Dragon Models

1/35 German Pontoon Bridge Set

Kit Number: DRA 6532

Reviewed by  Jack Kennedy, IPMS# 12511

MSRP: $27.75 Website: www.dragonmodelsusa.com Dragon Models have been producing some really great models over the past few years and this one is no exception. This is a kit of something that has been needed for a long time. The Pontoon set is basically four pontoons with a bridge built over them. The pontoons consist of an upper and lower part with a floorboard. The fun part is all of the grab ropes and rope rings that have to be attached. There are 33 parts to each pontoon and there are four of them. To my mind, the grab ropes and rope rings could have been molded in to make the building much easier. These grab ropes and rings are too tiny and get lost easily. Perhaps if they gave you extras of each it might make life easier The bridge is a work of art. There are a great many parts but are molded beautifully with wood grain. The instructions have to be followed carefully as they seem to be a bit ambiguous in places. Dry fitting works. I found that cutting off the locating pins on some of the slats and boards helps considerably. The bridge is made on four sections and then attaches to the pontoon. Care must be taken to firmly attach all four sections as it will break in pieces as mine did when I tried to pick it up. The pontoon set also has 13 figures of German soldiers in various poses. As in most Dragon kits, the figures are superb but consist of far too many parts per figure. For instance, the ammo box has five parts and the gas mask canister three. It would be simpler if these parts could be molded as one piece. This is the only fault I have with the figures as they are molded crisply with very fine detail and paint up beautifully. Overall, I was very pleased with this kit and would recommend it to any modeler with a little experience with handling small parts. The kit has 651 parts, however not everyone is used. At the price, it's a steal and will make up to a fine diorama. My thanks to Dragon Models USA for providing us with this kit to review.