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DRAGON MODELS LIMITED
Product Specifications.
6290, Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.G Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 358 styrene parts (including nine clear), one bag of Magic Tracks, one photo-etched brass fret, six water-slide decal/marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 25 steps.
Introduction.
DML has already issued several new kits based on the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) chassis and had announced the Ausf.G some time ago. They have finally issued the kit, but with a fairly complete interior and engine compartment, no doubt to differentiate this offering from those of other manufacturers. Well, the good news is that the kit has finally arrived; the better news is that, according to references (especially the new Panzer Tracts book), DML has done a bang-up job. It would also appear that there have been some modifications to some of the original parts in order to enhance accuracy.
Tracks.
These are the usual “Magic Tracks” and therefore come as individual links packed loosely in a bag. Each link has an extremely tiny pour pip between the guide horns as well as two very subtle ejector pin marks on the inner face. The fit is very good, but they will not stay together unless they are glued. The guide horns are properly hollow, and the links have a very delicate cast texture. Furthermore, they all have extremely faint casting numbers where appropriate.
Suspension System.
The suspension system is broken down much like most renditions from other manufacturers; this means that the road-wheels can be depicted in an articulated fashion to conform to terrain on a modeler’s display base. Planning will be needed since getting the bogies properly positioned and then getting the tracks to look right will be a bit of a challenge. The road-wheels are completely and properly detailed on both their inner and outer faces, while the return rollers have separate mounts and include manufacturer’s name on the rubber tire rims. There are two styles of leaf spring bundles, while the return roller mounts are separate parts. The idler wheel can be mounted in various positions due to a separate “cranked” axle; this will ease using individual link tracks and therefore it should not be fixed in place until the modeler is satisfied with the fit of the tracks. The drive sprockets are very nicely-detailed to include the ribs and bolt patterns seen between their inner and outer halves.
Hull.
The hull is the usual slide-molded pan that includes the side walls molded in place together with the belly plate. There is proper rivet and panel details on the three outer sides, as well as suspension mount details on the side walls. What’s unique here is that there is also molded-on detail on the inner faces of the side walls, in the driver’s and fighting compartment. There is also molded-on detail on the inner surfaces around the area of the drive sprockets. All this makes for a more simplified assembly process with absolutely no compromise in the detail department.
Separate inner and outer bow plates are provided as is a separate rear plate with separate circular access panel. The bow plate receives tow hooks, mounting plates, spare track links and mounting bracket. The rear plate receives more hooks and mounts as well as track tension adjustment housings (in two styles), cover for the engine starter crank opening, armored smoke grenade dispenser and other details.
Superstructure.
Up forward, the glacis plate features a separate transmission access hatch lid, Notek lamp with etched brass mount and lamp face and a styrene driver’s rough sight. The superstructure front plate features detailed inner and outer faces, with separate view-port lids; both have clear styrene inserts for vision blocks. A proper antenna mount, rubber base and rod antenna are given, with the mount including etched brass detail parts.
The engine deck panel is a separate part that features separate access hatch lids, separate grills and exhaust system. The access hatch lids feature separate end parts with rivet detail as well as etched brass frames and screens for their undersides. The grill gets nicely done etched brass parts for the screens and the blanking plate that slid into place for cold-weather starting or to provide heated air to the fighting compartment. Styrene bolt heads are included on the sprues; these are to be shaved off and applied to the frame around the etched brass screen section.
A new fighting compartment roof plate is provided along with new separate hatch lids; the latter feature well-done head-pad texture and are devoid of any detail-marring ejector pin marks. Various etched parts as well as a grab handle detail this area, while the turret ring, true to the prototype, does not have any bayonet mount cut-outs on its rim to be used to hold the turret in place.
The fenders are separate and feature stamped rib details on the upper and lower faces; all brackets are separate parts and there are a number of tiny wing nuts that can be added for enhanced detail. Tools are all separate and also feature etched brass brackets and straps as do the various tail-lamp assemblies. The perforated grouser box is provided as a styrene or etched brass assembly; on this is stored the multi-part vehicle jack which, again, has etched brass mounting brackets. Various racks to hold spare track links, a jack block and an optional large fender-mounted stowage box finish the OVM.
Turret.
This is all-new and is based on a slide-molded main core. To this is added a slide-molded commander’s cupola that is further detailed with separate parts; it also has a beautifully-done hatch lid with textured head-pad. Note that what appears to be an ejector pin mark is no such thing; it is the inner detail for the small signal port flap. There is a choice of two styles of rotating periscope (one has a weather-proof “boot”; the other does not). The turret race and the lower rear plate are separate parts and there is also another separate part for just below the mantlet. Rivet and bolt patterns are present in all the proper places and the panel lines between each adjoining plate of armor are nicely restrained.
The front plate accurately depicts the 50mm-thick panel seen on the Ausf.G to include proper rivet patterns. The mantlet is separate as is the slide-molded, pre-bored 3.7cm KwK; naturally, the gun can elevate after construction is complete, but be careful with the glue. Other parts for the co-axial MG mount are provided, to include its outer mounting collar.
Interior.
The hull/fighting compartment includes a very nice multi-part transmission based on a slide-molded core, with attached driver’s hand controls. A drive shaft and non-skid protective cover completes this assembly. There are multi-part driver’s and radio operator’s seats, an instrument panel (in etched brass) and the typical floor panel seen in these tanks. A bulkhead/engine compartment firewall encloses the compartment from the rear. A spare MG37(t) gun barrel, ammunition boxes, a very detailed etched brass and styrene radio set, as well as a number of other smaller detail parts are also provided. The MG37(t) is based on multiple parts, including some that are slide-molded; it has a pre-bored muzzle and includes belted ammunition. All vision ports have interior details and include clear styrene parts to represent the glass blocks.
