Dragon 1/35 5 cm Pak 38 with Crew

                                      The 5 cm PaK 38 (L/60) (5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone 38 (L/60)) was a German anti-tank gun of 50 mm calibre. It was developed in 1938 by Rheinmetall-Borsig AG as a successor to the 37 mm PaK 36, and was in turn followed by the 75 mm PaK 40.

The PaK 38 was first used by the German forces in the Second World War on April 1941. When the Germans faced Soviet tanks in 1941 during Operation Barbarossa, the PaK 38 was one of the few early guns capable of effectively penetrating the 45 mm armor of the formidable T-34. Additionally, the gun was also equipped with Panzergranate 40 APCR shots featuring a tungsten core, in an attempt to penetrate the armor of the heavier KV-1 tank. Although it was replaced by more powerful weapons, it remained a potent and useful weapon and remained in service with the German infantry until the end of the war.

Based on Dragon’s original release of this weapon system, it has received a comprehensive upgrade to make it more appealing than ever. One of the major modifications is the inclusion of the THIRD WHEEL that was hitched to the split-trail spades to allow easier manhandling. This newly tooled wheel is designed to widen modelers’ diorama horizons, as it permits the gun to be displayed in either a travel or combat mode. In addition, this Premium Edition kit also has a set of four crewmen with brand new arms and hands to operate the gun and hold scale ammo rounds. The crew also benefits from upgraded GEN2 weapons and equipment. This is a versatile and accurately rendered kit of an important antitank gun that served right through to the end of WWII, and it offers modelers endless possibilities.

Dragon's usual excellent instructions provides fully detailed construction steps and color references in both Gunze and Model Master paints. Any optional settings, such as having the gun ready to fire or ready to be towed are clearly shown. The painting guide shows the gun in panzer grey, but really, you could paint it any way you deem necessary. In addition, there is an assembly guide for the crew showing placement of various parts and a sample pattern for their uniforms. No decals are required for the kit and none are provided.

This is an excellent opportunity to get an upgrade of this super kit and some figures to go along with it. The end result is sure to be a superb diorama piece or an equally nice stand-along gun.

http://en.wikipedia.org

July 2008

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