This review of the Dragon Elefant Premium Edition kit is glowing, but I can tell you from first-hand experience, the fit will drive all but experienced modelers crazy. I looked for a discussion thread about the review, but couldn't find one, so here I'm starting my own.

If you're a "heat & serve" kit builder, then be prepared for problems with hull tub and fighting compartment warpage issues. I ended up using some straight sprues to "square" up the hull tub, but I also had the Elefant with Zimmerit kit to use for measurements and comparisons (I will be posting my build log on that kid just as soon as I finish the Premium Edition build which I undertook to make any mistakes on). The sides really dish in quite a bit (several millimeters at least). The corners appear to be reasonably squared, but putting on the back pieces also posed problems because the tub isn't "true."

When time came to fit on the "box" of the fighting compartment, I had to do quite a bit of fiddling and shoving, including some major filling along the sides.

I'll post some photos of the finished item, but since this kit is still very much around, I thought I should give y'all a "heads up."

You must have got the one out of a thousand good ones that was warped. Maybe you could complain to DML or return it to your LHS. Myself and a fellow modeler each bought a late Tiger l with zimm - his had some warpage in the lower hull tub, but mine was OK. I've never encountered serious warpage in DML or Cyber Hobby kits.

Hi Bill,

I have made the exact same observations. The of the major parts is not the best, to put it gently.

Here are some pics from my build, I guess they're pretty much self-explaining.
















Can't wait to see your model!


Johannes

Ixnay with the sprue sections if the warpage is that bad, Bill. Since the sprue sections are also made of polystyrene, they will eventually start to conform with the warped area. No such problem if you use brass. Try using square or 1/8 x 1/4" rectangular brass tubing to brace the affected areas. You wouldn't have had agita from all the extra filling-in work.

You can cut the brass tubing to the appropriate length; then, using CA and a bit o'Zip Kicker, cement the brass lengthwise inside the tub, just below the upper edge of the hull.

Then you're in the minority, Dude. See other comments below. I have seen warpage complained about in other kits. DML makes good stuff, but they're not perfect.

Johannes, all your photos could've come from my build. The fit is just plain poor, and there's not much you can do but fill in the cases of the air intakes.

Joseph, the spure sections worked fine because I only need the hull to be "true" for fitting on the top deck and fighting compartment, though your suggestion about brass is a good one.