Griffon Model

1/35 Shell Cartridge Storage Bins For the WWII German Sd.Kfz.138/1 Ausf.M "Grille"

Stock Number: L35A028

Reviewed By  Rob Folden, IPMS# 45545

MSRP: $17.50 Website: www.griffonmodel.com Review Sample provided by Dragon Models USA: www.dragonmodelsusa.com Based on the Marder IIIM, the Grille M features the same 38[t] Ausf.M chassis mounted with a 15cm sIG 33 Infantry gun. First produced in 1943, the Grille M became the last vehicle to use the 38[t] chassis. One of the more prominent features of the Grille M, was the storage bins inside the fighting compartment. These bins were used to hold the firing cartridges for the mighty 15cm sIG 33. Griffon Model has taken the challenge of reproducing these bins in fine photo-etched brass. The set come in two PE frets containing the bins themselves as well as the 15cm cartridges. The instructions are easy to follow, and each bin can be built in a mater of minutes. They are then hooked together with straps on the back to form the various configurations used on the Grille M. I was pleased to find the boxes etched as a single piece that you fold into a box. Having worked extensively with Griffon pieces before, I had expected the boxes to be multi-pieced. The additional details added to the boxes went on without much trouble. I did have some issues with pieces on the tops and bottoms of the boxes, and ended up leavening them off. The cartridges built up easily, and the whole thing was painted with Dark Yellow. I was fortunate enough to have an Alan Grille M kit in my stash, and took some comparison photos. Overall, this set is very easy to build, and is a vast improvement over the original kit pieces. My thanks go to Dragon Models USA and IPMS/USA for allowing me to build and review this set.