Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale =9139-=9145 Series Kit No. 664=
3; LAH Division Kleisoura Pass 1941 - Gen2 Gear (also noted in some handout= s as =93Liebstandart Waffen Klisra Pass 1941"); 145 parts in grey styrene; = pre-order price US$14.95 via Dragon USA OnlineAdvantages: 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 rate= d 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=92s 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 =93= pick-up=94 weapons used by some units, here specifically what looks to be a= Bergmann MP18 and a zb.26 light machine gun.=20The group has the officer calling out orders and the other thjree in crouc= hing positions. The man with the MP18 is kneeling as is the zb.26 gunner wh= ile the third man brings up two ammo cans, apparently for the zb.26.=20
Each follows standard DML fare - six parts consisting of head, torso, arms= and legs =96 with specific detail parts on the main sprue. As with most = =93Gen2" detail sets a standard set of G and W sprues =96 gear and weapons = =96 is provided. But surprisingly the W sprue now only provides the more st= andard weapons =96 no more options for open or closed bolts nor open bores = on any weapons but the two machine guns (M34/MG42).=20
The box art is among the worst so far from DML =96 the officer is a well-k= nown shot from =93Signal=94 magazine run through Photoshop and the three en= listed men seem to be reenactors. If you do not know how to paint camouflag= e smocks there is only a 10 x 10 mm swatch to offer any assistance on the b= ack of the box. Backing up great figures with poor artwork does not seem to= be a good idea.=20
Overall, other than leaving the modeler to be pretty much on his own for p= ainting this is a well-sculpted set and should prove popular, especially fo= r the older weapons.=20
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.=20
Cookie Sewell