Dragon Models Limited have just announced their release plans for October 2006. Once again releases in both 1/35th and 1/72nd scale are being listed. Also worth noting, is a re-release which the Allied Armor modellers will find both useful and welcome...

There are a total of five new releases - two in 1/72nd and and three in 1/35th scale.

Beginning with the former:

DRA 6353 - 3cm Flak 103/38 with Trailer



Now, this is really an unusual subject (from ANY manufacturer), not due to its 'rarity' in real life, but rather the reluctance of manufacturers to kit-out any of the light Flak guns. Going by the previous work done on the 2cm Flak by Dragon, this should be a very nice addition indeed. The kit has a number of interesting features, particularly in the area of the gun:

- Brand new 3cm Flak gun assembly - first time as a 1/35 scale kit NEW
- Slide-molded gun barrel w/ hollow muzzle end
- Flash suppressor and muzzle brake intricately reproduced in plastic and photo-etched parts - Gun shield molded to correct scale thickness
- Updated center shield
- Targeting sight modeled in plastic and photo-etched parts for extreme detail
- Cannon can be elevated in any one of four positions according to modeler’s wishes
- Newly designed ammo boxes

The second release is perhaps more 'obvious' due to the recent re-tooling of the Panzer 1, this obtains 'double' significance being the second in the Smart Kit releases:

DRA 6289 - Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A Early Production



The (listed) features are extensive, and choosing one area - the upper deck, here are some of the areas addressed:

- Newly tooled upper hull in great detail NEW TOOLING
- Driver’s vision port covers can be assembled open/closed
- Antenna assembly can be modeled in upright or stowed position
- Fighting compartment access hatch can be positioned open/closed
- Newly tooled front exhaust pipe NEW TOOLING
- Newly tooled siren NEW TOOLING
- Accurate tiny bolt details - countersunk bolts are flush with hull surface
- Accurately modeled glacis plate w/ removable transmission inspection covers and accurate bolt detail
- Engine deck hatches can be assembled open/closed
- Brand new multi-directional slide-molded rear engine deck modeled in extreme detail
- Side fenders with detailed tread pattern
- New OVM NEW
- Photo-etched exhaust cover is a new design

The third of the 'new' releases, is yet another in the increasingly interesting 'Premium Edition' series with:

DRA 6314 - Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn



Finally, in 1/35th scale, and of particular interest to the Allied Modellers, is the Re-Release of the Sherman 1c Firefly. This HASN'T been officially announced yet, although I had one in my hand last week in two separate Hobby Stores in Scotland, so it's certainly in the stores now...

The last (and certainly not the least) of this update, concerns 1/72nd scale armor releases. Two 'variations' on a previously started theme have been announced:

DRA 7303 - Firefly Vc



AND:

DRA 7308 - Sd.Kfz.251/2 Ausf.C w/ GrW34 medium Mortar Carrier