The engine compartment features fuel cells, battery box and various accessories, often enhanced with etched brass parts. A multi-part radiator and housing as well as fan are also given. The engine itself is broken down into many, many separate parts and comparing it to photographs reveals that it is visually very accurate. Just about all that is needed is for the modeler to add wiring and fuel lines for a complete appearance. The access hatch lids as well as the circular panel seen on the hull rear plate can all be left open to reveal the detail.
The turret interior features ammunition stowage lockers, accessory bins, traverse hand-wheel and rotating periscope detail. A second MG37(t), complete with sights and spent shell collection bag is mounted co-axially; it could also be used independent of the main gun. The main gun itself features sights and breech detail, but be advised that the Germans removed the perforated breech guard prior to use. There are also a pair of bicycle-type seats for the turret crew as well as clear vision blocks for the interior of the commander’s cupola.
Of course, as with any kit that has interior details, much can be added by the modeler, especially such items as crewmen’s gear. In that regard there is one caution. The details seen on the inner hull wall, around the vent slot, probably represent a holder for a gas mask container. Lots of other items are not given, such as the internal fire extinguisher, driver’s foot pedals and hand-break, MG ammunition boxes, as well as various small plates, boxes, etc. Inside the turret, there are no brow pads for the commander’s cupola, and some missing ammunition box stowage; it would appear that the main gun trigger group is also absent.
Molding, Fit and Engineering.
Overall, I found no problems with the fit of nearly all of the major and minor components. On my particular example the fit of the hull rear plate needed work; this was not a noted issue on any other kits based on these parts that I have reviewed. Of course since this kit is the basis for several others, there are many more separate parts than might be usual; the modeler is urged to clean them and check the fit as he proceeds. No sink marks were found; in every case except for the above-mentioned individual link tracks, there were no visible ejector pin marks. There are the typical small nodes on many parts, which require lots of effort to clean. However, this is better than the alternative: ejector pin marks that need filling and sanding, with the obliteration of surrounding details a distinct possibility. Molding is typically crisp and all part seams are restrained and easily cleaned.
Accuracy.
According to drawings in reference 2, cited below, this kit is dimensionally very accurate. Placement of details is also substantially correct, but I did notice that an extra rivet is seen on the superstructure front plate; remove the center one of the vertical line of three, next to the driver’s view port and it is no longer an issue. Otherwise, DML has done a fine job, especially depicting some of the different rivet- and bolt-head styles and patterns. I am also not sure about the position and the configuration of the radio set; I suppose the biggest issue involves the many missing bits in the interior.
Instructions.
These are in the typical, and busy, line drawing style. There are many sub-steps within the main steps, but with patience and due diligence on the part of the modeler, all will be well in the end.
Decals and Markings Information.
DML’s usual sub-contractor, Italy’s Cartograf, has provided water-slide decal markings for six tanks. The decals are in excellent register, have sharp detail and fine color saturation. Colors are keyed to Gunze and Testors paints. Markings for the following tanks are included:
There are a number of issues regarding the specific vehicle features and the actual Ausfuhrengen (model) as they relate to a given choice of markings. Photographs identify Yellow 9 as an Ausf.S and it has a different style of field-applied fender-mounted stowage box than given in the kit. Yellow 6 is unconfirmed. Yellow-underlined 423 is probably correct; photos show a stowage frame on the turret rear, but do not conclusively confirm it as an Ausf.G. The unidentified Pz.Kpfw.38(t) seen in Bohemia in 1945 is not an Ausf.G and is missing a stowage container for the blow-torch used for cold-weather starting. The Hungarian and Slovakian tanks are substantially correct as far as the style of their markings are concerned. There is a strong probability that they are both Ausf.Gs, but photos are not clear in that regard. So, if building this kit straight from the box, I’d go with either 423 (add the stowage frame), the Hungarian, or the Slovak tank.
Conclusion.
This kit is very, very complete, especially considering the interior, particularly the engine compartment. It is very accurate and is engineered for easy construction. There are some nifty little options and there are also some interesting (if sometimes inappropriate) markings schemes provided. Despite many missing interior bits, this really is a sweet little kit.
So, what are you waiting for?
Highly recommended.
Frank V. “Curley Stooge” De Sisto
References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:
1. “Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition”, by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.
2. “Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf.A to G und S”, Panzer Tracts 18, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
3. “The Eastern Front Armor Camouflage and Markings 1941 to 1945”, Squadron 6102, by S. Zaloga & J. Grandsen.
4. “Pz.Kpfw.38(t) in Action”, Sguadron Armor 19, by H. Doyle & C. Kliment.
5. “Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) & 35(t)”, AVF/Weapons Profile 22, by J. Milsom.
6. “Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.A-D in Detail”, Wings & Wheels SML 38, by F. Koran & V. Francev.
7. “Czechoslovak Armoured Fighting Vehicles 1918-1945”, Bellona, by H. Doyle & C. Kliment.
8. “Panzertruppen 2”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz.
9. “Czechoslovak Armored Fighting Vehicles 1918-1948”, Schiffer, by C. Kliment & V. Francev.
10. “Praga, LT vz.38 Pz.Kpfw.38(t)”, MBI Publications, by C. Kliment & V. Francev.
11. “Allied-Axis 13”, Ampersand Publishing, article by P. Stansell.
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 on-line shops; for details visit their web site at: www.dragonmodelsltd.com.
