Where are they "budget"? In the US possibly, in Germany Orange kit prices are generally between 35 and 45 (gasp!) Euros. Reality check : the genuinely newer Academy Hetzer kits are around 22 Euros in the same shops.

I would suggest that with the inclusion of figures, it is a 'budget' release and when viewed from U.S prices, where this website is based, it offers good value for money.

These offer a decent AFV with a decent figure kit of the same period/campaign at a low cost (At least here). So, these certainly are a good option for many modellers wanting a simple little weekend diorama build on a budget. I can only speak for myself and the memebers of the local club I attend in the U.S., but myself and the guys love these for their affordability and casual experience. Spruebrothers offers most for just under $30 and theres usually one on sale for around $20 which is great. At times one can purchase an Orange box kit, perhaps some zimmerit, aftermarket PE set, or a diorama accessory, and still come out ahead so there's also some flexibility in what a builder chooses to focus on. This is what I did with the Sd.Kfz. 251 Ausf. C (9135) and love it. Cheers.

I'm looking at the variousJagdpanzer 38 kits from different manufacturers and I'm still not entirely clear about which is the best for accuracy/detail as they all seem to have some issue or other.

In this case I would say forget the Dragon version as it is the oldest and least accurate version. I also have the Academy one and it is better, but some reviews say the Tamiya is best. May as well go with whichever of the two is cheapest and add PE, etc.

If it is this kit, you will see it can build into a very attractive AFV with a little love & modernizing.

Well sure, Bill, with enough money you cab turn any sow's ear into a silk purse . There are $75 - $100 additional AM bits to improve that model. With that much you could make even the Italeri Hetzer look nice! I had the Italeri version, and the Imperial Dragon version, and now the Academy one (I like Hetzers!), and I can compare. Don't have Tamiya, though. What I am saying is if they are within $5 - $10, may as well go with the newest (and better) one. And the Academy version comes with a camo painting mask.

ISTR word that the Academy kit has several dimensional issues? Of course if that is not important to you, the Academy kit might be the way to go. I never built it, but I HAVE built the DML Hetzer (multiple times), and I think it is a decent kit that, if Dragon was suitably motivated, could be upgraded with magic tracks and a new sprue with remote MG mount, tool box & tools to make a very nice kit. I'm pretty sure they did not do that with this one, though... Damon.

News Flash!! "Word" is all kits have dimensional errors! And they all depend on who's you want to believe.