Model Kit Reviews

[Geek44]

Here's the thread I hinted at elsewhere. After I finished the P-39 I decided I was going to finish the Panzer IV I'd started a few months ago. I don't usually build armour but when I do I enjoy it. This kit has been no exception.
This is Dragon's fairly new 3-in-1 Panzer IV Ausf. E. A kit the likes of which I've never seen before and quite frankly...it's amazing. It comes with lots of PE for those who like brass, a figure of Heinz Guderian and oddly, a vinyl cactus. It also includes two or three (I forget) turned aluminium shells and an aluminium barrel. If you so choose, you can forego the brass because there are two sets of everything like tools and turret bin mounts. So the tools are either straight tools for using brass mounts, or tools with mounts moulded on. The main gun too also comes in plastic...the seam is cunningly hidden inside other parts when assembled...the plastic gun has rifling while the aluminium one doesn't...I went with the plastic one.
My only criticism of this kit...and it's a small one, is that the instructions are less than perfect. I have a copy of a UK bi-monthly called 'AFV Modeller' with a review of this very kit. It wasn't until after I'd assembled almost everything that I noticed a part I'd left off in the magazine. On inspecting the instructions, the part is illustrated already mounted but can barely be discerned due to the angle of the drawing and the part isn't referred to by number anywhere...a small thing but enough to warrant a mention here I think. I believe this is a fairly common complaint about Dragon's instruction sheets...
Here's how she looked about three weeks ago.
PzIVProgress.jpg

[Geek44]

...And here's a more recent set of pics.
PzIV Parts.jpg

The turret ring and basket...missing the aforementioned part...I think the commander may stand on it to get out the top hatch. (?)
Turret Interior.jpg

And with a coat of paint...well two actually. I'll be doing a DAK vehicle that served at Tobruk so Panzer Grey underneath a sandy colour.
Painted.jpg
I should also mention that the kit provides two lower hull tubs...one with extra armour for the later model and one without. Two sets of fenders as well...these kits are worthwhile even if you just want to beef up the spares box. This is the first kit I've ever painted in acrylics only. My airbrush doesn't like it one bit but my brain (and sperm count :smile are loving it.
You may also notice the white metal track links...they're a set by Friulmodel and they're beautiful. This is also the first time I've used a set of these. They've taken a bit of time to clean up...about ten hours to do about 110 links which is one side but they have hollow guide horns and a lovely weight that I think will impart a good sag over the idlers.
The other point of note I think is that this kit was actually cheaper than the older Tamiya equivalent at my local shop by about $12 Aussie. See McCoy's beautiful Panzer IV for comparison.
Peace...more pics as I progress.

[McCoy]

Ah... This sure looks like a lovely kit, can't wait to see it done. Please spoil us with pictures in absurdum...

Yes Tamiya's old #35096 PzKpfw IV Ausf. D is probably more expensive than this kit. But the Tamiya ain't worth the dough as it's severly overprized n' an old kit from the seventies. Trust me, it wasn't easy to get that old kit done...

[Jim O]

It looks good so far. And yes, please keep the photos coming (now that you are an expert at attaching them ).

[lufttiger]

This will be a new sticky due to the incredible job by Geek on his review
of the Dragon kit. I hope this helps others to decide if they would like to
buy a kit reviewed here. One should look at Geeks as a "How to do a Review"

[McCoy]

Good idea LT!

[Geek44]

Originally Posted by lufttiger

This will be a new sticky due to the incredible job by Geek on his review
of the Dragon kit. I hope this helps others to decide if they would like to
buy a kit reviewed here. One should look at Geeks as a "How to do a Review"

Oh so this is what's happened...I was looking for the thread and it had moved. Cheers Chris. Now that I'm 'reviewing' the kit, I'll get a little more intimate with my description...I actually have tons of photos I took during the build 'in case I needed them'. Looks like I do now. More soon.

[lufttiger]

I'll contribute to this thread as well with one on the Dragon King Tiger with Porsche turret, this is not the new one with Zimm, its the premium edition.

So if anybody else wants to jump in just let us know what kit you want to review.

[MAGNA]

I have my two 1/72nd scale kits I can do. They may be of interest as they show up a couple of things that are good and bad for this scale.

[lufttiger]

That would be great Magna, a little varietie is nice, so please do.