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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. |
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| Subject: | Re: Panzer I - Dragon or Tristar? Magic Tracks!!! |  |
| Date: | Jun 23, 2008 |
| From: | Robert Madden | |
Hi Benjamin,
I recently wrestled with this dilemma but I ended up choosing the later (Modified) Dragon kit over the Tristar for a couple of reasons. After having built a two of the Dragon Panzer 1B kits where you have to cut hundreds of tiny links from the sprue, the option of having a kit with this already done (Dragon Magic Tracks) was most appealing. While the Tristar tracks don't have as many attachment points as the Dragon Pz1B (3 as against 5)it would still be a chore to cut them all off the sprue.
The second point in favour of the Dragon kit was the detailing on the turret hatch. The Dragon kit depicts this well with a proper fitting and separate handle. The Tristar kit is not so good in this area. I find the latch for the hatch is not a good match (I'm having a Dr. Seuss moment) and is just suggested. It's a small point but important to me.
It is generally agreed that the Tristar kit does have the advantage of a better interior but in my case the tank will be partially closed up with the commander protruding from the hatch so most of the interior will be hidden anyway.
I guess the decision really depends on what you want to do with the kit. If you want it fully opened up with guys working on the engine then the Tristar kit is the obvious option. If you want it more closed up and don't want to spend a couple of nights cutting and cleaning up track links then the Dragon might the one for you. I believe both kits are (now that Dragon fixed theirs) acceptably accurate.
One last point. The colour instructions in the Dragon kit for the pre-June 1940 vehicles have them depicted in overall grey. It is now well accepted that German vehicles in that time frame would be painted 2/3 grey, 1/3 red-brown. Sorry for bringing this up but it is my personal hobby horse.
Cheers,
Robert M |
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