposed sub-components such as castings and hatches.
Technical assistance was provided by Notger Schlegtendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson. Cover artwork is by Ron Volstad (who now appears to have moved on to other projects).
As these tanks were widely used, seven finishing options are provided along with a good-sized targeted set of Cartograf decals: 8.Pz.Rgt. 12, 12th SS "Hitlerjuengen" Panzer Division, France 1944 (tricolor, no shields, black 837); Pz.Rgt. 27, 19th Panzer Division, Warsaw 1944 (two-color green over sand, no markings); 8./Pz.Rgt. 3, 2nd Panzer Division, Normandy 1944 (two different tanks in tricolor - white 803 and white 823); 7./Pz.Rgt. 3, 3rd SS "Totenkopf" Panzer Division, Warsaw 1944 (tricolor, choice of red 732 or red 734); 5th SS "Wiking" Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1944 (green over sand, white 216); and, 6./Pz.Rgt. 6, 3rd Panzer Division, Russia 1944 (green over sand, no shields, black 621).
Overall this should be popular with intermediate modelers and those short on time. Now it would seem the only variant missing is the Pzkw. IV Ausf. A.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 37x2 Pzkw. IV Generic drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Generic road wheels and bogies
B 17 Brummbaer - front glacis details
B 44 Pzkw. IV Generic turret base and details, gun breech
E 45 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H turret details and applique
G 46 Brummbaer - side brackets and Schuertzen mounts
G 30 Turret and hull ports, smoke grenade launchers
H 57 Engine deck and details
J 2 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H hull top and turret top
J 7 German Generic Jack
J 8 MG-34 machine gun
K 2 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H fenders
K 10 German Generic Antenna and tail light set
L 17 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H turret Schuertzen
L 8 Pzkw. IV spare road wheels
M 24 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H cupola
M 15 clear styrene
N 25 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H Schuertzen hangers and mounts
P 33 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H engine grilles and vents
Q 6 Spare track links
R 8 Three muzzle brake styles
S 29 Brummbaer - zimmerit coated detal parts
T 15 Pzkw. IV Ausf. H zimmerit coated parts
V 14 "Magic Track" links
X 1 Lower hull pan
Y 1 Twisted metal wire
Z 2 DS Plastic Track Runs
WC 6 German Generic Weapons - MG-34
MA 51 Etched brass
MB 5 Etched nickel shields
MC 5 Etched nickel shields
MD 2 Etched brass
(Originally written on Sunday, May 30, 2010 3:02 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 series Kit No. 6614; OT-34 /76 Mod. 1944 (No. 112 Factory) - Smart Kit; 737 parts (415 in grey stryene, 168 "Magic Track" links, 142 etched brass, 4 clear styrene, 1 twisted steel wire, 2 pre-formed wire, 1 wire); price estimated at US$52.50
Advantages: First "factory" kit of this tank; nicely done replica of external flame equipment
Disadvantages: may not meet some modelers' expectations of "their" version of the tank
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Soviet and "34" fans
The Soviets were among the first nations to determine the value of what they called "chemical tanks" and produce them in quantity. But unlike WW I French attempts with the Renault FT, they took two paths: smoke layers and flamethrower tanks. The former never caught on as the smoke equipment originally took up the entire fighting compartment and left the tank defenseless; the ulitmate solution were two smoke pots at the rear of the hull of normal tanks triggered by the crew.
The flamethrower was another story. The Soviet design of tank-mounted flame weapons was more compact than those of other nations as they took a different approach. Whereas most other nations used compressed air to propel the mixture from the weapon, the Soviets used black power charges to fire a burst of 10 liters of mixture at a time. Range was 60-70 meters with the normal mixture or up to 120 with a thickened mixture introduced during WWII. Normal supply was 100 liters inside the tank with later vehicles carrying another 100 liters in two tanks at the rear of the vehicle.
Initially the flame weapons replaced 45mm guns in T-26 tanks or shared duties with them as in the KV-8 series flamethrower tanks. While the latter could carry a tremendous amount of mixture, it was a waste of chassis, and so in 1942 experiments were made to fit the ATO-41 to the T-34 in place of the bow DT machine gun. These were successful, and the first test series of OT-34 tanks with the ATO-41 flamethrower were produced in February 1942 by the Stalingrad Tractor Factory. Later the installation was used on all other production models of the T-34, and a modified version (the ATO-42) was later fitted to the T-34-85.
DML has now introduced a mid-war production variant of the OT-34 on their Model 1943 kit as a Factory No. 112 (Krasnoye Sormovo) model. This is basically their very nice T-34 Model 1943 with cupola (Kit No. 6564) with some swapped sprues ana a new set of parts for the OT-34. This primarily consists of the ATO-41 mount for the forward machine gun mount and two 50 liter spare mixture tanks for the rear of the hull. It should be noted that the bow DT gun and mount are still included in the kit.
The model comes with the post-April 1943 return to "disk" drivers with perforated tires but also includes two sets of cast road wheels which were more common in the early production variants.
As it is a "mix and match" kit it combines parts from the DML Model 1940/41 kitss, the T-34 Model 1942 "Soft Edge" turret kit, and their T-34-85 kits along the Model 1943 cupola . The turret is the generic T-34 Model 1942 but with the molds modified to provide a mounting for the commander's cupola. While the profile of the cast turret appears closest to that from Uralmashzavod, this time DML has designated it as a "No. 112 Factory" tank. As an aside, at this point in time Aleksandr A. Morozov, chief designer at Factory No. 183, had been ordered by Stalin to take responsibility for all T-34 production regardless of factory. As a result turrets after that point did not vary as much as prior to his taking full control, so modelers following "guides" should not place as great stock in them as prior to mid 1943.
The kit uses nearly all of the sprues which came with the Model 1943 commander's cupola turret cited. 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, and DML has added four more flat plate links as spares. Each link does come with two ejection pin marks on the inner face, but these stand proud and while tedious are easily removed. However, the spares were usually one plate and one toothed link bolted together tooth plate up on the rear of the fenders.
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. Casting numbers for this turret are included on the OT-34 sprue, but as they are quite delicate DML has given the modeler eight sets to ensure you can "get it right" with the use of a chisel blade or single edged razor blade.
Note that for this kit all fuel tank brackets and most of the other brackets HAVE to be made from etched brass; this somewhat defeats the original "Smart Kit" philosophy of having most items made from styrene with minimal extra brass bits.
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 barrel 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.
Only a single finishing option is provided: the "Dmitriy Donskoy" battalion, Eastern Front 1943 (whitewash over 4BO green with red lettering). The lettering is provided on a small Cartograf sheet.
Overall, this is a unique variant, but for many modelers the basic Model 1943 may suffice with its inclusion of the ATO-41 head as well.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout
A 12x2 T-34 driver mounts, road wheel arms
B 26 T-34-85 rear plate and hatch details
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
D 15 T-34 76mm Mod 43 cupola, fuel tank ends
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
J 4 Clear styrene
K 13 T-34 41 F-34 gun assembly
L 33 T-34 42 "Gayka" turret assembly
L1 88 "Magic Track" - "plate" track links
L2 84 "Magic Track" - "toothed" track links
M 18x2 T-34 95 liter round auxiliary fuel tanks
N 4x2 T-34 spring towers
P 27x2 Drivers, suspension components
P 46 T-34 rear grilles, front plate, stern plate, hand rails
Q 15x2 Disk wheels with perforated tires and hubs
Q 16 OT-34 flamethrower and mixture tanks
S 1 Twisted steel wire
W 10 T-34 Post-April 1942 rubber tired cast wheels
X 1 T-34 standard hull pan
MA 142 Etched brass
MC 1 Wire
MD 2 Pre-formed wire
(Originally written on Sunday, May 23, 2010 6:02 PM)
Book Review: "KV Technical History & Variants" by Neil Stokes; Air Connection Hobby Inc., 2010; 560 pp. in roughly European A4 format (21 x 30 cm) with photos, illustrations, 4-view plans, and color broadsides; ISBN 978-0-9781091-2-7; price US$130 from AirConnection (http://www.airconnection.on/ca)
Advantages: "one stop shopping" for the most complete information source on the KV series of heavy tanks; scrap 1/35 illustrations and new plans will be invaluable to KV modelers
Disadvantages: no modeling info (see text for details), apparent high price
Rating: See Text
Recommendation: to all Russian modelers and fans of the "Klim"
When all of its attributes and failings are assessed, the Soviet KV series tanks would have to be judged as a good bad tank. Good in that it served well where it was used and for many months was an extreme problem for German forces, but bad in that it was poorly engineered, overweight, underpowered, and ill-suited for Soviet-style mobile warfare. As an example, in his reedited memoirs of General Erhard Raus Pete Tsouras cites the example of the first time Raus and his forces came up against a KV-1 guarding a crossroad.
On 24 June 1941 Raus' "Kampfgruppe R" discovered that a KV-1 had cut their supply line, stopped and did not budge. It had destroyed 12 German vehicles and inflicted a large number of casualties right off the bat. A 5 cm Pak 38 battery was deployed to kill the KV. After eight hits, the KV-1 spotted the battery and destroyed two guns, damaged the other two, and wiped out most of their crews. Later, an 8.8 cm Flak 36 was brought up to take out the pesky tank. Alas, the KV-1 spotted the 88 first and took it out.
On 25 June Raus sent engineers in at night to blow up the tank. No luck, and the engineers also took some casualties. Finally, by sacrificing some infantry to feint at the tank, another Flak 36 was towed into position and put seven AP rounds into the KV-1, apparently knocking it out. But as the victorious Germans approached the KV, the turret began to swing around and point at them once more. Finally, a brave soldier ran up to the tank and stuck a grenade in through one of the 88mm holes, which finally killed off the tank's crew when it detonated. Held up for more than 24 hours, Raus felt that this was going to be a much longer war than the Germans had planned.
The reason for this was simple: the KV had massive armor, an effective if somewhat weak 76.2mm gun, and 7.62mm machine guns with lots of ammunition. What it did not have was a reliable engine and transmission, and thus many other KV tanks were turned into impromptu pillboxes by their poor mechanical condition.
Even so, the KV has been a relatively popular modeling subject for nearly 40 years since the first Tamiya kit came out in 1972. But good references have been hard to find, and some of the better ones released in recent years have unfortunately been low-circulation publications in Russian. Neil Stokes has been a fan of the big beast for many years, and has now spent four years researching, drawing, and organizing what has to be the ultimate technical history of the KV series tanks.
Note that this book is a history of what the KV tanks are, not how they came to be. The best overall history of KV development and improvement is by Maksim Kolomiyets and is so far virtually a Russian only publication, albeit some sections have been translated and used. But then again, modelers are rarely interested in history but more in details and variants, and this book answers those questions to a fare-thee-well.
The book covers the evolution of the KV series tanks from the earliest prototype, later dubbed "Establishment Series Tank U-1" by the Soviets, through its evolution into the KV and KV-1 series, the bloated KV-2 offshoot, and finally to the functional and useful KV-1s and KV-85 series tanks; coverage of the SU-152 "Zverboy" self-propelled gun is also included. Each modification is covered with a drawing in 1/35 scale and also a photo where possible. Each of the major weapons are shown – L-11, F-32, ZIS-5 and M-10S guns.
Photos are also included from the technical assessments of two KV-1 Model 1941 tanks which were provided to the US and British governments by the Soviets in late 1942 – chassis number 11306 to the UK and chassis number 11502 to the US at Aberdeen Proving Ground. These show a new KV-1 tank with its kit and stowage in place as well as what its original condition interior was like.
The book begins with a short history of the KV series tanks and production developments. It then turns to the specific changes in the tank's components made over the years and variations in the components. The first section of 65 pages looks at the hull, fenders and applique armor variations of the KV series tanks. Next, 46 pages cover the running gear and driveline.
A modeler's favorite topic, external stowage, takes up 32 pages. Here Neil has provided drawings with a key included; while not a true Soviet key, it is designed to help modelers locate parts for replication. He numbers the fender "bays" so that he can indicate items like standard late-model stowage bins were normally found in bays 4, 5 and 9. This is handy for use in modeling but once again, based on the unfortunate example of "The Modeler's Guide to the Sherman", does NOT reflect Soviet practice and is not something a Russian would recognize.
Lastly is the second identified by the Soviets as "Assembly 57" – the turret. Coverage takes up more than 60 pages and all of the variants are included as well as descriptions of each one and what changes were made from other variants.
The next section covers armament and ammunition. This includes the guns, some coverage of sights (which were pretty simple by anyone else's standards), machine guns, flamethrowers from the KV-8 subvariants, and crew weapons.
Once this is completed, Neil then walks through the tanks by their completed forms and use. 85 pages are dedicated to the KV-1 proper and its variants, as well as field modifications and other changes. Many of these photos are from captured German sources showing happy Germans gloating over the demise of the tanks, but unlike the hapless "T-34 Mythical Weapon" book that gloried in those photos Neil has picked out each of the details present in each photo and how it applies to the evolution of the KV tank. This run covers the KV s malenkoy bashni, KV-1, KV-1s and finally KV-85.
Next is the KV-2 series, covered in the same manner and running for about 40 pages. The KV s bol'shoy bashni and KV-2 are both covered. This is followed by coverage of the KV-8 and KV-8S flamethrower tank conversions for 12 pages.
Lastly Neil covers the SU-152 self-propelled gun and provides details of its design and use.
A section then follows on organization, color and markings of KV heavy tanks in Soviet service. This includes organizational breakouts over the tank's operational career as well as general colors and a sampling of known markings, with identification provided where known.
Since a number of KV tanks were captured by both the Finns and the Germans, a special section covers their conversions and use by those forces with specific details where any standardization was attempted. The Poles also had SU-152s at the very end of the war and to begin their postwar armed forces.
The last sections comprise the annexes. Neil provides a listing of known preserved KV series tanks (out of more than 5,000 total vehicles of all types built there are but a handful left), a source bibliography, a glossary of key terms and abbreviations, and – most important to the modeler – 24 1/35 scale four-view plans of the various models of the KV series tanks as well as 22 full color broadsides.
Several years ago I did a four-part series on the KV-1 for the magazine "Military Modelling" (Vol. 34 Nos. 9-12) which looked at modeling the tank. I used two different kits to create the model illustrated, basically a Tamiya KV-1 s ehkranami turret on an Eastern Express hull with a variety of details and Model Kasten tracks. Neil has included NO modeling information here, but notes in the foreword this is due to the constantly changing market and available kits. Whereas for 30 years the only kit available was the venerable Tamiya one, today you can also find Eastern Express, Zvezda. Don Association and Trumpeter kits of various KV tank variants as well as the SU-152. He provides a selection of items and comments on his website (http://www.4bogreen.com) for modelers to use, as it is faster and easier to update than to provide new items for a book of this size and cost. He notes this should be considered as the "companion" piece to the book.
Overall – and as a point of full disclosure, I did some translation support for Neil when he was writing the book and needed assistance on either Soviet manuals or sources such as the Kolomiyets book – it is one of the best modeler-oriented reference works going. If you like Soviet armor or want to build a really nice "Klim" (the nickname for Kliment Voroshilov, the tank's namesake) it is worth the cost over several lesser publications.
Thanks to Neil Stokes for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Saturday, May 22, 2010 7:18 PM)
Kit Review: cyberr-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 55 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6623); Jagdpanzer IV L/70 (V) Command Version November 44 Production - Smart Kit; 849 parts (619 in grey styrene, 200 "Magic Track" links, 18 clear styrene, 12 etched brass); retail price estimated at US$52.50
Advantages: near totally new kit of this popular subject; very nicely executed
Disadvantages: basically a re-release of kit No. 6397 with a new antenna; still comes with "Magic Track" links
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German and Pzkw. IV fans
DML's botique affiliate cyber-hobby.com has now released the command version of the Jagdpanzer IV/70 (V) as a separate kit. I am somewhat puzzled as to why as all it appears to do is add one "crow's foot" command antenna and some odd bits from a Pzkw. IV to the original base kit (No. 6397 from August 2009). One sprue of skirts has been removed and two more added (one antenna and one Pzkw. IV kit sprue). The "crow's foot" does now come with an etched brass head vice the older one-piece plastic one, but considering its fragility I am not sure if that is a plus or minus.
As such, I return to my original review of that kit. The model provides a large number of options. Foremost among them is the use of either an early (single cylindrical) or late (twin pipes) Ausf. J rear hull and exhaust. But this kit dropped the post-December 1944)tow hitch and replaces it with the Pzkw. IV one. Three different options for return rollers and eight three-piece steel-rim wheels are also provided for the suspension, as well as modified bogie mounts and a totally new lower hull pan.
No engine detail is provided, but a firewall is included as the radio sets mount against it (and they are provided). Engine deck details are similar to those used on previous Panzer IV "Smart Kit" offerings.
The complete L/70 gun is provided with a slide-molded gun barrel in one piece, which at least on the review sample did not have sink mark one on it. However, other than the big gun and the radios there is no interior to speak of within the casemate.
While all skirts and applique armor protection are provided, given the two marking options in the kit only those on the rear of the upper hull are used; these are DML's "Razor Edge" styrene vice etched nickel and thus provide an easier assembly task.
The kit comes with "Magic Track" single link vice the handier DS Plastic one-piece runs, but in this case without the skirts the tracks will have to have some sag in them so the choice may not be so bad.
Technical assistance is credited to Notger Schlegendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Only two different finishing options are covered and a small sheet of Cartograf decals is provided for them: Unidentified Unit, Germany 1945 (tri-color, black 201); and Stu.Art.Brig. 210, Germany 1945 (whitewash over sand brown, red L01).
Overall this is a nice model, but it would seem to have been a simpler option to include the extra antenna and "3-in-1" or other choices in the original kit.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 37x2 Pzkw. IV Generic drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Generic road wheels and bogies
B 56 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - engine deck details, rear plates, casemate front
C 96 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - brackets, schuertzen, details
D 49 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - return rollers, details
E 20 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - front road wheel replacement parts
F 2 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - fenders
F 2 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - mantlet
G 53 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - 7.5 cm gun and mount details
H 59 Pzkw. IV - engine deck details
J 7 German Generic Jack
K 10 German Generic Antenna and tail light set
L 100 "Magic Track" left side
M 15 clear styrene
N 11 Antenna and mounts, storage tray
P 3 Clear styrene
R 100 "Magic Track" right side
T 2 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - casemate and engine deck body
W 12 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - forward wheel rims
X 1 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 lower hull pan
TG 3 German Generic - close-in defense weapon
MA 11 Etched brass
MB 1 Etched brass
(Originally written on Friday, April 30, 2010 7:05 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7359; Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F2 (G); 168 parts (162 in grey styrene, 4 etched brass, 2 DS plastic track runs); price estimated at US$14.95
Advantages: earlier version of last kit with different detail parts; details closing on their 1/35 scale kits
Disadvantages: DS tracks tend to run long
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all mid-war German fans
Following quickly on DML's kit No. 7278 (Pzkw. IV Ausf. G Early Production) is this kit for the earlier Pzkw. IV F2 and initial production G models. It has several modified sprues as well as the earlier "kugel" muzzle brake of the F2.
Like its predecessor this kit is virtually new from the ground up and the only parts it appears to share with previous kits are the tracks, which are single run DS plastic ones. As before the kit identifies them as "Sprue X" but they are stamped "E" so I am assuming they are from one of the earlier kits; those were noted as having the tracks run long for sagging.
Each bogie assembly here consist of five parts: carrier, road wheel pairs, and road wheel centers. Oddly the centers also appear to carry part of the tires, so other than molding fidelity it does not seem to offer any assistance for painting. Detail, however, is outstanding in this (or even some larger) scale.
The lower hull is in one piece (part Z) but requires a separate bow plate applique and two-part stern plate. The modeler has an option for spare tracks or empty carrier at the bow. The upper hull has all hatches as separate parts and each viewer has both a cover and a mechanism as separate parts. The upper hull details are provided by applique sides attached to the central body (part Y) so welds and other details are apparent. The fenders are separate assemblies and attach along with the glacis plate in Step 5 but require some holes to be drilled out first.
The turret is pretty detailed in this scale, with the gun assembly consisting of 9 parts, but the antenna deflector seen on some early F2s (or converted F1s) is not provided. The barrel again uses a slide molded hollow muzzle brake in one piece and inserts into a sleeve which then fits to the recoil housing; note that even the machine gun barrels are slide molded (as is the exhaust pipe on the muffler) so the modeler does not have to open them up.
The commander's cupola consists of four parts and has a partial interior (but no clear vision blocks). The side hatches also have separate viewer mechanisms; however, while they have plenty of interior detail splitting and opening them will require a good deal of care. No other interior parts are provided so anyone opening up the tank will need to find his own bits for the interior (e.g. gun breech, engine, seats, radios, kit, etc.)
Six different finishing options are provided along with a targeted sheet of Cartograf decals: Pz.Rgt. 8, 15th Panzer Division, Tunisia 1942 (sand - black 8); Pz.Rgt. 15m 11th Panzer Division, Russia 1942 (grey - white 12); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (grey/sand mottle - black 421); Pz.Abt. 204, 22nd Panzer Division, Russia 1942 (grey/sand mottle, white 924); Pz.Rgt. 29, 12th Panzer Division, Russia 1942 (grey - white 613); and Pz.Abt. 1, 1st SS Panzer Division LAH, France 1942 (grey - white outline 316). A sheet of Cartograf decals are provided.
Overall this compliments the earlier kit and does make a number of detail changes, sure to be popular with German small-scale fans.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 21 Pzkw. IV F2 - fenders, turret bin, commander's cupola
B 14 Pzkw. IV - OVM, hatches
D 49 Pzkw. IV - turret, upper hull hatches and details
E 4x2 Bogie carriers
F 16 Pzkw. IV F2 gun barrel, mantlet, track sections, details
G 20 Road wheel centers
I 4 Drivers
J 4 Idlers
K 8x2 Road wheel pairs
M 8 Return rollers
X 2 DS track runs
Y 1 Pzkw. IV Ausf. F/G upper hull
Z 1 Pzkw. IV Ausf. F/G lower hull
MA 4 Etched brass
(Originally written on Thursday, April 29, 2010 10:30 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6600; Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E. Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Initial Production s.Pz.Abt 502 Leningrad Region 1942/43 - 3-in-1 - Smart Kit; 532 parts (410 in grey styrene, 85 etched brass, 18 "Magic Link" track links, 12 clear styrene, 3 DS Plastic track runs, 2 pre-bent wire, 1length twisted steel wire, 1 coil spring); estimated price between $51-$60
Advantages: a more detailed version of an earlier kit; DS plastic tracks will make assembly much faster
Disadvantages: redo of a previous kit adds confusion to a crowded suite of kits
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommended: for Tiger fans
Okay, let me get this straight. Since 2005 either DML or its cyber-hobby.com boutique affiliate have released the following kits of the German Tiger I tank:
6252 Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Initial Production (2005)
6253 Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I Late Production (2005)
6286 cyber-hobby.com - Tiger I Initial Production DAK (2005)
6350 cyber-hobby.com - Tiger I "Michael Wittmann" (2006)
6335 cyber-hobby.com - Gruppe Fehrman Tiger I (2007)
6269 Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger I (Early Production) (2008)
6383 Tiger I Late Production with Zimmerit - Dragon Zimmerit (2008)
6406 Tiger I Late Production 3-in-1 (2008)
6610 cyber-hobby.com - "Wittmann's Last Tiger" Normandy 1944 - Dragon Zimmerit (2009)
6600 Pzkw. VI Ausf. E Tiger I Initial Production - s.Pz.Abt. 502 - 3-in-1 Smart Kit (2010)
Since this one basically redoes Kit No. 6252 from 2005, and while it does have some nice touches, I plead ignorance to why on Earth DML would release a tenth kit of the Tiger I. Yes, I am well aware of the fact the Tiger I is "iconic" and has a great fan base, but for the life of me I cannot see what makes a vast difference between this kit and 6252 other than some different detail parts and decals. (I can see they have added a number of "fiddly bits" which have either been changed over five years or discovered to match the specific prototypes cited here but as I do not have the original kit from 2005 any more you have me at a loss as to what all of them would be).
Given that, DML has produced a "3-in-1" kit of an early production Tiger I with a choice of either the twin "ear" turret bins or a jury-rigged Pzkw. III bustle bin, different exhaust shroud options, a cover for the bow machine gun, and most interesting of all THREE DS Plastic track runs. These provide for either the original "handed" tracks or the later version running two left-hand track runs (right side reversed). The kit also provides an optional position snorkel (which I seem to recall from 6252). Specific instructions are given within the directions for each one of the three possible Tiger I tanks presented in the kit, and unique details for each one (including a horseshoe welded to the front of one tank) are included.
The original kit (6252) stated it will could also produce three different models: Tank 100 from s.Pz.Abt. 502 with twin lateral turret bins, Tank 121 with a Pzkw. III style bustle bin, or a straight early Tiger I in grey with the snorkel erected. It provided for three different style fenders in etched brass (and one in styrene) as well as three different mantelets (one with and two without the rain guard over the gunner's binocular sight apertures). Other parts with options included metal or plastic smoke grenade launchers, metal or plastic tow shackles (two styles in white metal with aluminum pins are provided), and two muzzle brakes and three different barrel options.
This kit does away with most of that, but permits making either Tank 100, Tank 123 with the Pzkw. III bin, or Tank "3" in winter camouflage of white over grey. But most of the options are now gone or only styrene parts are provided.
Alas, not all good ideas are carried forward, for it still retains the silly feature of a recoiling spring-loaded gun barrel like AFV Club used to provide with its kits. But it also retains the breech assembly, two basic seats, and no other turret interior detail.
The hull comes with some interior elements, but not a complete interior. It includes the torsion bar assemblies, bow gun assembly, hatch details, and radiator bays and trunking at the rear of the hull. The rear engine deck grilles (parsts P11/12 and P16/17) from the original kit are retained and have the curved louvers found on the original, and based on the use of the snorkel may be shown open or closed.
The hull top comes with a set of tools that have etched brass clasps included, as well as a jig for bending the clasps to shape prior to installation.
The turret from the original has been replaced by that from the Porsche Tiger P and while it retains some bits now consists of left and right halves. The commander's cupola can be built up from component parts or a one-piece unit, complete with view slits, is also included. The snorkel comes in one piece but all of the special covers and blanking plates are also provided to set it up correctly by the manual. Casting numbers are included on one sprue for the mantlets.
A small Cartograf decal sheet provides the markings for the previously mentioned options, and a color painting chart is provide – no explanation why since the tanks are white and dark grey!
Technical assistance was provided by David Byrden, Dan Graves, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Overall, while this is a lovely kit and very nicely done, after ten releases of Tigers with the major variants thoroughly covered one could hope for something new – while I would prefer a new line of T-26 light tanks even a "Neubaufahrzeuge" would be appreciated.
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 46 (Tiger P) turret, turret details
E 53x2 (Tiger I Early) Road wheels and details
F 21 (Tiger I Early) upper glacis, cupola top, OVM
G 46 (Tiger I Early) hull sides, stern plate, turret bins, track setting guides
J 39 (Tiger I generic) interior components
K 12 (Tiger I Late) hull roof and grilles
L 2 DS Track Runs
L 12 (Tiger I generic) clear blocks
P 31 (Tiger I generic) Torsion bars, engine deck grilles, raised fording tube
R 1 DS Track Run
S 33 (Tiger I Initial) OVM, exhaust extension shrouds, Pzkw. III bustle bin
W 18 "Magic Link" single track links - 9 x Left, 9 x Right
X 1 (Tiger I generic) hull bottom
Y 10 (Tiger I Generic) radiator shunts, details
Z 2 Twisted steel wires
MA 46 Etched brass
MB 34 Etched brass (OVM mounts)
MC 4 etched brass
MD 1 Preformed etched brass
MD 2 Prebent wire
MD 1 Spring
TA 5 (German OVM) pioneer tools
TC 4 (German OVM) cable heads
(Originally written on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 9:28 PM)
Advantages: "Smart Kit" adds factory-molded zimmerit; DS tracks should be popular
Disadvantages: some modelers will be disappointed about lack of brass parts, and others may miss the "Magic Track" single links
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German armor and Panther fans in particular
DML has now taken their very nice Jagdpanther Ausf. G1 kit (No. 6458) and changed out the parts to now provide the kit with factory-molded zimmerit paste. This is provided in the "tile"-like pattern and provides a realistic rough finish over the surface of the kit.
While some modelers groused about the fact that the kit's molded zimmerit provides only a single pattern and is not as good as the "roll your own" variety, it has proven popular. ((In this day and age many modelers are short on time, so anything which cuts out long, tedious or messy operations tends to be popular with guys who just want to build, paint and enjoy). Learning from their first kits, DML now leaves places where kit and fittings must be attached bare and provides attachment tabs or holes.
Unlike the first revised Jagdpanther kit noted above, this one is a near verbatim "repop" with the exception of the new upper and lower hull and a sprue of components with zimmerit paste applied. The kit does not have as many options, but does provide a pair of gun barrels for the monobloc and composite construction designs. The now-standard German generic 8.8 cm slide molded muzzle brake is also included.
As with the previous"Smart Kits" it makes more use of "slide molding" than previous DML kits, and the goal seems to be to permit modelers to get "multimedia" kit finish and part definition with a minimum of actual multimedia parts – here being but six brass parts, mostly grilles for the engine deck, and two steel tow cables (large and small).
The new lower hull remains a one-piece "slide mold" part with all of the torsion bars complete and separate parts and zimmerit molded on its upper sections. Fine details such as "bump stops", "pin knockers" and braces are all separate. It still comes with the rubber tired road wheels and the cast mounting collar for the gun barrel. The model may be built with or without the small return roller wheel on the final drives, and both types are provided in the kit.
The hull rear plate comes with the four-pipe exhaust, but most of the other options from the original Panther Ausf. G kit are still not provided.
The same nicely done engine deck is provided with radiators, radiator fans, screens, louvers and separate access ports and lids. All grilles replicate full castings and are separate parts as well. No engine or deep interior parts are provided.
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. As noted there is no zimmerit where these attach to the hull. The same goes for the tools and OVM.
The hull comes with a separate roof plate and details, with all hatches save the left from sliding plate as separate parts. The commander's hatch may have the "rabbit ears" periscope installed if the modeler desires, and al of the hatches are positionable as is the close in defense weapon. However, only a very minimalist gun breech for the 8.8 cm gun is provided. Since the rear gun access hatch is also provided separately, it does limit the modeler's options to show this hatch open as there is little to see inside the casemate.
One surprise is that the kit now comes with early model DS Plastic single section runs. While everyone knows by now that Panthers used "dead" track and it has to sag, at least if the modeler thinks ahead the DS Plastic runs can be cemented to the tops of the road wheels to induce the correct sag. The directions alas only stay "put this on" in Step 16. (The idea is if you wish to simply glue them on using plastic cement you must leave bare areas on the tops of the road wheels and the bottom of the top track runs.)
Technical assistance for this kit was provided by Steven Van Beveren, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
As the vehicle now comes with zimmerit, a total of six finishing options are provided: 1./s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 654, France 1944 (tricolor with crosses); 2./s.H.Pz.Jg. 654, France 1944 (sand brown with crosses); 2./s.H.Pz.Jg. 654, France 1944 (sand brown with brown splotches); s.H.Pz.Jg. 654, Western Front 1944 (tricolor , white crosses, Red 112); 3./s.H.Pz.Jg. 654, France 1944 (tricolor, black crosses, Black 314); and s.H.Pz.Jg. 654, Western Front, 1944 (tricolor, white crosses, Red 133). A set of Cartograf decals is provided for these markings. Note that if you pay attention to the side views the vehicles with the composite and the monobloc gun barrels are shown.
Overall, this should be a very popular kit as it now comes with a complete coating of zimmerit paste.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 52x2 Engine deck details and fine details
B 11 Jagdpanzer with Zimmerit - hull details
C 60 Hull details and sponsons
E 47x4 Road wheels, torsion bars, individual "wrap" track links, wingnuts
G 37 Drivers, final drives, steel wheel sets
H 33 Jagdpanther engine deck details and sponson liners
J 8 MG-34 bow gun
K 30 Tools and OVM
L 1 Jagdpanther upper hull with Zimmerit
M 27 Jadgpanther casemate roof and exhaust parts
N 42 Jagdpanther rear hull, radiators and hatch details
Q 11 Jagdpanzer 8.8 cm gun components
R 1 twisted steel wire
S 9 clear styrene
T 26 Jagdpanther gun barrel
T 6 Alternate Jagdpanther gun barrel and fittings
X 1 Lower hull with Zimmerit
W 2 DS Plastic Track Runs
Z 1 twisted steel wire
M 6 Etched brass
TF 3 German Generic - muzzle brake
TG 3 Close in defense weapon
(Originally written on Saturday, April 10, 2010 7:43 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6632; Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. F -Smart Kit; 816 parts (551 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 26 etched brass, 23 clear styrene); price not known but estimated at US$52.50
Advantages: first new foray into early model Pzkw. III first of a new series of kits; many options for specific display or finishing; "Smart Kit" minimizes the amount of etched brass required
Disadvantages: kit does not come with DS tracks, which will disappoint a few modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII German fans
F I R S T L O O K
In the late 1930s – and prior to 22 June 1941 – there was a good deal of cooperation between the Soviet and German military. At one of the exhibitions the Germans proudly showed off a production version of the Pzkw. III tank. The Soviets reported back they were astounded by the vehicle. First off, they laughed at it as overengineered – it was a tank, not a luxury automobile – with even things like chromed posts for the adjustable crew sets! They also shook their heads at wasting space for a crew of five men.
While history provided the Soviets were wrong on crew size – later admitting five men gave you a higher chance of survival on the battlefield and better chance to repair your own tank – they were eventually proven right as German tank production did prove to be overengineered and they could never catch up with either the Soviets or the Americans,
The Pzkw. III Ausf. F was the first full-bore production version of the tank starting in 1939 and eventually 435 were built. The tank equipped seven panzer divisions during the French campaign but was soon found to be wanting due to its weak 3.7 cm cannon. While some were eventually upgraded to the better 5 cm gun, most were not and the last ones noted in combat were still in service in 1944.
A number of years ago DML released "Imperial" series kits of the early model Pzkw. III tanks but these were based on the Gunze Sangyo molds and tried to get four variants (B, C. D, E) from one kit. Now, using the excellent basis of their original Pzkw. III Ausf. J "Smart Kit", they are starting over with the early models and this is the first of the early Pzkw. III kits to be released.
While about half of the kit consists of "carry-over" sprues from earlier Pzkw. III, Pzkw. IV and StuG III kits, there are seven new sprues and three modified ones. Once again DML requires the modeler to drill out holes in the kit for specific parts, as well as calls out options. Alas, theses are tucked into the very busy directions and thus the modeler must be attentive to ensure he does not miss them (the "Calvin and Hobbes" dictum of "directions are for sissies" does NOT apply to kits this complex!)
The suspension begins with five of the original seven "mini-sprues" and three new ones provided for the early model "porthole" drivers and more complex idlers, plus newly molded shock absorbers.
The hull pan is one with the side hatches and other detail changes. It retains the full torsion bar suspension from the other kit and the detailed suspension components and muffler assembly. As with the earlier kits all hatches are separate with some interior details and can be positioned as the modeler chooses. All engine deck ventilators are spaced and mounted on separate frames to get the correct appearance and "lift" needed to give an accurate representation of the original. A completely new engine deck is provided for the early variants of the Pzkw. III with this kit.
The kit includes the rudiments of an interior, but unlike many Russian or Ukrainian kits the details they provide are highly accurate as far as they go. This should please the "after market boys" as there is more than enough room for a nice resin interior here and enough ports and hatches to see it. One amazing thing (which shows why the Soviets laughed at it) is the huge amount of room in the early turret with the 3.7 cm gun. The gun follows most of the DML standard design concepts and faithfully replicates the internal mantlet as well as the rest of the small details of this petite weapon.
The cupola provided is from an early Pzkw. IV kit and comes with a number of options and two different types of view block mountings. Covers can be displayed open or closed.
The kit comes with 36 cm "Magic Track" single-links, and while not wrong many modelers appreciate the DS plastic tracks as they speed construction.
Technical consultants are Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
The kit provides three different finishing options: Pz,Rgt. 3, 2nd Panzer Division, Greece 1941 (grey, white 123); 1st Panzer Division, Russia 1941 (grey, white 300); and 14th Panzer Division, Eastern Front 1941 (grey, yellow 233). All markings are targeted and from Cartograf.
Overall while not as popular as the late-war variants (as they are more colorful) returning to the early models of this "workhorse" tank is an excellent choice and will permit DML to "complete the record" of Pzkw. III variants.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 91 Pzkw III J hull details and turret mounting
A 53x2 StuG III Wheels and torsion bars (5 mini-sprues connected)
B 6 Pzkw III J upper hull and fenders
B 46 StuG III Road wheel arms and lower hull details
D 33 Pzkw III J gun and barrels
G 52 Pzkw IV F - turret and hull details
G 15 StuG III OVM and light components
H 9 Smoke candle rack and smoke candles
J 8 Machine guns and muzzles
L 108 Magic Track - Left
K 34 Pzkw. III Ausf. J Initial Production engine deck details
15 Pzkw IV F Clear styrene
P 1 Pzkw. III Early Model hull pan with side doors
P 4 Clear styrene
Q 24 Pzkw. IV Early Model Cupola
R 108 Magic Track - Right
R 6 Clear styrene
S 41 Pzkw. III Early Model turret with 3.7 cm gun
T 4 Early model Pzkw. III drivers
U 1 Cupola base
V 61 Pzkw. III Early Model engine deck and details
X 6 Early model Pzkw. III idlers
Y 1 Pzkw. III Early Model turret shell
Z 4 Shock absorbers
MA 26 Etched brass
WC 4x2 German Generic Weapons - MG-34 machine gun
(Originally written on Saturday, March 27, 2010 3:09 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 46 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6583); Sd.Kfz. 7 8t Flatbed w/2 cm Flakvierling 38 - Smart Kit; 696 parts (438 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 29 etched brass, 6 clear styrene, 4 film masks, 3 DS plastic tires); estimated retail price US$59.95
Advantages: different version of the Sd.Kfz. 7 and 2 cm Flakvierling; nicely done use of "slide molding" and DS plastic tires to avoid seams and extra assemblies; full engine and underside details
Disadvantages: as a "Smart Kit" probably not enough brass for some; small links perhaps better as DS tracks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German halftrack fans and "Duck Hunters"
Towards the end of the war the Germans were desperately converting anything and everything to self-propelled weapons. This version of the Sd.Kfz. 7 8 ton halftrack is a temporary mating of the effective 2 cm Flakvierling 38 antiaircraft gun on the platform cargo carrying variant of the halftrack.
Basically this kit consists of DML's boutique affiliate cyber-hobby.com taking parts from the Sd.Kfz. 7 Late Model, Sd/Kfz. 7/1. and Sd.Kfz. 7/2 kits and combining them to create a new variant.
As with the other variants, the DML molds provided a very thorough kit with a complete engine and undercarriage. As before the two-piece "Magic Track" halftrack tracks are included, but as often noted are very small and DML could have made many modelers happy by molding them as one-piece runs in DS plastic. Also, as the kits are "Smart Kits" they make use of slide molding and other tricks to avoid needless small parts assemblies and minimize the use of brass.
The front tires remain DS plastic outers and treads combined with a styrene inner section. So far these appear to have been a good idea and DML should think about using them with other wheeled vehicles.
Also as before the grille remains solid (there are aftermarket kits now that correct this), and perhaps could have been molded differently to give it some "airiness" with the radiator behind it. The hood comes with separate side panels which can be left of as per the originals.
The bed is nicely done and the fold-down panels appear nicely done. But this is a cargo carrier and pretty stripped down without all of the details of the first two AA gun kits.
The 2 cm Flakvierling 38 is still a nicely done kit with "Slide Molded" barrel muzzles and flash hiders. As with previous
DML antiaircraft gun offerings, there are different sight articulation bars provided for setting the guns at either 0 or 60 degrees elevation, but the guns will not move if the bars are used. Two different types of gun shields are provided, as are a number of magazines and ammo racks for the installation. Note that the carriage does not include the wheels so only a platform or in place version of the gun can be modeled.
This is the first DML kit which also provides masks for the windshield sections so that the model may assembled and then painted, and which is a nice touch. They have now corrected for their earlier kits and provide four masks, e.g. to cover BOTH sides of the windshield.
Research and technical assistance were provided by Dan Graves, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Two different finishing options are offered with a sheet of Cartograf decals only providing the license plate "number jungle". Both are for Unidentified Units, Western Front 1945 but only one has the license plates worn on the front (a tricolor version, whereas the other is sand brown).
Overall this provides a different look at the 8 ton with quad 20mm gun mount.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 20x2 7 Late model platform details
A 54 2 cm Flakvierling carriage and details
B 55 8 ton - Underframe details - winch, drivers, front axle, subframe, muffler
C 44x2 8 ton - road wheels, front wheel backs, body details
D 72 8 ton - engine, hood, radiator, standard passenger body components less sides
E 19 7 Late Model Platform Body
G 26x2 7/1 Flakvierling - 2 x 2 cm Flak 38 and ammo clips
G 37 7/2 Armored cab and front body
H 6 8 ton - clear styrene
H 4x2 7/1 Flakvierling shields (two different)
J 12 German Generic OVM
K 3 DS plastic tires
W 1 8 ton - chassis
Y 108 "Magic Track" track pads
Z 108 "Magic Track" track links
MA 29 Etched brass
(Originally written on Saturday, March 27, 2010 3:07 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6588; German Don Cossacks Balkans 1944; 132 parts (128 in grey styrene, 8 etched nickel); price US $11.95
Advantages: another new set of cavalry figures; different choice of nationality
Disadvantages: no material included for reins or stirrup straps; no rigging instructions
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for experience figure modelers
The Don Cossacks were an independent lot but made the mistake early in WWII of siding with the Germans against the Soviets. Alas, when the Soviet Army took back the Donbass (Don River basin) things did not go well for the Cossacks. Worse yet, those who surrendered to the Allies were sent back to the Soviets; to this day there are a number of arguments as to whether it was right or wrong, as the Soviets immediately shot all Cossacks who were repatriated.
DML has now produced a set of two Cossacks in the combined dress they wore in German service - traditional Cossack caps and trousers with their sabres, but wearing a German field blouse with Cossack insignia. The figures are new but the horses are from their 8th SS Cavalry Division "Florian Geyer" set (No. 6046) and are backed up with two generic German sprues (the "A" kit sprue and the "A" weapons sprue).
Each Cossack comes in six base parts (head, torso, legs and arms) with a separate cap. A third horsehead is included to create the picture shown on the box art of one Cossack standing on the ground checking his mount's bridle (the other figure is mounted).
While nicely etched nickel two-piece stirrups are included, DML has not provided either any material to make reins or stirrup straps or rigging directions. These are essential for a mounted figure, and it is a shame they did not include anything of that nature. As a result, this set is best for someone used to rigging horse figures and who has a supply of favorite material (lead foil, 0.005" styrene, or other thin material for straps) and knowledge of how to install it.
Artwork is by Zgonnik and is of the "stick here and follow the box art" type of directions.
Overall this is a beautifully molded kit but let down by not being complete.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
6046 15 Two horses and basic furniture
6588 27 Two figures and basic kit
GA 64 German Generic kit - helmets, canteens, mess kits, entrenching tools
WA 18 German Generic weapons - 2 x Kar 98K
MA 8 Etched nickel
(Originally written on Saturday, March 27, 2010 3:05 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6362; M4 81mm Mortar Carrier - Smart Kit; 421 parts (355 in grey styrene, 62 etched brass, 2 turned aluminum, 1 nylon string, 1 length of copper chain); estimated retail price US$41.95
Advantages: late production mortar carrier variant with M3 body; based on great M2/M2A1 kit with all basic parts carried over, including radios and machine guns
Disadvantages: some modelers may not like use of original cab parts; original tires remain
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all American halftrack fans as well as WWII armor fans
While the M4/M4A1 81mm mortar carrier served a vital need at battalion level in armored infantry units, it was recognized that it suffered from having the mortar oriented to fire backwards and not forwards. While some units such as the 2nd Armored Division corrected this, the Army moved to correct all of the flaws with a new vehicle.
The result was the M21, which was based on the larger M3 body and not the shorter M2. It retained the rear door for use in reloading of ammunition (two fold-down seats blocked easy access for personnel) and added larger ammo racks. A pintle mount for a .50 caliber M2 machine gun was added just behind the mortar. Other late model features such as the removable combat lights and the side and rear stowage racks were added to the vehicle. But as nearly 1,200 M4s had been built, there was not a great need for the new vehicle and production was terminated after only 110 were built.
Each battalion headquarters in tank and armored infantry battalions had a platoon of three mortar carriers and a command halftrack, so there were at least 18 to 27 of these vehicles in an armored division.
DML has now added this kit to their line to compliment the earlier M4 kit (No. 6361)It uses the M2/M2A1 chassis components verbatim but now adds the modified M3 type body with ammunition racks, the rear end with door, and the mortar itself.
The bulk of the kit is identical to all other DML halftrack kits. Four sprues provide the parts for the chassis and drive train, including a complete White engine and transmission. While the hood is molded in one piece, DML has notched the back side as well as the insides of the "cab" sides to permit easy cutting to open them up for display. The tires have caused a lot of controversy as DML molded them with a slight bulge to show underinflated tires under load; this has been a love/hate feature of the kit, but personally I think it is not as bad as some of the "boo birds" have claimed. To each his own on taste.
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 model now comes with only one set of body panels for the rear body. But it also comes with the original M2/M3 cab which does not have slotted screws. While this is a minor glitch, a number of "boo birds" howled about it and DML did eventually provide a modified set of cab parts with the slots present. This cab is not provided with this kit, however. (I suspect ther reason was that the early molds had the water can racks molded in place whereas the corrected ones did not.)
The model has the "civilian" style dashboard, so note that the instruments are a brushed aluminum color on preserved/restored vehicles and not the more common black with white numerals.
The winch and roller each come with their own bumper and accouterments, and as the M21 had a winch (whereas the M4 did not) it comes with a section of nylon string and copper chain.
As with the M4 the new body has the ammo lockers molded in place on the floor pan, but the molding is neatly done. However, all of the racks are full so it will take some work to show an "in action" version with some of the bomb stowage tubes missing. The well for mounting the mortar is present as are the covers for the well and the extra frame braces under the floor. The mortar consists of five styrene parts and a two-piece turned aluminum barrel with the "knob" fitting for the baseplate turned on the base section.
This kit includes a complete set of 24 mines with separate etched brass pressure plates and carrying handles. They mount on the sides of the hull, or if the modeler finds this tedious a pair of racks molded with the mines in place are also included. The "ladder" type equipment stowage racks are provided as are the "luggage" racks for the rear of the hull, with an option to present them open or closed.
The kit does provide a generic driver with tanker's style jacket and helmet. Note he comes with his own seat cushion, but it's not for use in this vehicle!
Markings and finishing instructions are provided for two vehicles: one unidentified one with a small bumper code of "93" and one from the 2nd Armored Division, Ardennes 1945 (1-15 or a mortar track from the 1st Battalion, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment). Two sheets of Cartograf decals (one for the markings, one for the serial numbers) are provided
Overall this adds another member of the M2/M3 family and leaves only the short-lived M13 and the M15/M15A1 to complete the American family of halftracks.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Breakout:
A 40 Chassis and suspension
B 28 Armored cab assembly
C 29 M49 mount and front bumper assemblies
D 48x2 Bogie assembly and wheels
E 7 Clear styrene parts
H 2 Front grille (open/closed)
J 37x2 Machine guns and radio set
J 14x2 Mine racks with 12 mines
L 8 Driver figure
R 37 M21 body parts
T 5 81mm mortar parts
W 8 Slide molded drivers and idlers
MA 62 Etched brass
MB 1 Nylon string
MC 1 Copper chain
MD 2 Turned aluminum mortar tube
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:43 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6386; Sd.Kfz. 164 Nashorn 3-in-1 - Smart Kit; 1,103 parts (798 in grey styrene, 240 "Magic Track" links, 35 etched brass, 24 clear styrene, 2 springs, 2 coil springs, 1 length of wire, 1 turned aluminum gun barrel); estimated price US$52.50
Advantages: virtually new kit; changes are obvious from past kits
Disadvantages: massive number of parts to this kit, very small parts may be fiddly; no DS tracks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all German fans
I'm not sure if it is a good thing or a bad one when DML pops up with a virtually new kit of a subject right before another company releases the same subject. In this case, this is an "in your face" tour-de-force kit of the Nashorn being released before AFV Club can release their new mold kit.
This is NOT a revamped version of their 2006 "Premium" version of the Nashorn No. 6314) albeit it does use some of the sprues. It uses modified or updated versions of seven of the sprues from that kit plus several more new ones and sprues from the more recent Hummel redo.
The kit uses a new hull base with sponson floors in place and a new upper hull, with a nicely done set of positionable hatches and viewers. As with all Smart Kits most of the detail parts are provided from styrene with optional replacements in brass.
The suspension is straight from the Panzer IV "Smart Kits" and as such is easier to assemble than the earlier Panzer IV kits. The "Magic Tracks" are still with us, and the only thing to recall is left bag - left track, right bag - right track as you look at the header card. DML calls them "dark grey left - light grey right" but too often the colors are not well differentiated. As I repeatedly note there is nothing wrong with them other than they are tedious to assemble and many modelers today want to spend their dwindling modeling time on a vehicle, not its tracks.
The upper hull is completely new. The much maligned louvers of the early kits are now "slide molded" from styrene and separate parts (F25). The walls are also about half the thickness of normal parts (0.050" or 1.25mm seems to have been the default in the past; these are about 0.020" or 0.5mm with thinned edges) and look more like sheet steel parts than plastic.
As with the add-ons to the "Premium" kit there are a number of parts for the ammo lockers, and now provides a good selection of options. 16 rounds of 8.8 cm ammo are included as well as racks and rack locks.
Generic detail sets provide the OVM details as well as an MG34 machine gun and ammunition.
Three different versions are attributed to the kit: initial production, modified initial production, and early production. Each one has different or rearranged details and each is called out in the directions. Most of the changes are what are termed "fiddly bits" but to the purists I am sure they do stand out. Also note that different parts may require being drilled out and as usual DML's warnings are tucked into the periphery of the directions and are easy to overlook.
Project supervisor was Hirohisa Takada, with technical support from Minoru Igarashi, H3 Design Office, and Dragon engineering; technical assistance provided by Notger Schlegtendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Decals and finishing directions are included for six guns, two of each type: Initial Production - s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 655, Russia 1943 (tricolor camo with black crosses); s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 650, Russia 1943 (two-color camo, black 232); Modified Initial Production - s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 655, Russia 1943 (tricolor camo with black crosses); s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 650, Russia 1943 (tricolor camo, red 131); Early Production - Pz.Jg.Ers.u.Ausb.Abt. (Training Unit), 1943 (sand overall - yellow 305); and, 2/s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 560, Russia 1943 (wavy two-color pattern, black 231). A sheet of Cartograf decals is provided for all variants.
Overall this is probably the best of the Nashorn kits but it is a very busy kit with a of of "moving parts" covering the variants so caution and care must be taken during assembly.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:A 37x2 Pzkw. IV Smart Kit - drivers, idlers and return rollers
A 81x2 Pzkw. IV Smart Kit - road wheels and bogies
A 31x2 Nashorn/Hummel drive wheels, upper hull details
B 9 Nashorn upper sides and shield assemblies
B 41 Hornisse/Nashorn/Hummel front glacis, hull details
C 19 Hornisse/Nashorn fighting compartment interior
D 68 Nashorn/Hornisse 8.8 cm gun
E 58 Nashorn - front fenders, front hull details, travel locks
F 69x2 Nashorn fighting compartment details (8.8 cm ammo, lockers, etc.)
G 10 German generic jack
H 46 Hornisse - gun shield, exhausts, lower hull accessories, travel lock
J 13 Clear styrene
K 29 German generic tools and accessories
K 11 Clear styrene
10 Nashorn/Hummel - exhausts, spare wheel carriers
L 120 "Magic Track" left side links
M 40 Nashorn - gun shield, barrel, machine gun swivels
R 120 "Magic Track" right side links
X 1 Nashorn/Hummel lower hull
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
Z 1 Vinyl hose
MA 39 Etched brass
MB 1 Turned aluminum barrel
MB 1 Wire
MB 2 Springs
MB 2 Coil springs
TF 3 German generic 8.8 cm muzzle brake
WC 29 German generic machine guns - MG34 and ammo
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:41 PM
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 52 (Dragon Models Limited'39-'45 Series Kit No. 6605) Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. M Early Production mit Rahmen fuer Schutzhuelle - Smart Kit;
901 parts (634 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 32 etched brass, 19 clear styrene); estimated retail price US$52.50
Advantages: offers a slightly different version of the late production Pzkw. III tank
Disadvantages: kit does not come with DS tracks, which will disappoint a few modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII German fans
DML's boutique affiliate cyber-hobby.com continues to fill in the "niche" market for German armor with this new kit of an early model Pzkw. III without the rain guards over the mantlet or the front applique armor. Instead, it provides the framework for the rain guards but no guards themselves, which yields an interesting look.
Once again it is a case of "mix and match" using the later DML Ausf. J/L and Ausf. N kit sprues with some new bits or replacement of some of the older ones. It comes with the split hatch early Pzkw IV style cupola and other earlier production parts.
The hull pan is a later one minus the side hatches and other detail changes such as the three return roller assemblies. It retains the full torsion bar suspension from the other kit and the detailed suspension components and muffler assembly. As with the StuG all hatches are separate with some interior details and can be positioned as the modeler chooses. All engine deck ventilators are spaced and mounted on separate frames to get the correct appearance and "lift" needed to give an accurate representation of the original.
The kit provides options for blackout or clear headlight lenses and the "kugel" mount for the bow machine gun. All viewports and viewers may be positioned open or closed as well.
