Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 08:42 PM UTC
Dragon Models chose to announce their M7 Priest at this year's Shizuoka Show in Japan.
6637 - M7 Priest Mid-Production (Smart Kit)

The model, which is within the company's 39-45 Series, has, as yet, no release date although as DML does tend to release soon after the initial announcement, it shouldn't be too long..

So with the lack of data on the model, let's just consider the subject for a moment. It is in my opinion, one of the (no pun intended) smartest releases that the company could have done.

Using their (proven) track-record with M4 suspension and their previously-released 105mm howitzer, it was a logical step for the company to take. Maximising existing moulds makes economic sense. Additional tooling for this model would not be considerable - essentially just interior details and a new superstructure.

The choice of variant is also, IMO, completely correct. The Mid-production version allows a LOT more flexibility than an early or late one. Doubtless, companies such as Formations will already be considering update/conversion sets.

DML have also a good track record in open-topped vehicles such as the M21 - experience which will doubtless be followed through with the Priest.

As this release has been leaked and rumored for months it shouldn't come as a great surprise. Surprise or not, one of the best releases from DML in months.

Modelers pribably do deserve a little more than the OTHER M7s on the market...
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Comments

That vehicle and ones like it had T54 link as the external track armour so I would recommend getting Panda (RHPS) tracklinks avail from Rob at Formations. They are the best and easiest Indy Sherman links IMHO Cheers Al
MAY 19, 2010 - 02:18 PM
Nice to see DML release something a bit different. There are only so many variants they can squeeze from a set of molds before you exhaust even the most avid modeller. I look forward to this if for no other reason than my callsign.
MAY 19, 2010 - 02:26 PM
The M7 was depoloyed at Saipan (2 vehicles) and probably used in other areas before the Philippenes. Here is one approaching Bauang or Baguio. Outside Manila And outside Baguio. Note the M18 at the bottom of the hill. I hope the kit decals include more than just two generic "European theater WWII" markings.
MAY 19, 2010 - 05:01 PM
Bill, most examples I have seen in the pacific are the earlier model (see pics in above post and note pulpit) rather than the intermediate DML are offering but the good news is that when I look at the hull walls in the previewed sprues there is a RHS one without a cutout so the earlier variant should be easily doable from the kit Al
MAY 19, 2010 - 06:46 PM
Thanks, Russ, always a pleasure having your input on PTO matters. RHS?
MAY 20, 2010 - 04:19 AM
i'm guessing Right Hand Side (when facing forward inside the vehicle the pulpit is on the right) If that's the case then i'm hoping someone will release a conversion kit for the M7's combat debut in North Africa,transmission cutout from the M3,British pattern fenders,stowage boxes etc. Now who would do that??
MAY 20, 2010 - 04:42 AM
Beware with the Debut M7's as some of these had the later three piece transmission as depicted in this kit; not all had the M3 Lower. Some even had the one piece caterpillar transmission cover which was a new one to me I must say (Picture in the Zaloga Armoured Artillery book from Concord). These were amongst the first delieveries. I see no great problems in easily backdating this to an Alamein period M7 and will be looking to see if the Academy Grant or Lee nose/Hull can be used with it. Al
MAY 20, 2010 - 11:08 AM
I did the acamady model back in Febuaury I guess I'll have to do the Dragon model also well twos company. Aceses5
MAY 23, 2010 - 02:46 AM
but one stop shake and bake conversion kits are a godsend to us hamfisted mortals!!
MAY 23, 2010 - 06:38 AM
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