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 Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:36 pm |
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Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No.
6577; Flakpanzer I - Smart Kit - Premium Edition; 654 parts (366 in
grey styrene, 192 “Magic Track” track links, 62 etched brass, 18
preformed etched brass, 16 clear styrene); retail price US$41.95
Advantages: “Tweaks” the original 2006 kit and adds another 70 parts;
fixes some areas of earlier complaints about Ausf. A chassis
Disadvantages: a lot of work by DML to correct a kit of a relatively
obscure vehicle
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for German armor fans and “duck hunters”
When DML released their first version of this kit in June 2006 (No.
6220), I could not find any information about it and speculated (bad
move) that it was a prototype. Ah, no; the “faithful” proceeded to
bombard me with e-mails that it was real and 24 were built, issued and
used in combat.
Mea culpa. I did some research using Russian sources, however, and
found this vehicle did exist but was quickly reduced to a deathtrap
and a disaster by the Soviets. Apparently they were used on the front
line as both tactical air defense and fire suppression of ground
troops. When the Soviets figured that out, they simply brought up PTRS
and PTRD 14.5mm antitank rifles and began to snipe the gunners through
the gunshields, turning them into instant death traps. The Germans got
the point and moved the survivors back to rear area positions.
For reasons best known to themselves (but apparently related to
negative comments about their early Pzkw. I tank releases) DML has now
re-released this kit as a “Premium Edition” version. The new version
has another 70 parts, mostly etched or preformed brass, but many of
the original sprues show signs of “tweaking” with one or two new parts
added to the earlier version, plus a cargo body for the Sonderanhanger
51 2 cm transport trailer to permit using it as an ammo trailer. A
second set of early Pzkw. I Ausf. A wheels are also included as well
as new suspension units.
As before the kit is beautifully engineered with “slide molding” used
on many of the parts, 18 preformed etched brass provided for the wheel
rim “lips” and also the “catch” baskets for expended 2 cm rounds, and
more etched brass. In addition to the original Kit 6220 frets there is
now an addition one of generic German tie-downs and straps for the
OVM, as well as OVM without tie-downs molded to them. This latter idea
may pop up in more DML kits as the parts sprues are generic as is the
brass fret.
The hull appears to be the modified one from later Panzer I kits and
there are also changes made to each sprue with either additional or
modified parts on each of the original Pzkw. I Ausf. A sprues. Note
that a number of holes must be drilled out in the fenders from the
underside before attachment.
The kit now comes with “Magic Track” links but instead of an “L” and
“R” pair it comes with a double set of “R” links in one bag. I have no
idea if this is correct or not but somehow seems sensible from a
German point of view as the track links are so small.
As before, the kit comes with the complete 2 cm Flak 38 kit and some
modified parts for that model as well. Three different breech
assemblies and shrouds for the 2 cm are now provided as is an etched
brass gun shield and other elements. The stowage box for the trailer
can be mounted as is, or a smaller one mounted on the unused 2 cm Flak
38 ground mount base can be attached as an option.
As before , technical assistance credit for this kit does to Dan
Graves, Ed Kusiak, Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.
This time five schemes are provided for finishing: one unidentified
unit, Eastern Front 1941 (grey overall); and four vehicles from Flak
Abt. 614 on the Eastern Front in 1941-42, all in grey schemes (white
2; 2/Flak Abt. 614, white 213; 3/Flak Abt. 614, white 3; and one in
overall whitewash with no markings). A small sheet of Cartograf decals
is provided.
Overall, while this version does correct some earlier errors with the
Pzkw. I chassis and is heartily recommended for air defense fans who
missed the first kit, and also adds some useful new options, I
personally wonder why there are now no less than three kits of a very
obscure vehicle on the market (two DML, one Tristar) and others which
deserve kitting are left wanting.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell |
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