[MoMo]

Hi Guys,

Will the promised model be as good as the kit? Here's a mini preview:

I build some of Dragon's models as well as collect the pre-assembled versions, so I can guess what is next on Dragon's slate.

I just bought their new 1.72 scale Sd. Kfz.251/2 Auf.C mit Granatwerfer rivetted version and the kit is wonderful.

It has an all new hull top with rivets and metal plates which you glue to the under-hull to achieve the effect of the riveted hull. The mortar is well moulded too. You have to lose the front m.g. and also the grab rail on the inside of the hull top to keep it authentic. Also gone is the rear right seating to make way for a metal frame to house the mortar round cases. Beatiful job of providing etched parts.

No crew, though. This, along with the S.P. guns would have been the opportunity for Dragon to have kept five steps ahead of FOV.

For those of you with paint and a bit of time, Armorfast provide a late war set with the requisite figures and Pegasus provide an early war set with some beautiful figures.

When it appears, it is well worth detailing and animating this beautiful 251.

I'm a bit concerned about the possible camo schemes which may be in the pipeline. The kit has three suggested options :

• panzer grey/green
• panzer grey/green with sand stripes
• sand

The kit is provided with a wealth of decals which you will not see on the pre-built kit. It takes an expert modeller to make anything of them. Similarly, the smaller metal parts will probably be missing from the pre-built version, as has been the policy in recent times.

Happy waiting and hunting!

MoMo

[MoMo]

I thought that you guys would like to see the riveted version.

MoMo




The Sd.Kfz. 251 was produced in a number of hull types as production had to be simplified as the war wore on. German half-tracks were used in a number of roles including that of mortar carrier. This version, known as the Sd.Kfz. 251/2, provided a mobile platform for the 8cm GrW34 medium mortar.

Currently this is the only kit of the mortar carrier on the market available in 1/72 scale. Much effort has been invested in the kit with completely new tooling to represent a wonderfully replicated true to scale riveted hull! On the original vehicle the 8cm Grenatwerfer 34 mortar could be dismounted and fired from a baseplate, or fired while mounted inside the vehicle."

The kit’s mortar carrier is manufactured with Dragon Model standards – it has been broken down into four separate parts to maximize detail, and of course it can also be modeled dismounted with its accompanying crew figures! Parts are abundant, including extra accessories like ammo boxes and an extremely useful photo-etched fret. This vehicle has been long awaited by modelers and at last it is here.
Features:


Completely new tooling of riveted body and armor plates for Ausf.C NEW TOOLING
Newly tooled 8cm Grenatwerfer 34 mortar NEW TOOLING
New mount for installing the mortar in the vehicle NEW
Photo-etched parts for upgrading details
Detailed tracks manufactured in DS (Dragon Styrene)
All wheels possess crisp detail
Road wheels injected as a unit
Convenient to assemble and saves time
Cartogarf decal offers accurate markings

[MoMo]

I don't know if you guys noticed but in Dragon's announcement of their kit version, they intimate to all that the kit contains crew figures :

"The kit’s mortar carrier is manufactured with Dragon Model standards – it has been broken down into four separate parts to maximize detail, and of course it can also be modeled dismounted with its accompanying crew figures!
Parts are abundant, including extra accessories like ammo boxes and an extremely useful photo-etched fret. This vehicle has been long awaited by modelers and at last it is here."

I have the kit and I can assure you that it contains exactly ZERO crew figures! Is this a case of Dragon getting their advertising mixed up? If ever a vehicle deserved to have accompanying crew figures, this is it!

I am aware of how many 1.72 die-cast collectors have wish lists of vehicles with crew members. If Dragon has gone this way, and the ad is not a mistake, then perhaps this model is destined for special presentation status with a crew as standard.

The case could be one of the deeper ones, a la T34 in grassland situation, with the crew dismounted firing the mortar from a location nearby. This would make a fine vignette and would be sure to become a must for all Dragon-heads!

We can only hope.

MoMo

[Legio LXXII]

I checked with others and the kit does not include figures so must be a misprint on Dragons part.

[MoMo]

Wouldn't it be great if it wasn't a mistake but just Dragon letting the cat out of the bag in the wrong place!

Have faith, LegioLXX11 !

MoMo

[easy8]

Could it be text used on the box of their 1/35 version, and somebody just forgot to take it out when the 1/72 product came out...afterall Dragon does a ton of 1/35 fig kits and usually have figs with their bigger kits.

easy8

[MoMo]

Yea,

That's probably the answer Easy8. Lateral thinking
( or ' thinking out the box! )

MoMo

[easy8]

I do hope Dragon starts doing 1/72 figs though! These open top AFVs need some crew!

easy8

[MoMo]

I agree, Easy8.

As I keep saying, Preisser make german AFV crews. They're not hard to paint!

By the way, I once spent 6 happy weeks in Iowa City. A nice part of the world. Just a bit flat.

MoMo

[easy8]

Originally Posted by MoMo

I agree, Easy8.

As I keep saying, Preisser make german AFV crews. They're not hard to paint!

By the way, I once spent 6 happy weeks in Iowa City. A nice part of the world. Just a bit flat.

MoMo

Ha! You got that right MoMo, that part of the state is flat all right! I grew up in the western part of the state, near the Missouri River, nice rolling hill country, now live in the capitol city of Des Moines, and it took me awhile to get used to how flat it is! May I ask why you were in Iowa City? Med student perhaps?

easy8