Dragon 1/35 Panzerfähre gepanzerte Landwasserschlepper (1st prototype)

The Land-Wasser-Schlepper was conceived by Germany as a tracked amphibious tractor in 1936. A small number of this unarmored boat-like vehicle was built and they served on the Eastern Front. However, perhaps even less well known is the vehicle designed as its successor – the Panzerfähre (also referred to as the “PzF”). The main difference with this vehicle was that it was armored, plus it was conveniently based on the chassis of a Panzer IV tank. Development of the Panzerfähre began in early 1941, and by mid-1942 two prototypes had been delivered by Magirus. The fully tracked vehicle was lightly armored and it had a boat-like bow and a propeller at the stern. Its main function was to act as a vehicle for combat supply on land and in water. It could tow an amphibious trailer, or alternatively it could work in tandem with another Panzerfähre as a floating platform or ferry capable of carrying a 24-ton load.

I have to say that this is something I did not expect to see kitted, but once I realized that this was based on the Panzer IV, it made sense that Dragon would be the one to tackle it. It is no surprise that the running gear and individual link tracks are from Dragon's previous Panzer IV kit, but the rest of the kit is specifically designed just for this waterborne craft. There isn't much in the way of options aside from an extended or retracted radio mast. The kit includes line to run through the stanchions that are on the edges of the upper deck. I'll let the Dragon PR listing give you more of the details.

- New chain links on front and rear hull
- Newly designed crane is intricately produced
- Gepanzerte Landwasserschlepper of Panzerfähre is authentically produced
- Commander's hatch on Prototype Nr.1 w/detailed air intake
- Delicate front hull
- Transparent parts for spotlights
- Slide-molded commander's compartment
- Fully detailed deck platform
- One-piece lower hull made by slide-molds
- Folding railings w/strings are realistically presented in details
- Rivets on upper hull are detailed and realistic
- Deck hatches can be open/closed
- Highly detailed propeller
- Propeller made to thinnest possible thickness
- Smooth curvature of propeller
- Final-drive housing w/details on both sides
- Separate armored cover for final-drive housing
- Sprocket wheels w/breathtaking detail and multiple delicate parts
- Magic Tracks w/accurate details
- Commander's hatches can be opened/closed
- Slide-molded air intake accurately presented
- Detailed assembly w/3D-designed engine exhaust mufflers
- Idler wheels w/correctly detailed parts
- Realistic parting lines on rubber tires
- Road wheels and suspension exhibit extreme detail

Instructions are as the norm with Dragon kits, though thanks to the lower than usual parts count, they are not as crowded as usual. Interestingly, the upper surface color (H-95) is not included in the color chart. Markings are simply insignia as befits a prototype vehicle.

If you are a fan of the unusual, then this one must certainly be on your list. It will make into a relatively large model and look quite unusual amongst the usual mass of tracked armor on your shelves.

October 2010

Thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local shop or have them order it for you.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

Back to the Main Page

Back to the Previews Index Page