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Kit, DML 7359, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F2(G) DRAGON MODELS LIMITED 7359, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F2(G). 1/72nd-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 165 styrene parts, one photo-etched brass fret, two DS-100 track lengths, seven decal marking schemes (with two extra variations) and six pages of instructions in eight steps. Introduction. After a bit of a hiatus regarding releases in 1/72nd-scale, DML has come back to the fore with this latest release of a Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F2 (later re-designated as Ausf.G. Since this is based on the Ausf.F, it has the earlier 7.5cm KwK40 L/43 with globular muzzle brake and lacks the stowage tray for a pair of road-wheels seen on the track-guards of a true Ausf.G. Tracks. DML provides the tracks in two DS100 soft styrene lengths. They are crisply detailed and well molded, but there is a bit of distortion where the sprue plug enters the part. Braille Scale modelers either love these tracks or hate them, but DML is committed to using this type of track in order to keep assembly simplified. Suspension System. These road-wheels are uniquely-molded as one-piece pairs (via slide-molds), with separate hub inserts; this will ease assembly and also allow the tire sections to be more easily painted. The bogie truck units are all separate parts and are handed for each side, so the modeler should take care when installing them. Also, the sprue attachment points on the backs of the road-wheels run directly to small pips that must be left in place to fit the road wheels to the bogies. Be VERY careful when trimming back there so you dont take everything off! There are four return rollers per side, each of which is also slide-molded as a one-piece pair. The welded, tube-section idler wheels are supplied as inner and outer halves, as are the drive sprockets, which themselves are the proper dished type seen on the Ausf.F and Ausf.G. Hull. The hull is a one-piece tub to which a separate rear plate is then attached; this includes the idler wheel axles molded in place. The track tension/idler wheel mounts feature separate adjustment nuts. Aside from the afore-mentioned suspension components, separate tow hooks are attached to the rear hull corners, while separate armored guards are fitted forward of the integrally-molded final drive housings. Several detail parts are added to the rear plate, to include a multi-part exhaust muffler based on a slide-molded core, as well as a tow coupling and its base. The lower bow plate is separate and includes a length of spare tracks, separate mounting brackets and separate towing eyes. Track-Guards. These are separate items and are engineered much the same way as their larger 1/35th-scale cousins, which means that they are fully-detailed on both faces. The main difference is that all tools and OVM items are molded in place, with the following exceptions: the starboard side has three separate spare track links, a one-piece jack and a brace. The port side gets Notek head- and tail-lamps (with two different options for the latter), and a fire extinguisher. Both get separate, slide-molded rear mud-flaps along with optional etched brass support gussets and engine air intake grill flaps. Superstructure. The superstructure is based on a one-piece roof plate that also includes the complete engine deck (including the sides). Separate plates are provided for the front and both sides, with the latter having separate, internally-detailed view-port flaps. The port side also receives a jack block, vent cowl, gun tube cleaning staffs and boarding ladder. The starboard side gets a rod antenna that can be depicted deployed or stowed, the antenna stowage trough and a shovel. The separate rear plate receives a two-part smoke candle dispenser and two tow cable mounting hooks. The engine deck has separate engine compartment access hatch lids and a radiator filler cap cover. The air intake grills are properly-profiled and are given as two-part assemblies each, in the same manner as their 1/35th-scale counterparts. This provides an excellent level of detail fidelity. The drivers and radio operators hatch lids are also separate, while the MG ball mount and drivers visor are molded integrally with the separate front superstructure plate. The MG34 is slide-molded so includes complete sleeve detail as well as pre-drilled muzzle. The separate glacis plate has all hatch lids molded in place. This results in the brake vent armored guards being solid, which means some work with a drill and files will be needed for a proper appearance. Turret. The slide-molded turret shell features molded-on lift hooks, MP-Stopfen (pistol ports), signal port, hinges, rain guards and screw-head details. The roof plate receives a separate vent fan cover and separate grab handles. The commanders cupola is a two-part assembly with separate split hatch lids; the latter are for use in depicting an open hatch. For a closed hatch, a separate upper part includes the hatch lids molded, closed, in place. This will result in a neater assembly. The usual Gepackkasten (baggage bin) is provided for the rear face of the turret; it too uses slide mold technology for enhanced detail, while the lid for it is separate so it can be depicted opened or closed. Separate view-port flaps, with internal details are given, while the split side-wall access hatch lids are each molded in one piece, again for neater assembly if closed. If the modeler desires, they can be cut apart and left open; if this