Dragon Model Ltd.

1/35 German Field Howitzer Gun Crew

Kit Number: 6461, Premium Edition

Reviewed by  John MacDonald, IPMS# 45701

MSRP: 13.00 Review kit provided by Dragon USA (www.dragonmodelsusa.com ) Hot on the heels of DML's s.F.H.18 Howitzer is the Premium Edition Gun Crew. The box art is the same as the s.F.H. 18, with only the gun itself grayed out, highlighting the crew, and lending itself to the notion that this is the crew to use on DML 150mm howitzer. The rear of the box depicts the several different poses available, depending on how you wish your crew to look. Inside the box, which opens with a slide off cover the same as the larger kits, we find seven well packed gray sprues, along with two tan DS vinyl sprues. Also included is a one page instruction sheet, with both color diagrams and line drawing for each figure. The color diagrams instruct you how to build the crew as depicted on the box top, while the line drawings show you how to construct the alternate stances. All of the figures have two alternate assemblies, except for one figure, which is limited to the box top configuration and one alternate. The customary Aqueous Hobby Color, Mr. Color and Model Master Color call outs are included. Here's a quick breakdown of the sprues involved: Sprue A: This sprue is marked as the "Karl Gerat Crew" on the sprue tab, leading me to believe that these parts are from another DML kit. This sprue contains the multi-piece main body assemblies, including right and left legs, torsos, heads, helmets and miscellaneous gear. One real draw back here for me is the fact that the figures must have helmets on, as the heads are only the "half-head" type, requiring the use of helmets. Sprue B: Contains seven arms that I believe are specific to this kit, including one holding a clipboard and one holding a shell ram rod. This particular sprue contains lots of flash, but no visible ejector pin marks. Sprue G: This is the same ammo sprue that's included in the s.F.H. 18 Howitzer. It contains ten shells of two different types (five of each) along with charge canisters and caps. Sprue L: Again, these two sprues are included with the s.F.H. 18 howitzer. These two tan DS vinyl sprues carry the two wicker mats for under the howitzer wheels, as well as four protective wicker shell canisters. Sprue GA: Miscellaneous German gear, including shovels, canteen cups, canteens, mess tins, bayonets, helmets, binocular cases, binoculars, and some others. Excellently cast with no flash. Sprue GB: on this sprue are some miscellaneous packs and holsters. There is some moderate flash, but nothing too substantial.

Also included are two miscellaneous arm sprues, containing 24 arms in 12 sets. These are label A# thru F#. In my personal opinion, the largest downfall with this kit is the lack of uniform options given to the modeler. All figures can only be modeled in full uniform, with helmets. It would have been nice to have some variation, such as the option to model a soldier or two with out their combat coats on or, even just simply having their sleeves rolled up. Also, it would have been beneficial to have more than just the helmeted heads available. However, with the deluge of after market heads available, this is easily remedied. Since I am not a WWII German uniform aficionado, I am going to refrain from commenting on the historical accuracy of the uniform, other than to say the do look reasonably like German WWII uniforms. Overall this kit will make a nice little addition to the s.F.H. 18 howitzer, as well as potentially any other howitzers or field guns that DML has on the way. The cast are nice and crisp, with excellent detail, minimal flash, and no visible ejector pin marks. I am looking forward to adding these figures to my s.F.H. 18 howitzer. Now, if only someone would release a 1:35 prime mover … Ed.Note: Please see also John's use of this crew with his Dragon 1/35 sFH 18 Howitzer review.

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