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Kit, DML 6434, Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E/F 2-in-1 6434, Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E/F 2-in-1 Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 413 styrene parts (including 10 clear), two etched brass frets, one piece of braided metal wire, four water-slide decal markings schemes and 10 pages of instructions in 25 steps. Introduction. DML has already issued several kits based on the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) chassis, to include the Ausf.G gun tank, some time ago. They have now issued a kit with new parts that will allow the modeler to construct an Ausf.E or Ausf.F, while still including all the parts for an Ausf.G. This feature actually makes this a 3-in-1 kit, provided the modeler knows which parts to use to make an Ausf.G. This latest release includes a fairly complete interior with some improvements (notably new radio parts and instructions on where it is mounted), as well an engine and its compartment. Tracks. These are the usual Magic Tracks and therefore come as individual links packed loosely in a bag. Each link has an extremely tiny pour pip between the guide horns as well as two very subtle ejector pin marks on the inner face. The fit is very good, but they will not stay together unless they are glued. The guide horns are properly hollow, and the links have a very delicate cast texture. Furthermore, they all have extremely faint casting numbers where appropriate. Suspension System. The suspension system is broken down much like most renditions from other manufacturers; this means that the road-wheels can be depicted in an articulated fashion to conform to terrain on a modelers display base. Planning will be needed since getting the bogies properly positioned and then getting the tracks to look right will be a bit of a challenge. The road-wheels are completely and properly detailed on both their inner and outer faces, while the return rollers have separate mounts and include manufacturers name on the rubber tire rims. There are two styles of leaf spring bundles, while the return roller mounts are separate parts. Two types of idler wheel can be mounted in various positions due to a separate cranked axle; this will ease using individual link tracks and therefore it should not be fixed in place until the modeler is satisfied with the fit of the tracks. The drive sprockets feature perforations around their rims, and are very nicely-detailed to include the ribs and bolt patterns seen between their inner and outer halves. A second set with smooth rims are provided, but they are not for use in this instance. Hull. The hull is the usual slide-molded pan that includes the side walls molded in place together with the belly plate. There is proper rivet and panel details on the three outer sides, as well as suspension mount details on the side walls. Whats unique here is that there is also molded-on detail on the inner faces of the side walls, in the drivers and fighting compartment. There is also molded-on detail on the inner surfaces around the area of the drive sprockets. All this makes for a more simplified assembly process with absolutely no compromise in the detail department. Separate inner and outer bow plates are provided, with the new outer plate featuring the proper rivet pattern seen on the Ausf.E and F. It depicts the 25mm plate fitted with an additional 25mm applique plate. The outer bow plate also receives separate tow hooks. A separate rear hull plate features a separate circular access panel. Options include idler wheel adjustment mechanism or covers, two different exhaust pipe configurations (straight or raised), Nebelkerzenabwurfvorrichtung (rack to deploy smoke candles) with armored cover, and various tow hooks. Etched brass straps can hold a tow cable made from braided metal wire and styrene end-loops; the latter are slide-molded so the cable will fit neatly into place. Superstructure. Up forward, the glacis plate features a separate transmission access hatch lid, a styrene drivers rough sight, and a mounting post for a head-lamp. Optional etched brass parts are provided to create racks for spare track links as well. The new superstructure front plate also depicts the type with a 25mm basis fitted with an additional 25mm applique plate. This plate features detailed inner and outer faces, with separate view-port lids; both have clear styrene inserts for vision blocks. A proper antenna mount, rubber base and rod antenna are given for the port side, while a horn is fixed to the opposite side. The 7.92mm MG37(t) is a multi-part assembly, which includes a slide-molded barrel and receiver group, with opened muzzle. Among its separate parts are a gun-sight, a length of belted ammunition, an external armored sleeve and the external ball mount cover. The separate fighting compartment roof plate incorporates the rear wall of the superstructure, and is provided with separate hatch lids; the latter feature well-done head-pad texture and are devoid of any detail-marring ejector