Kit, DML 6357, 10.5cm K.Pz.Sfl.IVa “Dicker Max”

DRAGON MODELS LIMITED


6357, 10.5cm K.Pz.Sfl.IVa “Dicker Max”. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 659 styrene parts (including four clear), two bags of individual-link “Magic Tracks”, one turned aluminum gun tube, one photo-etched brass fret, one piece of braided metal wire, three decal/marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 25 steps.


Introduction.

Based on parts from the previously-released Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.E kit, DML has now released a kit of one of the earliest German Panzerjäger, armed with a derivative of the 10cm K18 field gun. Actually of 10.5cm caliber, this self-propelled weapon was conceived as a bunker-buster for use against the fortifications of the Maginot Line, but it was not actually produced until after the French Campaign had ended. Instead, the two pre-production series examples wound up being used in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa as tank destroyers by Pz.Jag.Abt.(Sfl.)521.


Tracks.

The tracks are the early 38cm type with smooth faces and open guide horns. 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 no frame to assemble them as in some previous DML Pz.Kpfw.IV kits. While the tracks fit together due to friction, when satisfied with their position, the modeler is urged to fix them with cement.


Suspension System.

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 pair of separate wheel rims, tires and hub-cap. There are two styles of hub-cap, one of which is to be used on all the road-wheels, the other (later) type for the single spare wheel unit; this configuration matches available reference photographs. The hard styrene tires have a mold seam on their outer edges, which accurately represents the appearance of a factory-fresh item, despite what contest judges may think; the sprue attachment points are inside the rims. This design eases clean-up considerably and makes painting the tires a snap since this can be done before they are mounted onto the wheel rims.


Hull.

The hull pan is from a slide mold and features complete access plate and bolt details on the belly. The fairings that prevent the bogie units from snagging on obstructions are all separate items and it is suggested that the modeler follow the instructions carefully regarding which parts are to be placed at a particular location. New separate front and rear panels peculiar to this vehicle are also provided, as are parts from the original kit; check the instructions for the proper parts before attaching them, particularly at the front. I recommend that the modeler not follow the instruction sequence (in step 6) at this point, regarding the new rear plate, part C-16 as well as the idler wheel axle housings; attach these AFTER inserting the assembly based around parts K-3/-6/-7 in steps 7 and 8. The reason is that when attaching C-16, some gaps will remain that the modeler may think must be filled-in. This is not the case; the gaps need to remain so that parts K-6 and K-7 will properly fit.


The new rear plate has nice bolt details on both surfaces as well as separate hatch lids. There is also a cowl arrangement that carried cooling air either into, or out of, the engine compartment. To this is added a spare road-wheel and its rack; below that is the separate parts for the trailer hitch.


The transmission final drive housings are well-done and feature internal details as do the new, separate extended sections of the hull behind them. The armored guards for the final drives come as three pieces and feature molded-on conical bolts. The drive sprockets are presented in a conventional manner with inner and outer halves. The beautifully-rendered rear idler mounts include separate small details and can be adjusted for track sag. The rear idler wheels 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).


Superstructure.

The glacis plate is new and features separate transmission and brake access hatch lids. A new driver’s compartment is also given to include separate hatch lid, separate and positionable driver’s armored visor (with clear styrene glass block for the interior). There is also a “mock” driver’s compartment on the opposite side, complete with false visor. The gun tube travel lock is not movable, but it does have separate parts to depict the tube locked for traveling, or ready for firing. A two-part Notek black-out head-lamp completes the glacis plate area.


As given, the fenders are separate parts with separate front and rear mud-flaps. They are detailed on both surfaces and are completely devoid of ejector pin marks. The port-side fender is completed with a variety of tools, spare track links, a horn, and clear styrene head-lamp mountings. Several of these sub-assemblies are complimented by etched brass parts, while the tools have nicely-rendered molded-on clamp details. The starboard side mounts a head-lamp as well, and also carries the vehicle jack and block, spare track links and the exhaust pipe/muffler assembly. Again, several of these sub-assemblies are complimented by etched brass parts.


The new open-topped casemate is assembled from one main slide-molded part (nicely protected in its own small plastic blister pack) to which separate front and rear plates are attached. There are no ejector pins marks to clean up on the inside of the main part, but there is a stiffener and the remains of a sprue attachment point that will need to be removed. The inside of the front plate has a number of pin marks that the fastidious modeler will wish to eliminate, but if ignored, most will be covered from view by other parts or the relatively remote location of the surface when viewing the model under normal conditions.


The top of the casemate features openings for the various optical devices as well as a small protective flap for one of them; this can be depicted opened or closed. The final separate parts are grills that covered the openings that helped cool the engine compartment.


Fighting Compartment and Main Gun.

The main gun can elevate and traverse, both to a limited degree. It has some options including a choice of muzzle brakes and a choice of either an all-styrene, or turned aluminum/styrene gun tube arrangement. Note that the aluminum gun tube is not shown or listed in the instructions (but is featured on the box), and if it is used, the key-way on part F-46 will need to be removed. Many delicate parts are then added including various hand-wheels and the gunner’s sight. The breech can be depicted opened or closed and there are separate parts for the recoil guard. The final main assembly for the gun is the frame with seats for the gunner and commander; these last items can be depicted with their backs folded up or down.


There are a total of four multi-part ammunition bins, complete with interior details and separate lids. Two boxes hold projectiles, while the other two hold cartridge cases. In that regard, there are a total of four shells and four cartridge cases, none of which are shown in the instructions. So, if depicting any ammunition bins opened up, the modeler should feel free to use these parts.


Another feature of the fighting compartment are the two large trunk sections that lead from the casemate roof, down to the engine compartment, allowing cooling air to circulate for the power plant. These are multi-part affairs that have separate stowage items for the crew members such as gas mask canisters and water bottles. The latter are from DML’s Gen2 figure line and are very well detailed; there are also some etched brass mounting straps for them. Regarding internal stowage items, there are also stick grenades, various accessory boxes and bins, a flare pistol holster and gun tube bore swab and staff. References state that either three or four MP40s were carried, while they are not provided. A photo in reference 1 suggests the locations of some of them, should the modeler wish to add them.


Various optical devices are provided including two different scissors periscopes, one of which connects to a small electrical power source (which is also given). Reference 1 states that these vehicles were not fitted with radios, at least initially. However, SOME photos show an antenna mount on the starboard side of the casemate, suggesting that a radio was a retro-fit. To cover that eventuality, DML provides a multi-part radio set and racks for the inside of the casemate, as well as an external antenna mount and rubber base. But they don’t supply the antenna rod itself, at least not in that configuration. But, part D-61 from the initial Pz.Kpfw.IV kits (marked as not for use), can be modified and used here.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

I have reviewed enough DML Pz.Kpfw.IV kits to state with confidence that there are no issues with the fit of the styrene parts below the fender line. The suspension bogies are a bit tricky to assemble, especially when it comes to putting the cap over the articulating arms. Just be patient and go slow. I began test-fitting and assembling the new major components, beginning with the casemate along with the front and rear panels. They, as well as the gun components and various internal bits fit quite well. With basic cleaning techniques, and some modeling experience, everything was fine.


There was no shrinkage of any parts, and I have already mentioned which ejector pin marks will need attention. There was no flash, while mold part lines are minimal and easily cleaned.


Accuracy.

There are no complete sets of 1/35th-scale plans in any of my cited references. Reference 1 has a single side view that was created over 30 years ago. Since no vehicle survived for measurements to be made from, one must presume that the plans are an “educated guess”; thus there is plenty of room for differences of opinion regarding this kit’s accuracy. The best that can be said is that the kit closely resembles photos of the actual item.


Instructions.

These consist of traditional line drawings. I have noted some areas that the modeler must be aware of within the relevant sections of the review. As usual, colors are keyed to Gunze and Model Master paints.


Decals and Markings Information.

Water-slide decals for one (or both) vehicles are provided by Cartograf of Italy. They are in perfect register, have crisp, sharp edges and excellent color saturation. They depict the following:

• “Factory Scheme”, Germany 1941.
• Pz.Jag.Abt.521, Eastern Front 1941.
• Pz.Jag.Abt.521, Eastern Front 1942.

Each of these variations is documented in photographs, with the second listed scheme belonging to a vehicle that had the radio antenna. The color call-outs are suspect, as they call for “Field Grey” (in reality a grey-green); the color should of course be Dunkelgrau RAL 7021.


Conclusion.

Fans of odd-ball German AFVs (and it can be assumed that there is one or two of them out there), will be “all over” this kit. Others will lament that a more important type, such as the Pz.Kpfw.II, has not yet been given the “21st-Century Treatment” by a major manufacturer. And so it goes…


Highly recommended.


Frank V. De Sisto


References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to the following books:

1. “Panzerjaeger (3.7cm Tak to Pz.Sfl.Ic) Development and Deployment from 1927 to 1941”, Panzer Tracts No.7-1, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
2. “Panzerkampfwagen IV, Grosstraktor to Panzerbefehlswagen IV”, Panzer Tracts No.4, by T.Jentz & H. Doyle.
3. “Panzer IV and its Variants”, Spielberger Series Vol.IV, by W.J. Spielberger.
4. “Panzer Vor!”, Vol.4, Concord 7061, by F. 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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