Dragon Models

1/35 PzKpfw.IV Ausf.D mit 7.5cm KwK.40 L/43

Kit Number: 6330

Reviewed by  Michael Delano, IPMS# 45465

MSRP: $54.95 Website: www.dragonmodelsusa.com This is yet another Panzer IV offering from Dragon - this time around as the up-gunned version of the Ausf. D variant that carried the long-barreled 7.5cm Kampfwagenkanone 40 L/43 adopted from the Panzer IV F2 and StuG III Ausf. F. Not being one of the Smart Kit line, this kit is obviously packed with parts -- over 1100 but not all of them are called for in this particular kit. One thing to note -- while the kit calls for the bogey parts that allow for workable suspension, the Smart Kit versions of the Bogeys are included as well. For this particular kit, I originally planned to utilize Friulmodel links to pair with the workable suspension, however after several problems with getting the correct link set, I eventually broke down and used the standard Magic Tracks.

Without re-hashing word-for-word what you will find on the box in terms of the features of this kit, I'll go over just a few of the finer points: Updated turret roof. Newly-tooled one-piece turret. Turret armor skirt has parts to model the skirt open or closed. New parts frontal hull armor. New tooling for fenders and tread pattern. New mantlet with aerial deflector. Upon opening the box, you're greeted with 22 grey sprues, a clear parts sprue, 3 photo-etch frets, a length of twisted cable, and right and left-hand side 40cm Magic Track sets. Being of the 'Super Kit' variety, there are a wealth parts that are not used in this kit - great for accurizing the old Tamiya Panzer D! Additionally, there is a small sheet of Cartograf decals and markings for three different units: Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front 1944 (Dark yellow with dark green and red brown mottle pattern). "NSSK", Germany 1943 (Overall dark yellow). 26 Panzer Division, Italian Front 1944 (Overall dark yellow).

While overall a very nice kit, you do have to pay attention to the instructions as there were a few instances where left and right-sided parts were reversed and a few instances where parts were just plain labeled with the wrong part number. With my review sample, I decided to go with a heavily-weathered Italian Front unit utilizing the salt chipping method along with oil washes and Mig pigments. Overall, this was yet another enjoyable kit, though I initially looked forward to using a set of Friulmodel links to pair with the workable suspension. Many thanks to Dragon and IPMSUSA for the review sample!