Dragon 1/35 Panzerfahre Fährendeck mit Gepanzerter Landwasserschlepper Prototype #2
| KIT #: | 6669 |
| PRICE: | $69.00 MSRP |
| DECALS: | One Option |
| REVIEWER: | Scott Van Aken |
| NOTES: | Smart Kit |
In its combat operations during WWII, the German Army faced countless water obstacles, especially in the undeveloped tracts of Russia. Many attempts to overcome such water tributaries were made, and one of them was via amphibious vehicles. Though not as well known perhaps as the Landwasserschlepper, one of these amphibious vehicles was known as the Panzerfähre, which translates as “armored ferry.” This vehicle was essentially an armored amphibious tractor that was designed as successor to the aforementioned unarmored Landwasserschlepper. The Panzerfähre (PzF) was designed to work in pairs, with a self-floating pontoon nestled between them. In this way, they could ferry vehicles and light tanks across water obstacles. The PzF utilized the hull of the Panzer IV. However, as Germany’s tanks gained in weight as the conflict wore on, plans for the Panzerfähre were dropped in 1942 as it wasn’t capable of carrying the heavier tanks then being produced. All in all, only two prototypes were completed, and the Panzerfähre never entered series production. Both examples saw service on the Eastern Front from mid-1942 onwards.
Dragon has created a kit of the second prototype of the Panzerfähre. This make it a logical addition to the previously previewed Prototype #1. What makes this kit special is the inclusion of the pontoon ferry as well as the LWS tractor. When the two prototypes are joined together, they’ll make a complete panzer ferry. This LWS has many different parts compared to the first kit – a couple of examples include the driver’s compartment and the absence of the two air intakes. Here, from the Dragon PR folks is a listing of the features.
- New chain links on front and rear hull
- Newly designed crane is intricately produced
- Gepenzerter Landwasserschlepper of Panzerfähre w/Fährendeck presented accurately
- Delicate deck w/fine detail is realistically produced
- One-piece lower hull made by slide molds
- Transparent parts for spotlights
- Commander's hatch with detailed cover
- Commander's hatches can be opened/closed
- Fully detailed deck platform w/optional air intake
- Slide-molded commander's compartment
- Slide-molded air intake accurately presented
- Rivets on upper hull are detailed and realistic
- Folding railings w/strings are realistically presented in details
- Deck hatches can be opened/closed
- Final-drive housing w/details on both sides
- Separate armored cover for final-drive housing
- Sprocket wheels w/breathtaking detail and multiple delicate parts
- Idler wheels w/correctly detailed parts
- Detailed assembly w/3D-designed engine exhaust mufflers
- Smooth curvature of propeller made to thinnest possible thickness
- Realistic parting lines on rubber tires
- Road wheels and suspension exhibit extreme detail
- Magic Tracks w/accurate details
Instructions are well drawn with the usual Gunze paint references. A well done but rather generic decal sheet is included with the kit.
Since this uses Panzer IV chassis, much of the kit will be familiar to those of you who have built a number of Dragon armor kits. The Magic Tracks are a highlight of this one with the individual links and the etched brass is minimal and well thought out. For one thing, it will make a most interesting display either by itself or with the #1 prototype.
Dragon USA web siteNovember 2010
Thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local shop or on-line retailer.If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.
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Dragon has created a kit of the second prototype of the Panzerfähre. This make it a logical addition to the previously previewed Prototype #1. What makes this kit special is the inclusion of the pontoon ferry as well as the LWS tractor. When the two prototypes are joined together, they’ll make a complete panzer ferry. This LWS has many different parts compared to the first kit – a couple of examples include the driver’s compartment and the absence of the two air intakes. Here, from the Dragon PR folks is a listing of the features.