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NEWS
Pak 38 & Crew From Dragon Models
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 09:24 PM UTC
Dragon Models (through their DragonUSA subsidiary) have just announced that have overhauled their earlier Pak 38 model in 1/35th scale. The new model will be DRA6444 - 5cm PaK 38 with Crew (Premium Edition). The full report (including photos) can be seen:
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If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
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If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 09:37 PM UTC
Hey Jim,
Really nice to see DML update and reissue this kit with new figures.
The original kit with the paras wearing snowsuits kind of limited the choices for displaying the gun or settings for a diorama.
The Zeltbahns are a first, I can't recall any other plastic manufacturers making figures wearing them.
The trailing castor wheel is a definite bonus.
Cheers
jjumbo
Really nice to see DML update and reissue this kit with new figures.
The original kit with the paras wearing snowsuits kind of limited the choices for displaying the gun or settings for a diorama.
The Zeltbahns are a first, I can't recall any other plastic manufacturers making figures wearing them.
The trailing castor wheel is a definite bonus.
Cheers
jjumbo
Jamesite
Joined: December 05, 2006
KitMaker: 2,208 posts
Armorama: 2,152 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 11:18 PM UTC
Yes this is a nice release from DML, I'm glad that they are commited to improving their older kits as well as releasing new one's.
This looks to be a nice build, i'd be interested to see the spruces.
The figures are a nice touch, and while the zeltbahns are a nice choice, I beleive this is typical of DML, by re-using one of their figure kits (although i'm not sure which this is) with new arms to create suitable figures. unfortunately they look as much, but perhaps a careful modeller can inject a bit more life into them!
(If you are after figures in zeltbahns John, DML have a few out already in various sets.)
James
This looks to be a nice build, i'd be interested to see the spruces.
The figures are a nice touch, and while the zeltbahns are a nice choice, I beleive this is typical of DML, by re-using one of their figure kits (although i'm not sure which this is) with new arms to create suitable figures. unfortunately they look as much, but perhaps a careful modeller can inject a bit more life into them!
(If you are after figures in zeltbahns John, DML have a few out already in various sets.)
James
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 12:18 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Yes this is a nice release from DML, I'm glad that they are commited to improving their older kits as well as releasing new one's.
This looks to be a nice build, i'd be interested to see the spruces.
The figures are a nice touch, and while the zeltbahns are a nice choice, I beleive this is typical of DML, by re-using one of their figure kits (although i'm not sure which this is) with new arms to create suitable figures. unfortunately they look as much, but perhaps a careful modeller can inject a bit more life into them!
(If you are after figures in zeltbahns John, DML have a few out already in various sets.)
James
Hey James,
Dug out some of my old DML catalogs and I found a couple of their older kits wearing Zeltbahns.
Kits #6057 German Grenadiers "East Prussia 1945" (all 4 figures) and #3155 Kampfgruppe Von Luck "Normandy 1944" (1 figure only).
Both kits appear to be OOP and aren't in my latest 2007 catalog.
Most of their other figures are wearing either standard uniforms, camo smocks, parkas or overcoats.
It does look like they recycled the figures from kit #6057 for this "new" Pak38.
Hopefully the new figures will be able to be "switched and swapped" to get additional poses from them.
Cheers
jjumbo
Martinnnn
Joined: April 26, 2004
KitMaker: 5,435 posts
Armorama: 2,762 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 12:23 AM UTC
That's good. I almost bought the old kit with a bunch of upgrades but decided to wait a while. And voila, new kit on the way. Maybe I don't need the upgrades now...Great news
Now how about a DAK crew Dragon, as that is what I want to use it for ?
Now how about a DAK crew Dragon, as that is what I want to use it for ?
alanmac
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
Armorama: 2,953 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 12:36 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Kits #6057 German Grenadiers "East Prussia 1945" (all 4 figures) and #3155 Kampfgruppe Von Luck "Normandy 1944" (1 figure only).
Both kits appear to be OOP and aren't in my latest 2007 catalog.
Hi John
If you are keen to get either of these sets they do seem to be available with some frequency, certainly on the UK version of ebay as new, unopened etc. Also I'd check with Luckymodel.com and Hobbyeasy.com as they seem to get a batch of older sets come in from time to time at good prices.
I guess they must get offered items stockpiled in warehouses from time to time.
Although as you are probably aware, and I found out when I purchased the "Battle of the Hedgerows" set recently, that Dragon have improved their figures during the last few years and these older sets show their age a bit in crispness of detail etc. Mine also had those, I think they call them, cooling lines over the torso parts.
