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Dragon Models Kit Number 14008, 14011 1/144 Hornisse & Panzer IV Ausf. F-2 and 1/144 Nashorn & Panther G Early |
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Reviewed By James Kelley, # |
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MSRP: $5.95 USD Dragon Models has expanded their line of 1/144 scale modeling kits recently, relying on the successful “Panzer Korps” series of kits, based on the “Can-Do” die cast collectables. No die-casts here, though…the only metal in the boxes are the Photo-Etch frets of crisp detail parts. Molded in a dark grey, resin-like plastic (the consistency and texture of which seems very similar to Cutting Edge’s resin aftermarket sets), these kits include 2 models each (!), or as in the case of the railway guns/mortars, a full complement of crewmembers to man the guns. The most recent releases include a number of separate kits, that when purchased and built, comprise an entire Wermacht armored train, replete with a section of connecting track in each box! The kits reviewed for this article, however, were the Hornisse/Pz. IV Ausf. F-2 and the Nashorn/Panther G (Early) boxings. These kits are part of the Panzer Korps III series. Each kit includes two different models, as stated above, and features some really commendable detail. The hatches on the Pz. IV, for example, was so nicely modeled, that it would have been a downgrade to file them down and use the PE hatches included on the fret. I did, however, use the exhaust grills for the rear deck, and they added some nice detail to the model. The Hornisse Photo-Etch consists primarily of an armored shield surrounding the main weapon, and when used, adds a very nice scale dimension to the model the plastic part would not have. The kits assembled very easily, and the Hornisse was trouble-free. In fact, I built, painted, and weathered it over a period of 3 or 4 hours last Saturday, and took it to a contest Sunday morning. Second place in the Out of the Box category for a few hours of work….I think that speaks for the quality of these kits right there! The Pz. IV Ausf. F-2 however, was a little more challenging. The left tread/wheel assembly (one piece on these kits) was slightly warped on my sample, and did not hold its shape after subjecting it to hot water. Perhaps operator error, and admittedly I did not spend a whole lot of time on solving the problem (some Jabo will be along shortly to destroy it, anyways!), but it adds a notable twist to the vehicle. The front of the upper hull doesn’t quite meet the lower portion well either, and a small amount of filler was required. Still, these are minor deficiencies, and the model builds up nicely despite these. The decals, printed by Cartograph, are in perfect register, thin, and respond excellently to the Micro Set/Sol system. Both kits include decals for multiple vehicles apiece. Color painting guides are printed as part of the simple to read, exploded-view instructions. Included are some shots of a quick-build of the Pz. IV and Hornisse kits. The others in the series should be anticipated to be just as easy and fun to build, with similar accuracies and details. These kits are heartily recommended for small-armor enthusiasts, war gamers, or “Airplane Guys” like me looking for something different to enjoy. My thanks go out to John Noack, 1st VP IPMS USA, and Dragon Models for these outstanding kits to review! |
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Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®. |
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