Pz.Kpw.IV Ausf.E
Voyager 1:35 Set # PE 35079
(for Dragon #6264)
Review by Terry Ashley
This set from Voyager Models designed for the excellent Dragon Panzer IV Ausf.E (kit #6264) answers that question and more with six frets of etched parts, a new resin turret storage box and lengths of thin plastic rod and wire.
The three page instruction sheet will give some clue as the depth of the additional details included with nearly all them being the smaller detail such as clips, hinges, assorted brackets and more.
The quality of etching is again superb with clean crisp etching that includes relief where applicable and the usual engraved bending lines to assist with this. As mentioned many of the parts are very small and the usual care will be needed when removing form the frets and during assembly with soldering being a good option for a more robust finish. The resin storage box is also crisply cast with just a large casting scar on the underside but this will be hidden when fitted to the turret but you can fill this if you prefer.
All of the tool clips, latches and brackets are provided and these can be made workable with small hinges bent to shape and separate very small wing nuts and washers and as Dragon was kind enough to included tools moulded without clips it makes adding these that much easier.
Around the hull are additional details parts for the crew hatches inside and
out, the left side crew step entirely in etched parts, the front and rear light
brackets and fine chain for the towing lug pins.
On the rear hull plate are new etched attachment flanges between the upper
and lower hull plates plus the attachment brackets for the smoke candle box
plus alternate attachments for the mufflers.
Alternate parts are included for the DAK version with the raised louvers on the engine deck door intake grills and a storage rack for the rear plate for jerry cans etc.
On the turret the cupola hatches are entirely replaced with etched items, this includes the hatches themselves, workable hinges and interior details from etched and resin parts.
The front vision ports have etched brackets to show these open as well as smaller items such as the lifting brackets and interior detail for the side crew doors.
There are parts for the interior with a new rear basket crew seat and bracket as well as the circular grill and fan for inside the top ventilator and details on the inside of the rear pistol ports with this detail able to be seen if you leave the side doors open.
At the back is a new resin open storage box with a selection of supplies and equipment included in the casting. The top lid is entirely in etched parts with workable hinges and side attachment strips.
Conclusion:
Another well detailed update set with many small parts that while requiring
care during assembly will add many of the finer details to make the Dragon kit even better with the new cupola hatches being a standout.
Highly recommended.
Voyager Models have also released two other sets for the Dragon kit, #PE35080 Fenders for Panzer IV and #PE35081 Additional armour for Panzer IV E DAK version to add even more detail if required.
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Panzer Tracts No.4 Panzerkampfwagen IV Typical Panzer Tracts book with excellent technical descriptions and detailed coverage of the Panzer IV. |
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Achtung Panzer No.3 Panzer IV Excellent detail coverage of the Panzer IV with the usual detail photos and drawings of all versions of the Panzer IV. |
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Panzerkampfwagen IV Medium Tank 1936-45 Osprey New Vanguard 28 ISBN: 1855328437 |
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Panzer IV & Its Variants Walter J. Spielberger Schiffer Publishing |
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PzKpfw IV Ausf.A to J |
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PzKpfw IV The usual in action fare with photos and drawings of the Pz.IV versions |
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PzKpfw IV in action #2012 The usual in action fare with photos and drawings of the Pz.IV versions |
Thanks to my credit card and Hobby Easy for the review set.
Page Created January 6, 2006