Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No.
7225; Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. D; 126 parts (119 in grey styrene, 5 etched brass, 2 in tan DS plastic); retail price $11.98Advantages: very nice, clean model of this popular vehicle in "small scale"; unique but effective method of assembling running gear
Disadvantages: RP parts (as in right puny!)
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German WWII "Small Scale" fans
Following on the heals of their Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. C kit, and as with their 1/35 scale "big brothers," DML has now released a 1/72 scale D model.
As with the C, the D kit is not an actual pantograph of the larger kits, which would make it a nightmare to try and assemble, but still appears based on the same research and drawings used for the 1/35 scale kits.
The lower hull is a single piece pan, less the rear area, and the axles are molded on the lower hull. The running gear for each side consists of a rear (inside) wheel section, a center wheel section, three outer road wheels, and drivers. Once installed the connectors between the individual wheels on the inside and the center are not visible, so it helps speed up assembly while making it easier to get things aligned. Tracks are the gluable DS plastic, so you can also get them to settle down on top of the road wheels with some care.
The model comes with simplified but plentiful interior fittings but they are quite tiny as noted and will require a good deal of care. Interior bits include the various control levers, rifles, MP submachine guns, and other items. The hinge mechanisms for the doors are single pieces, but are non-operating types. They cement to the lower rear section, as the upper hull has the rear angular parts of the hull attached to it. The four front viewers are separate parts and can be cemented either open or closed as well, as is the hood assembly with two flaps. No engine or interior is provided for the engine bay.
The fenders are two-piece units, but the stowage bins are only offered as closed parts. The front MG 42 shield is offered as either a single piece of styrene or a three-piece etched brass option. Other RP parts include the "Notek" headlight and mount and the drum magazines for the two MG 42 machine guns. The weapons appear to be very close to scale, something I don't recall from other manufacturers in the past!
As with the C model, a plethora of finishing options and a relatively large sheet of decals are provided. Suggested finishing options include one Polish version from the "Starowa" forces, six SS division vehicles, and four Wermacht vehicles. Most are painted in the late war three-color scheme, with one LAH SS vehicle in white.
Overall this matches the earlier effort and only needs figures to really set it off.
Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell