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Dragon's Tiger I initial was the first release in Dragon's new Tiger I series and was favourably received by modellers. This general detail set from Voyager Model is intended to add further refinement to the 1/35 Dragon model.
The set contains five photo etch frets of varying sizes, two lengths of abs rod and a short length of wire. The set comes packed in a sturdy two part cardboard box which is well suited for sending in the mail. The PE parts have small connections to the frets to allow for clean removal and overall this set is intended for more experienced models, who wish to take full advantage of the Dragon kit's potential. The parts include:
- 4 photo etch mesh screens for the grills on the engine deck. When released the Tiger I initial kit did not include these screens, which were a standard factory feature. These screens have a fine mesh pattern with half etching used to replicate the weave and are a good fit on the intended kit. The smaller screens correctly (unlike some brands) do not have a frame around the cut out hole for the latch (modelers must remove a template from this hole). The edges of the screens are flat (like most brands), unlike those in the DML Tiger I late which correctly curve down on two sides.
- A choice of front fenders is offered with one design having a pattern with small recessed squares and the other of recesses diamond antiskid plate with separate parts for the vertical flashing. The distinctive feature about these fenders compared to those in the Dragon kit is the workable hinges, which are made from two pieces of rolled PE with the thin metal wire as the bolt. A “T” shaped latch is included which can be made to work to keep the fenders secure in place, if you so wish.
- A pair of rear fenders with separate parts for the hex bolts and reinforcing ribs is included. These PE fenders are of a static design.
- Detail for turret including four part hasps with petite padlocks, varying metal strips for the rear stowage bin, and extra detail for the inside of the turret and hull crew hatches.
- Small parts to replace the tool clamps (with spares included) which are made from 3 parts and the petite handle pieces can be added to the Dragon kit clamps if you prefer this easier option.
- PE detail for the fire extinguisher bracket which includes fine detail for the holes on the straps; mountings for the headlights, metal bracing for the wooden jack block, and an elaborate mounting for the rear jack which has the wing-nuts and triangular supports as separate parts.
- Thick PE parts replacement for the kit’s plastic spare track racks, the upper one having small detail such as separate hex bolt heads.
The side fenders in the Dragon Tiger I initial are injection plastic and in their set for the AFV Club Tiger I (#35056), Voyager includes PE fenders, however this set does not include replacement fenders.
A double-sided A4 instruction sheet with clear diagrams is provided. The sheet notes differences observed on the rear hull’s tool layout, however modelers may want to check their references to ascertain which layout suits their chosen vehicle.
Summary
The set from Voyager allows modellers to add extra refinement to Dragon's Tiger I initial, while also providing a set PE screens to complete the Tiger's engine deck. Recommended.
Voyager Model PE is available from Puma Models, the Irish and UK distributor.
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