Once again this kit includes the rudiments of an interior, which accurate as far as they go. This should please the "after market boys" as there is more than enough room for a nice resin interior here and enough ports and hatches to see it.
This kit continues to offer DML "Magic Link" single link 40 cm tracks. As I have noted many modelers hope for DS tracks to simplify assembly (e.g. two parts to 216) but the tracks provided are correct and the best single link tracks for assembly going. Also the kit only comes with a modicum of etched brass - mostly grilles, brackets and the track guides for the idler wheels.
Technical consultants on the kit are Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
The kit provides three finishing options: 24th Panzer Division, Russia 1943 (two-color camouflage, white 231); test run, Germany 1942 (sand overall with no markings); and Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (whitewash over grey, red 512). All markings are targeted and from Cartograf.
Overall this is at least a more widely traveled variant of the Pzkw. III than some of the "one-offs" from cyber-hobby.com.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue breakout:
A 88 Pzkw III upper hull details, center section
A 35 Pzkw III M hull details, muffler
A 61x2 StuG III Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
B 46 StuG III Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 41 Pzkw III J applique armor and details
D 31 StuG III basic upper hull details
D 34 Pzkw III turret details
E 15 Pzkw III J turret and mantelet details
F 15 Pzkw IV cupola
G 11 Pzkw III mantlet details, fenders
G 18 StuG III OVM and light components
G 54 StuG III fender and smoke grenade launcher parts
G 52 Pzkw IV F - turret and hull details
H 35 Pzkw III M/N upper hull and engine deck
H 1 Lower hull pan
J 8 Machine guns and muzzles
15 Pzkw IV F Clear styrene
P 4 Clear styrene
R 28 Pzkw III M/N turret schurzen array, brackets
Y 108 Magic Track - Left
Z 108 Magic Track - Right
MA 32 Etched brass
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:39 PM)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/48 scale Kit No. AR48102; Northrop F-5E Tiger II; 182 parts (168 in light grey styrene, 7 clear styrene, 4 vinyl keepers, 3 etched metal); price not known
Advantages: modern, state of the art kit of this aircraft; uses the new "plug and play" underwing pylons; options for several different aircraft configurations
Disadvantages: uses small depressions for riveting which is not popular with some modelers
Rating: See text
Recommendation: for all F-5 and Aggressor squadron fans
F I R S T L O O K
While the lightweight Northrop F-5E Tiger II never served operationally with any US squadron, it did serve well as the opposing force fighter for both the USAF and the US Navy until "The Real Thing" became available in the form of MiG-29s and other similar ex-Soviet aircraft. Most people are more familiar with the Navy ones that were painted black and given red stars to perform as "MiG-28s" in the movie "Top Gun".
AFV Club has now swung over to make 1/48 scale aircraft, and as full disclosure I must state up front I have only sufficient references for Korean War aircraft and thus cannot comment on the overall accuracy of this kit. That being said, here is a description of what you get.
The kit is pretty much state of the art from what I have seen. It comes with the new feature of having vinyl keepers mounted inside external ordnance for two good reasons - to allow it to be finished off the model and then quickly and neatly attached, and second, to permit swapouts from after-market sets to later be sold by AFV Club or others.
The fuselage is nicely done with recessed panel lines and rivets; the latter are not popular with some modelers but it seems to me to be the only way to get them on the surface without having the model look like it caught chickenpox. But it has the most convoluted assembly I have seen in years.
The fuselage proper consists of two side nose sections with a belly section, a center upper section with spine; a lower wing section; and an engine cone at the rear with a top and bottom section. Even though AFV Club is noted among armor modelers for very good joints with few gaping seams, I am not sure if this will yield a smooth finish or not, and with the construction being the way it is smoothing it out could prove difficult.
Given that as a start, the kit abounds with options. The ejector seat comes in four parts and also provides the peripherals that go behind it in the cockpit tub. Oddly enough the kit comes with gun bay doors on the left side of the fuselage for option posing, but no interior. Watch out as some holes need to be drilled in the model and AFV Club's warning looks like a string being pulled through a hankie.
The wings provide for optional positions for the flaps, slots and ailerons. There are also optional blow-in doors for the rear part of the fuselage which have to be selected in Step 5. The two jet exhausts also are noted in Step 8 as canting inward; while I am not sure if that is correct the English part here calls them "nuzzles" so note the real meaning!
The landing gear includes the compression links and all doors have interior detail. Door actuating struts are also included. Air brakes may be shown open or closed and two sets of inner landing gear doors (open or closed) are included.
Ordnance consists of a pair of Sidewinder missiles and three drop tanks – these may be either cemented in place using fixed mounts or left loose to use the vinyl keeper attachments. Two empty outboard pylons are also provided.
The etched metal covers two inserts on the intake fences and the front frame of the cockpit windscreen with attached rear view mirrors.
Four finishing options are provided: 12 Squadron, Royal Malaysian Air Force; No 144 Squadron, Singapore Air Force; VFC-13, US Navy (with red stars); and 64th FWS, 57th FWW (Red Flag) , USAF. A full color poster of the latter is included inside the box.
Overall, while I do not have sufficient references to validate the kit, it seems to be a pretty good effort and very detailed. I am not sure the "origami" construction of the fuselage will be popular though.
Thanks to Miin Herng Tsueng for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 42x2 AR48101 - ejection seat, wheels, landing gear, pylons, weapons
B 4 AR48101 - cockpit tub, alternate fuselage panels
C 4 AR48101 - nose sides, bottom
G 3 Etched metal
H 31 AR48101 - wing tops, tail surfaces, landing gear struts
I 7 AR48101 - clear styrene
N 14 AR48102 - nose cone, landung gear doors, details
P 30 AR48101 - wings, tail section, intakes, center line tank
R 4 Vinyl keepers
S 1 Upper fuselage and spine
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:37 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Kit No. 6261; 15 cm s.IG. 33 Infantry Gun Mechanized Towing w/Crew; 265 parts (242 parts in grey styrene, 10 DS plastic, 9 etched brass, 3 clear styrene, 1 turned aluminum); retail price estimated at US$29.95
Advantages: first kit of this gun on this carriage in styrene; crew figures offer many different poseable options due to large number of spare arms
Disadvantages: none noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German early war and artillery fans
The 15 cm German s.IG. 33 dated back to World War I, but was evolved during the interwar period by the Germans to introduce this new model in 1927. They later converted them for both mechanized towing (e.g. rubber tired wheels vice steel or wood) and self-propelled mounts.
This is the same s.IG. 33 used on previous DML "Smart Kit" SP variants but it now comes with the full lower carriage and trails, two sprues with its wheels (one for the wheel accessories and one for the new "highway" wheels with rubber tires) and one more for its ammunition. This provides eight rounds of 15 cm ammunition and also two of the 97 kg "Stick Bomb" rounds for clearing obstacles. Four DS plastic "rattan" like shell cases for transport and two rattan mats are also provided.
The howitzer now offers two different sets of cradle parts but only one (B sprue) is used its entirety. The directions here are much better than some in the past and cover most options. The only thing not covered seems to be how to use the "Stick Bomb" projectile as once its launch (firing) tube is added it will not fit in the muzzle of the aluminum barrel.
The simulated rubber tires are molded using "Slide Molding" with the sprue attachment points on their outer edge so that the treads can be molded cleanly. These are also handy as they reduce the amount of cleanup time .
The figure set is the same one offered for the 54/60 cm "Karl Geraet" SP mortar and comes with a total of 17 arms for six figures. Each base figure comes in six parts (head, torso, legs and then arms) but no weapons are included (which is more accurate for indirect fire artillerymen). However, the original Ron Volstad artwork is now reduced to blue, black and grey on white, so you will have to use the box art for reference (which does NOT look like any of Ron's work).
The project was supervised by Hirohisa Takada and technical assistance Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson. Artwork is by Ron Volstad.
Two finishing options are provided along with a sheet of targeted Cartograf decals: basically either grey or sand brown. The decals provide for section/battery letters (A-G).
Overall this is a very nice kit of a stocky but effective weapon (and also beats the competing AFV Club weapon to the market).
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 65 s.IG. 33 lower carriage
A 50 Kart Geraet crew - six figures
A 12 Arms set 1
A 12 Arms set 2
B 7 Arms set 3
B 24 s.IG. 33 cradle and breech
C 24 s.IG. 33 cradle and breech assembly
C 28 s.IG. 33 ammunition and details
D 9x2 s.IG. 33 wheels and fasteners
D 1x2 s.IG. 33 high speed wheels
K 3 s.IG. 33 auf Pzkw. I clear sights
L 4 DS plastic
L 6 DS plastic
MA 9 Etched brass
MB 1 turned aluminum barrel
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:34 PM)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/350 scale Kit No. SE 73508; Japanese Navy Submarine I-58 Late Variant; 100 parts (84 in grey styrene,14 etched brass, 1 dull red styrene, 1 vinyl cap); estimated retail price US$29.95
Advantages: late-war version of this boat joins the early war variant; nicely done details and brass finishings, option of six Kaiten permits a lot of variations
Disadvantages: none noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all WWII and IJN fans
AFV Club has now released the late war version of one of the most famous of Japanese submarines, I-58. As noted with the first version of this kit, it holds an infamous place in US eyes due to the fact that it was this submarine which sank the cruiser USS Indianapolis in July 1945, eventually resulting in the deaths of all but about 300 of her crew and the court-martial and conviction of her captain. At that time I-58 had been modified to become a "Kaiten" midget submarine carrier and according to Japanese sources even had two Kaiten embarked when she sank the Indianapolis (misidentified as "an Idaho class battleship"). The sub was impounded at the end of the war and scuttled in 1946.
AFV Club has now released this kit of I-58, which shares some sprues with the earlier I-19 kit (No. 73506) and most of the sprues with the Early War I-58 (No. 73507).
The kit has been modified to permit adding up to six "Kaiten" suicide torpedoes to the boat (four forward, two aft) but in the case of I-58's attack on the Indianapolis does not say where the two "Kaiten" were stored (my own guess would be the two on the after deck). A small sheet in what appears to be Japanese by the researcher Shin Ueda also notes where the "Kaiten" were stored on the earlier I-19 class boats for anyone wishing to "cross kit" them.
As before the kit permits building the sub as either full hull (with a stand and nameplate in English and Japanese) or waterline. The full hull version also provides a pressure hull for the ship and six "Long Lance" torpedoes. Most of the small details are provided for in styrene but others are only available in etched brass. These include the aircraft handling crane, catapult rails, handrails, and other small details.
The hull is beautifully done with flood holes and the various ports and details on the bottom as well as a working rudder.
The "Kaiten" are single piece moldings and come with their mounting racks integral with the torpedo.
A small sheet of late war markings is included with sail numbers and "hinomaru" flags.
Overall this is another great sub kit from AFV Club and answers the question of the July 1945 configuration - now to find a 1/350 kit of the USS Indianapolis to tell the story.
Thanks to Minn Herng Tsueng for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 1 Lower hull
A 57 Pressure hull, planes, rudder, details
B 1 Upper hull
B 18 Sail, nameplate, six "Kaiten" suicide torpedoes
C 8 Foredeck, sail deck, sides
M 14 Etched brass
1 Vinyl keeper
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:32 PM)
Kit Review: AFV Club 1/350 scale Kit No. 73504; German U-Boat Type VII C/41; 114 parts (96 in olive drab, 18 etched brass); price around US$29.95
Advantages: choice of waterline or full hull model; very petite details; optional "lift-off" feature for pressure hull, includes two "Biber" midget submarine kit as well
Disadvantages: very petite parts easily broken
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to any 1/350 modeler who wants either a sub or a "victim/victor" in a diorama
F I R S T L O O K
AFV Club is continuing their excellent run at Axis submarines with another variant of the Typ VII C U-boot which they designated as the Typ VII C/41. This is an improved standard production Typ VII C with a modified conning tower and "Wintergarten" and other detail changes.
Like the earlier B and C kits it is petite (19 centimeters long when complete) but has a tremendous amount of detail. As before it uses the common A sprue and the B sprue from the VII B kit – and it offers the ability to open up the completed hull and view the pressure hull and conning tower protrusion once finished.
This kit provides the 1943 and later production"Wintergarten" (twin 2 cm and a single 3.7 cm mounts but no deck gun) fit but no optional choices for the antiaircraft suite.
The model provides a wealth of tiny details in the form of most of the braces, brackets and guards found on the original and even provides for rotation of the deck gun on the finished model. All parts appear to be nearly scale, which causes a normal problem with AFV Club kits of very fragile and tiny parts requiring extreme care in handling them. Four torpedoes are provided for diorama fans wanting port details to go with the model.
Of interest is the fact the kit comes with a pair of "Biber" midget submarines, each with a pair of torpedoes, which mount on the deck. It also comes with an optional sonar bulge which fits under the bow of the "full hull" variant. Alas, while the directions cover three different boats (U-995, U-1023, and U-1105) they do not say which ones had the later sonar nor which ones were rigged to carry "Biber" subs. Sinking pennants are included as well on the etched brass fret.
Overall this is again a neat little model and one that help extend a collection of German U-boats in this scale or "fill" a sub pen.
Thanks to Miin Herng Tsueng for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 12 Type VII Lower hull, pressure hull,
B 45 Type VII B Base, deck guns, hull details
C 39 Type VII C upper hull, details, conning towers, two "Biber" midget subs
MA 18 Etched brass
(Originally written on Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:30 PM)
Kit Review: AFV Club non-scale Kit No. AFQ 001; ROCAF F-CK-1A Ching Kuo Indigenous Defense Fighter; 22 parts (21 in grey styrene, 1 clear styrene); price unknown
Advantages: nice little caricature of ROCAF fighter aircraft; suitable for posing with "Egg Plane" models
Disadvantages: er, how can you tell?
Rating: Recommended (see text)
Recommendation: to anyone who is a fan of the F-CK-1 or has a good sense of humor
According to Wikipedia, the F-CK-1 fighter began development after President Carter announced his "One China" policy and cut off arms sales to Taiwan, which also quashed sales of the F-20 fighter to the ROC. Starting in 1980 they worked on developing an indigenous defense fighter (IDF) and rolled out the first prototype of this aircraft in 1989. The aircraft was accepted for service in 1994 in both "A" (single seat) and "B" (two seat) versions, and by 1999 131 total airframes had been built for the ROCAF. It was named in honor of ROC President Ching-Kuo who pressed for its creation.
Based on its appearance the aircraft borrows heavily on both the F-16 and F-20 designs and seems a synthesis of the two airframes into one. It combines "shoulder" air intakes and twin engines with a very F-16-esqe airframe and layout.
Back in 1976 the first kits of totally ground-up caricature aircraft kits – dubbed "Egg Planes" – first appeared on the market. At first based on airliners, they morphed out into combat aircraft as well and were popular as whimsy with a large number of modelers. (At the 2009 IPMS National Contest, one of the winners in Humor in Modeling was an F-16 "Egg Plane" facing a C-17 and asking "Mama?")
This kit comes in under that same philosophy and is a caricature of an F-CK-1A (wish they had chosen a better designator for it!) and provides a chubby little model about 3" long and 3" in span when built. A "Deal's Wheels" type pilot of four parts dominates the cockpit, so you don't even need to think about dealing it!
The fuselage is split "Egg Plane" style into top and bottom sections, with parts mounting flush (e.g. no wheel well details either) and carries two half-buried missiles in the belly and one on each wing mount.
Decals and painting instructions are provided for two different aircraft from the two Ching Kuo fighter wings with three different unit markings (don't ask me, but I would guess one of the aircraft was swapped out at some point). For such a tiny and whimsical kit there are a LOT of decals, so be prepared.
Overall evaluating this sort of model depends on your sense of humor and your admiration for the prototype. Kudos to AFV Club for giving modelers the choice!
Thanks to Miin Herng Tsueng for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Saturday, February 13, 2010 2:59 PM)
Kit Review: Bronco 1/35 scale Kit No. CB-35040; Chinese PLA ZTZ-99A1 Main Battle Tank;
920 parts (884 in tan styrene, 26 clear styrene, 9 etched brass, 1 length of nylon string); retail price US$56.00
Advantages: far more detailed kit of this vehicle than the Hobby Boss kit (twice as many parts!); etched brass included, working tracks
Disadvantages: four-part single link tracks will be VERY tedious to fit
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all PLA or Modern Armor fans
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, or at least so goes one of Newton's theories. One could also say in this day and age for every new kit released by one company another one will release its own version in competion, and here Bronco is now releasing its take on modern PLA tanks to compete with Hobby Boss.
Having recently reviewed the Hobby Boss version of this tank, let me summarize a bit of its history.
Current Chinese main battle tank design began with the WZ-123 or ZTZ-96, which was the transitional mechanical model between the T-54A and T-72M designs. An improved version, the ZTZ-98, was first publically shown in 1999 at the PRC 50th Anniversary Parade. This tank was longer and lower than the T-72M it was based on, and used several innovative features such as a laser blinder for use against ATGM teams. This tank evolved into the ZTZ-99. which appears to be the family which the Chinese will make their new standard tank system.
There are at least three models of the tank in service (albeit in small numbers): the ZTZ-99A, which is based on the T-72M with a copy of the German MTU MB 870 V engine (1500 HP), a ZTB-98 125mm gun (equivalent to the 2A46M) with the ability to fire a Chinese made version of the 9M119 "Refleks" antitank guided missile, and other modifications.
There is currently some argument as to what the current tanks are actually called. Hobby Boss referred to their kit as a "ZTZ-99B" (No. 82440) whereas Bronco calls the exact same vehicle a ZTZ-99A1. From what I have received in the way of comments, this is apparently the more accurate designator of the two. Whichever is correct, this is the vehicle which was paraded in August 2009 at the PRC's 60th Anniversary Parade.
The main difference in this case is the fact that the ZTZ-99 series are the first tanks in the world fielded with first replaceable modular armor on the front of the turret and now built-in reactive armor in those modules. This essentially means any ZTZ-99 can be upgraded to the latest level of turret protection in a matter of a few hours (there is some suspicion they bought the design from KBTM in Omsk). It has the 125mm gun (now reportedly equivalent to the Russian 2A46M5 variant), a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm AA MG and the laser blinding system.
While Hobby Boss is releasing kits it calls the ZTZ-96, ZTZ-96A, ZTZ-99 and ZTZ-99B. Bronco is doing those of the ZTZ-98, ZTZ-99A, ZTZ-99A1, and ZTZ-99G. Sorting them all out will take time.
Bronco has a bit of a different take on this tank, and its kit is much more detailed (read a lot more parts) than the Hobby Boss kit. There are more options in the way of detail items (such as two different sets of exhaust outlets built into the fender panniers) and a set of clear parts for the vehicle. Frankly, I don't find most clear parts very useful as the marker and tail lights must be painted and the viewer blocks need tinting, but it appears to be popular with the model companies.
In a similar fashion to the Hobby Boss kit, this kit also has its quirks. The"blade" type shock absorbers (similar to the Russian ones, parts B23) do not connect to the road wheel arms, but have a connected piston buffer (parts B20-21) which is not found in the Hobby Boss kit. Go figure. This kit uses end caps cemented in place to permit movement of all of the wheels vice vinyl keepers; however, it does not note it in the directions but if the tracks are to move the drivers must be left loose. Also, the kit comes with three working torsion bars per side (stations 2, 3 and 4) so the suspension may be "posed".
This kit will have some serious comments about its design among modelers, for while it comes with working tracks each link consists of four parts - inner pad and tooth, frame, and two external pads. The result is that the tracks consist of well over 550 parts alone and will require a long time to assemble if the modeler wants them to actually work. These replicate the "asphalt" or "street" tracks as were used in the parade; Bronco is also going to produce the "combat" tracks with US T80 type steel chevron cleats.
The entire glacis reactive armor array is a single piece (J19) and installs at one shot. Like the Hobby Boss kit, it appears to be designed to fit over the glacis fittings left over from the ZTZ-96 and ZTZ-98 designs with no modification required. The lights and other glacis details mount on it or through it once in place. Note that all six etched brass grilles have to be installed at this time as well.
The fenders are separate which is good, but unlike the Hobby Boss kit the sponson bins and fuel tanks have separate details and bin covers so the modeler has some options. As noted before there are a choice of two different designs of exhaust outlets for the bins.
The kit comes with all of the details needed for the turret for this vehicle to include two single-piece reactive armor arrays at the rear; each of them has an interior liner which is correct, but this kit has separate bars for the rear turret basket sides. The turret also has a more detailed laser warning device and laser blinder device. Ten individual barrels for smoke grenade launchers form four assemblies (two fours and two singles) for the sides of the turret, and the lift rings for the frontal armor modules are provided as separate parts as well. The QJC-88 machine gun (a lightweight Chinese redesign of the famous "Dushka") comes on a separate sprue and consists of 16 parts in its own right (two more than the Hobby Boss one).
The main gun comes in two halves with a muzzle cap but appears to be close to scale, but appears to have most of the bolts and other fittings not present on the Hobby Boss kit. The mantlet comes with two mantlets, each with a molded canvas cover; one is for the gun at zero elevation and one at a slight angle but the gun is apparently not supposed to be left moveable. All crew hatches may be positioned as desired, and the commander's and gunner's hatches come with interior details.
Like the Hobby Boss kit there are etched brass parts provided (grilles and the straps for the auxiliary fuel tanks and a guard for the commander's viewer). The tow cables have quite intricate attachment points at the rear and a rigging diagram (!) is provided to get it correct.
The kit comes with a large decal sheet and markings for two different tanks: tank 212, "Peace Mission" 2009 (three color standard PLA camouflage); and tank 01-01, PRC 60th Anniversary Commemorative Parade, August 2009 ( "digitalized" four color camouflage which debuted during the parade). As these are also options in the Hobby Boss kit, note that the "Peace Mission" 2009 tank is the most colorful as it comes with Chinese national flags and regimental insignia which go on the ERA packages on the sides of the turret rear as well as Chinese red stars on the front faces. (It's also easier to paint!)
The kit comes with a very nicely laid out instruction booklet, and while it uses the "stick here" type of directions they are much clearer and better separated. It also color matches the options for four main brands of paint (Gunze Sangyo, Hobby Color, Humbrol and Tamiya).
Overall this model is an excellent rendition of the tank, and the modeler now has a choice between a "quick build" with the Hobby Boss kit or a more detailed model with the Bronco kit.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout:
A 96x6 Asphalt tracks
B 70x2 Wheels, suspension parts
C 6 Upper hull, engine deck
D 34 Fenders, skirts, exhausts, details
E 82 Gun, hatches, turret details
F 26 Clear styrene
Ka 16 12.7mm machine gun and mount
Kb 8 Auxiliary fuel tanks
J 20 Reactive armor, bin sides, turret base
L 1 Lower hull pan
M 1 Turret shell
P 8 Etched brass
Pa 1 Etched brass
1 Nylon string
(Originally written on Saturday, February 13, 2010 2:57 PM)
Book Review: "The T-62 in Israeli-Arab Wars: The Complete Guide to the T-62 in Wars Against Israel" Volume 1 by Dr. Robert Manasherob; SabIngaMartiN Publications 2009; 80 pp. with plans, color side views and B&W photos; US price not known; ISBN 978-0-9841437-1-9
Advantages: nicely done and profusely illustrated book released at a fortuitous time to match up with new T-62 model kit releases; coverage of the vehicle in Egyptian and Syrian service well done; nice new plans welcome
Disadvantages: no coverage of Syrian unit markings (see text); some minor glitches in plans
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Arab-Israeli fans and fans of the '62
Some people are just all around good, and Dr. Robert Manasherob is one of them. Not only is he a world class microbiologist, but he is a first rate historian and researcher in Israeli and Arab armored vehicles. While personally I am not into microbiology, I do follow Soviet armor and thus am glad he decided to write this new series and share his knowledge with us.
The book comes out at a very fortuitous time for modelers, as Trumpeter of China is releasing new state-of-the-art kits of the T-62 Model 1962 and T-62 Model 1972 tanks. As most of the Arab armies were equipped with either Model 1967 or Model 1972 variants of the tank, this book will provide an invaluable assist to anyone modeling either Soviet or Arab T-62 tanks.
Dr. Manasherob begins with an overview of the 1967 and 1973 wars and why this tank was such a threat during the 'Yom Kippur' war. He then goes into a short history of the creation of the T-62 tank and how it evolved from the T-54/T-55 designs. Basically he notes that it used the hull of the IT-1 (Ob"yekt 150) missile armed tank destroyer with a new turret and the U-5TS 115mm smoothbore gun to create a tank which the Soviets felt was superior to the Centurion, M60 and Leopard 1 armed with the British L7 105mm gun. As the Israelis had reequipped their Centurions with the L7 gun and also mounted it in their M48 tanks to bring them up to M60 levels, it was only natural that the Arab armies would seek out this tank to give them an edge in combat.
Starting with the rise of Hafez el-Assad in Syria in 1970, the Arabs began plotting to take back their lost lands from the 1967 war - Egypt to reclaim the Sinai, and Syria the Golan Heights. During the so-called War of Attrition, both countries steadily received large numbers of the new T-62 tank (both the Model 1967 and Model 1972 variants) to plus up their forces. Only elite divisions (read most loyal to the regime) received these tanks - the Syrian 1st and 3rd Armored Divisions and the Egyptian 15th and 25th Armored Divisions. The T-62s were concentrated in the Syrian 81st and 91st Armored Brigades in those divisions. (Not mentioned here are any of the tanks reportedly part of the Iraqi 3rd "Saladin" Armored Division, which participated under Syrian command in the 'Yom Kippur' war and lost 130 tanks in 20 minutes. This division achieved elite status in the Iraqi Army for "striking a blow at the Zionist entity" but its massive losses were never discussed.)
From this point on the book switches to photographic coverage of the Syrian and Egyptian tanks which were knocked out or captured during the course of the 1973 war. This constitutes three-quarters of the book and provides a tremendous amount of detailed photos of both destroyed and captured vehicles, to include their tactical markings and camouflage.
My only disappointment here was that none of the divisional/brigade markings are covered, which as they are quite colorful is a shame. Like the Iraqis, as a large number of the Syrians were semi-literate most of the markings consisted of colored geometric shapes and specific colors for each unit and subunit. The Syrians used a number of split circles and triangles in these two divisions but unfortunately no coverage is provided of these markings. The tactical markings, most consisting of 5XX turret "bort" numbers, is given prominence.
Of great use to modelers are three complete sets of plans of T-62 tanks: one Model 1967, one Model 1972, and a Model 1972 with the complete fittings for KMT mine trawls (mine clearers) in place. The last is a bit unfortunate, as it is actually a Model 1967 tank and to add to its misfortune the draughtsman got the gun barrel to pass UNDER the glacis splash plate! Other than those minor goofs, the plans are very well done and of great use to anyone modeling a Model 1967 or Model 1972.
The book concludes with 30 pages of color shots of T-62s from the Latrun museum and combat shots followed by eight paintings of Syrian and Egyptian tanks from the 1973 war. For some reason there are about 75 photos of T-62 wheels, and while it shows both intact and burned out wheels why so many were included escapes me.
The book contains at least 300 good clear photos of T-62s, and with the two good sets of plans (and the position of the mine clearing mounts is correct so they are also of use) it should be part of any T-62 modeler's library.
Overall this a nice, clearly written and very well illustrated book which is of use to both Arab-Israeli and Soviet armor fans.
Thanks to Bill Miley for the review copy.
(NOTE: For anyone wanting to read the story behind what happened to the Syrians on the Golan Heights and the "Vale of Tears" I recommend reading the following book: "The Heights of Courage: A Tank Leader's War on the Golan" by Avigdor Kahalani, Greenwood Press, London 1984; 198 pp with illustrations; ISBN 0-313-24543-6)
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Monday, February 01, 2010 11:31 PM)
Kit Review: Academy 1/35 scale Kit No. 13219; R.O.K. Army K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer; 368 parts (341 in tan styrene, 24 in tan vinyl, 2 gunmetal vinyl tracks, 1 nylon string); retail price US$46.00
Advantages: first (and probably only!) kit of this vehicle in styrene; beautifully done exterior details
Disadvantages: "motoritis"; not one whit of interior!
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for "Redlegs" and fans of modern armor and artillery
F I R S T L O O K
While the Republic of Korea Army initially was equipped by the United States during the Korean War, and for many years afterwards, over the last 25 years the ROK has moved into designing its own vehicles and equipment (albeit with external assistance and components) to create vehicles more suited for combat in Korea. This means somewhat smaller scale to better suit the smaller stature Korean soldiers, as well as more useful in the hilly and cold climate for which Korea is known.
Initially their self-propelled artillery consisted of US-built M109 155mm howitzers, eventually moving to the M109A2K variant. But this was only a 39 caliber long gun with a nominal range of 18 kilometers with conventional ammunition, and not able to reach many of the suspected deployment areas for North Korean (KPA) artillery weapons.
The US was not interested in upgrading to what was becoming the world standard for long range artillery, 155mm guns with 52 caliber long barrels, so in 1989 the Koreans tasked Samsung Techwin with developing a new gun with that armament.
The first prototype of the new weapon, designated the K9 Thunder, appeared in 1996. The weapon was obviously based on the same design concept as the M109A2 but had a larger turret, roomier, more optimized hull (the M109 was originally designed to float with aids and that dictated part of its design, even when the requirement was eventually dropped) and a massive 52 caliber barrel howitzer. (That is an odd description, considering howitzers used to have a theoretical barrel length of 12-25 calibers, but I digress). The commander is located on the right side of the turret and the gunner on the left, with the driver in the left front of the hull. The two loaders are in the rear of the turret.
Loading is automated and the gun is capable of firing three rounds in 15 seconds at different elevations and fuse settings so all shells can impact simultaneously on a mid-range target. The gun can fire to 30,000 meters with standard NATO 155mm ammunition or with special rounds (DP-ICM, ER-BB, or BB-RAP) it can reach out as far as 56,000 meters.
The gun is powered by an MTU 881 engine of 1000 HP and has a top speed of 67 kph. As of this writing the ROK Army reportly has 390 in service and as of June 2009 had ordered an additional purchase of 1,000 more guns. Each gun is paired with a K10 automated ammunition supply vehicle (the M109A2 is to the K9 as the M992 FAASV is to the K10). Fire control is automatic and the K9 is assessed by the Koreans to be superior to the US M109A6 Paladin both in range and performance. Turkey is purchasing 300 of these guns and Australia is preparing to evaluate it for purchase as well.
Academy has always shown a soft spot for the "home market" and done an excellent job on Korean national vehicles, and this kit is no different. Given a very dramatic box art of a K9 in the field with a pair of K136 Kooryong 36-shot 130mm MRLs on KM813 truck chassis (another kit most American fans would love, as it is the "clone" chassis of the M809 series 5-ton trucks) with the crew shown in relaxed positions.
The kit inside the box does not disappoint.
The model does suffer from that old Tamiya disease of 35 years ago – "Motoritis" – with the open hull bottom and slotted final drives to accept a battery pack and electric motor. Plugs are provided to seal the offending holes as are solid final drive mounts. All wheels are well done (there are big ejector pin holes in the back, but these will not show after assembly) and move. Single run "Diehl" type highway tracks with rubber pads are provided in gunmetal vinyl.
The most frustrating thing most modelers will find with this kit is that it has some 11 hatches on the hull and turret with optional positions and not a bit of an interior to go behind it! That is not a big deal as most modelers usually "button up" their models, but it is a shame that Academy went to all that trouble and then did not give you the option. (Okay, there is nothing to see inside the hull but motor and battery mounts anyway, but an option would have been nice.)
No etched brass is provided for the air intake grilles on the hull which probably should be there (it's hard to tell but it appears to have three grilles on the top of the hull plate - I could not find photos to confirm that) nor anywhere else. There are a number of tubular structures on the vehicle (headlight guards, stowage bins) and these appear heavy, but the ones in photos also appear to be "industrial strength" and without accurate measurements I have to go on Academy's research.
Like Italeri's M109A2 and later vehicles Academy did not provide a clear plastic windscreen or sight head for the gunner's primary sight (parts A65-66-74) but does provide a protective shield (parts A64,A73) to cover it over and thus avoid the entire issue.
The massive gun tube is formed from six parts – front and rear barrel sections in two parts, a bore evacuator, and a massive seven-chamber muzzle brake. The latter two items are "slide molded" and Russian companies should take a look at the muzzle brake – it is the same basic design as those on the D-30 and M-62T2 gun on the T-10M and beautifully rendered. The elevation drum has options for both initial issue (a) and later issue with an armored cover (b). The barrel drum is held in place with vinyl keepers to provide sufficient friction to "pose" the barrel without sag or droop. The commander's position (another item based on the M109) has a nicely done 10-piece M2HB .50 caliber machine gun.
The three figures are of the commander in that position and two figures on the ground - one carrying a plastic water can and one standing around doing nothing (something crewmen do very well from my recollections!) Each consists of a separate head, torso, legs, arms and feet, and all come in Korean armored crewman's uniforms with "bone dome" helmets - only the commander rates goggles.
The painting instructions are fine, but once again Academy lets down on markings information. The kit comes with a lovely decal sheet covering three different units and what appear to be battery markings for three different batteries (red, blue and yellow) and serial numbers, but then not one bit of information to apply them! With close to 200 items on the sheet this is not a good idea: other bits are some Korean letters and two signs for the rear baskets which would seem to be warning signs for carrying live ammo (ours always did) in Korean. The example on the box side carries decal 1 (a unit crest) and serial number 7719 1017 with yellow trim; perhaps that is for an actual vehicle with correct markings. Being that the ROK Army has at least 6 artillery brigades and 6 field artillery groups plus divisional assets this is a shame.
Overall, this is a really decent kit of a relatively unknown weapon outside of Korea. Fans of NATO weapons like the PzH 2000 or the AU F-1 should like this weapon as a companion piece.
Thanks to Ed Sexton of MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 90 Turret details, gun, mantlet, basket
B 2 Turret shell
C 68x2 Suspension and wheels
D 108 Hull details, crew figures
E 5 Hull top and bottom
2 Gunmetal vinyl tracks
24 Tan vinyl keepers
1 Nylon string
(Originally written on Sunday, January 31, 2010 8:27 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Armor Pro Kit No. 7330; M4A3(105mm) VVSS Sherman w/Deep Wading Kit; 143 parts (120 in grey styrene, 20 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price estimated at US$19.95
Advantages: amazing amount of detail in a 1/72 scale kit; very nicely done with new parts breakdown; weld beads; etched brass air trunks
Disadvantages: etched brass air trunks
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Shermaholics and 1/72 scale modelers
This new version of the DML M4A3 with 105mm howitzer makes its debut two years after its regular version. This is a slightly modified kit but now also includes the wading trunks for beach landings.
The model is an early production howitzer Sherman – VVSS suspension, 47 degree ("big hatch") hull, high-bustle turret with loader's hatch, early style exhaust deflector, and a "slide molded 105mm barrel.
The hull is a new mold piece and no longer has the holes in the bottom found on the earlier kit. The upper hull is again "slide molded" in one section and has the mounts for the side shields on it with bolt holes clearly visible. The smaller tools (e.g. mattock, tanker's bar, and axe) are molded in place, but the remaining ones are separate.
The suspension is DML's unique Sherman type where the bogie assemblies consist of a VVSS spring set, a bogie outer section with an "flat" return roller molded in place, a rear section, and a twin road wheel set with the rear section of the articulating arms. Net result is that with only four parts you get a nice, neat finished bogie assembly. The wheels are the "cast" (welded) type with covers in place; likewise it comes with solid (e.g. matching) idlers and "solid" ring drivers. The tracks are T48 type with rubber chevrons.
The turret consists of a top and bottom with the pistol port molded in place, but the cover left separate. This is again a "slide molded" part to get the detail resolution. (Note that everything with a casting number except the mantelet has one, even though you will need a jeweler's loupe on some of them!) The turret is quite complete, with a very nicely done machine gun with parallel heat jacket at the rear of the barrel and separate spade grips. However, even though it is the VVSS version only the later commander's "vision" cupola is included and not the early production "split hatch" one.
In the previous version the DML howitzer M4s all suffered from the same problem, regardless of scale: a too narrow mantlet. The previous kit had one 13mm wide where it should have been 14.3mm; this kit now sports a modified sprue and a mantlet 14mm even across (I can give them 0.3mm in this scale!) There are a few other tweaks but you would have to compare the kits together to find the differences.
The etched brass parts in this kit do not replace styrene, but provide both the upper and lower sections of the wading trunks, so the modeler has his choice on having it fresh from the beach or after the clumsy top sections have been removed. A set of headlight guards are also included.
Finishing instructions cover two tanks: B Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, Europe 1944 (OD overall with white stars and bumper codes); and, 3rd Armored Division, Europe 1944 (OD and brown spots - may be touch-up painting with white stars in three positions). A "targeted" set of Cartograf decals is provided.
Overall this is a better version than the original with its modified parts, and does show that DML will listen to the modelers.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 11 M4A3 details
a 34 High Bustle turret with 105mm howitzer fittings
B 41 Sherman hull details
C 32 Sherman mid-production VVSS suspension
D 2 M4A3 Wet Stowage hull
X 2 DS tracks - T48
Y 1 twisted steel wire
MA 20 etched brass
(Originally written on Sunday, January 31, 2010 8:24 PM)
6441; M4 Sherman "Composite Hull" PTO - Smart Kit; 642 parts (560 in grey styrene, 57 etched brass, 22 clear styrene, 2 DS plastic track runs, 1 twisted steel wire); retail price US$49.95 via Dragon USA
Advantages: "mix and match" kit includes several modified sprues as well as new mold turret and details
Disadvantages: nothing major noted
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Sherman and ETO fans
The final basic production model of the M4 series medium tanks to come from the Detroit Tank Arsenal used a new composite hull with a cast glacis with the complete "big hatch" section for the driver and the bow gunner and initially the low bustle turret without and later with a loader's hatch. Nearly all of the US tanks were sent to serve with the US Army in the Pacific, but a number were also supplied to the British. Most if not all of those provided appear to have been converted to take the 17-pounder antitank gun, and hence the designation of Sherman Mark IC Firefly.
A number of years ago DML released an Imperial series kit of the "Composite" hull M4 which could be built as either a US Army M4 in the Pacific or a Sherman IC Firefly; the kit included two turrets but suffered from the original Italeri suspension clone and also the much-disliked three-piece DML VVSS tracks. As with the M4 Composite PTO kit (No. 6441) this kit is a total do-over and shares nothing but its subject with the original kit, but does use most of the "common" sprues from recent DML M4 Smart Kit releases.
The kit provides brand-new moldings of the low-bustle turret with British-added loader's hatch, radio compartment and stowage bin, two different armor blanking plates for the bow gunner's machine gun, and British mounts for spare track links on the transmission housing. There is also a stowage bin for the rear of the hull (engine deck), a British antenna mount with guard, and other niceties.
This kit provides a choice of fender tips (plastic or brass) as well as the M4A1 DV kit details for the rear and etched brass grillework under the air intake cover and also under the rear lip of the hull above the exhaust outlets.
A check of the sprues show some more tweaks as well. The standard suspension sprue now comes with 12 bolt heads molded on the runner and other additional bits (apparently different spare links) have been added.
Technical assistance was provided by Pawel Krupowicz.
Three different finishing options are provided in the kit and Cartograf decals for each one: one British vehicle - A Squadron, Coldstream Guards, Germany 1945 (either 2A or 2C); 3rd Squadron, Polish 6th Armored Regiment "Dzieci Lwowskich", Italy 1945 ("Zadlo"); and 3rd Squadron, Polish 1st Krechowiwecki Lancers, Italy, 1945 ("Zemsta II"). Optional marking for each one are included.
Overall this replaces another older DML kit (which will now find its way to the sale tables or eBay) with "Smart Kit" level details and seems to be a really nice job of it.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 96 M4A2/A3 hull details
B 50 M4 high-bustle turret with choice of cupolas
C 34 M4A1 DV stern plate and air filters
C 22 Clear styrene
D 16x2 VVSS - five-spoke welded wheels with "upswept" return rollers
E 11 M4 75mm Normandy - mantlet, applique armor
F 13 M4A1 Direct Vision parts - engine deck and rear details
J 12 M2HB .50 machine gun and details
K 31 Firefly IC - turret, mantlet, gun
L 12 Firefly IC - air cleaners, tow bar, details
R 27 M4 Composite hull and "Sharpnose" transmission cover
S 1 twisted steel wire
V 108x2 VVSS - flat top/pillow block return rollers with pressed/welded wheels, 12 bolts
Y 1 M4 type lower hull pan
Z 2 DS plastic T48 rubber chevron track runs
MA 79 etched brass
(Originally written on Friday, January 29, 2010 3:07 PM)
Kit Review: Academy 1/35 scale Kit No. 13218; U.S.M.C. M50A1 Ontos; (315 in grey styrene, 28 etched brass, 24 grey vinyl, 2 gunmetal vinyl); retail price US$36.00
Advantages: first styrene kit of this vehicle in more than 50 years and first styrene one in 1/35 scale; nicely done with good parts layout and preparation for a number of options
Disadvantages: no interior; some scale problems
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all "Jarheads" and fans of 1950s armored vehicles
F I R S T L O O K
When I was in college in 1966 there were two Marine sergeants going through the "Bootstrap" program in which they were allowed to attend college on Marine time with the condition they would return to active duty as second lieutenants upon graduation. Both had served in Vietnam the previous year (1965) and had stories to tell.
One of the most interesting was coming into a Vietnamese village and coming under sniper fire. The platoon leader called for help and an Ontos drove up to deal with the sniper. The VC, upon seeing the armored vehicle, jumped down from his tree spot and began to run for his life. The Ontos fired one of the recoilless rifles at him – and missed. Again. Miss. Again. Miss. After the sixth shot - and miss – the commander popped the hatch, lined up on the now distant VC and fired the .30 caliber Browning, taking him out with one burst. So much for fire support.
This curious little vehicle, which began as an Army tank destroyer project in the early 1950s, wound up going to the Marines as it was light enough and small enough to be easily deployable and still provide heavy firepower and antitank capability when needed. In the late 1950s Renwal, whose only armored vehicle kits were of US Army vehicles from the "Pentomic" Army period, released a 1/32 scale kit of one with lots of moving parts, a crew and "no-show" gluing (e.g. you had to attach most parts from the inside, not the outside). A popular model of the time, as with many other kits it suffered from "sort of" scale approaches and oversized moving parts, as well as some rough construction problems - for one, it was nearly impossible to get the barrels straight no matter how hard you tried.
Over the years two 1/35 scale resin kits came out, but both were very fiddly and expensive. Now Academy has come to the rescue with a brand-new kit in 1/35 scale which is much closer to the real vehicle and appears to hit the target.
In the interests of full disclosure I did provide a good deal of information to Academy via MRC for this kit – markings information, a complete set of plans, and a complete set of photos and drawings from the USMC operator's manual for the vehicle. While most of the latter covered the interior – and there is not a bit of interior in this kit even with the huge number of parts – the exterior parts appear to have been closely matched to the info I provided as well as that Academy researchers found elsewhere.
The kit comes with a four-piece hull – top, bottom and upper and lower rear plates – with slide molding used to get the details on the lower hull. The suspension is quite complex but matches what info I have on the vehicle and is designed to permit all of the wheels to rotate; a standard Academy set of vinyl keepers is included but only 10 of 24 parts are used. The shock absorbers are also included and care must be taking in installing them in Step 4.
The flip-down ammunition door (which was overscale but worked on the Renwal kit) is included as a separate part, but there is no ammo bay and it simply covers the opening for one. The grille doors for the engine compartment are separate parts, but while the service access to the engine is open the rest of the compartment is closed off and the grilles simply cement to the top of the hull. The travel lock for the rifle assembly is fixed but the modeler has a choice of up or down.
Etched screens are provided for the muffler assembly and care will be needed as part PE7 is a cone shaped connector which must be formed from flat brass. While there are a number of etched brass bits included, the kit main directions are more than a bit obtuse on how to use the rest or even where! I think they include straps for the rear mudguards (PE5 and PE9) and brackets for the muffler guards plus a replacement (PE12) for the driver's periscope guard (B63), plus a set of 16 bolt heads. A better description is given on the finishing sheet along with locations.
The rifle assembly is very complete, with each rifle comprising 14 parts (lowers) or 17 parts (uppers) for those weapons with and without spotting rifles respectively. Note that the lower weapons do not mount spotting rifles when installed in the rifle assembly, even though they are shown in Step 12. (They can be mounted if the rifles are removed from the assembly and used in an M40C arrangement on a tripod ground mount). The breeches appear to be posable in the "open" position. The Vietnam added armor plate for the .30 caliber machine gun is also included. Note that the rifle assembly is fixed in place and cannot be elevated or depressed, albeit it can be set with some work during installation in Step 9.
The tracks are one-piece vinyl runs and look the part - steel bars bolted to a rubber base to form a continuous tracks (note that this is pretty much one reason why you do not see many preserved Ontos vehicles with tracks as once they start to deteriorate they are hard to fix or replace - the APG one is a typical victim). There are three small nubs on the outer face which require trimming, but the detail and flexibility are very good.
The only glitch I ran into with the kit are the rifles. Each one is a tad underscale (overall the barrels are right at 106mm in scale - 3mm - or about a scale 8-10mm too small in diameter. With a coat of paint, this is mostly insignificant and they do look the part. However, the four ammo rounds provided for them are overscale and are about 122mm instead. If you use them - as the shapes are close and MUCH better than the "giant bazooka rounds" Renwal fancifully supplied – don't place them too close to the rifle breeches!
The two figures are very well done and tailored to the vehicle. The commander has a "bone dome" with one-piece goggles and the loader has a "do rag" bandanna. Note that the figures as molded are better than the prototypes in the directions on details!
One finishing option is provided, "Soul Tractor" which is straight from the Osprey book on US Armor in Vietnam. This time the markings match the photos.
Overall, while a bit of interior could have made it an even better kit, it should please most modelers and is one of the best efforts from Academy.
Thanks to Ed Sexton from MRC for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 2 Upper and lower hull
B 98 Two figures, hull detailing and accessories
C 88x2 Suspension, three 106mm rifles, three .50 caliber spotting guns
Y 24 2 x M2HB .50 caliber machine guns
Z 15 M1919A4 .30 caliber machine gun, 2 x jerry cans
28 Etched brass
24 Grey vinyl keepers
2 Gunmetal vinyl tracks
(Originally written on Saturday, January 23, 2010 9:06 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Orange Box Kit No. 17 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Kit No. 9117); Sd.Kfz. 166 Brummbaer Late Production with Bonus German Grenadiers (East Prussia 1945); 762 parts (546 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links); retail price US$29.95
Advantages: inexpensive kit with good set of figures not a bad deal
Disadvantages: no zimmerit; some fit problems noted with this kit; "Magic Tracks" tedious to assemble
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for diorama builders and anyone wanting a "quick build" with no brass
DML's affiliate cyber-hobby.com is continuing to release older kits as combos at a much reduced price over new issue items. Most of these kits consist of molds which were cut 15 or more years ago and are being upgraded with a few modern parts or subsequent parts and combined with a still useful set of figures. This kit combines DML Kit No. 6026 with Figure Set No. 6057 and a new set of "Magic Track" single link tracks.
This kit had its origins in the DML takeover of Gunze Sangyo multimedia kits and their subsequent conversion to all styrene models. It uses the modified Gunze hull and details with new sprues from the DML Jagdpanzer IV/70 kit of the same vintage and new sprues cut for the first issue of the Sturmpanzer IV.
Assembly is simple - one of the great advantages of older kits - but my notes from 15 years ago indicate this one had some fit problems (alas, I forgot to say what they were back then) which usually denoted close fits with the tracks and fenders. The Gunze hull was set up for either standard (four return roller) or late (three return roller) hulls and has engraved lines where the mounts are supposed to go, and these do seem a bit high so that may have been the problem.
The kit does provide the basic bits for a Sturmpanzer but there is no zimmerit on any of the parts. It does come with the outside wheels for the heavy solid steel road wheels but no inners. The sprues are gated for the wheels so there are four main sprues with only three and two sets of optional gates open on each one.
There is no interior and the engine deck hatches are fixed. A new cupola from the DML heavy railway armored car is included with a separate hatch flap.
The kit now includes "Magic Track" individual links which are handed (left side of the card - left track, right side - right track or dark grey - left, light gray - right). While very nice they are tedious to assemble.
The schurzen are all styrene and come in one piece, so you will have to cut them yourself if you want to represent a damaged or service vehicle. All brackets are styrene as well. As a point of fact, there is no clear styrene and no etched brass, so this is a pretty easy and fast build. If you want a fun kit to assemble, this is more likely to be a good selling point!
The figures are one of the Ron Volstad sets and well animated, and the original painting directions are provided in color on the back of the directions. The figures are much simpler than some but as they were one of the first sets with smocks/ponchos they have extra tails and covers and arms are molded into some of the upper sections. Weapons are provided for late war figures.
One set of painting directions is included for a Sturmpanzer IV during the Battle of the Bulge with tricolor camouflage and also black crosses from a small Cartograf sheet. The model is shown with and without the schurzen shields in place to assist the modeler.
Overall this is a simple if older kit, and with the figures a pretty good deal for beginning modelers or intermediate level ones who want to practice their detailing skills.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
A 25 Brummbaer - casemate, gun, schurzen
B 36 Pzkw IV upper hull and fenders, hull details
C 54 Jagdpanzer IV - tools, fittings (plus 40 cast numbers)
E 19x4 Jagdpanzer IV - road wheeks, bogies
F 7x2 Drivers, idlers
F 19x2 Pzkw. IV - exhausts, hooks, details
F 10 Heavy Rail Armored Car - cupola, turret, fittings
G 4x2 Idler wheels
H 8x4 Road wheel bosses, brackets
I 21 Jagdpanzer IV - exhausts, gun, details
J 16x3 Road wheels
J 28x2 Schurzen hooks and brackets
L 108 "Magic Track" links - left
M 1 Lower hull pan
P 4x3 Return rollers
R 108 "Magic Track" links - right
S 4x2 Solid road wheels
Z 20 Schurzen hooks and brackets
6034 9 2 x MP-44, 1 x Panzerfaust 100, 1 x Panzerschreck
6057 67 Four figures with kit and knee-length smocks/ponchos
6057 11 2 x Kar 98K, 1 x Panzerfaust 30, 1 x Panzerfaust 60, grenades
(Originally written on Saturday, January 23, 2010 9:04 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 51 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6626); Flak Panther Ausf. D - s.Pz.Jg.Abt. 653 - Smart Kit; 664 parts (551 in grey styrene, 83 etched brass, 14 clear styrene, 12 etched nickel, 2 turned brass, 2 DS plastic track runs); estimated retail price US$52.50
Advantages: another unique subject
Disadvantages: another one off model
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German fans and fans of Abteiling 653 and their adventures
DML's cyber-hobby.com affiliate has released another "boutique" kit of a one-off vehicle conversion - a Panther Ausf. D converted to a self-propelled flak gun by adding a 2 cm Flakviering mount in place of the original's turret. I have no information on this conversion other than what I have seen on the Internet websites, and the only argument seems to have been whether or not this vehicle was converted from a Panther Ausf. D or a D which had already been converted into a Bergepanther.
This kit is not so much based on the 2006 issue kit of the D (a "Premium Edition") as it is the later Panther A and G kits with some other bits mixed in. The result is a pretty good representation of the D but as such there is no zimmerit or any other interim finish applied (what I have on it says most Ds were built before they began to applying it so not a problem).
The kit uses some bits from other kits – mostly the older D/A kit and the G "Smart Kit" variants - with a set of etched brass from Kit No. 6340 which I have no record of being released; this has some 101 fewer etched brass bits than the standard fret for Panthers.
The complete Flakvierling assembly from the Sd.Kfz. 7/1 kit is provided along with a set of brass for this gun as well. As whichever hull is correct for the vehicle (D or Bergepanther) most of the "gun tank" fittings are left off so it is a much cleaner looking vehicle when complete.
This model comes with the DS plastic tracks so modelers tired of dealing with single links will be grateful. Three-piece single links are included for the spare track racks on the hull.
Research and technical assistance are credited to Notger Schlegtendal, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
As this was a one-off vehicle only one finishing option is included, s.Pz.Jg.Abt. 653, Russia 1944 (tricolor with unit markings and crosses) and a small Cartograf sheet is provided.
Overall, this is another one-off for the fan of oddities, but a nicely done effort.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 23 D/A upper hull
A 52 7/1 Flakvierling carriage and details
B 41 D/A - sponson floors, hull tools and details
C 1 Lower hull
C 2 Inner braces for gun mount attachment
D 43x2 D/A gun and details
D 15 D/A - glacis and details
E 47x4 G - road wheels and torsion bars, spare track links
E 33 D/A mantelet and back plate
G 26x2 Sd.Kfz. 7/1 Flakvierling - 2 x 2 cm Flak 38 and ammo clips
H 4 Sd.Kfz. 7/1 Flakvierling shields
L 8 D /A - commander's hatch, details
L 14 D/A clear styrene
P 20x2 D/A suspension arms
Z 2 DS plastic track runs
CG 4 German jack
WC 4 MG-34
MA 58 Etched brass
MB 25 Etched brass
MC 12 Etched nickel
MD 2 Turned brass
(Originally written on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 5:49 PM)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The 17-Pounder Anti-Tank Gun in Canadian Service by Doug Knight; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2009; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-53-0 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: good all around book on the history and use of the 17-pdr in Commonwealth service
Disadvantages: probably not enough for modelers (for which there are still no plastic kits in 1/35 scale)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Allied "Gonners" and antitank gun fans
There are two guns which rise to the top when one discusses World War II antitank guns: the German 8.8 cm L/56 and L/71 guns, either mounted in tanks or on carriages; and the British designed 76.2mm gun better known as the "Seventeen Pounder". This new little book by retired Canadian artilleryman Doug Knight covers the history of the latter – something sadly missing in comparison with the reams written about the German weapons.
