This kit is the first armor kit in the 1/35 Platz line from Dragon. They have taken the Panzer IV from their Girls Und Panzer line, re-boxed it and gave it new decals and instruction sheet. The molding is from 2012 and has about 175 parts, with DS tracks. This is quite a reduction in parts then from other Dragon kits. Slide molding technology allows Dragon to mold past subassemblies into one or two pieces. The box is overall white with just a black strip and one picture of the tank, no real box art like other Dragon kits.
Welcome to the IPMS/USA Reviews site!
Introduction: The primary organization of the IPMS/USA Review website is by IPMS/USA National Contest Class. Within each Class there are sub-menus by kits, decals, books, etc. The Miscellaneous Class is for items that are not class specific or that cross two or more classes.
IPMS/USA Members: We encourage you to submit reviews, both here and to the Journal. To volunteer for membership in the IPMS/USA "Reviewers Corps" and submit your own reviews, please read the Guidelines For Submitting Product Reviews.
Manufacturers, publishers, and other industry members: IPMS/USA is pleased to offer your company the opportunity for product reviews. All product reviews are performed by IPMS/USA members, and are posted in the publicly-accessible section of our website. With very few exceptions, we perform full build reviews of new kit releases, aftermarket products, and supplies. If you would care to provide product samples for review, please contact John Noack, IPMS/USA 1st VP.
To learn more about IPMS/USA, please see our About Us page.
This detail set by Hauler provides numerous license plate frames in different shapes for WWII German vehicles. The set is a steel photoetch fret that is 1 1/8”x3 7/8”. The PE pieces have a slight curl to them. This set provides only the backing plate for licenses, but no decals or stickers are provided for the actual license plate graphic. Mounting brackets are not provided either.
There are 33 license plates provided in the following sizes in millimeters (width x height):
- 6 - 14x3 rounded corners
- 6 - 9x5 rounded corners
- 3 - 6x4 rounded corners, no edging
- 3 - 10x3 rounded corners, no edging
- 6 - 9x6 notched corners
- 6 - 14x3 square corners
- 3 - 9x6 rounded corners
The photoetch pieces are thin and closer in scale than base kit plastic pieces. These license frames are a good option to replace thick (or lost) plastic kit pieces.
The “Effie” pickup trunk have always held me in awe, possibly because a long time ago in another life, I was building a ’53 into a street machine.
Engine
The engine appears to be a small block Ford with Roush refinements. The parts fit very well. I was unable to put the supplied Rouch decals on the valve covers because my decal sheet disintegrated.
Interior
Door panel and dash engraving was very crisp and easy to detail paint. Side panels are separate pieces which makes for easier painting. The interior is also flocked. There are no options for the interior but it is extremely well done for such a small space.
Developed by the McDonnell Douglas Company, the F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two seat, all-weather, supersonic fighter-bomber. It is one of the most famous aircraft in military aviation history. The F-4 entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy but was also adopted by the USMC and USAF. The F-4 stayed in the service of the U.S. military until 1996, but other countries have kept it in use up to 2017 (Japan). The F-4E version, specifically developed for the USAF, adopted a M61 Vulcan cannon in the nose, and it could be armed with AIM-9 sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow air to air missiles to perform air-superiority missions. With two GE J-79 engines, the F-4E could reach the top speed of 1,240 knots (1426 mph). Speed, thrust, and reliability were the Phantom II strengths able to successfully counterbalance its reduced maneuverability due to its size.
I’ve always liked modern Russian/Soviet aircraft and have several in the works (Su-27, MiG-31, MiG-21). Seeing the opportunity to review this pilot figure sounded like a prime chance to add a little spice to one of them (whenever I get them finished!). Though this particular figure is listed as a Su-27 pilot, my research showed that the uniform and gear is applicable to pilots of most other modern Russian fighter and attack aircraft.