For you WWII modelers, Dragon has announced the following modes due to be released in Oct 06

DRA 7303 Sherman Firefly Vc
DRA 7308 SD.Kfz 251/2 w/GrW34 Medium Mortar Carrier

Ch

Another Firefly? This has to be their third or fourth Firefly release. What is different with this one?

It's a 1/72 scale Firefly.

Chris "toadman" Hughes
Toadman's Tank Pictures

Here's the poop, the whole poop and nothing but the poop-according to Dragon

1/72 Firefly Vc

Based on the extensive research and development program initiated for the 1/35 scale kit, this smaller companion carries all the detail and accuracy of its bigger brother. Slide mold technology has been used to give maximum detail and parts separation. This kit reproduces the Vc version of the Sherman, which was the conversion based on the M4A4 Sherman hull. This Firefly Vc is spot on, with correct details like the hull machine gun position plated over. Get ready to strengthen your British tank fleet with this exciting new kit.


Features
- new turret produced by slide molds
- slide-molded one-piece 17pdr gun barrel with hollow muzzle brake
- new rotor shield is reproduced accurately
- hollow MG muzzle thanks to slide molds
- radio box and storage bin are accurately reproduced
- upper hull is a new tooling with crisp details
- on-vehicles tools recreated in exquisite details
- lower hull is new with full hull bottom details
- new rear stowage box
- newly tooled rear panel with crisp detail
- new DS track
- photo-etched parts upgrading details
- Cartograf decal offer various markings

About the Firefly Vc:
In WWII the USA relied heavily on the Sherman tank, but importantly the U.S.-manufactured tank also filled out the ranks of British armored units. While it was a reliable armored vehicle, it had shortcomings in the areas of armor protection and in its main armament. The British therefore undertook a major development by arming the tank with its more powerful homegrown 17pdr gun in a version that came to be known as the Firefly. By February 1944, the Firefly program was given full priority so that there would be sufficient vehicles available for the D-Day invasion. The Firefly was really the only Allied tank in Normandy that could hope to take on Germany’s heavy Panthers and Tigers.


1/72 Sd.Kfz.251/2 Ausf.C w/ GrW34 medium Mortar Carrier


The Sd.Kfz. 251 was produced in a number of hull types as production had to be simplified as the war wore on. German half-tracks were used in a number of roles including that of mortar carrier. This version, known as the Sd.Kfz. 251/2, provided a mobile platform for the 8cm GrW34 medium mortar.

Currently this is the only kit of the mortar carrier on the market available in 1/72 scale. Much effort has been invested in the kit with completely new tooling to represent a wonderfully replicated true to scale riveted hull! On the original vehicle the 8cm Grenatwerfer 34 mortar could be dismounted and fired from a baseplate, or fired while mounted inside the vehicle."

Features:
- completely new tooling of riveted body and armor plates for Ausf.C NEW TOOLING
- newly tooled 8cm Grenatwerfer 34 mortar NEW TOOLING
- new mount for installing the mortar in the vehicle NEW
- photo-etched parts for upgrading details
- Detailed tracks manufactured in DS (Dragon Styrene)
- all wheels possess crisp detail
- road wheels injected as a unit
- convenient to assemble and saves time
- Cartogarf decal offers accurate markings


The kit’s mortar carrier is manufactured with Dragon Model standards – it has been broken down into four separate parts to maximize detail, and of course it can also be modeled dismounted with its accompanying crew figures! Parts are abundant, including extra accessories like ammo boxes and an extremely useful photo-etched fret. This vehicle has been long awaited by modelers and at last it is here.

Nikon,
If I'm reading this right the Mortar Carrier comes with crew?
The only other Dragon kit I can think of the comes with any people is the E-100, Oh, and the Landing Craft.
What's your source?
Ken

There is no mention of the crew in the kit description and I highly doubt the kit comes with any.

Pawel

Greetigns all,

Well that's good news for 1/72 builders but not so good for me. I was getting all excited thinking they might have brought out an upgarded or even re-tooled 1/35 kit and maybe some new figures to go with it.

Oh well, have to wait for the Sherman III when she come along, but that too could be 1/72?

Good news for the bank account though - there's always a sliver lining somewhere.

Cheers

Al

Thats the way I'm reading it as well. The only problem is the model is WWII and I model Modern day. My source is from what's listed above "it can also be modeled dismounted with its accompanying crew figures! " I'm wondering if Dragon may also release the mortar as a seperate kit w/figures? I've e-mailed Dragon about producing figures in 1/72 scale and I know that others have e-mailed Dragon regarding figures in 1/72 scale as well. Maybe Dragon is starting to listen to us Braille Scalers.

Ch