pin marks. Various etched parts as well as a grab handle detail this area, while the turret ring, true to the prototype, does not have any bayonet mount cut-outs on its rim to be used to hold the turret in place. There is also a turret ring guard molded in place. The engine deck panel is a separate part that features new separate access hatch lids and a separate grill. The previous access hatch lids are given for use on the Ausf.F; these were also seen on the Ausf.G. The access hatch lids feature separate end parts with rivet detail as well as etched brass frames and screens for their undersides. The engine hot air exhaust grill gets nicely done etched brass parts for the screens. Styrene bolt heads are included on the sprues; these are to be shaved off and applied to the frame around the etched brass screen section. Track-guards and OVM. The track-guards are separate and feature stamped rib details on the upper and lower faces; all mounting brackets are separate parts and there are a number of tiny wing nuts that can be added for enhanced detail. The port side is fitted with a Notek head-lamp and a shrouded rear-view mirror. Tools are all separate and also feature etched brass brackets and straps as do the various tail-lamp assemblies. The perforated grouser box is provided as a styrene or etched brass assembly; on this is stored the multi-part vehicle jack which, again, has etched brass mounting brackets. Various etched parts are provided to create the racks that hold spare track links, while a jack block is also included. Photographs indicate that several units modified the tool and OVM stowage, while others added large, custom-fitted stowage bins on both sides, or various stowage lockers. These are all provided as options in this kit. In addition, three 20-liter jerry cans are provided as multi-part styrene and etched brass assemblies. These are placed in etched brass racks, which also include straps to hold them in place. All of these options are shown in various configurations in the instructions. Reference photos should also be consulted if a specific configuration is desired. Turret. This is based on a slide-molded main core. To this is added a slide-molded commanders cupola that is further detailed with separate parts; it also has a beautifully-done hatch lid with textured head-pad. Note that what appears to be an ejector pin mark is no such thing; it is the inner detail for the small signal port flap. There is a choice of two styles of rotating periscope (one has a weather-proof boot; the other does not). The turret race and the lower rear plate are separate parts and there is also another separate part for just below the mantlet. Rivet and bolt patterns are present in all the proper places and the panel lines between each adjoining plate of armor are nicely restrained. The front plate accurately depicts the 25mm-thick panel with 25mm applique as seen on the Ausf.E and F; naturally, this part includes a proper rivet pattern. The mantlet is separate as is the slide-molded, pre-bored 3.7cm KwK; naturally, the gun can elevate after construction is complete, but be careful with the glue. Other parts for the co-axial MG mount are provided, to include its outer mounting collar. The MG37(t) itself is molded in a similar fashion to that fitted in the superstructure front plate. Interior. The hull/fighting compartment includes a very nice multi-part transmission based on a slide-molded core, with attached drivers hand controls. The revised etched brass parts are also included. While these add detail to the original styrene parts, the assembly still lacks several control rods. A drive shaft and non-skid protective cover completes this assembly. There are multi-part drivers and radio operators seats, an instrument panel and the typical floor-mat seen in these tanks. A bulkhead/engine compartment firewall encloses the compartment from the rear. A spare MG37(t) gun barrel, ammunition boxes, as well as a number of other smaller detail parts are also provided. All vision ports have interior details and include clear styrene parts to represent the glass blocks. The originally-included radio is now marked as not-for-use, being replaced by a new, multi-part assembly. This includes transformer and junction box and is now mounted on the port-side inner side wall. The engine compartment features fuel cells, battery box and various accessories, often enhanced with etched brass parts. A multi-part radiator and housing as well as fan are also given. The engine itself is broken down into many, many separate parts and comparing it to photographs reveals that it is visually very accurate. Just about all that is needed is for the modeler to add wiring and fuel lines for a complete appearance. The access hatch lids as well as the circular panel seen on the hull rear plate can all be left open to reveal the detail. The turret interior features ammunition stowage lockers, accessory bins, traverse hand-wheel and rotating periscope detail. The main gun itself features sights and breech detail, but be advised that the Germans removed the