DML 1/35 "Achtung-Jabo!"
Panzer Crew (France 1944)
Kit no. 6191
MSRP: $7.50
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This is one of the latest figure kits from DML Dragon. The kit comes
in an end-opening type box. The box art, by DML's resident artist Volstad,
shows fourpanzer crewmen who have just been alerted to an attack by marauding
Allied fighter-bombers. They are shown posed on the top of a Panther tank.
All are shown in the late war reed-green demin panzer uniforms.
 The
back of the box shows the assembly instructions, with colors called out
by numbers only in the Gunze Sangyo and Italeri hobby paint lines. This
is one of my pet peeves, that the colors should be called out by names
and not numbers. We don't all have lists of these numbers and what they
equate to.
Inside the kit are two light gray parts trees and a small brass PE
fret. All are in their own separate cello bags.
 The
larger of the two parts trees holds the parts of the four figures. They
are divided into separate heads, torsos, legs, and arms. There are also
two cigarettes, a pair of binoculars, a pair of head-phone earpieces,
three side cap type hats, one feldmutz peaked hat, a MG 34 machine-gun
and its mount and ring and cross-hair sight. This sight is molded solid
and not very convincing. It would have been better done as PE. (39 parts)
 The
second and smaller parts tree holds parts for a Panther turret copula
and a Panther's gun mantle piece. I find this sort of odd to have included
in the kit. But one of the figures is shown on the box art as being inside
one of these hatches. Plus, it is always nice to get some extra stuff
in a kit. (11 parts)
 The
final thing provided in the kit is the tiny PE fret. It holds the head
band, that goes over top of the head between the two head-phone ear pieces.
Only one figure is shown wearing head-phones (the guy posed in the Panther
turret). You are told to use one of the eight straps provided on this
fret for him and the part number is called out as MA1 on the insructions.
However, there are no numbers on this fret to determine which strap you
use.
Add to that the fact that the fret has two different types of straps
on it - four of each kind. So, your guess is as good as mine as to which
one of the eight to use? DML could have been a little more clear about
that.
All these figures are cleanly molded and no flash is present. I wonder
if this type of uniform also was provided in black for SS tank crewmen?
Maybe somebody out there knows?
Highly recommended.
I purchased my kit at the local hobby shop.
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