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| Hobby Forum Index » Models - Scale » ARM: Review - DML 1/35 scale Sd.Kfz. 138 Marder H... |
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 Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:09 pm |
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Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No.
6420; Sd.Kfz. 138 Panzerjaeger 38 Marder III H Fgst. 38t Ausf. E -
Smart Kit; 790 parts (433 in grey stryene, 240 “Magic Track” single
links, 107 etched brass, 10 clear styrene); estimated retail price US
$49.95
Advantages: first kit of this variant from DML; use of proven kit
parts simplifies the assembly of the kit
Disadvantages: continuing arguments about the fenders and their proper
angles not changed by this kit
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all German armor fans
When DML decided to make a kit of the Marder III, they decided to
first do the late models which had been ill-served by the modeling
companies. Now, nearly three years on, they have returned to the early
or “Ausf. H” version of the vehicle.
Approximately 410 of these vehicles were either built new or
converted from existing Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. E and F chassis before the
late model (Ausf. M) entered production. Basically a TNPH based
version of the similar vehicle on the Pzkw. II chassis, it was a
lightweight and handy vehicle for antitank needs.
DML has combined a number of bits into one new kit here, mostly
sprues from their Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G kits, the 7.5 cm Pak 40, and
some new Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F sprues to creat this kit.
As is not surprising to many regular readers of model reviews, many
times we reviewers use “cut and paste” to create new reviews based on
sprue-swapping from older kits and on occasion we forget which variant
we are reviewing! In this kit, apparently DML made the same mistake as
the main sprue for the kit which was newly cut – Sprue G – was left
labeled for the “Pzkw. 38(t) Ausf. G”. Nice to know they can make the
same goofs we do!
The kit follows the pattern of past DML kits with most of the sprues
coming from the Ausf. G kit – engine and interior, suspension, and
details – and the gun upper carriage and ammunition details from the
Pak 40 kits. All have been gone over several times in the past and on
web sites, and the only major ongoing complaint by modelers has to do
with the fender angles. The kit comes with straight fenders (and there
are several factory photos that show they may have been built that
way) but not those noticed in service with a distinctive kink upwards
at about midpoint (which may have come from crew weight on the
fenders). It is correctable but an ongoing source of argument and
complaint.
The kit comes with a good portion of engineering from previous kits,
such as the fairly complete interior and the use of the ammunition
stowage tubes with four partial projectiles for insertion as loaded
rounds. A radio set and racks are provided as well.
As opposed to other “Smart Kit” releases this one has a large amount
of etched brass included but most of the parts except for the rear
“basket” and engine grille vent cover appear optional.
Once again it comes with the “Magic Track” single link system, which
is relatively popular as it is easy to assemble. But with a kit of
this size (e.g. “compact”) thought may be given to making one-piece DS
Plastic tracks an option or inclusion.
Technical assistance was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
Two different finishing options are offered - both for our old friend
“Unidentified Unit”: Eastern Front 1943 (grey with black and white
crosses) or Eastern Front 1944 (sand brown with black and white
crosses). A small Cartograf sheet is provided with details for the
ammo crates as well.
Overall this is another gap-filler from DML and one which should be
popular with Praga tank fans as well.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell |
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