When tanks were invented in WW I it did not take long before the Germans realized it would take specialized guns to knock them out. Originally the early tanks were so poorly armored that a direct hit from a standard 77mm field gun would either stun the crew or knock the tank out completely, but it was only after the war was over serious consideration was given to sch a class of weapons.
In the 1930s all of the major countries developed antitank guns – Germany and the USSR developed a joint 3.7 cm design (which the Soviets later boosted to 45mm), the US worked on a 37mm one, France and Czechoslovakia created 47mm ones, and Britain created a 40mm weapon known in service as the 2-pounder due to the weight of the projectile it fired.
But while all of these worked on prewar tank designs, once the war began and the thickness of armor protection began to escalate they were found wanting. The British had figured some of this out early on and created a 57mm weapon, the 6-pounder, in 1938, but even so it too was soon found to be limited in its capabilities.
In November 1940 the British decided to work on a dominant weapon, and after some trials and testing a 76.2mm weapon firing a 17-pound projectile was seen as most promising. But high power means large size and there was some argument over the size and bulk of the carriage for this weapon.
Nevertheless the "Ordnance Quick-Firing 17-pr" (Quick-Firing in British parlance meaning it used unitary rounds) was developed and adopted for service in May 1942. Over the course of production seven different barrel designs were created for use on towed carriages, self-propelled mounts, and with some modification, in the mount for the 75mm M3gun in the M4 Sherman tank series and also the 3-inch gun in the M10 gun motor carriage.
While a large propellant charge and long barrel imparted velocity to the gun, its real achievement was in the design of the projectile used. Initially using a hard steel slug (AP shot) it began to fall off against face hardened armor. The result was the development of a soft metal cap added to the tip of the projectile (APC shot) that helped with penetration, but caused a loss of velocity. As a result an improved ballistic cap was added to the soft metal cap and the result (APCBC) became the standard shot for the rest of the war. But as monsters like the Tiger II and Jagdtiger began to appear, the British went back to their 1942 research and were among the first to use a discarding sabot projectile (APDS) in which a small hard core tungsten projectile is inserted in a full caliber shoe (sabot) for firing, exiting the barrel at much higher velocity but with better accuracy due to the use of the sabot, which fell off immediately after exiting the barrel. This round could penetrate any armor on the battlefield at ranges of up to 1825 meters in 1944-1945.
As with many other purpose designed antitank guns, the 17-pounder was not good at general artillery functions due to high velocity and low projectile weight, so its HE ammunition was not the preferred choice.
The Canadian Army used all of these antitank guns during WW II and formed seven antitank regiments, one for each Canadian division and one extra for each Canadian corps,. Each regiment had four 12-gun batteries or 48 guns per regiment, with the guns allocated by troops of four guns each. In 1943 each infantry division regiment had two troops of 6-pounders and one of 17 pounders per battery (e.g. 32 6-pounders and 16 17-pounders per regiment) with all four batteries in armoured divisions 17-pounder-equipped - two towed, two self-propelled. Each towed gun had a crew of seven.
The carriages were low but heavy and could not easily be moved by the crew once detached from their tractors. They were also quite long which made movement of any sort in tight quarters or rough ground problematic. Occasionally the No. 27 limber (same as with the 25-pounder field gun) was used for extra ammo storage, but it did increase the overall length of the gun under tow).
Probably the most famous of the 17-pounder installations was its fortuitous mating with the Sherman tank as the Sherman Firefly, signified by adding a "C" after the British designation. Most conversions were on the M4A4 chassis (Sherman VC) but there were also some added to the composite M4 model (Sherman IC). The bow gunner was deleted from the crew and his position used to add extra ammo. As these were quickly identified by the Germans as Panther-killers, they were prioritized for elimination and to counter that attempts were made to disguise the much longer barrels. At least one in every four Shermans in Canadian regiments was a Firefly.
Canadian units had success with the Firefly, one tanker knocking out five Panthers with five rounds in June 1944 and in April 1945 a troop of Shermans managed to knock out a Tiger II with the use of their Firefly.
The Canadians kept their 17-pounders after the war and did some work to develop new ammunition, but it did not enter production. They also used them in Korea with the 25th Canadian Brigade.
Overall this book is a nice, concise history of the weapon as well as its Canadian service.
Thanks to Clive Law for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 5:47 PM)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The Ferret Scout Car in Canadian Service by Colin MacGregor Stevens; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2009; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-55-4 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: nice little book on the history of the vehicle and its use in Canadian service
Disadvantages: may not have enough information for modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all wheeled armored vehicle fans
When one goes to military vehicle rallies and meets today, one of the most common armored vehicles encountered is the diminutive Ferret scout car in one of its many forms. Small and easy to maintain, it is popular with preservationists and reenactors for those reasons.
Since the British Army had been very partial to wheeled armored vehicles of all sorts during WWII, it was only natural that their development and use would continue after the war. As such, the Daimler company proposed the FV700 to replace its popular wartime Dingo scout car in 1947. The new car, smaller, more compact and better armored than the Dingo, was accepted for service in 1951 as the FV701C. Originally called "Fieldmouse" somebody apparently thought better of it and renamed it the Ferret Mark 1.
From 1954 to the late 1960s the Ferret Mark 1 was the main Canadian Army reconnaissance vehicle. While British service and foreign sales saw the vehicle go through five different marks and also be fitted with a small turret, the Canadian Army stuck with the Mark 1 and ignored most of the armament options except for a 7.62mm Browning weapon on a swivel. As it was a reconnaissance car, the Canadian view was keeping it low meant avoiding having it spotted, and as the turret added about 18 inches to the overall height of the vehicle it was seen as compromising that stealth. (There is also an old US Army adage that if you give a lieutenant a weapon to fight with he will be dumb enough to use it and not recall what his primary mission was supposed to be, namely recon.)
A total of 124 Mark 1s were purchased by Canada and served with the Army, given registration numbers 54-82500 to 54-82623.
In the 1960s the Canadian Army bought the US M113 APC, and it was soon found that the Ferrets had trouble keeping up with them in the field. The Canadian Army then purchased the "M113 ½" or Lynx tracked reconnaissance vehicle built from M113 parts, but while more mobile this vehicle was found in service to have some serious drawbacks.
While used for a number of worldwide duties, it is probably with the Canadian UN peacekeeping missions that their Ferrets are best known. Starting in Egypt in 1956, they were used in many different areas and missions .
Over the years the Ferrets underwent several refinishings and wound up with the registration numbers carried on license plates starting in 1970.
But all things come to an end, and beginning in 1980 the 117 remaining Ferrets were "pensioned off" with at least 81 sold to a US vehicle dealer (the source of many belonging to preservationists!) with many now in the hands of Canadian preservationists coming from BATUS stocks of British vehicles used for training. Go figure.
Overall a fun read and one that puts the little beast in a new light.
Thanks to Clive Law for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Sunday, January 17, 2010 7:04 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No.6590; Flak 38(t) Ausf. M Late Production - Smart Kit; 1,166 parts (763 in grey styrene, 240 "Magic Link" tracks, 154 etched brass, 8 clear styrene, 2 preformed etched brass, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US$49.50
Advantages: "Late Model" basically covers improved details for 2 cm Flak 38
Disadvantages: very complex kit; "Magic Tracks" tedious to assemble; fender complaints still common
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all THNP series fans and German modelers
Roughly two years after DML released their kit No. 6469, Flakpanzer 38(t) Sd.Kfz. 140 auf (Sf) Ausf. L "Gepard", they have released what they term an Ausf. M or Late Production version of that kit. Check as I could the only differences I found between this kit and the original were: dropping the silly "Gepard" name which the original never had; adding a sprue of parts for better detailing the 2 cm Flak 38 gun; and new decals.
As before, it is based on the Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G kit but with numerous modified or changed parts plus the complete sprues from the Flak 38 2 cm kit. Most of the interior parts (e.g. transmission, drive line, control compartment details, etc.) already came with the Marder III kit and the engine was added in the G kit.
The kit provides the correct drive wheels with the excellent suspension as well as different springs for the bogie assemblies. Assembly follows the earlier kit and is pretty straightforward. However, the back plate (part B40) is one piece so the access cover cannot be shown open or removed, as in performing maintenance on the engine.
As this vehicle uses totally different fenders due to the overhang of the casemate at the rear, they should avoid the "ding" over the fenders of earlier kits, but newsgroup postings show that not to be the case.
Tracks are the DML "Magic Track" links, which are identical so do not have to be "handed" as with other kits. But these are very small and very tedious to assemble, and in this case DML really should consider conversion to DS plastic single runs.
The interior is pretty much complete as near as can be seen, but the warning needs to be given that due to the small hatches it thankfully comes with new hatches over the engine compartment. Since the compartment is now amidships, this made it easier for DML to provide a better access to the compartment for viewing. This time they also note the "open" and "close" options for you, which is an improvement on the Ausf. G kit.
The casemate is "packed with vitamins" and a very, VERY busy place. Close scrutiny of the directions is needed here due to the many parts found there and the various options for opening or closing ports, panels or moving the gun in its position. The gun still offers four elevation angles and the side panels have two different sets of locking levers (open or closed).
Technical assistance is credited to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson
The kit offers four different finishing options backed up with a small set of Cartograf decals. They include: three different 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjuengen" schemes, Normandy 1944 (three color pattern - white 13; sand brown with divisional markings; three color pattern - white 12); and, Test vehicle, BMM Factory, 1944 (sand overall).
Overall this remains a nicely done if very busy kit.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 70 Pzkw. 38(t) wheels and suspension
A 89 Flak 38 - upper carriage
B 70 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G fenders and hull components
B 45 Flak 38 - Sonderanhaenger 51
C 8 Flak 38 – elevation fittings
D 23 Flak 38 - improved fittings
D 58 Pzkw. 38(t) interior and transmission components
G 55 Flakpanzer 38(t) details and front hull section
H 43x2 Pzkw. 38(t) front glacis details and stowage bins
J 8 Flak 38 gun and fittings
K 43 Pzkw. 38(t) OVM and rivets
L 2 Radio antenna
M 72 Flakpanzer 38(t) upper works and casemate sections
N 5 cleaning rods and accessories
N 2 Radio antenna
P 17 Engine and accessories
R 14 Flak 38 alternative parts
S 8 clear styrene parts
X 1 Flakpanzer 38(t) hull
Y 240 Magic Track
MA 103 etched brass
MB 49 etched brass
MC 2 etched brass
MD 2 preformed etched brass
1 twisted steel wire
GA 64 German kit: helmets, bayonets, canteens, gas masks
RA 9 German radios: radio and racks
RB 8 German radios: radio accessories
RD 14 German radios: radios and racks
(Originally written on Sunday, January 17, 2010 7:02 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 49 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6607); StuG. III Ausf. G Initial Production; 638 parts (388 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" links, 23 etched brassm 10 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); estimated retail price US$49.50
Advantages: another limited run "boutique" kit of an early version of a popular subject
Disadvantages: single link tracks; not enough brass or multimedia parts for some modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: For all WWII German fans and a few diehard Finnish and Syrian modelers
DML's faithful sidekick cyber-hobby.come has now released a new version of the popular Sturmgeschuetz III Ausf. G kit. In this one, based on the original release from 2006, they have removed some parts which would be redundant from the kit and added a single sprue with a new set of fenders, casemate and casemate details.
As with the original version (No. 6320) 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.
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.
The kit comes with a set of "Magic Track" single link tracks – while not incorrect as I continue to note they can be tedious to assemble and a good set of DS plastic single-section tracks would be appreciated by many modelers.
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.
Note that there are a couple of errors in the directions and errata sheets are included in the box.
Development credit for this kit is given to Thomas Anderson, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Three different finishing options and a targeted Cartograf set of decals provided: 2nd StuG Abt. 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich", Kursk 1943 (sand brown with green overspray, "Florian Geyer"); StuG Abt. 226, Leningrad 1943 (whitewash over grey); Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1943 (sand brown with black crosses).
Overall, this is another niche or "boutique" version of a popular kit.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue layout
A 61x2 Wheels and torsion bars (7 mini-sprues connected)
B 48 Road wheel arms and lower hull details
C 29 Casemate and fenders
D 32 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 12 StuG III Initial - casemate, fenders
K 108 Magic Track - Left
M 108 Magic Track - Right
Z 1 Twisted steel wire
MA 23 Etched brass
(Originally written on Sunday, January 17, 2010 6:59 PM)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; The 3/4 Ton SMP Truck in Canadian Service by Andrew Iarocci; Service Publications, PO Box 333071, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2C 3Y9, 2009; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale plans; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-56-1 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: Concise, neat little book on the postwar Dodge "three-quarters" and the Canadian versions
Disadvantages: probably not enough details for modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Canadian military softskin or "three-quarter" fans in general
Occasionally a book pops up in the excellent "Canada: Weapons of War" series about which I have more intimate knowledge than others. This is one as I first made my personal acquaintance with the Dodge M37 series trucks. Most of the ones in my unit in Vietnam were the M37B1 variant with internal modifications, but among US Army drivers the most obvious change was the driver's side door mount for the spare tire (freeing up room for two more passengers in the rear compartment).
The "Three-Quarter" (all we ever called it) was slow but faithful and nearly impossible to destroy. Blessed with a semi-synchronized transmission it took care to shift, but was fairly nimble and ran well. My faith in one was shaken one night when, after taking personnel back to their barracks at 3 AM, I was returning to my work site when I passed a balcony with a bunch of ARVN (Vietnamese soldiers) having a party. One was weaving around (obviously very drunk) with an M1 carbine as I passed. Suddenly I hear a "pop pop pop" and bullets began to hit the truck. The first one went through the windshield in front of me, and the second behind my head; others were going through the rear canvas. I downshifted in a hurry to "Get the hell out of Dodge" when the rear driveshaft universal joint snapped and...it rolled to a halt.
Apparently this chap was trying to see if he could hit the white star on the passenger's side of the truck. Another Vietnamese came over, screamed at him (nice to speak Vietnamese, as you know what's going on!) "You idiot! That's an American!" and then took the carbine away from drunk, butt-stroking him on the way. I shifted to low range (4WD) and drove back to my work site albeit slowly using the front axle drive. While the truck had failed me in my hour of need, it did get me back.
After much discussion in Canada as to how to replace its aging fleet of leftover WWII CMP Ford and Chevrolet light trucks (8 CWT and 15 CWT types) in 1950 the Canadian military decided to go with the US Army's new M37 3/4 ton truck. This had a number of advantages: it was compatible with US Army vehicles so combat supply was assured; it met the primary load carrying requirements; and most important, it could be built in Canada at the Canadian Chrylser factory in Windsor, Ontario.
Between 1951 and 1955 the Canadian government bought 3,071 M37 cargo trucks for the Canadian Army and RCAF, 409 M43 ambulances (the legendary US Army "Crackerbox") and one the US Army turned down – the M152CDN panel truck, of which they received 1,038. The latter was similar to the M43 but fitted out inside for use as a command or radio vehicle. (The US Army did not like the idea of dedicated vehicles in case of combat damage or replacement, so opted instead for the M37 fitted with removable shelters like the S-144 or S-250 types.)
The truck was referred to as an SMP vehicle - Standard Military Pattern - and all Canadian variants were flagged as "CDN" - e.g. M37CDN, M43CDN, and M152CDN. They mainly differed in that they used a larger engine (251 cid versus the T245 230 cid one) and a better transmission with three out of four gears synchronized versus only the top two on the US model.) The engines and transmissions were interchangeable so the Canadians could have swapped them in combat with American parts. Also, unlike US trucks which all had soft or canvas tops (the idea being you could remove them so the passenger could then rise up and shoot at aircraft, a dumb idea when one did the math) the Canadian ones were all fitted with insulated hardtops.
Most of the Canadian trucks paralleled their US counterparts with MWO changes (Modification Work Orders) but did not change designations when the US upgraded to the B1 variant nor differentiate between winch and non-winch equipped trucks.
Most of the cargo trucks left the Canadian inventory in the 1970s but the M152CDN remained until much later, and I recall seeing some still in service at CFB Kingston in 1994.
Overall this is a good little book and does an excellent job of describing the Canadian experience with the "Three-Quarter" to the general reader and military historian alike.
Thanks to Clive Law for the review copy.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Sunday, January 17, 2010 6:57 PM)
Book Review: "Weapons of War" Series; Early Armour in Canadian Service by Roger V. Lucy; Service Publications, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2009; 24 pp. with B&W photos and 1/35 scale broadsides; price CDN $9.95; ISBN 1-894581-54-7 (http://www.servicepub.com)
Advantages: shows the transitional nature of Canadian armoured forces before WWII
Disadvantages: probably not enough painting and marking details for modelers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth or US pre-war armor fans
This is essentially the fourth book from Service Publications covering pre-WWII Canadian attempts to form a cohesive armored force. The other three books, The Armoured Autocar in Canadian Service by Cameron Pulisfer, Great War Tanks in Canadian Service by Michael R. Morgan and 1935 Armoured Car in Canadian Service by Roger V. Lucy, cover the WWI experience and how the Canadian government tried to create its own armoured vehicles but ultimately was unsuccessful prior to the late 1930s.
In order to develop an armoured force doctrine, the Canadians started "small" - literally - with the purchase of six British Carden-Loyd Mark VI* machine gun carriers in 1930-31 and six more in 1931-32. Four each were divvied up among the Royal 22e Regiment, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and the Royal Canadian Regiment. This also introduced Captain F. F. Worthington (for whom the museum collection at CFB Borden is now named) to armored warfare.
The Canadians realized they also would need tanks, so in 1935 the army did investigate the idea of purchasing Disston tractor conversions. Slow and unwieldy, the Army passed on this and looked to other sources.
In 1937 the Canadian Army decided on the Vickers Light Mk. VIB and bought two for evaluation. The Army decided they wanted to purchase another 242 to divvy up as 110 for light tanks and 132 as infantry support tanks but budgets being what they were did not succeed.
In 1938 the Canadian Army briefly flirted with the Christie designs from the eccentric New Jersey inventor. Then Major Worthington perceived him to be something of a dreamer who could not actually deliver and advised a pass.
That same year also contracts go out for the Universal Carrier, which the Canadians did buy (and also produce in large numbers later during the war) which was a more successful option. They wanted 50, got 20, but as noted eventually built over 29,000 for the Commonwealth forces.
