Background

The German E -10 tank designed toward the end of World War 2 and was an attempt by the Germans to simplify both the design and production methods of their “light” tank destroyers. It was intended to replace the “Hetzer” and was really intended to be a heavily armed reconnaissance vehicle as opposed to a tank destroyer. A good short history of this vehicle by Bruce Crosby can be found here    http://members.tripod.com/~fingolfen/eseries/e10.html                                      

It remains to be seen how successful this vehicle might have been against the likes of a Centurion or T-44 or indeed an IS-3. The design was to use many of the parts intended for all the proposed “E-series” of designs and was another ‘paper–project’ that never saw the light of day.

FirstLook
 
The kit is molded in five grey sprues with another ten provided for the two track choices.

One track choice is basically a late model Panzer IV track with the other a variation of this. Two vinyl versions of these tracks are provided and are supposedly glueable but are not.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The first thing that strikes you is how large this vehicle was intended to be.  For example, it is almost the same size as the proposed E-25.

The upper and lower hulls are molded to a high standard and there are many fine details in evidence. The Hyprolic suspension is a little different than the one provided in the E-25 but just as problematic. The box top shows this in either “lowered” or “raised”, but the instructions indicate only the raised position. The suspension system (as with the E-25) will require a fair bit of clean up, but on the plus side the suspension units will be all but impossible to see once the road wheels are in place. The road wheels are the same as provided in the E-25 kit and are well molded with crisp detail. The tools provided are somewhat deceptive as they don’t look all that good on the sprue but once they are cleaned and painted up are quite acceptable.
 
The prominent mantlet has a much more subtle molded in texture than say the E-25 kit and is very well done. The kit provides both plastic and photo etch side skirts with then photo etch examples being the pick of the two. The photo etch fret also includes the mesh screens for the engine deck but are a little “thickish” and would best be replaced with a thinner material. The coloured marking guide provides two examples of proposed camouflage and is quite well done. A generic decal sheet is provided which includes two crosses and some red and white numbers. The instructions are large and easy to follow.
 
Overall, this is a good value for money kit with plenty of options and a relatively good recommended retail price. As with all “Panzer 46” vehicles the marking choices are limitless and as such it is pleasing to see this vehicle released in plastic. This Kit has been out for a few weeks now and a having quick glance at the constructive comments forum has produced these fine builds
 
http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/message/1198787499/E10+done
 
http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/message/1198490662/E-10++%5Bupdate%231%5D
 
http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/message/1197837606/E-10+1945+finished
 
http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/message/1197737004/Another+E-10
 
I’m sure this kit will be popular as it lends it self to so may paint schemes and indeed, none of them can be wrong.

Thanks to J.B. Wholesalers for the review sample.