Kit DML 7227, Bergepanzer Tiger (P).

DRAGON MODELS LIMITED


7227, Bergepanzer Tiger (P). 1/72nd-scale injection-molded styrene kit containing 215 styrene parts (including 118 “link-and-length” tracks), 14 etched brass parts, four decal/markings schemes and six pages of instructions comprised of eight steps.


This new kit depicts a very rare version of the Porsche Tiger I, the Bergetiger armored recovery vehicle. Three were built and served with H.s.Pz.Jg.Abt.653; one of each were issued to the 1., 2. and 3.Kompanien, starting in February 1944. Slight variations included at least one Bergepanzer fitted with a “Rundumfeuer” (remote-control, 360-degree traverse) MG34 mount; there were also engine deck and fender brace variations. All of these are catered for in the kit.


Unlike every DML 1/72nd-scale kit I have recently reviewed, this kit includes injection-molded styrene link-and-length tracks. They are very cleanly molded and are devoid of knock-out pin marks. As they are relatively large, they should not be too much of a problem to assemble. The suspension system itself is nicely done, but unlike the larger 1/35th-scale versions of this vehicle, there are no provisions to adjust the idler sprockets, which would have eased the fitting of the tracks, especially where “sag” is concerned. Because they are slightly different, follow the instructions carefully where they describe which sprockets go where (E1 forward, E4 aft).


The superstructure sides and hull are one piece to which the engine deck is fitted; the “casemate” goes on top of that. There are separate parts for the front and rear plate, both of which have some minor problems. The rear plate (F18) has molded on tow loops, but this means that the areas directly behind them are open. Fill them in with styrene scrap or putty. The front plate (F19) does not fit very well to the main hull molding (D2), because of some softness on the edge of D2. The interlocking weld detail seen on F19 is not mirrored on D2, so some work will need to be done to make this look good. According to the drawings in Jentz and Doyle’s Panzer Tracts No.16, “Bergepanzers”, the kits engine deck plates (there are two variations, parts F6 and F7), depict the hinges on the fuel filler caps reversed from the way they are supposed to be. Simply fit the parts on opposite to the way the instructions show them (with the hinges on the aft edge of the caps). The drawings also depict a bolt pattern different from that seen on the kit engine deck plates. The front hatches for the driver and radio operator are separate parts and can be opened; they are devoid of pin marks. Separate fenders with etched brass details as well as a separate superstructure front plate complete this assembly.


The casemate is from a slide mold and is very nicely done. It includes separate roof hatch lid and separate rear doors. A retro-fitted remote-control MG34 mount can be fitted as an option, after tiny holes are opened up from the inside of the part; it is finished with a delicate etched brass gun shield. Other small details added to it are lift hooks and pistol ports. The front plate has an MG34 in a ball mount.


Recovery equipment includes two jib booms, one folded for storage and a multi-media (styrene and etched brass) one that can be fixed in the working position. The etched brass provides the chains that finish this intricate assembly. There is also a very poorly-done vehicle jack that will need quite a bit of work to be made to look the part.


The instructions appear to be OK with many discreet sub-sections within the eight main steps. Painting instructions are keyed to Gunze and Testors Model Master colors, while the tiny Cartograf decal sheet can be used to mark one of four vehicles. One is depicted in 1943 (Russia), prior to a re-build program, while the same one (Russia in 1944) and the other two built are depicted later in Italy in 1944. One problem is that DML has it the opposite way. Only one went to Italy, two went to Russia. Consult your references! Some of these need an application of Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine paste as well.


So, while not one of the best efforts in this scale by DML, a competent modeler with decent references should be able to produce a fine little model.


Recommended with reservations.


Frank V. De Sisto


Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.


DML kits are available from retail and mail order shops. For details see their web site at: www.dragonmodelsltd.com.


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