Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No. 7238; Jagdpanzer IV/70 Command Version; 161 parts (132 in grey styrene, 26 etched brass, 2 tan DS plastic track runs, 1 length of steel wire); price US $13.98

Advantages: new kit of this vehicle continuing DML's run of 1/72 Panzer IV tank chassis

Disadvantages: DS tracks require adjustment but since they cement up using plastic cement should not be a major drawback

Rating: Highly Recommended

Recommendation: for all German WWII fans

One of the nicer recent articles in "Military Modelling" (No. 36/6) was one called "Snake in the Grass" by Frank De Sisto on modeling the 1/35 Scale Jagdpanzer IV/70 vehicle. Even though Frank's article is on the big one, anyone who wants to do up this little gem is offered that article as a guide to finishing this kit.

Based on the earlier Jagdpanzer IV L/48 Early Production (No. 7276) and Jagdpanzer IV/70 Lang (No, 7293) kits, this one has some new bits for the "Stroke 70" and also some different components. It includes the solid road wheels for the first two stations each side as well as a new hull with only three return rollers and twin pipes (Pzkw. IV Ausf. J chassis) rather than the four used by early versions of both the "Stroke 48" and "Stroke 70."

The PaK 42 L/70 gun barrel benefits from "slide molding" with a hollow bore. A new casemate and detail parts are provided for the later variant. The "command variant" – which alludes to its coming with the "crow's foot" antenna in brass and steel for the command version with different radio fit – is a small bit of detailing added to the kit.

Surprisingly, the etched brass skirts (schuertzen) from the "Stroke 48" kit have been dropped here for styrene ones. The etched brass here only provides small details and the antenna head.

As is now the standard with this line of kits, it comes with positionable hatches and separate hatches for the engine deck (but no interior). Details are quite small (Right Puny Parts) so care will have to be taken in assembly to prevent the "Carpet Monster" from acquiring some of the details.

The two holes in the belly which appeared in Kit No. 7293 are now gone, so the the diehard "right belly" fans will be pleased!

The road wheels come in the now-standard two-wheel molded units with separate faces, as well as a set of nine solid-steel road wheels. Four are required for a standard late production IV/70, but as some were seen with more DML has provided for "mix and match" replacement.

Other details include periscopic sights and viewers.

Five different finishing schemes are provided, one in winter whitewash and four in various tricolor (red-brown/green/Panzerbraun) ones. All are for 1945 in either Germany or Hungary. "Targeted" decals for these finishing options are provided rather than a "number jungle."

Overall, DML has really done a great job on their IV series and this one fills in its niche very nicely.

Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.

- Cookie Sewell