route is chosen there are separate parts to detail their interior faces. The main gun tube is slide-molded, so the globular muzzle brake is open on all sides. The multi-part mantlet assembly can be elevated and depressed and includes a separate view-port cover for the loader. The separate co-axial MG34 is also slide-molded, so it has proper armored sleeve detail and an open muzzle. Accuracy and Details. I do not have access to drawings in 1/72nd scale, so cannot comment on dimensional issues. The kit has all the proper features seen on a typical Ausf.F2/G, which was fitted with a KwK40. Details are as fine as they can be in this scale, while the only reservations I would have (as do several Braille Scale modelers with whom I have consulted) are the molded-on tools and OVM seen on the track-guards. Molding, Fit and Engineering. As I do not build in 1/72nd-scale, I am passing this sample on to a fellow modeler. Therefore, I have not conducted a fit check of any of the parts. Molding is typically as fine as modern techniques allow, with the result being extremely crisp parts. Mold seams are minimal, while there were no sink marks present; ejector pin marks should not be visible on the completed model. Decals and Markings Information. Waterside decals from Cartograf are provided and can be used to mark seven specific vehicles, with one of them featuring two additional variations. As expected, the decals are superbly-printed, with excellent color saturation, and are in perfect register. Carrier film is thin, matte and cut close to the edges of the designs. Markings for the following are provided: Panzer-Regiment
36, 14.Panzer-Division, Ostfront 1942. For the most part, these schemes check out against photos and drawings in the cited references. The modeler is cautioned to decide what colors to use since the instructions list certain manufacturers paints by name and number, which can easily confuse. In particular, two examples are painted in Tropen (tropical) color schemes, whose colors are not correctly called out; they should not be Dunkelgelb. Instructions. These are well-drawn and should offer no surprises to the prospective builder. The markings section is done in full-color, but should not be used as the SOLE source for the actual colors used. See above. Conclusion. This is a fine, well-detailed kit and should please the small-scale modeler who has a hankering for a state-of-the-art Panzer IV to add to the collection. - Frank V. De Sisto 6600: Tiger I, Initial Production s.Pz.Abt.502 Leningrad Region 1942/3 ~ Smart Kit 1/35 injection plastic kit with PE schwere PanzerAbteilung 502 was the first unit to deploy the Tiger I in combat. The unit received their first handful of initial product Tiger Is in August 999, and along with subsequent initial production Tigers used them in on the Eastern Front in the region of Leningrad (St Petersburg). The initial product Tigers had a number of distinctive features including turrets which had originally been destined for the Tiger (P) and were fitted with Panzer III stowage bins and a pistol port instead of the side escape hatch for the loader. The hull lacked side or rear fenders and some photos show ．mirrored・ tracks. This kit is Dragon・s first 1/35 Tiger I to be released under the Smart Kit series. It combines new and revised tooling with parts from Dragon・s recent Tiger I kits. In keeping with the Smart Kit format, a number of features have been revised to simplify assembly, while still offering the accurate and crisp results of Dragon・s Tiger I range. Initial production Tiger I did not have zimmerit, and hence this kit can make an accurate model out of the box. Key changes include the use of one-piece Dragon Styrene tracks (new tooling), improved hull, new turret stowage boxes which feature Smart Kit design features, and selective use of PE. The kit includes two PE frets, pre-shaped metal parts for the mesh screens (which accurate are bent on the sides) and metal cable conduits for the headlamps. The gatefold instruction sheet has 21 steps depicted using black, white and blue line drawings. While clearly presented, they should be studied in advance as some features are specific to individual tanks. If all the kit・s features are modeled this kit will represent a rewarding project, however this Tiger has the flexibility to allow the modeler to select their own level of challenge, such as by omitting internal detail or using plastic rather than PE parts.. Turret and Gun The turret is an initial production version with a pistol port instead side escape hatch. The turret is based around the two shell halves with some new tooling and features based on photos froms.Pz.Abt.502 such as the pair of improvised stowage bins on Tiger tactical number 100 or the helmet with PE strap slung from an extra grab handle on tactical number ．