Well apart from what has already been said it's blindingly obvious from the tape that its been put together on a temporary basis, a test build. Just looking at the images I can see, as you did a gap at the front and at the back, so logically when the top section is pushed forward to close the gap at the rear then it would in turn cover the corresponding gap in the front. Obvious I would have thought Alan

I think a lot of us would have taken a Duster over a 222, but fact is that the 222 will be popular and will sell well. The main thing is that those reports of the company's demise were greatly exaggerated! Let's be thankful for that, and look forward to some interesting (and hopefully regular) releases from them in the future. - Steve

Understood on the kit to see if parts fit deal. Good to see folks with a sense of opinion. Well I still stand by mine. Flame on. To me I do not see much difference in it over the Tamiya one. Notice I said much difference,granted there is some. And yes I have two or three of the Old Tamiya kits from back in the day. Price? Still I think a Duster is a long time missing deal,when just about every vehicle that Germany made has been done and some that never even made it off of the paper. MHO.

This looks good to me. Always been a big fan of this vehicle, and from what I can see, this is going to be a nice build when it is released. The open vision ports alone make me smile, never mind the suspension changes.... Jamie

Let's hope the Sd.Kfz.222 is not on Dragon's secret item list in 2009 or 2010. They have done this again and again since Tristar opened for business, e.g. panzer I, panzer IV, 38t and Brumbar. Paul

The only difference between what Dragon usually does when Trumpeter releases a new model and this is that Tristar's models, imho surpass Dragon's in most aspects. I'd buy one of their 38(t)s and IVs over the DML version anyday, they're a lot cheaper too (at least here).

Yeah, I have a stack of Tristar kits (and a stack of Dragon as well) and I think Tristar has pushed Dragon to improve some of their kits (the mkIV and mkI) The Tristar Marader III H is an outstanding kit... alot of parts packed into a little box... once opened it is really hard to get all the parts back in... molding is top notch... Customer service was good as well (I have had to replace parts from both companys)... And I am really looking forward to the 222 as they say competition ist good (well good for us ) (yes I built the Tamiya one a million years ago... easy build... no interrior, very simple gun... the best thing it had going for it was that is was a sd.kfz 222 ) Gray

The fact is that Dragon is already a well established model manufacturer while Tristar was just starting up. The time and effort that Tristar took to achieve the extra accuracy eventually took its toll. Even Tamiya is trying to avoid competing directly with Dragon. Anyway, just wish the new Tristar could stay for a long long time. Paul

i should offer my services to tristar as jimmy the legs, sabotage, thumbscrews and back room deals. they would be top of the market in no time