This kit looks really nice, with great details. How late did this appear and where was it used?

Most of the references I have don't talk about early and late production runs. I think this is just closer to the deployed version than DML's first kit was, which was closer to the prototype. I like that the sight's been corrected, and there are a few other updates with the gun itself, as well as the deletion of the lightening holes in the drive sprockets. Be interesting to see it they throw in the kink in the fenders, kinda looks like there's one on the boxart. What's the price gonna be?

I bet one grand they won't change the kink issue, it will forever be an issue. What exactly have they changed? It seems that DML's new strategy is just releasing reissues of their recent kits with minimal alterations, this kit, the Flakpanzer I, Marder III H and others are testaments of this. From what I can see here and with the other kits, a rerelease isn't justified, merely a marketing gag.

I wonder if they: replaced/ gave a plastic option to replace, the vast amount of photo-etch from the original kit. I have the original and have been putting off working on it for that reason. This kit looks nice...I'll have to get it. Jeff

Agreed, I don't see much difference here from the original, apart from the corrected sprockets which are included in their later variants, and the updated gun issues (which is a big plus if not going with the AM route such as Griffon) The kink in the fender most likely has not been addressed, since the hull is the same in all these kits....with either the cast or welded versions.....and is very easy to correct on the modellers part. Needless to say, this one will find a home in my stash sooner or later! Jeff, a good portion of the PE in the original kit is optional, such as the gun shields, or fairly easy to work with. The downside is that I found the tool clasps to be unusable, with no styrene alternative. The later DML variants corrected this with slightly better clasps, although I'd still either forage in the spares box or get some AM ones.

Thanks James...I'll probably have to go to the parts box. I'm really not that good with the small pieces...old age and all...I'll be 50 (it's old for me)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again. Jeff