perforated breech guard prior to use. There is also a pair of bicycle-type seats for the turret crew as well as clear vision blocks for the interior of the commanders cupola. Of course, as with any kit that has interior details, much can be added by the modeler, especially such items as crewmens gear. Lots of other items are not given, such as the internal fire extinguisher, drivers foot pedals and hand-break, turret slip-ring and conduit, plus various small plates, boxes, and conduits. Inside the turret, there are no brow-pads for the commanders cupola, while it would appear that the main gun trigger group is also absent. Using the cited references, many of these missing bits can be added using styrene sheet and rod, and by raiding a well-stocked spares bin. Molding, Fit and Engineering. Overall, I found no problems with the fit of nearly all of the major and minor components. On my particular example the fit of the hull rear plate needed work, especially around the bottom edge; this was not a noted issue on any other kits based on these parts that I have reviewed. Of course since this kit is the basis for several others, there are many more separate parts than might be usual; the modeler is urged to clean them and check the fit as he proceeds. No sink marks were found and in every case except for the above-mentioned individual link tracks, there were no visible ejector pin marks. There are the typical small nodes on many parts, which require lots of effort to clean. However, this is better than the alternative: ejector pin marks that need filling and sanding, with the obliteration of surrounding details a distinct possibility. Molding is typically crisp and all part seams are restrained and easily cleaned. Accuracy. According to drawings in reference 2, cited below, this kit is dimensionally very accurate. Placement of details is also substantially correct. DML has done a fine job, especially depicting some of the different rivet- and bolt-head styles and patterns. I am still not sure about the position and the configuration of the radio set; references are not conclusive on this point. I suppose the biggest issue involves the many missing bits in the interior. Instructions. These are in the typical, and busy, line drawing style. There are many sub-steps within the main steps, but with patience and due diligence on the part of the modeler, all will be well in the end. Decals and Markings Information. DMLs usual sub-contractor, Italys Cartograf, has provided water-slide decal markings for four tanks. The decals are in excellent register, have sharp detail and fine color saturation. Colors are keyed to Gunze and Testors paints. Markings for the following four tanks are included: 2.Kp./Panzer-Regimant
27, 19.Panzer-Division, Ostfront 1941-1942. All of these are to be finished in Dunkelgrau, while one is covered in winter white-wash. References indicate the markings are in general, accurate. However, the modeler is cautioned to check his own sources to determine which markings would be seen with a particular stowage arrangement. Conclusion. This kit is fairly complete, especially considering the interior, particularly the engine compartment. It is very accurate and is engineered for easy construction. There are several stowage options, which, with careful research by the modeler will result in a unique, yet accurate finished model. Despite many still-missing interior bits, and a questionable radio fit (I am still trying to find out what the deal is in this regard), DMLs Pz.Kpfw.38(t) continues to remain a basically sound kit. - Frank V. De Sisto Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ¡¥39-¡¥45 Series Kit No. 6434; Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F - 2-in-1 Smart Kit; 704 parts (360 in grey styrene, 216 ¡§Magic Track¡¨ links, 118 etched brass, 9 clear styrene, 1 length of twisted steel wire); price estimated at US$42-45 Advantages: options for either early (Ausf. E) or late (Ausf. F) versions of this popular tank; fairly complete interior provided to include engine Disadvantages: fenders still the original design with ¡§straight¡¨ profile; fighting and control compartment interiors will be very hard to see Rating: Highly Recommended Recommendation: for all THNP series fans and German modelers Of the more than 1,200 Praga TNHP series tanks to serve with the German forces in WWII the most numerous were the Ausf. E and F with 525 vehicles provided. These were nearly identical tanks only differing in small details. Service life began in July 1941 in Russia and continued until late in the war, albeit by that time many were either lost or converted to SP guns. After a three-year hiatus DML has now returned to the ¡§Czech Wars¡¨ with an offering of a two-in-one kit for the E/F versions. This is essentially the Ausf. G kit from 2007 (No. 6290) with the addition of a handful of new parts for the earlier models. The kit provides the correct drive wheels with the excellent suspension as well as different springs for the bogie assemblies. Assembly follows earlier kitS and is pretty straightforward. However, the