Jan Etal builds up Dragon''s small-scale Panzer IIIN.

Link to Item



If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

A very in depth review of a cool looking vehicle but also disturbing with all the warnings about building it. I take it that this is the one that appears in the recent Chi Ha thread? Didn't you take any detail sprue shots?

Regards,
      AJ

Great build review, and it is so small and cute...

Might have to try my hand at some braille some time, I have to old Matchbox kits here, maybe I should throw one together...

@AJB - Thanks for the comments and sadly this kit took longer to build than most. As for the sprue shots, I screwed up royally on that issue. I just checked my reviews archive and somehow I missed adding them to the review images. I'll see what can be done to get them added to the review and/or start a separate thread and add them there.

@SgtRam - Kevin, the end result should be a rather pleasant looking critter but the journey to get there was not. Might I suggest that if you want to give a small scale kit a try, just take your time as patience (and a pair of tweezers) can overcome most hurtles. Matchbox kits are probably a good point to start at with models in this scale. As for Dragon, so far I'd have to say that their two Type 97 Chi Ha variants are a good choice to cut your teeth on. Parts fit is generally good but I haven't seen any yet in Ontario.

Cheers,
Jan

Jan,

I did the editing on this, and thought it was odd there were no sprue shots! Email them to me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to get them added.

Tom

Tom,

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...! The images are on the way as I write this.

Red faced with embarrassment,
Jan

Sprue shots are now uploaded to the bottom of the review!

Tom

Tom,

Thanks for correcting my omission and now everyone can now see that in certain ways the moulding on this kit is very good.

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks to all those that got those sprue shots up so quick. After looking at them I have to admit that the detail is astonishing. What blew my mind was the picture that is fifth from the last with a storage box that appears to be part #4. I can't believe that they actually were able to mold the lock mechanism and latches on that sucker. The part beside it (MG barrel?) also looks very nice. I may have to save this review and seriously think about giving this kit consideration.

Regards,
AJ

A good revue, I always enjoy your comments

@col_klink - Thanks for taking the time to notice and comment. If you have further interest in this kit, you can view updates on the finishing process in my Panzer IIIN Blog.

Cheers,
tread_geek

@tread_geek – Jan,

For someone so involved with modern vehicles you sure are having fun with these earlier era machines and doing a good job on them. Another great review accompanied with some very excellent photographs. Your reviews are top notch and you haven’t disappointed me yet! Keep up the good work (I know how difficult that is for me to do).
~ Eddy

Thanks for the comments, Eddy. Modern vehicles, aren't the last have dozen builds I've done at least somewhat modern? They have internal combustion engines and the like! Due to issues with my local hobby shop (change of ownership, no stock) I have been reducing the stash lately and relying on review samples. Ahhhh, to build a modern Leopard, Challenger or Abrams. One can dream!




You're too kind and as always, I appreciate the feedback as it's the only way to know if one is staying the course and providing some useful information. As for some of the photos, I can never leave well enough alone. Several of the later ones are taken in a 100% manual mode using what's called a "balance flash." Basically it's a time exposure and the flash fires at some preset point to limit shadows. With this hobby there is always something new to learn.

Cheers,
Jan

Kudos for Jan for the dedication he brings to Braille scale. Thanks!

Thanks for the comment Bill, much appreciated. At least in Europe and in the east, Braille scale seems to be becoming quite popular (lower cost, doesn't take up too much space). Here in North America I am also seeing an increase in its popularity at a few recent shows. Not only are the number of entries growing but many shows are adding categories for vehicles in that scale and smaller.

Cheers,
Jan