Sturmpanzer Ausf. 1 als Befehlspanzer - Umbau Fahrgestelle Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. G - Dragon Zimmerit

Dragon, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

Summary

FirstLook

When the Germans first introduced their heavy 15 cm “Sturmpanzer” assault gun, it had a number of features which did not prove to be an advantage. These included the lack of an under armor machine gun for infantry suppression, various clunky design features such as a poorly laid out driver’s armored compartment and a lack of a commander’s cupola. After 52 were built the design was improved and the remaining 236 vehicles corrected those deficiencies.

This kit follows on No. 6596 (the early production Sturmpanzer with zimmerit) but modifies or adds new sprues to cover the differences. As with Kits No. 6500 and 6596, the zimmerit coated parts are the casemate, the lower hull sides, the upper and lower glacis, the rear plate, the fender tips, the driver’s enclosure and hatches, the pistol port plugs, and a few smaller bits.

The casemate includes some interior details and a complete gun and mount. The periscopic sight also projects through the roof of the casemate, and all hatches may be shown in the open position (but again other than the gun there is not much to see!) The kit retains the standard new generation Pzkw. IV firewall and optional position engine deck hatches as well.

The kit uses most of the previously generated Pzkw. IV generic parts but most of the mid-production Sturmpanzer parts are here replaced by Pzkw. IV generic parts. It still provides the etched nickel side shields for the “full-up” vehicle. These are nicely done but will need care as the mounting brackets are all plastic; modelers may wish to “etch” the surface a bit with a chemical blackener so the adhesive of choice (either cyanoacryalte glue or epoxy) can “bite” and hold it in place.

Unlike No 6596 this kit uses DS Plastic single track runs vice the “Magic Track” single link handed from the earlier kit. Modelers who are happy with the former will be disappointed but those who like and are familiar with DS Plastic tracks will be happy.

Technical consultants were Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.

Only two finishing options are given with this kit: sand (Panzerbraun) with a lot of sprayed green stripes or sand with a few sprayed green stripes. Three small crosses complete the model from a tiny Cartograf sheet. I am always surprised considering how few Brummbaers were built that there is not more coverage of the vehicles and their markings.

Overall this is another nicely done kit and should please Sturmpanzer fans.

Sprue Layout:

A 37x2 Pzkw. IV - drivers, return rollers, bogie details
A 76x2 Pzkw. IV - road wheels, bogies, idlers, wing nuts and brackets
C 39 Brummbaer - hull details
D 38 Brummbaer - hull interior details
E 38 Pzkw. IV - hull sides, details
E 40 Brummbaer (Early) - casemate details, fenders, engine hatches
F 54 Brummbaer (Early) - schuertzen racks and brackets
G 33 Brummbaer Early with Zimmerit - hull details, plates, fittings
H 72 Pzkw. IV - engine deck details, exhaust, mud guards
J 7 German OVM - jack
K 10 German OVM - antenna and brackets
L 8 German OVM - spare road wheels
L 1 DS Plastic - left track
N 2 Casemate with zimmerit, engine deck
P 4 Clear styrene
R 1 DS Plastic - right track
S 9 Clear styrene
T 3 Front and rear plates with zimmerit
T 5 Pzkw. IV Ausf. G with zimmerit - applique plates
T 7 Pzkw. IV Ausf. G with zimmerit - applique plates, stern plate
Y 1 Pzkw. IV hull pan with zimmerit
MA 39 Etched brass
MB 5x2 Etched nickel
WC 4 MG-34, bipod

Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.