DML 1/72 Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J Kit First Look

By Dave Manter

First Look

This Dragon kit consists of 119 styrene parts molded in grey and 5 photo etch detail parts, as well as track links molded in Dragons DS material. 18 of the styrene parts are not used for this version.

All of the parts are molded to the highest standards and Dragon's slide molding technology is put to good use on this kit. For example, the return rollers are molded as a single piece, but the slide molding allows Dragon to keep detail on both sides. There is virtually no flash and the seam lines are minimal.

Some key features of the kit are:

• Cupola hatch can be assembled open or closed
• Newly tooled vision ports molded on turret
• Finely detailed hull front with realistic MG34
• Slide molded hydraulic shock absorbers
• Exhaust pipes with hollow ends
• Intricate fenders with detailed OVM
• Two types of cooling air intakes provided
• One piece slide molded lower hull
• Well defined road wheels and sprockets
• Air deflector represented with photo etch mesh
• Engine deck realistically presented with tow cables

Markings are provided for two vehicles. They are:

• 5 Pz.Rgt.24, 24.Pz.Div., Stalingrad 1942
• 1 Pz.Rgt.5, Pz.Gren.Div."Wiking", Russia 1943

Overall this looks to be another great small scale kit from Dragon.

Thanks to DML for this review sample.