After buying two or three of the Gen2 figures these to me have got to be the best as regards detail on the market in moulded plastic and a tough act for anybody to follow. Just need to ensure the subject matter, animation etc. is good as well, like Masterbox and Miniart are doing.
Alan
Fitz
Joined: July 11, 2006
KitMaker: 439 posts
Armorama: 331 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 12:36 AM UTC
Hmmmmm.. Dragon rehashes an old kit with a few new bits and some recycled figures in a new box and everything thinks its the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Tamiya rehashed an old kit with some new bits and figures and everyone slams them.
Just so long as there is no double standard.
Tamiya rehashed an old kit with some new bits and figures and everyone slams them.
Just so long as there is no double standard.
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 12:47 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hmmmmm.. Dragon rehashes an old kit with a few new bits and some recycled figures in a new box and everything thinks its the greatest thing since sliced bread.
In the four responses to this release the remarks have been (generally) positive although each poster has commented on some of the limitations.
Quoted Text
Tamiya rehashed an old kit with some new bits and figures and everyone slams them.
Just so long as there is no double standard.
No, there isn't and we don't have any kind of 'Agenda' either. If you want to shout against the 'Dragon Fan Club' then you'll find various paid-up members on other sites...
If you look at various posts by the people who've contributed to this thread, you'll find that ALL of them at some point in the past have been pretty sceptical over some of DML's releases.
As for Tamiya (why you brought it up I have NO idea) their service to the AFV modeler in 1/35th scale in the last few years has been one of little more than contempt. A handful of (new) releases and an interminable process of re-boxing 30-year-old 'antiquities' has been pretty thoroughly (and justifiably) lambasted. DML may have its faults, but it DOES (thru the Premium Editions) make an attempt to modernize older, but, essentially sound kits. Tamiya modernizes its prices...
Jamesite
Joined: December 05, 2006
KitMaker: 2,208 posts
Armorama: 2,152 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 01:47 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hey James,
Dug out some of my old DML catalogs and I found a couple of their older kits wearing Zeltbahns.
Kits #6057 German Grenadiers "East Prussia 1945" (all 4 figures) and #3155 Kampfgruppe Von Luck "Normandy 1944" (1 figure only).
Both kits appear to be OOP and aren't in my latest 2007 catalog.
Most of their other figures are wearing either standard uniforms, camo smocks, parkas or overcoats.
It does look like they recycled the figures from kit #6057 for this "new" Pak38.
Hopefully the new figures will be able to be "switched and swapped" to get additional poses from them.
Cheers
jjumbo
Hey jjumbo, fast work! yes they were the sets I was thinking of, I have the 'von luck' set, and figured they had recycled the figures. Come to think of it the guy from the von luck set would make a good ammo carrier for the Pak 38.
Fitz, there is no double standard, we are equally as critical of any company.
There is a difference between new tooling, and chucking a small PE fret and a set of jerry cans in a kit.
James
ALBOWIE
Joined: February 28, 2006
KitMaker: 1,605 posts
Armorama: 1,565 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 03:13 AM UTC
Nice, the Pak 38 was always a favourite and I hope this gets the same treatment the Pak 40 got. I also hope they eventually offer a DAK crew (with or without a PAK 38).
Cheers
Al
Cheers
Al
wbill76
Joined: May 02, 2006
KitMaker: 5,425 posts
Armorama: 4,659 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 04:42 AM UTC
Judging by the DML poster's CAD drawings, it doesn't look like the Pak 38 itself is getting any sort of "Premium" treatment aside from the addition of the towing castor wheel. By that I mean it doesn't appear as if the gun and mount are getting any new slide-molded or PE parts as is traditionally the case with Premium upgrades. Won't know for sure of course until it's released.
C_JACQUEMONT
Joined: October 09, 2004
KitMaker: 2,433 posts
Armorama: 2,325 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 07:51 AM UTC
And no metal barrel???? I think the "Premium Edition" moniker is a bit of an exaggeration...
Cheers,
Christophe
Cheers,
Christophe
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 11:58 AM UTC
Hey guys,
After all that's been said, it's still nice to see the old kit reissued with some new "tweaks".
It's certain looks to be better than the the PaK38 that Italeri issued in the past few years.
DML's retooled figures look like they're going to be a far cry better than the "hunchbacked" gun crew from the old ESCI 75mm leichte Infantriegeschutz 18 field-gun that Italeri included in their PaK38 cannon and they're 75mm PaK97/38.
Hopefully DML will reissue their PaK97/38 with new figures too.
Cheers
jjumbo
After all that's been said, it's still nice to see the old kit reissued with some new "tweaks".
It's certain looks to be better than the the PaK38 that Italeri issued in the past few years.
