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Forums - Modelling / Kits |
The kits forum is for the discussion of model kits. Typically questions on availability or certain subjects and quality of existing kits are posted here. Short reviews are good here too. |
| Topics | 1212 |
| Messages | 7398 |
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| Subject: | Trumpeter's "Dicker Max" First Impressions |  |
| Date: | Apr 22, 2007 |
| From: | Saul Garcia | |
Hi Guys,
I have before me the kit to review. Not really that interested in the vehicle but such is the life of a reviewer. This does make for an unbiased review since there is no excitement over the release to cloud my eyes.
I noticed the sprue with turreted Panzer IV interior parts. No engine, just the hull forward of the engine firewall. It looks real good for plastic and I am sure it will be a cheap alternative to resin. Good enough to view through hatches.
Yet, many of the new parts have flash and pin marks. The fit is very good...AFTER you take care of the aforementioned. Detail wise, it is good. Someone at Trumpeter recognized that the barrel's travel lock had a bicycle chain type clasp to secure it so the instructions inform one not to use the metal strap (part F10).
I appreciate that a designer recognized the vehicle's belly pan must have been altered since it is a mid engine mount design. Sadly, it is completely wrong and does not match the photos of the Pz.Sfl.IVa which was destroyed, recovered, then apparently abandoned when the bridge they needed to cross was too light. From an explosion, it rolled over exposing its underside details.
Again, the lack of up to date references made the inclusion of the regular Panzer IV transmission a mistake. It is the Z.F. SSG 76 when the Pz.Sfl.IVa used the visibly smaller Z.F. SSG 46. However, I consider this a happy mistake. Reference Panzer Tracts 7-1.
The welds also seem a bit large and too proud. Can this be built into a nice model? Yes, but there is more work than necessary. Given that Trumpeter has released beautifully finished kits when they are not competing with another maker (see their Ariete/Chinese Tank Transporter/KV series), this kit seems rushed (as did their French H-38/39 series).
So, what will I do with the kit? Build it for external detail, mount a tarp over it and avoid the interior where all the pin marks are. Obviously, a review will be up shortly.
Regards,
Saśl |
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 | Trumpeter's "Dicker Max" First Impressions - Saul Garcia - Apr 22, 2007 |
| . . . H-38/39 wasn't produced by Trumpeter - Roderick Lenz - Apr 22, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Re: H-38/39 wasn't produced by Trumpeter - Saul Garcia - Apr 23, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: H-38/39 wasn't produced by Trumpeter - Roderick Lenz - Apr 23, 2007 |
| . . . Re: Trumpeter's "Dicker Max" First Impressions - Guy Fuson - Apr 23, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Re: Trumpeter's "Dicker Max" First Impressions - Saul Garcia - Apr 24, 2007 |
| . . . The name "Dicker Max" - Paul A. Owen - Apr 24, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Re: The name "Dicker Max" - Saul Garcia - Apr 24, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Re: The name "Dicker Max" - Bjorn Tingstadengen - Apr 26, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . I always thought they were Hans and Fritz.... - Matt Roberts - Apr 30, 2007 |
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