Griffon Models

1/35 Track Fenders, SdKfz.166 “Brummbar” Early/Mid Production For the Dragon Kit

Stock Number: L35A017

Reviewed By  Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

MSRP: $23.95 Set Provided by Dragon Models USA: www.dragonmodelsusa.com Griffon Models Web Site: www.griffonmodel.com Griffon Model is another fine aftermarket producer of excellent quality photo-etch and metal barrels. They even make a hinge folding tool for those hard to make folding fenders. You can see all their excellent after market products at their website. Kit number L35A017 is designed to be used with Dragon Models "Brummbar" kits 6469 or 6497. It actually states that this is a universal accessory. I don't know if that means it can be used on other Dragon kits as well and whether it will work with the old Tamiya or Tristar kits.

This hop-up comes with three pieces of photo-etched brass, two different gauges of wire and the instructions. Do not be fooled by the three sheets of brass. They may only be 2 ˝ x 3 ˝ (2 frets) and 2 ˝ x 6 ˝ (one fret), but these three sheets contain over 450 different pieces. That is more than some model kits currently on the market. The pieces don't just replace the fenders; they also allow you to replace the air intake covers on the rear fenders and hull as well as the "Schurzen" (side armor) supports. The 0.05 gauge wire is for the foldable front and rear fenders and the 0.03 wire is for the rear fender support. If you plan on buying this set, I would recommend you purchasing a photo-etch bending tool. There are at least 5 pieces that are over four inches long that need to be bent at a nice 90 degree angle. However, if you are good with photo-etch you may not need it. I know someone that could probably bend a 20 inch long piece with two single edged razor blades and make it look great. That of course would not be me. I had issues bending the Sherman side skirts on the M-51. The instruction sheet is a two sided affair and appears to be pretty straight forward. Of course, I am assuming that their instruction makers actually made the instructions after they used them to attach the parts to the kit. Overall I would have to recommend this kit to anyone who gets into photo-etch parts and loves to add the ultimate realism to their models. Special thanks to Griffon Models and Dragon Models USA for providing the kit and for IPMS/USA for providing a place for all modelers to see it.

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