Dragon Model kits - Question & Answer

Q&A

"Super" kits
<Product Details: 6264 |6252 | 6253 | 6260 >

What factors contribute to Dragon's new generation "super" kits such as Tiger I, Flak 36 and Panzer IV E? And how do they manage to capture all that fantastic detail?

There are actually a few reasons why Dragon model kits have been raising the bar by so many notches. One reason is the quality of people contributing to each project. Take for example, the release of our very latest tour de force, the Pz.Kpfw IV Ausf.E. This kit has benefited from the enthusiastic contribution of expert modelers such as Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson. These are passionate modelers who know what modelers want, and their devotion to excellence has been a vital component in the whole project. Dragon produces models for modelers - by modelers!

A second reason is the quality of our research and reference sources. A great deal of care is taken to ensure that Dragon kits are accurate, and for this reason we turn to only the best technical data. That's why, for the very latest and hottest Panzer IV E, all measurements were based on the 1:35 scale plans and drawings produced by the extremely reputable Hilary L. Doyle. These drawings are the most accurate drawings available, and were produced in association with Tom Jentz, probably the world's foremost researcher of German AFVs. His dedication to research, his vast experience and expertise in German subjects, has contributed greatly to the modeling world's archives, and to the accuracy of Dragon kits.

A third reason stems from the technology that Dragon is now employing. About a year ago, we moved our engineering approach away from the traditional 2D-CAD drawing method. Instead, Dragon now uses an up-to-date 3D computerized system (check out the 3D drawings that appear on the sides of kit boxes, created by this program). This advanced and specialized 3D engineering software system compiles all drawings, meaning that fit, shrinkage and material flow etc. can be simulated and calculated in advance by computer, well before the actual molding process begins. Besides this, a full 100% CAD-CAM manufacturing process has been implemented. This ensures that finished parts perfectly match our designs, and this leads to a seamless fit of parts. Modelers will have noticed this when they follow the assembly instructions in the correct sequence, and they will of course already have noticed the amazing detail on model parts!

As can be seen, there are a number of factors contributing to the successful design and production of all Dragon's "super" kits. All in all, it can only bode well for the future of modeling . . . and for you, the modeler!

Tiger I late lower hull
<Product Details: 6253 >

What's wrong with the hull on my Late Tiger I? The sides are inclined inwards - is it warped?

The simple answer is a resounding "No"!
And here is the reason why. Dragon deliberately chose to produce the hull of the Tiger I in one piece, rather than the traditional three pieces consisting of a hull bottom and two sides. A one-piece hull is much more rigid, offering a distinct advantage to modelers. Of course, when producing such a one-piece hull, there is a tendency for the sides to bow slightly inwards, simply due to the manufacturing and molding process. However, this was anticipated by Dragon's experienced designers and turned to their advantage!

How?
At the design stage this factor was taken into consideration and so special attention was paid to the design and manufacture of the Tiger I's hull. After abundant computer simulations and test fitting of parts, it was found that once the rear plate was fitted onto the hull, that the whole hull became correctly aligned and square. Not only that, but the 'inclination' of the plastic also provided a tight and accurate fit for the rear plate. Therefore, to return to the original question - the hull is certainly not warped and indeed it has been designed to become true with a tight friction fit when the rear plate is added.

Tracks for 1/72 scale kit
<Product Details: 7255 | 7258 | 7260 >

Why don't I see individual track links in my 1:72 scale kit?
While individual track links are a common feature on Dragon's 1:35 scale kits, it isn't the case with 1:72 scale kits. Indeed up till now the standard fitting in Dragon kits, as with most other kit manufacturers, is vinyl one-piece tracks. There are reasons for this.

Foremost is that Dragon's 1:72 scale series is designed for simplicity of assembly. Often these kits are purchased by young or new modelers, and ease of construction is an important consideration. While individual track links have been used on 1:72 vehicles such as the Elefant, they are just not feasible on medium or small vehicles. Attempting to trim, file and join infinitesimal links together would drive most modelers nuts, and just doesn't make sense for most consumers.

