Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 scale Armor Pro Kit No. 7421; Heavy Uniform Personnel Vehicle Type 40 All Weather Configuration; 98 parts (94 in grey styrene, 4 etched brass); pre-order price US$17.50 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: another pair of German softskins in =93Small Scale=94; neatly done with slide molded bodies in one piece
Disadvantages: thick sides to body, fixed doors
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all small-scale German fans
DML has now released another of its =93one plus one=94 small scale armor kits =96 two identical kits in one box =96 and this time it is of the Horch Kfz. 70 heavy 4 x 4 personnel carrier. The model comes with the wide bench seats for crew members and an erected top with side curtains. The latter is molded in clear styrene so it can be painted but will require some astute masking. The model also comes with a clear windscreen, and the top is pretty much optional.
However, the doors are fixed in place and the sides are thick, so most modelers may wish to put the top up. It does come with a full interior and etched brass non-slip floor gratings so DML did make more than an effort to provide an interior.
The full driveline is provided to include dual springs for each wheel mount (independent four wheel suspension) and the wheels and tires are one piece items. The lower fender insert and grille are a single piece, which is neatly molded using the slide molding technique.
Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson are listed as the consultants for this kit.
Markings and finishing are rather blah =96 one vehicle is offered in grey with whitewash and no markings details. A set of number plates and =93number jungles=94 is provided on a tiny Cartograf decal sheet.
Overall this is a nice pair and should be popular to =93bulk=94 up a diorama or wargame set.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell