Friday, April 26

Dragon's new 1.5 tonner is "PaK"ing some punch

Dragon are releasing the armoured truck Zugkrafteagen 1t with 5cm PaK 38 (Sf) cannon mounted on the rear deck – this new 1/35th kit with only some new parts that nether the less make it into a unique version of this vehicle – let’s have a look at what they have in store from us.

Box Size: 9.6" x 15" x 2.4"
Germany fielded a wide range of halftracks during WWII. The Sd.Kfz.10, one of the lighter types, was conceived as a prime mover for small, towed anti-tank or antiaircraft guns. Measuring 4.5m long and weighing 4.9 tonnes, this Demag-designed vehicle had a 1-ton payload capacity. Around 14,000 Sd.Kfz.10 halftracks were built from 1938-45. Several specialist vehicles were based on this design, with a rather unique conversion appearing in 1941. This saw a 5cm PaK 38 L/60 gun being mounted on the rear of an Sd.Kfz.10 to create a light anti-tank platform. The wheels were removed from the PaK 38 but it retained its armoured shield and the weapon could traverse. In addition, armour plate was added to the engine compartment and driver’s cab. It’s thought these unique vehicles were mostly issued to Waffen-SS units.
Dragon has already produced several 1/35 scale 1-ton Sd.Kfz.10 halftracks in plastic and these have been gladly received by modellers. This new kit from Dragon is the most potent version yet, thanks to the inclusion of the 5cm cannon. Indeed, this kit is an excellent hybrid that mates the delightful Sd.Kfz.10 halftrack with Dragon’s legendary 5cm PaK 38 anti-tank gun. The entire gun mount is completely new to suit this vehicle, plus the halftrack interior has been modified accordingly. The folded hoops for the roof are also brand new. The kit includes three armour elements for the hood, grill and windshield to perfectly recreate original vehicles. This is a spectacular halftrack with lots of firepower, and it’s certainly a welcome addition to the Sd.Kfz.10 family.

Model Features:

Unique version of Zugkraftwagen 1t w/full detail

Newly tooled armoured cover on engine hood produced in multiple parts
Armoured louvres on vehicle front
Intricately detailed internal mechanical components-engine gear box, fuel tank, compressed air tank and exhaust
Realistic looking folded soft- roof w/photo-etched detail
Wing mirror and spotlight w/crisp details

On-vehicle tools w/clasp detail

Authentic driver's cab w/photo-etched details

Muzzle brake w/fine detail

Breech replicates the original PaK 38
Slide-moulded suspensions arms w/delicate detail
Gun mount installed in fighting compartment
Road wheels w/precise details
Drive sprockets w/multi-part assembly to achieve the highest levels of detail and accuracy
One-piece slide moulded lower hull
Realistic engine hood formed from multiples parts w/open louvre detail
Delicate gearbox included
Rear chassis w/realistic towing pintle exactly as on original
Fully detailed steering components
Suspension system as per real vehicle
Intricate engine housing
2 types of battery boxes available as options
Delicate fuel tank included
Engine represented by multiple parts
Injection -moulded fenders made to thinnest possible dimensions
Intricate components for rear compartment represented by multiple parts
Detailed Magic Tracks reproduced
This truck with a big gun can be expected in June from Dragon’sDistributors