DML's retooled figures look like they're going to be a far cry better than the "hunchbacked" gun crew from the old ESCI 75mm leichte Infantriegeschutz 18 field-gun that Italeri included in their PaK38 cannon and they're 75mm PaK97/38.
Hopefully DML will reissue their PaK97/38 with new figures too.
Cheers
jjumbo
airborne1
Joined: April 15, 2006
KitMaker: 915 posts
Armorama: 797 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 01:42 PM UTC
Jim,
This is a very nice set DML have released and to date I do not recall any other manufacturer bringing out the castor wheel for a 75mm or 50mm pak
The guncrew in action in zeltbahn
so many diorama possiblilities
This is a very nice set DML have released and to date I do not recall any other manufacturer bringing out the castor wheel for a 75mm or 50mm pak
The guncrew in action in zeltbahn
so many diorama possiblilities
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 - 01:52 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Jim,
This is a very nice set DML have released and to date I do not recall any other manufacturer bringing out the castor wheel for a 75mm or 50mm pak
The guncrew in action in zeltbahn
so many diorama possiblilities
Hey Mike,
Italeri's PaK38 (kit #6425) actually has the castor wheel included but, IMO, the kit's not as nicely molded as the old and new DML kits.
Cheers
jjumbo
DT61
Joined: September 18, 2005
KitMaker: 1,226 posts
Armorama: 819 posts
Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008 - 01:44 PM UTC
I just finished building the original version, it was a nice build. I must say though that I would expect that for a "premium edition" kit there would be a metal barrel, not just an extra castor wheel (nice addition though) and some re-cycled crew members, with not one of them actually being able to be used as gunner.
Just my humble opinion
Darryl
Just my humble opinion
Darryl
whittman181
Joined: December 30, 2006
KitMaker: 646 posts
Armorama: 473 posts
Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008 - 04:52 PM UTC
It seems to me that , hopefully , over a length of time we'll probably see most of their popular older kits redone in this same fashion Just my hopeful humble opinion Bob
Just my hopeful humble opinion Bob
Henk
Joined: August 07, 2004
KitMaker: 6,391 posts
Armorama: 4,258 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2008 - 04:38 AM UTC
I was looking at the pictures, and was wondering, that castor wheel, is that just to assist in man handling the gun in position? I don't see a means of connecting the castor wheel to the tow hitch.
Just curious
And Tamiya have started to 'upgrade' some of their older kits with metal barrels and (minimal) photo-etch. I know the molds are still 30 (+ ) years old, but some of those old kits stand up well (Horch, Krupp Protze, Sd.Kfz. 222, to name just a few...). Not to the standard of Dragon or Tristar perhaps, but still good solid kits for those with less patience or skill...
Cheers
Henk
Just curious
And Tamiya have started to 'upgrade' some of their older kits with metal barrels and (minimal) photo-etch. I know the molds are still 30 (+
) years old, but some of those old kits stand up well (Horch, Krupp Protze, Sd.Kfz. 222, to name just a few...). Not to the standard of Dragon or Tristar perhaps, but still good solid kits for those with less patience or skill... Cheers
Henk
ALBOWIE
Joined: February 28, 2006
KitMaker: 1,605 posts
Armorama: 1,565 posts
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2008 - 12:33 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Jim,
This is a very nice set DML have released and to date I do not recall any other manufacturer bringing out the castor wheel for a 75mm or 50mm pak
The guncrew in action in zeltbahn
so many diorama possiblilities
Italeri released one with the Pak 97/38 , the old French 75 on a Pak 38 carriage and I believe DML did with their variant of the same.
Cheers
Al
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 05:19 AM UTC
OK, I am getting into this thread a bit late but the Dragon PAK 38 kit is EXCELLENT! I have the one with the winter crew and the figures were excellent as well.
A lot of b$t$hing and back biteing going on in this thread. I think the REAL improvement in this kit is the inclusion of something I think to be very important and that is the third wheel for repositioning the gun. Offering a crew dressed for fall/summer is also significant!
Even when moving this gun with a prime mover the third wheel was stowed latched onto the trails and makes for an important addition!
(Model and Photos by Mike Koenig)
Note; when being towed by a prime mover the gun needs the towing link you see in these photos which is unfortunately also missing from the Dragon kits.
A lot of b$t$hing and back biteing going on in this thread. I think the REAL improvement in this kit is the inclusion of something I think to be very important and that is the third wheel for repositioning the gun. Offering a crew dressed for fall/summer is also significant!
Even when moving this gun with a prime mover the third wheel was stowed latched onto the trails and makes for an important addition!
(Model and Photos by Mike Koenig)
Note; when being towed by a prime mover the gun needs the towing link you see in these photos which is unfortunately also missing from the Dragon kits.
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