3・. Turret features include a choice of mantlet including one with limits stops and optional rain guard for tactical number No."100, a slide molded one piece drum cupula with a one piece clear plastic part for the commander vision blocks, internal detailed on the commander・s and loader・s hatches such as the locking wheel and ：C； shaped handles, and neatly rendered weld seams on the rim of the turret roof and the eight screw recesses are present. Accurate for an initial production Tiger I, there are smoke candle launchers on the front sides of the turret (you may want to add wire for fine detail). The turret stowage boxes are distinctive on this initial production turret and include the option of either one Panzer III stowage box on the rear, or two boxes fabricated by the troops on the turret sides (for tactical number 100). All boxes have sharp detail such as the latches integrated onto the main castings like with other Smart Kit releases. A partial turret interior is provided containing the gun breech, spent shell basket and two crew seats. With the thin turret sidewalls there is potential for modellers to add extra detail. This release has a three-piece plastic barrel tube without a visible join since the plastic pieces are cylinders that have hidden butt joins. A spring is provided for those who wish to make the gun recoil. The three-piece plastic muzzle brake has one pair of flanges and the screw holes are sharply cast on the gun sleeve. Hull The bottom of lower hull tub has been revised to feature the correct drains and hatches for initial Tigers and as per the initial tigers of s.Pz.Abt.502 the tank does not have side fenders. The separate panel for hull rear has been retooled and has the characteristic stowage for the Initial Tiger tool stowage including a toolbox with photo-etched brackets. For the exhaust there is a choice of three configurations which differ in the height and the two have muffler extensions with side vents. This kit has upgraded detail on muffler sealing valves which can be modelled open or closed for use with the option deep water wading air intake pipe (injection plastic). The bases of the exhaust are protected by cast metal shrouds but as per photos this kit does not have full height sheet metal shrouds. The hull front has the initial production front fenders which are made from PE and have an anti-skid pattern without any hinged side flaps. The kit has a pair of Bosch headlights with pre-formed metal cables. The spare track rack is nicely proportioned. For good luck there is a horseshoe that was fitted to tactical no."100". Two sets of on-vehicle tools are provided of which one has the clamps molded on for easy of assembly and the other has no clamps and is intended to be used with the PE clamps. The tow cables are built from twisted metal and separate plastic cable ends etc. The internal torsion bars can be made to work, thus providing an articulated suspension. Alternatively the bars can be omitted and the outer suspension arms fitted directly onto the hull. The road wheels are the dished pattern and the earlier larger idler is provided. This kit has the option of leaving the front outer road wheels off as was done on many front line Tigers to reduce problems with mud. To enable this, the kit includes parts with the hub detail finely reproduced. Engine Deck The engine deck, like the Dragon Tigers, has considerable detail and the rear grilles can be positioned in the raised position to better display the interior detail. All visible parts below the four air vents such as the fuel tank, radiator, fans and ducting are included, some ducting and frames being made of PE. The hatch to the Maybach engine can be left open (but you will need to find your own aftermarket engine block). The PE mesh screen for the grilles are preformed with the edges curved downwards. Tracks Two types of tracks are included, namely the standard early tracks (no chevrons) or the ．mirrored； tracks which is new to this kit and were fitted to some initial Tigers. With the mirrored tracks the right side was a mirror of the left, where as on the standard early tracks both sides were the same (i.e. both the same as the ．left・). The kit has three lengths of tracks being two regular (i.e. ：left；) tracks plus one mirrored length for the right side (you do not get a spare pair). The tracks are Dragon Styrene tracks one piece tracks that offer savings in construction time while providing crisp detail. They have open guide horns, impressive detail on both the outer and inner faces, and come packed with a cardboard stiffener to ensure they reach you in mint condition. Also included are Magic Tracks for the spare tracks on the front glacis and turret. Multi-Media The multi-media parts that come with this Tiger include: * 4 pre-formed screens for the engine deck grilles, which have been bent to shape to improve accuracy. * PE parts including the frame for the rear tool box, the brackets on the tools, hull detail, and strap for the helmet attached to the turret. * Twisted metal for the tow cable * Clear plastic parts for the periscopes/vision blocks * Pre shaped wire to feed the Bosch headlamps * Pre shaped mounting head for the spade. Decals A new decal sheet by Cartograf contains markings for three Tigers of schwere PanzerAbteilung 502 in the Leningrad region and was prepared in consultation with David Bryden. The sheet includes unit emblems of the Mammut (mammoth) in two sizes and a distinctive pair of Balkan Crosses with white body and thin black inner edging. The tanks are profiled in colour on a separate A4 sheet (which will be handy when you come to paint the kit) and are: * Turret number 3 which has heavy white wash over dark grey and is placed at Mishkino February 1943 (box art). * Turret number 100 which has white wash over dark grey and is from Mga December 1942. This was a company commander・s tank and in January 1943 became the first Tiger captured intact. * Turret number 123 which is dark grey and is from Tosno September 1942 Recommendation The combination of the many distinctive features of the initial production Tiger I as used by s.Pz.Abt.502, and the introduction of Smart Kit elements ensures that this kit will appeal to many modelers. The inclusion of one-piece tracks with open guide horns, detail under the engine deck and the photo etch all enhance this appeal. Definitely recommended.