On the other hand, vinyl does have recognisable limitations. As part of its research programme Dragon has produced DS (Dragon Styrene), and this superior material possesses several advantages over vinyl. Recent kits are now employing DS tracks, and this will continue to be a trend in the future. Through using DS, Dragon succeeds both in producing durable and well detailed tracks, and maintaining a convenient and simple solution to help keep modelers sane!

Sd.Kfz. 251 Ausf. C
<Product Details: 6233 | 6224 | 6202 >

Is my SdKfz 251 too fat or too thin? So, just how wide should the hull of an SdKfz 251 be anyway?

There are many reference sources stating the width of the SdKfz 251 hull as being 2100mm. However, this dimension is in fact a figure used only for shipping purposes. The actual width of the hull is 2080mm. This means we think we are marketing the best and most accurate hull possible using the technology currently available.

6252 Tiger I initial
<Product Details: 6252 >
<Product Review: 6252 >

Why can't I find this new kit in my model shop?
Knowing that this would be a highly popular kit, Dragon has been running production at full capacity since its unveiling. The kit requires the bringing together of various components from different production facilities, and at this time of year, many of these facilities close down for their major holiday break of the Chinese Lunar New Year. However, Dragon is doing its best to ensure that production can keep up with market demand, so that not a single modeler will miss out on building this delightful Tiger I!

Why are there no engine deck mesh screens?
In actual fact, the mesh screens of the initial Tiger I have a slightly concave shape, rather than being just flat. Since we were not able to reproduce the curved nature of the mesh screens in photo-etched metal in present technology, we took the decision not to include them, simply because we did not wish to include just plain flat screens in our kit.

Why produce yet another Tiger I kit?
The Tiger I is a very popular WW2 choice of subject for innumerable model-makers around the world. We wished to build the ultimate 1:35 kit, and what better choice than this perennial favourite of modelers? The Tiger I is the perfect vehicle to incorporate all our technology and features within one box. New techniques, new materials, and new ideas are combined to form this impressive representation of the famous Tiger tank.

Why does the writing on the road wheels say "Continentau"?
This is due simply to a matter of copyright rather than our spelling ability! However, with a quick slice of the scalpel, the spelling can be remedied in no time at all. Modelers should find this a very convenient solution.

Why don't the track links have hollow guide horns?
Dragon's Magic Tracks are remarkable in that they require no tedious clean up. However, there are always limitations inherent with plastic injection molding. It's just not possible to enjoy the tremendous convenience of Magic Tracks, and still have the tiny holes in the guide horns as well. In actual fact, the holes on the Tiger I links are extremely small when compared to the large cutouts of a PzKpfw IV track, for example. Dragon has therefore made a deliberate choice to offer the convenience of track links that require no clean-up, as the majority of modelers will appreciate and value this factor most of all.

Why does Dragon so frequently use slide mold technology?
Slide mold technology is certainly a great deal more expensive to use than some other forms of molding. The end result of our utilisation of slide mold techniques is a far superior quality of detailed parts and enhanced accuracy. Again, this reflects our commitment to modelers - we are very happy to use this more costly process in order to improve the modeling satisfaction of our customers.

Will all future Dragon releases be like the Tiger I?
The intensive research and development of this particular kit took well over a year, and an incredible amount of resources were poured in. With such a vast number of components and at such an affordable price, this kit represents a way for Dragon to express our gratitude to the modeling world for their ongoing support. Naturally, it is not possible to sustain this level of input in every single Dragon product. Our philosophy is to provide the best kits possible, and indeed you will find Dragon's trademark quality and value for money in every kit. Dragon will follow the same comprehensive pattern in selected future releases of popular subjects, but modelers can be assured that much of the innovation and technology found in the Tiger I will certainly be incorporated in all future releases. Meanwhile the Tiger I serves as a showcase of Dragon's commitment to detail and accuracy.

More to come...