back plate (part B40) remains a single piece without a removable access hatch so the access cover cannot be shown open or removed as in performing maintenance on the engine. Two sets of engine access hatches, early and late, are now provided for the engine deck (but both are numbered ¡§B54/55" ¡V one is black and one is blue in the directions to differentiate them). One area in which DML was ¡§dinged¡¨ on the Marder III kit and Ausf. G kits was the fenders. I still think the tanks MAY have been built with straight fenders but once in service, whether it is crew use or track slap or something else, the front of the fenders from the center of the vehicle onward appear to take on a slight bend upward from the rear section. DML claims that the fenders now look the part but for the life of me I can¡¦t see it. However, the early (Ausf. E tanks) ones come with twin stowage bins that would most likely keep them from bending anyway so perhaps it is not as big a ¡§nit¡¨ to pick on this kit. Note that you have to look to the margins of the directions for the difference between early and late fenders so fair warning. Tracks are still ¡§Magic Track¡¨ links, which are identical so do not have to be ¡§handed¡¨ as with other kits. But they are tiny and tedious to assemble ¡V perhaps DML will eventually offer DS tracks for these kits as well. 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 (commander¡¦s and radio operator¡¦s) it will be very difficult to see the details even with an ¡§IPMS Death Ray¡¨ (penlight). As noted the engine compartment is much more accessible as the hatches may be opened up on the deck cover. However, again DML doesn¡¦t bother to indicate that you have optional choices in the directions, a disconcerting flaw that I have encountered more and more frequently. Many modelers will realize this going in, but it is not fun to have to put parts together in one step and then not install them until five or six steps later and then realize you have just sealed up all the details you worked on in between. DML still needs to improve their directions and highlight when you have to make choices. The details are very nicely done and should be given foreground attention. Both of the machine guns have belts of ammo provided for them and are better done than the ones in the Tristar kit, albeit neither kit seems to have the angled handles seen on preserved guns. Technical assistance is credited to Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson. The kit offers four different finishing options backed up with a set of Cartograf decals. The options are: Pz.Rgt. 27, 19th Panzer Division, Russia 1941 (grey, white outline 432); 5.Pz.Rgt. 27, 19th Panzer Division, Russia 1941-1942 (whitewash over grey, grey 521); 2./Pz.Rgt.27, 19th Panzer Division Russia 1941-1942 (grey, white outline 211); and 5./Pz.Rgt. 25, 7th Panzer Division, Russia 1942 (grey, red/white outline 525). Overall this is a nicely done kit but I am sure there will be carping once more over the fenders. Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample. Cookie Sewell Sprue Layout: A 70 Pzkw. 38(t) wheels and suspension B 70 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G fenders and hull components B 2 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. E engine access covers C 34 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G Turret and Turret Race D 58 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G interior and transmission components E 1 Pzkw. 38(t) Hull F 8 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G Turret Cupola and Interior F 15x2 Pzkw. 38(t) Turret Ammo Racks and Interior J 9 clear styrene vision blocks K 18 Pzkw. 38(t) OVM N 9 German Generic - jerry cans N 5 cleaning rods and accessories P 17 Engine and accessories S 2 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F upper and central glacis T 4 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F muffler and turret front U 1 Twisted steel wire V 4 Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F storage bins Y 216 ¡§Magic Track¡¨ links MA 106 etched brass MB 12 etched brass - jerry cans RB 10 German Generic - radio sets RD 18 German Generic - radio racks and receivers
- Cookie Sewell Introduction The Pz.Kpfw.38(t) started out as the LT vz.38 manufactured in Czechoslovakia. It's potential was quickly recognised by the occupying German forces however, and it continued to be manufactured as the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) for German forces. Easy to manufacture and well armed and armoured (for the time), the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) provided a stop gap solution for Germany at a time when production of the Pz.III and Pz.IV fell far short of expectations. The Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E & Ausf.F was manufactured between November 1940 and October 1941, with a total of 525 being produced. The main differences over the earlier Ausf.B, C & D being it's new type of driver's visor, flat frontal armour on the driver's compartment, and some welded plates instead