- Neville Lord Introduction We first heard of this release being on its way just before Christmas, when Dragon released the artwork in Mid-December of last year. Seems to have been a long wait! Although it won't please the guys who sell the original release on EBay for exorbitant sums, it will please just about everybody else! The Kit Contents First up it's important to understand that this is not a new kit as such. It's more or less a re-issue of Dragon's Tiger I Initial Production kit no. 6262 with some tweaks and extra pieces, important though they are. The box contents consist of nine large and seven small sprues of grey styrene, together with one small transparent one. There's a separately moulded lower hull, a wire tow rope, two photo-etch frets, decals sheet, two small bags containing a small number of handed individual track links, and a small plastic tray containing four etched engine grills, a pre-formed wire and brass shovel bracket. There are also three lengths of tan-coloured DS100 vinyl tracks included. The more astute amongst you will have already gathered that we're lacking a number of 'goodies' that were included in the original release, such as turned brass ammunition, brass bucket, metal tow shackles, and metal barrel. Not forgetting that three-man camera crew that was in the original kit as well. Unfortunately in the present economic climate this seems to be the way of things, indeed it seemed to be going this way before everybody could claim we were in a recession, the early Dragon 'Super-kits' just being too expensive to produce, so at least it's still worthwhile trying to pick up one of the original kits. In compensation, we're now offered the vinyl tracks...three of. As anybody who has ever tried to find a pair of matching socks in the dark will know, this means you can now build a version with mirrored tracks. Or not. Depends which vehicle you're going to build. Since one set of the supplied track runs is the opposite of the other two. Some of the smaller changes in the kit are such things as a new set of on-vehicle tools, this time of the 'Smart kit' type with moulded clasps, the turret being supplied in two halves, a new turret stowage bin moulding, re-tooled brackets for the spare track links, new radiator covers, and a slightly different lower hull. Although there were a few minor problems with the original release, it was basically sound and the inclusion of some new improved parts shouldn't give you the impression that the old one needed to be drastically improved. One thing that has been drastically improved as of necessity is the instructions! You'll have to decide straight away which of the three versions you're going to build, since the very first assembly consisting of the drive sprockets are dependent on this, having offset bolts for two of the versions and bolts lined up with the spokes for the other. There are other slightly more prominent differences as assembly proceeds, including choice and arrangement of roadwheels, exhausts, starter plate, tool layout, mantlet, and other small fixtures and fittings, not forgetting the tracks of course. We're also offered the snorkel for one version, which could make a striking model. As a result of the differences between the three versions offered, the instructions necessarily appear a little complicated at times, and it will pay dividends to go through them in some detail before commencing assembly so that no mistakes are made. I recently built the Dragon Nashorn and didn't do this, resulting in a very nice hybrid vehicle! Marking Options Unusually for a Dragon kit, the marking schemes are provided on a separate full-colour two-sided sheet. As mentioned earlier there are three versions on offer, two of which are in the striking winter schemes of whitewash over grey, whilst the third in overall grey. See below for full details. Conclusion Although not containing all those 'extras' that Dragon spoilt us with in the original release of this vehicle, this release does have other things going for it, such as the improved toolings, the extra set of tracks, and the possibility now of building different versions of the Initial Production model etc. It's also a model that continues to be in high demand despite it being long out of production, so there is justification for its release, and will be welcomed. Modeller's that have kit no.6252 will probably buy it too for these reasons. Recommended.
- Vinnie Branigan Copyright 1998-2010 Dragon Models Limited. All Rights Reserved |