DML 1/72 Neubau-Fahrzeug Nr. 3-5 Kit First Look
By Matthew Quiroz
| Date of Review | March 2012 | Manufacturer | DML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Neubau-Fahrzeug Nr. 3-5 | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 7438 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Interesting subject. First kit of the subject in this scale. Low parts count | Cons | None I can think of |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $19.95 |
First Look
The “Neubaufahrzeug” (new construction vehicle) –was very similar in size and layout to the earlier Grosstraktor but incorporated new features, such as machine gun turrets forward of the main turret and behind it as well. These turrets mounted MG13 machine-guns. The vehicle had a seven man crew consisting of a commander, driver, two gunners, two machine-gunners and a radio-operator. Maximum armor thickness was 14.5mm, and maximum speed was about 15 mph. Not a record holder by any means. In 1939 it was re-designated within the German ordnance classification as a standard design. Fahrzeug Nr.2 with the 75mm gun became the PzKpfw V and Fahrzeug Nr.1 with the 105mm gun became the PzKpfw VI, but this changed after the swift demise of these vehicles in 1940. What we now recognize as the PzKpfw V Panther and VI Tiger came from these earlier designations.
This is a smaller version of the bigger kits currently out there, but thankfully it doesn’t have the high parts count that its bigger brothers do. You can thank the use of slide molding for that. There is no photo etch brass included either. The entire upper hull and sponsons are molded as a single piece and is a work of art with many of the details molded in. The lower hull consists of a single piece belly with the suspension being made up of two strips containing all the road wheels and arms. Only the lead road wheel is a separate piece as are the drive sprockets. This makes for really quick and easy assembly. The fender features detail both top and bottom and also have many of the pioneer tools molded on already which will make for short work during assembly.
The tracks are DS plastic which is great to work with. They look to be purposely made long in length with a “Trim to fit” option. Five painting options are provided in the color instructions.
Two are in grey and brown camouflage as with Pz.Abt.z.b.V. 40 in Norway and three are for them in Germany in 1940 with turret numbers 8, 9 or 10 with Cartograf decals rounding out the offering.
With the excellent quality shown in this kit I think it is going to be a hit with the Braille scale builders out there.
My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!