Dragon 1/35 Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.B Kit #6295

Dragon 1/35 Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.B Kit #6295

See all my models at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98961263@N00/albums/72157603606379755

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Nikon D7500; Focus Stacking using Helicon Focus; Editing using LightRoom

PAINT:

Tamiya X-63 German Grey

THE KIT:

Typical Dragon:

• Lots of parts - about 500 in styrene (including 190 track links) and approximately 76 in photo etch. Many of the parts were for the interior which I did not use. A lot of the photo etch is so small I just don't have the skill to use them although I did use more than I thought I would and I learned a few things along the way. Dragon provides alternatives to PE for many parts (ie. one shovel to be attached with PE brackets and an alternative with the brackets moulded into the part.) There are another couple of hundred styrene pieces that are not used(many more than indicated on the parts map) so when you open the box, the little tank impresses with a large parts count but in the end the number of parts is reasonable - my guess is there are about 200-250 parts to deal with.
• Many very small parts - some no more than specs really.
• Some ridiculously fiddly and/or fragile parts that could have probably been designed better.
• All parts are precisely moulded with excellent detail and little flash, no sink marks and ejector pin marks are hidden. The weld lines on the turret and wheels are particularly nice.
• Construction is mostly straightforward but there are some fit problems requiring parts modification and some very puzzling parts placements with somewhat confusing illustrations. The instructions include a few mistakes as per usual.
• The main tub is moulded in one piece which prevents major fit problems in the main structure.
• The track links are individual but Dragon does the modeller a big favour by separating them from the sprue - no clean up required. The links are very small and delicate. I'd recommend only using slow acting styrene cement. I used regular Tamiya liquid cement which worked fine but to repair a few links I used extra thin which was too aggressive for the small links. Luckily Dragon provides extras - unfortunately, there were very few extras for the right side. The links are handed but I couldn't tell the difference.

Although there is a relatively high parts count, I would say this would be a good kit for anyone with basic modelling skills, some patience, no aversion to a little PE, and experience with individual track links.

Thanks for looking,

Richard

3 additional images. Click to enlarge.