of rivets. The Kit Contents The kit's contents are very similar to the earlier released Ausf.G example from Dragon, kit no. 6290. There are a number of new and/or improved parts however. Inside the box there are four main sprues, twelve small ones and one transparent sprue. In addition there is a separate lower hull, two new engine covers, a bag of 'Magic Tracks', decal sheet, wire tow rope and two photo-etched frets. As I said, most of the contents are identical to the earlier release of the Ausf.G kit, but there are a small number of differences. The large sprue 'A' now has a new side-bar that holds a pair of new idler wheels with the round lightning holes rather than the keyhole-shaped ones in the G release, also appearing on this sprue are two tow cable ends with slide-moulded pre-drilled ends to take the wire tow rope. The rest of the additions to this kit consist of new small sprues rather than changes to the existing ones. A new sprue S has a new frontal armour piece for the driver's compartment with more rivets and also a new lower front hull piece. The lower hull itself is now provided with more rivet detail on the lower sides. Sprue T provides an alternative muffler arrangement, plus there is an part representing add-on armour for the front of the turret. Sprue V provides two new stowage boxes for the fenders, plus there are those two separate engine covers, again differing from the G release by the addition of new rivet detail. The photo-etch fret supplied in this release is different too, and smaller. The photo-etched radio rack provided in the G has now been omitted, and instead we're supplied with a plastic one. We are also supplied with a new small sprue of three jerry cans, along with a separate photo-etched fret consisting of inserts to represent their central seam. If you never built or purchased the Ausf.G, then the contents should come as a surprise, consisting of a fully detailed interior, including engine, fighting and driver's compartment. All the various hatches are detailed on their inner surfaces, so you can display them opened, although you'll still have to look carefully to actually see any of the detailed interior. This might be one reason why Dragon has again omitted to provide us with a driver's dashboard etc. Construction is typical, and so are the instructions unfortunately. Assembly begins with the running gear, a choice of idler wheels being offered between the ones with circular lightning holes and the keyhole-shaped ones. There's no indication on the instructions which ones would be most suitable for either Ausf.E or F though. A similar choice exists for the drive sprocket, with a similar dilemma...no indication of which to use, so it's down to your personal choice or additional references. The two-wheeled suspension bogies in these Dragon 38(t) kits are particularly well done, and can be articulated if assembled correctly. Again though, we have a choice between two types with slightly different details and no indication of which one would be more correct to use for which version. Moving around to the rear hull there are two alternative mufflers provided, the main difference being the position of the intake exhaust pipe from the engine. This means that it can sit high or low on the rear wall. If you choose to sit it high then the smoke candle rack can be fitted, and if low, the rack is omitted. There is information on the box itself this time, which shows the version sitting higher, is the correct one to use for the Ausf.F version. The tracks supplied with the kit are of the individual link 'Magic Track' sort, and on close inspection, will probably need cleaning up, each link having two ejector pin marks, that although tiny are quite noticeable. Inside the model, a nearly full driver's compartment is provided, the driver's controls being supplied as photo-etch and plastic, allowing a choice. Full engine and transmission are provided that will benefit from some super-detailing should you choose, although as I mentioned earlier, there probably won't be a lot of it visible on the finished model even with all the hatches left wide open. The photo-etched fret, although smaller than in the Ausf.G release still has some nicely detailed intake grills on it, along with some smaller fixtures and fittings fro things such as the driver's visor etc. When assembling the fenders there are a number of choices available, which one you choose to model will depend on your references again, the choice comes down to whether or not you wish to use the stowage boxes supplied, and if not then the arrangement of tools etc., to use is shown on the instructions. Marking Options Markings are provided for four schemes on the instructions, all located in Russia during 1941-42. See below for more details. Conclusion It's a great kit, and another useful variant from Dragon, although I'm not sure it's sufficiently different from the Ausf.G to make it a must have if you already have that kit. Still a great kit though! Recommended!
- Vinnie Branigan Copyright 1998-2010 Dragon Models Limited. All Rights Reserved |