DML 1/35 8.8cm Raketenwerfer 43 'Püppchen' w/Fallschirmjäger - Premium Edition Kit First Look
By Cookie Sewell
| Date of Review | February 2009 | Manufacturer | DML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | 8.8cm Raketenwerfer 43 'Püppchen' w/Fallschirmjäger - Premium Edition | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 6528 | Primary Media | 298 parts (272 in grey styrene, 26 etched brass) |
| Pros | Older kits on the market again; useful grouping of older kits provides wider use | Cons | Older “Gen1" style figures |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $19.95 |
First Look
DML continues its policy of digging back to older but very good kits, combining parts from several related older releases, adding new parts and providing a new kit in their “Premium” series. Such is the case with this kit, which combines the parts from DML's Fallschirmjäger - Crete 1941 kit of four figures (No. 6070, released in 1997), the 8.8 cm Raketenwerfer 'Püppchen' and Crew (No. 6097, released in 1998), and the three figures from the 7.5 cm Liechtegeschuetz 40 with Fallschirmjäger Crew (No. 6147, released in 2001). Here DML does provide two complete 'Püppchen' weapons and accessory sets.
The 'Püppchen' comes with its wheeled carriage and two ammo boxes with two rounds in each one. The muzzles are molded to provide separation of the interior bore and the external flash guard/muzzle protector. However, contrary to the box brag photo this is not a slide molded kit.
The seven Fallschirmjäger are provided with a nice selection of kit from their original releases, and include both standard and camouflage band fitted helmets. Each figure consists of the standard six parts (head, torso, arms and legs) with an extra pair of arms from one “Püppchen” kit included.
The kit also comes with “Gen2" German weapons and provides a total of four Kar 98K rifles, four MP40 submachine guns, two Gewehr 98 rifles and two MP44 assault rifles. Each comes with clips, magazines and optional position bolts for the Kar 98K and MP40 weapons.
A nice new set of etched brass provides four rifle slings, an airborne eagle and belt buckle for each figure, and an assortment of assault badges and awards.
No decals are included for either the “Püppchens” or the ammo boxes.
Overall this is a nice idea as it provides two complete Raketenwerfer 43 fire teams of three men each and a commander or sufficient material for two smaller vignettes.
Thanks to DML for the review sample.
Sprue Layout
- 6070 70 Four figures and kit
- 6097 31x2 “D” sprue with Püppchen and accesories
- 6097 2 “E” sprue section with two arms
- 6147 66 Three figures and kit
- MA 26 Etched brass insignia and straps
- WA 18x2 German Generic Weapons - 2 x Kar 98K
- WB 18x2 German Generic Weapons - 2 x MP40, 1 x Gewehr 43, 1 x MP44