http://store.spruebrothers.com/135-dragon-befehlsjager-38-ausf-m--smart-kit--6472-p19639.aspx

I am just starting again after 20-25yrs. This one looks like a good start. Yes? No?

Thanks,
Ken

I have not built this kit, but I will say this. Dragon instructions leave alot to be desired. They tend to not show where parts go or when to put them on in the build. The other thing I will caution you about is the Photo etch, if you have not messed with PE it can be a pain. However half price is a pretty good deal, so I would say take the plunge and welcome back!

While it is a nice kit, I would think you would want to get your feet wet first. Something like an easier Tamiya kit, etc. Dragon makes nice kits, but their instructions are not always straight forward, or even correct sometimes. When I got back into it, I did a Tamiya Tiger I and Sdkfz 251/1, nice and easy, no PE, easy to follow instructions. Helps getting the hands working the right way again, practice some techniques, etc.

You call, but sometimes Dragon kits can be a bit of a challenge.

I agree that Dragon kits can be a real challenge. This one include PE which is a challenge onto itself. It looks to be a great kit to build and may have to get one myself. I would recommend going with a Tamyia Kit for starters just to get the feel of things again. They practically fall together themselves. If you really want to tackle the Dragon kit first then I would gather up the tools you will need to work with PE. You can go for some very nice tools like the Hold and Fold or as simple as a metal ruler, razor blade and a flat surface pliers. Which by the way you will want anyways even with a PE Folding tool. I would also search right here and other sites for previous builds of this particular kit for help, ideas or pitfalls.

Don't hesitate to post any questions you have about techniques in general or about how something should go together with the kit.

Welcome back to the addiction!

I just gotta echo the comments from the guys above - Unless you consider yourself at least an intermediate level builder, even after your long break, I'd advise strongly against any DML (or Bronco, or AFV) kit as your first.

I'm helping a struggling basic modeler right now who's at his wit's end with his second aborted DML kit. He's made more progress on his current kit and might even finish it (which he didn't manage with his last), but it has been an unpleasent struggle.

God bless him for trying, but he would have been much better off with an older Tamiya (or even a new Tamiya) kit than either of the two DML German armor kits he's attempted over the last six months.

Find an older Tamiya kit, like one of their SdKfz 232 or 222 armored car kits, or one of their older tank kits without link-to-link tracks and just build it out of the box. Re-learn how to clean up the plastic parts and glue them together without any alignment problems or glue smears.

Do a couple of those, then tackle one of the DML kits. I really think you'll be a happier model builder for it.

But in any event, welcome back to the fold!

PS: That is a really good price, tho, for a very nice kit! Maybe buy it for your stash and build it after a couple of "confidence targets."

Hi there..

I'll just say ditto also, the Dragon kits are nice but require more work and the directions are hard to follow at times..

I'll also recommend trying your hand with a couple of Tamiya kits. As an easy start I'd recommend Tamiya's older Panzer II kit.. Its a nice build that can be finished in a weekend or 2.

Delbert

I have the Befhelsjager in my stash, and did an in box review for this site. It is a very nice, and heavily detailed kit with a lot of etch, most in the fighting compartment for the radios and such, and not all have plastic options. I haven't built it yet and don't know how many issues there may be with the instructions, but they are very busy. I have started the Marder III H, which so far has been a nice build, although the assembled track guards don't look like the drawing in the instructions.

From experience, I jumped back into the hobby with the DML Panther A premium kit, and muddled things badly at about the halfway point. You can go with a Dragon kit, but do a SmartKit first. They are newer releases, have generally excellent fit and still offer etch options. I can vouch for the Panzer III series and the StuG III and IV.

One option you can take is to look at build reviews or features, which will point out issues in the instructions and show assembly. Bill Plunk has several that take you through painting and weathering. There are several others who have done the same.

Whatever you choose, take your time, ask questions (which I failed to do with the Panther, and a few others) and have fun. If it's a good price, still get it and start up a stash.

Ya I'd go with and older easier kit to get back into the groove like the rest have said. I'd go with a Tamiya Sd.kfz.171 Panther Ausf.A , older easy kit and I got mine for cheap. You could also tackle a Tamiya T-34, pretty easy build.

Here is a very similar vehicle, made by Tamiya. Yes it's $10 more, but I think you'll enjoy it MUCH better.

http://store.spruebrothers.com/135-tamiya-marder-iii-m-tank-destroyer-35255-p2154.aspx

or the same kit for cheaper at another vendor.

http://www.luckymodel.com/scale.aspx?item_no=TA%2035255

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the information and will move away from the PE kit for now. (Although, I am still not sure what that means. )

Ken, PE means there is photoetch in the kit. Most kits have some nowadays, but some kits have more than others. With the kit you are looking at, the etch parts include many small bits that may be a little challenging and/or frustrating to deal with. There are also individual link tracks. Once you get the hang of it they go together fairly well, but it can take a try or two to get it down. I don't know your experience or skill level, so that may not be a problem for you.

You can always go to a manufacturer website to look at sprue shots of a kit you have in mind, or a news release or review here.

I came back into modeling last year and my 1st kit was a tamiya 105mm Sherman I've had sitting in my basement for about a decade. My 2nd kit was a dragon panther d. I think the dragon was a better looking kit, but it wanted to fight you to assemble it. Errors in the directions, mixed media etc. The tamiya kit certainly showed it's age in some areas but went together like a dream and that was perfect for a beginner.

I'll 2nd Jesse on the 1/35 tamiya kit for a beginner just so the instruction & assembly are a pleasant experience.

Again just my opinion you might want to try a tank with a closed turret for your first one, I find interiors are difficult to pull off.


Cheers.

Jeff

I'm not sure, but I do believe the DML Marder as a "Snart Kit" does have plastic parts as optiional for at least most of the PE parts. Being a smart kit, it should build well. I found the same DML kit at Dragon USA for $21.99, a fiver less than Sprue Brothers. Dragon USA always gets kits that are listed as in stock to me in less than 7 days. Here's a link to the kit:
http://dragonusaonline.com/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=DRA6472

If you don't feel real confident in your modeling skills you can always go with the Tamiya kit, but it does suffer from less detail nbut is a much easier kit to build and it is a very nice kit. The Tamiya is the Chevy, and the DML the Porsche! If you've been out of the hobby for 20 years, kits have jumped light years in that time. Use the net, you will be AMAZED at what info you can find out....about anything in the world, I mean ANYTHING!!!