DML 1/35 Jagdpanzer IV L/48 w/Zimmerit Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2015 | Manufacturer | DML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Jagdpanzer IV L/48 w/Zimmerit | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 6369 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nice details | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $69.95 |
First Look
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The Jagdpanzer IV was developed as a replacement for the Sturmgeschütz III based upon the German Army's experience at the Battle of Stalingrad. The new requirements that came from combat experience dictated much heavier frontal and side armor as well as wider tracks for better mobility on the Russian landscape. The new design also had to be low profile while providing all-round protection for the crew. Based upon the Panzer IV chassis in production, the Jagdpanzer IV was developed with the available Pak 39 L/43 with initial production switched to the Pak 39 L/48 as the main gun. Later variants would use the Pazk 42 L/70 gun produced either by Vomag or Alkett.
The Jagdpanzer IV is one of DML's long-standing kits that is periodically reissued with updates to reflect their continuous product improvements. This release reflects some of those improvements including the addition of Zimmerit texturing on the relvant surfaces saving the modeler the time and trouble of replicating that surface.
The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on 14 parts trees plus lower hull, one tree of clear parts, two lengths of vinyl (DS) track molded in tan, and one fret of photo-etched details.
Some key features of this release are:
- Very detailed chassis and suspension
- Detailed Pak 39 main gun
- Positionable crew hatches
- Optional rangefinder
- Fighting compartment interior has gun breach and radio set details
- Detailed Pak 38 (modified) main gun
- Nice exterior details and pioneering tools
The decal sheet included in this release doesn't match the color profiles in the instructions but provide a nice variety of hull numbers and basic markings for a subject of your choice.
I received a few emails about this kit as it seems there are some problems with the gun barrel and mantlet with the thick barrel scaling out to a much higher caliber and the wrong mantlet. Hopefully there will be aftermarket corrections offered to set these glitches right.
This kit has a number of small parts to build up the interior and exterior details. This won't be a problem for the experienced modeler who wants to have a nice tank hunter on their shelf.
My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!