| Date of Review |
June 2006 |
| Manufacturer |
DML |
| Subject |
Jagdpanzer IV/70 Command Version |
| Scale |
1/72 |
| Kit Number |
7238 |
| Primary Media |
161 parts (132 in grey styrene, 26 etched
brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs, 1 length of steel wire) |
| Pros |
New kit of this vehicle continuing DML's
run of 1/72 Panzer IV tank chassis |
| Cons |
DS tracks require adjustment but since
they cement up using plastic cement should not be a major drawback |
| Skill Level |
Basic |
| MSRP (USD) |
$13.95 |
One of the nicer recent articles in "Military Modelling" (No.
36/6) was one called "Snake in the Grass" by Frank De
Sisto on modeling the 1/35 Scale Jagdpanzer IV/70 vehicle. Even
though Frank's article is on the big one, anyone who wants to do
up this little gem is offered that article as a guide to finishing
this kit.
Based on the earlier Jagdpanzer IV L/48 Early Production (No.
7276) and Jagdpanzer IV/70 Lang (No, 7293) kits, this one has some
new bits for the "Stroke 70" and also some different
components. It includes the solid road wheels for the first two
stations each side as well as a new hull with only three return
rollers and twin pipes (Pzkw.IV Ausf.J chassis) rather than the
four used by early versions of both the "Stroke 48" and "Stroke
70."
The PaK 42 L/70 gun barrel benefits from "slide molding" with
a hollow bore. A new casemate and detail parts are provided for
the later variant. The "command variant" – which
alludes to its coming with the "crow's foot" antenna
in brass and steel for the command version with different radio
fit – is a small bit of detailing added to the kit.
Surprisingly, the etched brass skirts (schuertzen) from the "Stroke
48" kit have been dropped here for styrene ones. The etched
brass here only provides small details and the antenna head.
As is now the standard with this line of kits, it comes with positionable
hatches and separate hatches for the engine deck (but no interior).
Details are quite small (Right Puny Parts) so care will have to
be taken in assembly to prevent the "Carpet Monster" from
acquiring some of the details.
The two holes in the belly which appeared in Kit No. 7293 are
now gone, so the the diehard "right belly" fans will
be pleased!
The road wheels come in the now-standard two-wheel molded units
with separate faces, as well as a set of nine solid-steel road
wheels. Four are required for a standard late production IV/70,
but as some were seen with more DML has provided for "mix
and match" replacement.
Other details include periscopic sights and viewers.
Five different finishing schemes are provided, one in winter whitewash
and four in various tricolor (red-brown/green/Panzerbraun) ones.
All are for 1945 in either Germany or Hungary. "Targeted" decals
for these finishing options are provided rather than a "number
jungle."
Overall, DML has really done a great job on their IV series and
this one fills in its niche very nicely.
Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.
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