When the war broke out in the fall of 1939, all bets were off. Britain wanted Canada to use her resources to contribute to needs, and as such wanted the Canadian industry to produce the Infantry Tank Mk. III - the Valentine - in Canada, but was not sure if Canadian industry was up to the job. But in an odd turn, they then asked the Canadians to produce the larger and more complex Infantry Tank Mk. IV - the Churchill! Arguments ensued but after Dunkirk reason reared its ugly head and the Canadians started work with a contract for 488 Valentines – 300 for Britain and 188 for the Canadian Army.
But this was June 1940 and the Canadian Army still had no tanks with which to train. In July 1940 Prime Minister King and President Roosevelt made a deal in which the US Army transferred 250 M1917 tanks (US built copies of the WW I Renault FT) to Canada as offer some Mk. VIII International heavy tanks; yes on the M1917s, no on the Mk. VIIIs.
With these tanks in hand – even though most were rated as "unserviceable" so they could be scrapped or cannibalized as needed for training purposes – the Canadian Army started to work out tactics, doctrine and markings for combat formations with the little two-man tanks. As they were quite elderly (and not up to modern safety standards for even 1940) the tanks could not button up due to CO buildup from the exhaust and firing the weapons, so in some cases hatch covers were even removed. These served as trainers until 1943.
By that time the Canadian Army was receiving their own tank – the Ram, derived from the US M3 Medium Tank, and even the new M4 Sherman tanks, which could be built in Canada at the ALCO Montreal Locomotive Works factory. Eventually Canada fielded two armoured divisions and two tank brigades in Europe, but they all started with these very modest components.
Overall this is a neat little book which puts the development of the Canadian armoured force in perspective.
Thanks to Clive Law for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 8:50 PM)
Book Review: T-34: Pervaya Polnaya Ehntsiklopediya (T-34: The First Full Encyclopedia) by Maksim Kolomiyets; Moscow "Yauza", "KM Strategiya", "Ehksmo" joint publication, 2009; 496 pp. with drawings, plans and illustrations; price US$72 plus $21 shipping and handling from East View Information Services (http://www.eastview.com); ISBN 978-5-699-30569-8
Advantages: great one-source book on the T-34 tank and its derivatives; wealth of factory drawings and blueprints; unique photos
Disadvantages: only available in Russian; not enough plans for most modelers
Rating: Recommended (Highly Recommended if you read Russian)
Recommendation: for all "34" fans
It is probably safe to say that the Tiger, Panther, Sherman and T-34 are to armor modelers and fans what the Bf-109, Zero, P-51 and Spitfire are to aircraft modelers – namely the most popular subjects. As such, new books are constantly being written for each of them and they never seem to fail to sell. Books tend to come and go in cycles, and it seems that every time a new book comes out there is an ebb and flow to its popularity, normally being a big flow at first blush followed by an ebb as its failings or shortcomings become obvious.
I tend to focus on Russian and Soviet armor, and compare notes frequently with other Soviet armor fans as to what is out there and which new books are worth buying and reading (there are very few – if any – Russian language lending libraries in the US and the average small one would be fortunate to have a couple of books on the language or history).
There was a big surge over a series of books from "Frontovaya Illyustratsiya" books in Russia in 2006 when Sergey Kirsanov published two books entitled "T-34-76 Snizu Doverkh" (T-34-76 from Bottom to Top) and it covered most of the detail differences among the various 76mm armed T-34 tanks. A bit short on history, it was nevertheless an excellent base guide to the various T-34 models and their detail differences. Some "experten" were not happy, of course, and began to pick the books apart because the drawings differed with their beliefs.
A Polish book, "T-34 - Mythical Weapon" by Robert Michulec and Miroslaw Zientarzewski, came out in the same year and was soon bandied about as the best book on the '34 going. But while it had excellent photographs of T-34s and details of most of the vehicles covered in "Bottom to Top", the text, research and historical commentary presented was appallingly biased and amateurish, and most of the combat shots were of gleeful German soldiers gloating on top of abandoned or knocked-out T-34s.
Right now there are about a dozen good to excellent Russian historians and researchers providing books and articles on WWII Soviet tanks – top ones being Maksim Kolomiyets, Mikhail Bartyatinskiy, Mikhail Svirin, and the Ivanov brothers who are doing an epic four part series on the complete history of Soviet and Russian tanks and armored vehicles. Each has done various books on the T-34 (the first three one or two monographs on the tank and the Ivanov brothers the well-known "Neizvestniy T-34" (The Unknown T-34). Now Maksim Kolomiyets, best known as being the editor of the excellent "Frontovaya Illyustratsiya" series of books (six per year plus special editions), has combined all of his knowledge of the T-34 in one volume.
This book is written more for the general historian and modeler than for hard-core modelers or footnote-happy historians, and Kolomiyets has reached a happy medium with this book. As it is an encyclopedia, he covers just about everything related to the creation, evolution, expansion, and use and operations of the T-34 tank in World War II (the "Great Patriotic War" or VOV to the Russians) as well as some of the postwar actions involving T-34 and T-34-85 tanks. Note that this book does NOT cover the SU-122, SU-85, or SU-100 self-propelled guns.
The book begins with the origins of the T-34 tank in the BT series during the 1930s, and follows it through the A-20, A-32 and A-34 prototype tanks and their evolution into the T-34 which was accepted for service in 1939. Kolomiyets covers the tremendous obstacles that its enemies in the political structure of Stalinist days put in its path and how the tank and its designers overcame all of them.
Kolomiyets follows the tank into production and the dispersion of its production to other factories, and then into combat. The evolution of the tank, including the ill-stared A-43 design which morphed into the more "acceptable" T-34M is also covered, as are all of the 57mm ZIS-4 armed tanks. Finally, the evolution of the T-34 into the T-34-85 is covered along with the flamethrower variants and the applique fitted ones.
A separate chapter covers combat use of the T-34 tanks along with the various tables of organization and equipment (alas, these are textual and not graphic). Combat results of T-34s versus Tigers and Panthers are covered in detail, as well as a short lists of T-34 "aces" with the top one having scored 52 confirmed kills (D. F. Lavrinenko in late 1941, a posthumous Hero of the Soviet Union for that feat).
Kolomiyets has included a large number of plans and detail sketches taken from either factory blueprints of the relative tanks or from the operators' manual for them. While these are not like the "Bottom to Top" books they cover the evolution of the tank very well, and for example provide detailed differentiation between the A-43 and the more refined (but stillborn) T-34M, which was the tank that the leadership hoped would be built.
There are at least 450 good photos in the book; while some would appear to be well-known and even hackneyed, it should be noted that many other Russian authors use Kolomiyets' photo collection for their own works. Many are totally new to me and most of them are of Soviet tankers or organizations and not captured German photos.
Many modelers are always seeking the one-off or obscure variant of a popular subject to model, and this book does have quite a few good shots of that sort. Think about T-34s missing road wheels or with odd bits instead such as road wheels with no rubber tires or even one with a set of Panther roadwheels (competition modelers can figure how to explain THAT one to the judges!) Also shown is the ultimate compliment to German engineers – a T-34 that was fitted with the complete "schurzen" array off a Pzkw. IV to include the turret set! Go figure. Also covered are tanks fitted with the PT-3 "mine trawl" or roller mine clearer, so those of you with an Arsenal kit can now find how to fit it to a Model 1942 tank. Also covered are some of the evolutionary steps of the tanks and the D-5T equipped 85mm tanks.
One really impressive section is a series of photos taken at Repair Factory No. 180, who spent the war rebuilding destroyed T-34s into functional tanks. In one case shown here they cut the complete upper glacis and roof section, as well as the front half of the sides, from one T-34 and welded it on to another to create a functional tank which was sent back into combat. Shots are also provided of repairs made to T-34s using patches and weld bead.
All of this can be used by non-linguists without much of a problem – if you see T-34, 1942 and 112 in one line of text you can figure out it is a T-34 Model 1942 built at Factory No. 112. But if you do have the ability, there are tons of useful bits on T-34s such as serial numbers, production lots and production numbers, allocations to units, damage reports (compiled in the field for NII-48, who published a complete study of how and where a T-34 was knocked out) and even testing against German weapons. There are some spectacular shots of what happens when a "Panzerfaust" ("Faustpatrone" to the Russians) hits a fully loaded T-34 Model 1942, with one shot showing the roof some 200 feet in the air.
Overall this book may not stand on its own to non-Russian speakers, but it fits in nicely with the other sources and puts some items in better context. For the Russian speaker, it is truly a one-volume encyclopedia.
Cookie Sewell
(Originally written on Monday, January 11, 2010 9:53 PM)
Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale "Orange Box" Kit No. 16 (Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale Kit No. 9116); Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. G "Afrika Korps" w/Bonus Deutsche Afrika Korps figure set - Super Value Pack; 698 parts (463 in grey styrene, 216 "Magic Track" single link tracks, 17 etched brass, 2 etched nickel); retail price US$29.95
Advantages: fairly good kit of a short-barreled Pzkw III with five figures and extra details for inexpensive price
Disadvantages: not "Smart Kit" technology; very little etched brass for brass fans; no DS tracks supplied
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all German fans wanting a quick build or basis for a diorama
Twenty years ago some of the most desirable and expensive armor kits available were the Gunze Sangyo series from Japan, as they were more accurate than most other kits and the first true multimedia armor kits to boot (we will ignore some of the composite wood and metal kits from WWII and the early 1950s here). However, in the early 1990s they were bought out by DML of Hong Kong, who then converted most of their multimedia parts to styrene and issued them under their "Imperial" or 90xx series kits.
Now DML affiliate cyber-hobby.com has released one of their more popular kits, a Pzkw. III Ausf. G, in its "Afrika Korps" guise (Imperial Series Kit No. 9032) with some new parts, "Magic Track" single link track, and DML "Deutsche Afrika Korps" figure set No. 6063 in one box at a bargain price.
The ex-Gunze kit is not a bad model, as it was light years ahead of the now 38-year-old Tamiya kit when it came out; today it has been bypassed by DML's own "Smart Kit" Pzkw. III series kits. But it is still a serviceable model, and even with the single link tracks has 200-300 fewer parts than many other recent kits; if you want a fast build, this is a good kit to consider.
The original kit used a large number of common parts for both their StuG III Ausf. F/G kit and the Pzkw. III series models, so as a result the modeler does have to do some work as he goes along to convert the generic parts to a dedicated Pzkw. III tank. It's all simple things, but it means drilling out mounting holes and cutting off unnecessary bits as you go. All of the hatches except for those on the turret are fixed in place.
The suspension has separate road wheel arms and a choice of drivers and idlers, but the G needs specific items which are called out in the directions. As this kit is not an "in your face" model construction is conventional and quick, with the only exception being the use of the "Magic Track" links. As I have noted now on most occasions, there is nothing wrong with these tracks other than there are 108 links provided per side (not all are used) rather than one simple DS plastic run – difference being 3-4 hours to assemble correctly vice five minutes.
The turret is nicely done other than it has a two-piece (sides) gun barrel and NO interior parts to be seen. This is unfortunate as the hatches have interior details, so it means either use figures or cannibalize bits from another Pzkw. III kit. The commander is an older figure but unfortunately is not really suited to mounting in the hatch opening.
The figure set is a "Gen1" set and finds four figures in an admin setting with no weapons. They come with a field stove, water cans and water bottles as well as a pet dog and even a lizard. Poses are very casual (this was one of the first of the Ron Volstad designed sets) and would make a good diorama posed with the commander (wiping his brow) next to the tank at an admin halt.
Two finishing options are provided: one desert model from Pz.Regt. 5, 5th Liechte Panzer Division, North Africa 1941 (red 114), or one from 7th Company, Pz.Regt. 3, 2nd Panzer Division, Russia 1941-42 in grey (white 731). A small sheet of targeted Cartograf decals is provided.
Overall this kit no longer is the cutting edge that it was back in the late 1980s, but it is still a good kit and the combination of figures, Magic Track links and some new bits for the price makes it an attractive "quickie" project or centerpiece for a diorama.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout:
A 46 StuG III - upper hull base and fenders, hull details
B 42x2 StuG III - wheels
C 23 Pzkw III - fenders, turret base
D 1 Lower hull
E 59 Pzkw III - turret, gun, details
E 13 AK - water can, water bottles, small details
F 27x2 Pzkw III - hull details, bustle lid
F 11 AK - mess kit, canteen, small details
G 6x6 Pzkw III - road wheels, shock absorbers
H 10 Smoke candles, rack, vents
I 11 Pzkw III - upper glacis, vent covers
J 4x2 Pzkw III - drivers
K 108 "Magic Track" left side links
M 108 "Magic Track" right side links
M 11 StuG III - jack, hatch, vents
N 12x3 Jerry cans
O 27 Pzkw III - turret, commander figure
MA 2 Etched nickel
MB 17 Etched brass
6063 33 AK - four figures, dog, lizard
(Originally written on Monday, January 11, 2010 9:51 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6574; German Warriors 1940-41; 115 parts in grey styrene; retail price US$11.95
Advantages: five disparate figures in one box provide five figures for vehicle display bases; nicely done "Gen 1 1/2" style
Disadvantages: Same as "Advantages" (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German armored vehicle modelers needing "a figure"
Some times figure sets do not seem to gel; the figures are in odd poses, do not fit together in time or locale, or just look, well, goofy. This set is seemingly one of those at first glance, but with a bit of further examination should be quite popular with modelers.
Many modelers now like the style of master modelers like Steve Zaloga, who prefer to add a figure to a model on a scenic base to show a sense of scale or proportion to the finished work. This often necessitates buying a set of four figures to use one, or even just parts of one, and the rest wind up either in the parts box or the "stash".
This new set from DML consists of five standing figures, but not what one could consider a thematic grouping. There is one SS infantryman with an MP40 (tastefully missing the SS runes, of course!), an armored vehicle crewman buckling his belt, an SS armored vehicle crewman fastening his helmet chin strap, a soldier putting on his overblouse and kit, and another infantryman holding his kit. It seems unlikely that these five figures would be grouped together early in the war, and thus the disfunctional group.
However, if you like to model early war German vehicles and want a scaling figure for each one, this is a really good idea. Each figure is in a casual standing pose and could be used to neatly set off a vehicle. The SS men actually do have their SS runes and rank molded onto their collars (surprise, CE!) but can easily be painted up as Wehrmacht after a couple of scraping passes with a hobby knife.
All five figures were painted individually for the box art by Zgonnik (rather than as a group, which deepens my suspicion they may have been for 1/6 scale figures and not 1/35 scale ones). Painting directions are of the "stick here" and "paint like the box front" type, which are not my favorite choice.
Overall this looks made to order for the modeler who only wants to use one figure at a time – now we need sets of US, Russian and Commonwealth ones like this!
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
G 60 German generic kit - helmets, canteens, hand weapons
G 4 German generic kit - entrenching tools
W 14 German generic weapons - 4 x Kar 98K, 3 x MP-40, ammo
6574 31 Four figures
6574 6 One figure
(Originally written on Monday, January 11, 2010 9:48 PM)
Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 scale Figure Pro Kit No. 7374; 7.5 cm PaK 40 w/Gun Crew + 3.7 cm PaK 35/36; 302 parts (301 in grey styrene, 1 etched brass); retail price US$19.95
Advantages: nice collection of bits, detail parts, figures and guns in one go
Disadvantages: may seem very expensive for two small guns and five figures
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for small scale German defenders and artillery fans
DML has now turned back to 1/72 scale (referred to in many aircraft modeling circles as "God's Scale") with a new set of two German antitank guns, five crewmen, and a load of details and accessories all in one box. The molding is top notch, and while the figures are only 48% the size of their bigger brethren they are just as well done and come in just as many pieces!
At first blush this kit looks as it if should be oriented more on the wargamer, but once you look at the figures and the two antitank guns it is a step beyond that and more in the line of how much detail can you handle in this scale?
The 7.5 cm Pak 40 is basically the complete gun found in some other kits such as the Sd.Kfz. 234/4 or Sd.Kfz. 251/22 but now with a full carriage. The model comes with a choice of wheel centers, three different gun barrels (all slide molded), and two different caps for the cradle. Trails may be left moveable at the modeler's discretion. All of the muzzle brakes are hollow thanks to slide molding.
The 3.7 cm Pak 35/36 has been around as well in the form of Sd.Kfz. 251/10 commander's vehicles but also comes here with the full carriage, and likewise has poseable trails. Ditto the muzzle of the 3.7 cm barrel being hollow from the use of slide molding.
The figures are identical in composition to their 1/35 scale "Gen1" compatriots in that each one comes in six parts: head, torso, legs and arms. A slew of accessories is provided for each on in the form of separate weapons, helmets, ammo pouches, canteens, mess kits, gas mask canisters, pistol holsters (7.65mm or 9mm, two sizes) and entrenching tool/bayonet sets.
I t would seem very expensive for a 1/72 scale kit of items as small as these, but if you totaled up what two gun kits, a figure set, an accessories set and a weapons set would probably run and the cost is pretty much a wash. Two ammo boxes and four rounds are provided for the 7.5 cm gun but not a bit for the 3.7 cm one.
The sole etched brass part in the kit is the sliding cover for the center of the Pak 40 shield.
Finishing directions are rather perfunctory, with the 37mm gun in grey and the 75 in sand brown. A small sheet of Cartograf decals is provided for the ammo crates and "kill" rings for the gun barrel of the Pak 40.
Overall this is really a goodly amount of detail bits for the money, so in the long run it will probably be worth it.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Sprue Layout
G 2 3.7 cm Pak 35/36
G 18 3.7 cm Pak 35/36 carriage
H 31 7.5 cm Pak 40 barrels and recoil cradle, shields
J 6 7.5 cm Pak 40 wheels and tires
J 26 7.5 cm Pak 40 carriage, details
GC 34 German gun crew (five figures)
GA 67x2 German Generic Kit: canteens, mess kits, entrenching tools, pistol holsters
WA 25x2 German Generic Weapons: 6 x Kar 98K, 2 x MG34, 2 x MP40, 1 x MP44, helmets, 1 x Sten gun
MA 1 Etched brass
