Dragon Models have just announced their latest 1/35th scale release: DRA 6393 - Jagdpanther G1 Late Production (Smart Kit). Images and more details of this (February 2009) release, can be seen:



Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Hello,

and thanks for the link.

I think this will find more customers than the "Early" because this kit gives the builder a good feeling to have an accurate model without additonal efforts like (purchasing and) applying Zimmerit.

The only thing I am wondering is why DML switches between the track styles: This time MT - why not the more convinient DS single piece?

Especially as it is labeled as a "Smart Kit"...

I find Magic Tracks very easy to assemble and way better than DS tracks for representing tracks with sag. DS tracks look very nice too, but they tend to run straight between attachment points rather than hanging in smooth arcs. Like all flexible tracks, they also bow inward around the drive sprocket when under tension. I think DML made the right choice here.

-Doug

I too am happy to see that the Magic Tracks have made a re-appearance vs. the DS tracks...the DS tracks have been one of the main reasons I have not picked up some of the recent Tiger and Panther releases. This one however has potential.

So it seems that DML follow the wishes of the modelers and add the more popular MTs I personally prefer too.

The DS-tracks would have fitted better in stated concept of "Easy to assemble" - but with lacks mentioned.

The thing is the missing consequence of performance in this case.

Most modelers bring "easy" together with "fast".

SM-kits are also addressed to novices and modelers who like to have a fast result.

The kit offers this - with the exception of the suspension

MTs are easy to build for intermediate modelers and require time and patience to let the suspension look in the same accuracy like the rest of the model.

I am sure that a newbie will be very busy with the tracks and wonder "What about 'easy to assemble'?".

Customers regard slogans almost as a promise what bears potential of disappointment if not fulfilled.

Many of them do not read extended reviews etc. before they buy and start to build the kit.

Most time they see the box somewhere in a store - it looks good, nice box art and: Easy to assemble.

A weekend-kit.


Maybe Tamiya's way they follow with their recent kits can be an example: either sectionized tracks in styrene AND adding the single-piece version.


For sure amongst us the question about what type of tracks is marginal and this kit gonna become a success.

I think DS come into their own on Sherman type vehicles and MT on anything that needs track sag to be realistic.

I agree completely there Darren. The Shermans should definitly get the DS while any German armor should get the Magic tracks.

Yeah baby yeah, Magic Tracks!!!!

Previous comments are right on the money. MT = good sag, DS = wrong sag. Yes they are easy to work with too. Ok, maybe a bit time consuming but the results are great. Unlike the DS tracks the MT tracks allow light to be seen between the links which oddly enough is also found on Sherman live tracks.

Since there are MT in this kit I'll be buying one when the LHS gets 'em.

i'm waiting for a G2 late/final production

What would this be considerd? A early late version.

Another exciting issue! I look forward to snaring one.

I love Jagdpanthers - "mother beautiful tanks".

I have the "Early" & the Atak Zimmerit in the stash.

Will have to add this one as well once finances allow.

- Steve

It seems the more I postpone buying a Jagdpanther, the better the quality of the kits released... I have been postponing buying the Tamiya one for more than 3 years, Dragon released their early. I resisted the urge to buy the early, now they have this!

Hmmm, should I wait more for the G2 or something... or should I finally purchase my Jagdpanther with good quality?

This looks like a good month for dragon. So far i am looking forward to putting this kit and the just-released 75mm sherman on the chopping block (aka workbench)

Any idea on a release date?
cant wait, cant wait, cant wait!

I'm going to get this kit next.