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DRAGON MODELS LIMITED
6301, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.E “Vorpanzer”. 1/35th-scale injection molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 612 styrene parts (including 23 clear), two bags of styrene “Magic Tracks”, three photo-etched brass frets, one turned aluminum and two turned brass parts, one piece of wound metal wire, 11 pre-formed metal parts, five decal marking schemes and 10 pages of instructions in 18 steps.
It would seem that DML just can’t win when it comes to issuing new and innovative kits. When the initial release of this kit was issued, as nice as it was, it was immediately picked apart by anyone with a key-board and modem. Some began the criticism prior to the kit’s actual release. Were there some problems with the kit? Well, eventually a few were found, so the answer is certainly “yes”. The problems centered on the glacis plate and some poor proportions, an angle on the turret, the fit of the turret basket platform to the hull and the size and location of the drive sprocket. But, overall, it was a wonderful kit.
Unlike some other manufacturers, DML takes customer feed-back very, very seriously. So, with the help of ML notables Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson, as well as points raised on various DGs, DML went over their original release and instituted several significant tweaks of various parts and assemblies. For example, the lower facet of the forward end of the turret was changed (it is very, very slight), the glacis plate was improved (it now matches Hilary Doyle’s plans perfectly), the size of the drive sprocket was slightly enlarged (again, it now matches Doyle’s plans perfectly) and its location was changed. The location of part F36, on the hull floor (to which the turret basket platform is eventually attached) was also moved slightly. Actually, on my original kit (6264) I had no problem in this area; I don’t know why…
There have been some other small changes as well. For instance, the fit of B26 (drivers visor base) to part G3 (superstructure front plate) has been greatly improved. The pivoting visor itself (B25) also fits better. Part E23, the flange that fits across the join line separating the superstructure assembly from the hull assembly (at the stern), now has a complete pattern of bolts on both sides (previously they were only on the top surface). The small square vent has been removed from part E28, the starboard side superstructure plate. There is also a fix in the instructions that will save lots of aggravation for the modeler. Within step 14, concerning the use of either a styrene or turned aluminum gun tube, it is now made perfectly clear that part F27 is for use ONLY with the styrene gun tube. However, I still recommend that the modeler fit part F12 AFTER F10 and U15, not before as the instructions indicate. I would suppose there are other tweaks and improvements, but I cannot figure out what they are.
There are several new parts included for the “Vorpanzer” spaced-armor array for both the turret and superstructure front plates, as well as for the final drive housings. The turret parts also include photo-etched brass mounts for finer detail. The superstructure plates are different from those initially provided, but both are apparently correct. There is a new Gepäckkasten (turret rear storage locker) for use exclusively with this version of the Pz.Kpfw.IV. So, this frees-up the original type, which is the proper size, for use elsewhere. As every other styrene version seen previously is too small, having this as an extra will come in handy.
One of the things that struck me about this kit was the attention to details in places that will not be readily visible when the model is completely assembled. For instance, the underside of the turret is not simply a flat plate with a big circular hole in it and a pair of tabs to keep it in place on the hull roof. It is detailed and includes a toothed ring, which in reality would engage the turret traverse gear-box mechanism (which is also included). The entire assembly is then attached to the hull floor by the turret basket floor much like the prototype (more on the turret’s interior later). In another departure, the undersides of both sets of fenders (that’s correct, two sets, but more on them later) are not moonscapes of knock-out pin marks. Instead, they are completely detailed with framing, bolt heads and the “reverse side” of the non-skid pattern seen on the top surfaces. And, there’s not a pin mark in sight. There is detail behind the final drive assemblies that will be hidden after assembly, but which will be useful if depicting the panzer undergoing maintenance, or in a destroyed configuration. Another small point is the fuel filler caps as seen on the hull side. They are separate and can be shown open. Rather conventional, right? What’s notable here is that DML also provides properly-shaped fairings (with pipe detail) over the openings, on the inside of the hull.
The turret interior is nearly all there, except for the small storage boxes, the fume extractor fan, some fittings and conduits, etc. The gun breech for the 7.5cm KwK is very nicely done and is not simply “blocks and tubes”. It boasts a separate sliding breech block, telescopic sight, co-axial MG34 and mount, recoil guard and internal mounts. To this can be mounted either a plastic gun tube (with rifling at the bore) or a turned aluminum gun tube. All of the view-ports can be shown opened or closed and have clear inserts as well as hinge details. The commander’s cupola also has interior details including clear parts for the vision blocks. There is a multi-part traverse mechanism (with gear-box and hand-wheels) for the gunner, as well as seats for all three turret crew members. Finally, the circular floor plate is attached with various frames and has a non-skid pattern. The only other interior details consist of a very nicely rendered radio operator’s MG34, which is complete with inner mounting plate, sight, head pad and grips. There is an ammunition bag given but it is not mentioned in the instructions.
All hatch lids are separate including the two types for engine access (standard and “Tropen”, which was probably not used on this minor sub-type), cupola split-hatch (and split view-port covers), radio operator and driver’s hatch (featuring separate signal-port flaps) and the final drive access hatches. Curiously, the main transmission access hatch is molded in place. All hull view-ports are separate and feature clear parts for the vision blocks. The driver’s visor is movable, but there is no clear part for the glass block, which is rather curious considering the extensive use of such things elsewhere. The main hull rear plate also features a separate access plate as well as a filler port cover. The turret has separate side doors, side and front view-ports and a separate signal-port flap. Incidentally, there are no knock-out pin marks on any surfaces of these hatches. Another nice touch is tiny photo-etched tear-drop-shaped covers for the key-holes for many of the hatches, which can be positioned any way the modeler chooses.
Unlike the first issue of this kit, there is only one lower hull pan, with Zusatzpanzerung appliqué armor panels. It features complete access plate and bolt details on the belly. To it is added the separate front and rear panels, with the rear panel featuring, for the first time, the proper bolt details on both sides of the separate strip that connected the superstructure to the hull (and which allowed for the complete removal of the engine deck in the field). There are two sets of fenders. One has locating holes for the set of tools that contains molded-on clamps. The second set of fenders have no locating holes and are to be used if the modeler chooses the second tool set (with no molded-on clamps) and its accompanying photo-etched clamps and brackets. To either fender set are added separate front and rear mud flaps, as well as other details, such as a properly-depicted inner section as seen where the fender attached to the glacis plate.
The suspension system includes fully articulated bogie spring mounts (including variations in some of the fittings), separate fairings for the mounting brackets, separate bump-stops and crisply molded return roller mounts. The road wheels themselves are each multi-part assemblies, featuring a separate wheel rim, hub and tire. The hard styrene tires have a mold seam on their outer edges (which, despite what contest judges think, are CORRECT for a new tire!), and have sprue attachment points inside the rims. This eases clean-up considerably and will still leave the aforementioned tire seam intact. It also makes painting the tires a snap since this can be done before they are mounted onto the wheel rims. The transmission final drive housings are particularly well-done and feature internal details as do the sections of the hull behind them. There are two styles of armored guards for the final drives. One is in two pieces and features conical bolts. The other is a single part to which separate (and tiny!) conical bolts are to be added. Then, on top of these are fitted additional armored covers as part of the Vorpanzer modification. The newly-tooled drive sprockets are the non-dished type and can be used only with the narrow 38cm tracks (Friulmodel ATL-02 tracks fit perfectly, BTW; I know because I’ve done it…use 100 links per side). The beautifully-rendered rear idler mounts include separate small details and can be adjusted for track sag. The rear idlers themselves come in two versions. One is a conventional two-piece design to which is added a hub and etched brass details, while the other is molded as one piece from a slide mold (to which the previously-mentioned parts are added). The tracks themselves are the early 38cm type with smooth faces and open guide teeth. They are “handed”, so don’t simply open the two bags and throw everything in a pile prior to assembly! Check the instructions carefully. They require no clean-up of attachment points, but they do have very small knock-out pin marks. These can probably be ignored as they are very subtle. There is also a frame to assemble them which is shaped to permit track sag to be depicted over the return rollers. While these fit together due to friction, when satisfied with their position, the modeler is urged to “nail ‘em down” with cement.
There are two sets of tools, one with and one without molded-on clamps and brackets. The “bare” tools are to be used with etched brass clamps (three parts each) and brackets, while the other set can simply be cleaned-up and glued on to the appropriate fenders. The vehicle jack can be depicted in use since its “foot” can be extended. The tow cables are braided wire that comes pre-weathered and fits into pre-bored styrene end loops. These are hung on plastic or formed wire brackets. There are spare road wheels and formed-wire hangers for them. Other accessories include three jerry cans with etched brass centers. I have noted comments on some DGs regarding these not fitting together properly. Well, mine do, but the edges of the etched parts extend too far, especially around the top edge (the handles won’t fit) and the bottom edge (the etched part does not conform to the indented can bottoms). Finally, there’s a pair of complete 7.5cm rounds in turned brass.
I began test-fitting and assembling the major components, beginning with the lower hull along with the front and rear panels. With basic cleaning techniques they fit together perfectly. The superstructure is rather more complex since the roof, side, front and rear panels are all separate parts. Again, with care and using basic techniques, there were no fit problems. Fitting the superstructure side appliqué panels requires the opening of a couple of holes on each main panel, as well as the removal of the lifting hook mounts. The appliqué panels then fit perfectly. The turret bottom and front panel fit to the main shell with no problems. In other areas, the hatches and ports fitted neatly into position after proper clean-up. The suspension bogies are a bit tricky, especially when it comes to putting the cap over the articulating arms. Just be patient and go slow; personally, a third hand would have been helpful!
There are a total of five marking options specifically called out in the instructions, but since there is almost nothing in the way of references for this version, I cannot comment on accuracy. The decals by Cartograf are in register, have sharp details and excellent color saturation. The decals provide markings for the following specific tanks:
The color call-outs (keyed to Gunze and Testors paints) are suspect, as they call for either “Field Grey” or “Sandy Yellow”. This information is somewhat debatable since “sandy yellow” (do they mean Dunkelgelb RAL 7028 or one of the Tropen scheme colors?) should not have been in use until early 1943 and “field grey” should probably be Dunkelgrau RAL 7021. But since I have no references, I hesitate to say that they are actually incorrect.
Essentially this is an improved version of a kit which was very well-done to begin with. If I were going to build a standard or Tropen Ausf.E with Zusatzpanzerung and superstructure Vorpanzer, this is the kit I’d want to base it on.
Highly recommended.
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.
