ARM: Review - DML 1/35 scale Sturmpanzer Ausf. 1 as Fahrgestelle Pzkw, IV Ausf. G

Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6819; S turmpanzer Ausf. 1 als Befehlspanzer - Umbau Fahrgestelle Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. G - Dragon Zimmerit; 647 parts (583 in grey styrene, 39 etched brass, 13 c lear styrene, 10 etched nickel, 2 DS Plastic track runs); price US$69.99 vi a Dragon USA Online

Advantages: nice, very complete kit with many fine details

Disadvantages: generic color schemes; DS Plastic tracks (see text)

Rating: Highly Recommended

Recommendation: for all German Panzer IV and assault gun family fans

When the Germans first introduced their heavy 15 cm "Sturmpanzer" assault gun, it had a number of features which did not prove to be an advantage. Th ese included the lack of an under armor machine gun for infantry suppressio n, various clunky design features such as a poorly laid out driver's armore d compartment and a lack of a commander's cupola. After 52 were built the d esign was improved and the remaining 236 vehicles corrected those deficienc ies.

This kit follows on No. 6596 (the early production Sturmpanzer with zimmer it) but modifies or adds new sprues to cover the differences. As with Kits No. 6500 and 6596, the zimmerit coated parts are the casemate, the lower hu ll sides, the upper and lower glacis, the rear plate, the fender tips, the driver's enclosure and hatches, the pistol port plugs, and a few smaller bi ts.

The casemate includes some interior details and a complete gun and mount. The periscopic sight also projects through the roof of the casemate, and al l hatches may be shown in the open position (but again other than the gun t here is not much to see!) The kit retains the standard new generation Pzkw. IV firewall and optional position engine deck hatches as well.

The kit uses most of the previously generated Pzkw. IV generic parts but m ost of the mid-production Sturmpanzer parts are here replaced by Pzkw. IV g eneric parts. It still provides the etched nickel side shields for the "fu ll-up" vehicle. These are nicely done but will need care as the mounting br ackets are all plastic; modelers may wish to "etch" the surface a bit with a chemical blackener so the adhesive of choice (either cyanoacryalte glue o r epoxy) can "bite" and hold it in place.

Unlike No 6596 this kit uses DS Plastic single track runs vice the "Magic Track" single link handed from the earlier kit. Modelers who are happy with the former will be disappointed but those who like and are familiar with D S Plastic tracks will be happy.

Technical consultants were Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.

Only two finishing options are given with this kit: sand (Panzerbraun) wit h a lot of sprayed green stripes or sand with a few sprayed green stripes. Three small crosses complete the model from a tiny Cartograf sheet. I am al ways surprised considering how few Brummbaers were built that there is not more coverage of the vehicles and their markings.

Overall this is another nicely done kit and should please Sturmpanzer fans .

Thanks to Freddie Leung and Dragon USA for the review sample.

Cookie Sewell

Reply to
AMPSOne
Loading thread data ...

PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.