Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Version
by Cookie Sewell
Summary
Stock Number and Description |
Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro
Kit No. 7301; Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Version |
Scale: |
1/72 |
Media and Contents: |
152 parts (146 parts in grey styrene, 2
etched brass, 2 in DS plastic, 2 pre-bent wire) |
Price: |
USD$11.95 |
Review Type: |
First Look |
Advantages: |
"the other shoe" drops on the Hummel series |
Disadvantages: |
May have some shared parts from the other
kits which are not quite precisely suited to the Hummel |
Recommendation: |
Highly Recommended to all German and
artillery fans |
FirstLook
Last summer DML released a pair of Sd.Kfz. 164 kits, first a
Hornisse and then the later Nashorn, using the Gw III/IV chassis.
Three weeks after releasing a kit of the early model Sd.Kfz. 165
Hummel, DML completes the cycle with the later model. This model has
one part replaced to provide the later wide driver and radio
operator compartment section, but all other parts appear to be
basically identical with the previous kit (7244).
As the rest is identical, there is little new to say. The gun
comprises 23 parts, several of which meet my RP (right puny)
criteria and will need to be handled with care.
I am no expert on the Hummel but the interior seems a bit spartan
and I see no sights or other kit for the Hummel which I recall being
there, so am sure someone will come to the rescue later on. However,
what is provided seems accurate according to the references I have,
so if DML has committed any mistakes they are those of omission and
not commission, which is easier to fix later on.
The kit comes with pre-bent spare wheel brackets from wire. However,
it does not provide the early kit's etched brass or plastic radiator
exhaust grilles on the sides of the casemate; instead, it comes with
two single piece etched brass shrouds for the late model hull. It
also uses DML's DS plastic tracks, which are cut a bit long to allow
for sag.
Decals and finishing options are provided for six guns: unidentified
unit, Eastern Front 1945; three from unidentified units, Eastern
Front 1944; "Das Reich," Eastern Front 1944; and one from an
unidentified unit, Eastern Front Winter 1944.
In common with their earlier release, this is overall a nice kit and
shows DML continues to meet the needs of small scale modelers.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to
Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Text and Images by
Cookie Sewell
Page Created 19 January, 2006
Page Last Updated
08 March, 2006
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