Just a few questions: what makes the "special edition" kits special? (Any more than the non-specials are with all the goodies and stuff.) They cost about 20 bucks more than the "ordinary" kits - there must be something. (Also the "limited edition" label needs some explaining: why do a limited edition kit? It's not a Barbie doll... What will make it stand out from the non-limited edtion kits?)
Also, with the new pzIV out: which one's better? I"d like to buy a IV but I don't really see any improvements in the newer one over the desert camo edition. Are there any updated, improved parts at all?
(The plastic cactus is very appealing. )

Andras. what makes these kits special, is that they are variants which wouldn't sell the same way in a LHS. In general, if someone wants a Tiger, they buy a Tiger kit. The serious modeller wants a variant which is otherwise unavailable in standard kit form. They're limited edition as they will run to one issue - not like others which will be produced in many batches.

As like everything else in the world, they're available to those who want them. It's simple, if you don't want that particular variant, no-one is putting a gun to your head - your dollar., your decision! ..Jim

Thanks for answering.
I wasn't perfectly clear about my questions. There were two. First: what makes this
http://www.dragonusaonline.com/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=CHC6297
20 dollars more expensive than these:
http://www.dragonmodelsltd.com/html/6265.htm
http://www.dragonmodelsltd.com/html/6264.htm

The second questions is the level of detail of the last two kits.
If I just want a Pz IV and don't care about the actual type (E vs D), is the level of detail on the same level on the E as on the D? I'd like the E version, but the turret interior is nice on the D... are they the same on this respect?

To Answer the first question.

Limited run kits are typicaly kits that are not quite mainstream. They tend to be models of vehicles that weren't used that much, or manufactured or general use, or depict the markings of a particular vehicle depicting a historic event or a famous person.

as for the extra cost.

It all depends on the modeler. If your a casual or new model builder and you see 3 Pz IV kits side by side, you will prob buy the cheaper one.

If you have been model building for a while or a serious historical recreator and/or you have a slew of the D, F, G or J kits that have had mainstream coverage, you might not mind the extra 20 bucks to depict a vehicle that in the case of the Pz IV Ausf B had a production run of around 42 tanks..

and the limited run is because there is prob a limited market for these type of kits.. oh and the collectors love em.. Years ago a limited run kit almost always meant either a resin or vac-form kit...

Also I don't know what the relationship between cyberhobby and dragon is but dragon USA says they are importing their kits from asia, so maybe they cost a bit more to aquire than their own product and are just passing on the cost....

as for the other questions.. someone else will have to answer that one..

I think more of the answer you are looking for is this. Is the limited run version B a super duper extra goodie kit or is it a rare version and just a few made. I would surmise it is more the later. The Panzer e by dragon is an absolutely marvelous kit. You can't do much better for your money. Just as the 2 regular production Tiger 1's are to the special DAK. It's like Jimbrea says. If you want that particular rare version of Panzer IV b then you'll pay the premium. If you are just wanting an early version (Short barrel) of the Pazer IV then Dragon's "E" or Tristar's "D" will be well worth the money you spend. I don't think Dragon's "D" has come out yet. My personal bet though is it will feature the same level of interior turret detail as the "E". (which is quite good and unless you are a super-detailer, will suffice for an open hatch display with maybe a wee amout of scratch or aftermarket enhancers thrown in

Thank you for the answers.