The final quarter of 2003 was a busy time for DML. Following on from 2 excellent T34s, and a Firefly VC, came the subject of this review, the Hummel (Early Version).

This kit is one of their excellent Nashorn/Hummel series. Three kits in this series, Hornisse (Nashorn early version Kit No. 6165), a Nashorn (late version, Kit No.6166) and a Hummel Initial Version(kit No.6150) were released early this year and earned the company praises among armour modelers.

The vehicle itself consists of 17 sprues, which totaled 392 parts (59 of these are not used) in light gray plastic plus another 3 sprue containing 240 individual track links, a decal sheet, a small sprue containing a tanker. Kit 6046 8th SS Cavalry Division 'Florian Geyer' is also included, along with a small sprue of nicely mould infantry weapons.   And as a bonus inclusion a PE fret (which is like one from Lion Roar) containing the air intake replacements, and some goodies to add to the rear door and the driver's hatch. There is not any indication of this PE fret in the main instruction sheet. A small black and white instruction sheet shows how to modified the kit with the PE parts. So DML may not include this PE fret in the future.

Saying that this kits is a sequel may be a misnomer, as this kit actually looks more the "basic" or "first issue" release than the earlier release of Hummel Initial Version(kit No.6150). The Spure H, which is from the Nashorn/Hornisse, is no longer needed, and only a portion the Sprues O are provided in this kit. So there is no Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf E idler wheels and mufflers. A tiny new sprue provides the rear hull panel and the exhausts.

Quality is as expected with DML's current issues with parts moulded to high standard with no evident flash. There are some pin ejector marks on the insides of the fighting compartment walls which should be covered after the equipment is added.

Essentially it is the same as Kit No. 6150. So the Track-Link review of the earlier kit applies to this one.

The horses and figures are from their earlier kits, quality is still quite nice, though posture is not as animated as on their newer ones.

The instruction sheet is the new full-color photographs format. Some modelers may think that some of the sequences were a little confusing, and as the photos show some smaller parts already assembled with only arrowed numbers pointing to the individual parts, it may be little hard to follow. Personally I quite like this style, as when you get used to it, it is not that difficult to follow. However, the instructions show the wrong direction of tracks as in the previous release.

Three painting schemes are provided: 2 schemes for PzArtRgt 116, 5.PzDiv, Russia 1944, and 1 for PzArtRgt 73, 1.PzDiv, Greece 1943.

One may be a little disappointed if one has the Kit No.6150 already. There is nothing 'new' in this kit. But in itself it is a superb kit, with some nice extras like the inclusion of Kit 6046, and a PE fret.