S
u m m a r y
|
Stock Number,
Media, Contents and Price: |
Dragon Models Limited 1/35 scale
‘39-‘45 Series No. 6222; Sd.Kfz. 265 kleine Panzerbefehlswagen I 3-in-1
kit |
Scale: |
1/35 |
Media and Contents: |
517 parts (445 in grey styrene, 48
etched brass, 24 clear styrene) |
Price: |
price estimated at US $27.98-33.98 |
Review Type: |
First Look |
Advantages: |
Combines two previous kits with new
moldings and options, adds 50 parts to previous versions |
Disadvantages: |
Constant releases of slightly varied
models may confuse modelers or hurt overall sales |
Recommendation: |
Highly Recommended to all German
armor fans |
Reviewed by
Cookie Sewell
Dragon's 1/35 scale Panzer I Command Tank 3-in-1
kit
will
be available online from Squadron.com
DML continues to listen to feedback from modelers and reviews and make
adjustments to their product line, and one thing which does appear to be popular
is the introduction of "Three in One" kits that let the modeler produce one of
three different variants of a subject.
This is both good and bad, as in the past DML and other manufacturers have
released different variants of a subject as separate kits. It's a good idea when
the kits are quite different (e.g. Shermans with 75mm and 76mm guns and turrets)
but in some cases can be confusing, where the differences are so minor one
wonders why they just didn't put those options all in one kit? The 3-in-1 series
does just that.
This kit is based on the previous two Panzer I command tank kits, and upon
comparing the kit with my review of Kit No. 6218 I found that DML had added 50
new or different parts to the kit – eight in styrene for the "bedstead" antenna,
23 new etched brass, and the 21 parts that came with the second Panzer I kit
(Kit No. 6207, DAK variant) for the clear viewer assemblies. Some sprues have
been modified and others replaced.
By and large, however, modelers should be pleased, especially if they have not
purchased one of these kits before. The model is excellent, but does come with
individual link track that can be tedious to assemble due to its small size. The
kit permits building one of three versions: an early command model with the HF
"bedstead" frame antenna, a version with light applique armor protection, and a
DAK version with extra fuel cans (note: no rack or mounting provisions are
provided for these.)
The modeler also has a choice of idler wheels, stern plates, smoke grenades,
commander's cupolas, stowage bin, antennas, and external view port covers.
Three finishing options are proferred, one for each variant that can be built
from the kit.
Overall this is, as is now common from DML, an excellent if advanced model kit.
My personal concern, however, is that with the plethora of variants DML is
offering some modelers are now considering waiting for the "ultimate" version of
a specific kit or a "3-in-1" variant, and DML may begin hurting their own sales
with these variants in profusion.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Review Text Copyright © 2005 by Cookie
Sewell
Page Created 19 June, 2005
Last updated 18 June, 2005
Back to HyperScale
Main Page
Back to Reviews
Page