Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6643; LAH Division Kleisoura Pass 1941 - Gen2 Gear (also noted in some handouts as “Liebstandart Waffen Klisra Pass 1941"); 145 parts in grey styrene; pre-order price US$14.95 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: figures in camouflage smocks in new poses
Disadvantages: questionable box art (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for SS fans
DML has released a new set of four Waffen SS soldiers (as will all CE rated box art, minus the SS runes on the collars) during the Greek campaign of 1941. It consists of an officer in field uniform wearing an officer’s cap with the grommet removed and three soldiers in camouflaged smocks. The box art (as well as the parts inside the kit) show them with the early war “pick-up” weapons used by some units, here specifically what looks to be a Bergmann MP18 and a zb.26 light machine gun.
The group has the officer calling out orders and the other thjree in crouching positions. The man with the MP18 is kneeling as is the zb.26 gunner while the third man brings up two ammo cans, apparently for the zb.26.
Each follows standard DML fare - six parts consisting of head, torso, arms and legs – with specific detail parts on the main sprue. As with most “Gen2" detail sets a standard set of G and W sprues – gear and weapons – is provided. But surprisingly the W sprue now only provides the more standard weapons – no more options for open or closed bolts nor open bores on any weapons but the two machine guns (M34/MG42).
The box art is among the worst so far from DML – the officer is a well-known shot from “Signal” magazine run through Photoshop and the three enlisted men seem to be reenactors. If you do not know how to paint camouflage smocks there is only a 10 x 10 mm swatch to offer any assistance on the back of the box. Backing up great figures with poor artwork does not seem to be a good idea.
Overall, other than leaving the modeler to be pretty much on his own for painting this is a well-sculpted set and should prove popular, especially for the older weapons.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell
Disadvantages: questionable box art (see text)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for SS fans
DML has released a new set of four Waffen SS soldiers (as will all CE rated box art, minus the SS runes on the collars) during the Greek campaign of 1941. It consists of an officer in field uniform wearing an officer’s cap with the grommet removed and three soldiers in camouflaged smocks. The box art (as well as the parts inside the kit) show them with the early war “pick-up” weapons used by some units, here specifically what looks to be a Bergmann MP18 and a zb.26 light machine gun.
The group has the officer calling out orders and the other thjree in crouching positions. The man with the MP18 is kneeling as is the zb.26 gunner while the third man brings up two ammo cans, apparently for the zb.26.
Each follows standard DML fare - six parts consisting of head, torso, arms and legs – with specific detail parts on the main sprue. As with most “Gen2" detail sets a standard set of G and W sprues – gear and weapons – is provided. But surprisingly the W sprue now only provides the more standard weapons – no more options for open or closed bolts nor open bores on any weapons but the two machine guns (M34/MG42).
The box art is among the worst so far from DML – the officer is a well-known shot from “Signal” magazine run through Photoshop and the three enlisted men seem to be reenactors. If you do not know how to paint camouflage smocks there is only a 10 x 10 mm swatch to offer any assistance on the back of the box. Backing up great figures with poor artwork does not seem to be a good idea.
Overall, other than leaving the modeler to be pretty much on his own for painting this is a well-sculpted set and should prove popular, especially for the older weapons.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell