Now if we put this together with all the stuff dropped from the catalog it looks like Dragon is "rationalizing" their line-up by combining kits into 2 or 3 in 1 that were once all boxed separately. So nothing new here, just a rebox of what was already released and then discontinued but in another box and probably even more confused instructions that leave out variations and needed bits that are on the sprue. Nothing new here if you bought the previous incarnations but those who didn't can now get everything in one box for probably twice the price! Yay!

As a Germanophile i have to agree with

Still no magic tracks. All the Chinese release versions include magic tracks. You can usually find those on Ebay from Chinese sellers that have the magic track sticker on the front.

Why, you may ask? Because the Asian market demands it. You have to remember people, the North American and European hobby markets are only a drop in the bucket to companies such as Dragon, RFM, Tamiya and Takom. Personally, I love having the variety to choose from, and quit sounding so whiny. You ruin the hobby for builders like me.

I have already had Dragon early and late G1 models. If I had not had them. I would had bought this model. I think dragon releasing this model to compete with Meng, Takom and RMF Jagdpanther releases. I am saving money for RMF Jagdpanther G2.

What you wrote makes almost 0 sense.I love having variety too, that's why I wrote what I wrote. Variety doesn't just mean dozens of releases of same vehicle in different box by different producer. What I wrote means: some people might want to build something else than WWII Germany/Russia/USA. This is currently lacking and there's still plenty of interesting subjects. Also, I have no idea how my comment can ruin anybody's hobby as you wrote. Guess for some people bulding Panther with exhaust pipe Ausf. H , and after that Panther with muzzle break Ausf. N is all they need in life...

It probably comes down to simple economics. It is a major investment to create a new kit from scratch. So, go the cheap route and simply reuse molds and package a "new" release. Since Dragon's kits were oop, they had nothing to compete with the flurry of Panther related releases this year. So, this is a way for them to move product for little investment, but maximize profits. German armor always sells. So, very little risk in losing money.

How many of these Jagdpanthers do you think can be sold around the world? And how many Semoventes, FCM or AMR? Look at the shelves on any shop and check what kind of vehicles they have more. Big manufacturers produce what they can sell in big numbers. That's all.

I didn't really want to wade into this one as I think that reissuing the same kit six different ways is goofy, but hey, let the buyer decide. I'm not buying one as the Meng kit with full interior seems a better idea. On the other hand I'm curious Chris -exactly what kind of builder ARE you that someone else's complaint can ruin things for you? Personally I feel that it is only through argument and suitable complaint that the companies listen to us -hey, I had to pound the "We need a modern Bergepanther" kit for longer than I can recall before -lo and behold- it practically RAINED them this year! We do need more variety and not the same kits released ad nauseum complete with poor directions!