DML 1/35
Panzermayer LSSAH Division Mariupol 1941

DML has been enjoying some success with a concept that pleases many modelers, namely re-releasing older but still well done figure sets with a set of their excellent "Gen2" figure accessories. This set, portraying "Panzer" Meyer and three soldiers from the 1st SS Panzer Division "Liebstandart Adolf Hitler" from 1941, provides the original set (No. 6116) with more than 200 new parts for detailing.

The figures come with Meyer wearing a greatcoat and carrying a Kar 98K, one soldier wearing a greatcoat with the same weapon, and two soliders wearing the camouflage smocks and also carrying Kar 98Ks. The kit provides for an optional MP-40 for any of the figures as well as the usual "Gen2" upgraded details – bayonets, grenades, gas masks, canteens, bread bags, ponchos, and ammo pouches.

The surprise in this kit is a nicely done Soviet Maxim gun on the wheeled carriage complete with "slide molded" open bore. It comes with two ammo boxes with optional position lids but no belts. Still, as it appears to be for use in a diorama as an "abandoned" gun that is not a problem.

Art and directions by Ron Volstad (original date 1999.)

Overall, this is a nice upgrade to an older kit and should be popular with diorama fans.

Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.

Sprue breakout:

• 6116 64 Four figures and accessories
• GA 68 German kit; canteens, gas mask cans, helmets
• GB 55 German kit; ponchos, bread bags, ammo pouches
• GC 14 German kit: Offensive and Defense grenades
• GC 6 German kit: helmets with camouflage covers
• WA 18x2 German weapons: 2 x Kar98K and accessories
• WB 18 German weapons: 1 x Gewehr 43, 1 x MP-44, 2 x MP-40
• WE 14 7.62mm Soviet Maxim gun and accessories
• MA 6 etched brass