1/72 Sea King SH-3DThe subject of Cyber-Hobby’s latest 1/72 scale plastic kit is a delightful model of the American-designed Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King helicopter. This twin-engine SH-3 Sea King was used primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) by the US Navy (USN). It was also the first amphibious helicopter in the world and it entered USN service in 1961. Various modifications occurred in its lifespan, with the SH-3D superseding the SH-3A beginning in 1966. Key modifications were 1,419shp T58-GE-10 turbines, increased fuel capacity and new electronics. A total of 73 new-build helicopters were produced. In the 1990s the SH-3 Sea King was replaced by the SH-60 Seahawk in the USN.
This 1/72 scale Cyber-Hobby plastic model is well designed and cleverly engineered to induce maximum modeling enjoyment. The fuselage is correctly proportioned and is furnished with a full level of detail both inside and outside. The foldable rotor blades are made to true scale thickness too. This kit features a brand new lower hull that incorporates the sonar installation. In fact, the kit allows modelers to depict the sonar dangling underneath the SH-3D Sea King just as if it had been lowered into the sea to seek enemy submarines. Another new item is the five-bladed tail rotor. With appropriate Cartograf decal markings for several USN squadrons available, this SH-3D is ready to chase subs!
1/35 Sd.Kfz.131 Panzerjäger II für PaK 40/2 "Marder II" Mid ProductionDragon is proud of its newest plastic-kit version of a WWII German tank destroyer – a Marder II Mid-Production vehicle. Early in the war there was an urgent need for self-propelled anti-tank platforms, especially when the Wehrmacht was confronted by well-armored enemy vehicles such as the T-34 and KV-I during the invasion of Russia. Many hybrid designs were converted from obsolete tank chassis. The Marder II was a case in point, as it was based on a Panzer II chassis. The Mid-Production version of the Marder II (Sd.Kfz.131) was armed with 7.5cm PaK 40. Some 576 Marder IIs were produced from June 1942 till June 1943, and they fought primarily on the Eastern Front.
Dragon’s new 1/35 scale kit is a superb rendition of a Mid-Production variant, and it perfectly complements the Marder II released earlier. The fighting-compartment interior has been rearranged to reflect this production period, as has the on-vehicle tool arrangement. Brand new toolings for this kit include the left and right sides of the fighting compartment armor. The fine box-top illustration depicts iconic markings from an actual vehicle, and these are reproduced by Cartofgraf as high-quality decals. To suit this same specific vehicle, Dragon has produced a brand new wooden case that sits on the right-hand fender. Far more effective than a towed anti-tank gun, this Marder II is a fine exponent of Dragon’s engineering expertise!
1/72 Ersatz M10One of Germany’s last desperate gambles of WWII was its offensive in the Ardennes on 16 December 1944. Known today as the Battle of Bulge, the aim was to split British and American forces in half and drive all the way to Antwerp. Panzer Brigade 150 had a role in this plan. This formation was supposed to create surprise and confusion with clandestine armored vehicles! It included five Panther Ausf.G tanks physically disguised and painted to resemble U.S. Army M10 tank destroyers. Modifications included removal of the Panther cupola and stowage boxes on the rear of the hull. Sheet metal on the hull front, turret and turret overhang was fabricated to disguise the form of the Panther.
The transformation was completed with an olive drab paint scheme and Allied stars painted on the turret and glacis. This handful of vehicles was designated Ersatz (i.e. ‘substitute’) M10.
Dragon has produced an amazing 1/72 scale kit of these Ersatz M10 vehicles. This is the first time this unique tank has been created in plastic in this scale. The kit is based on Dragon’s Panther Ausf.G, but the original Panther incorporates a host of new items to suit this Ersatz M10. The turret and the upper hull are brand new, made by slide mold. This long-awaited item is an icon of the Battle of Bulge, and will surely produce an authentic Ardennes diorama together with various items stemming from the Battle of the Bulge Dragon released before.
1/72 VK.45.02(P)V, Germany 1945 - Ultimate ArmorUltimate Armor series is a new line-up of Dragon Armor, featuring unusual and rare vehicle types such as VK.45.02(P)V. These unique items will cater to the demands of discerning collectors. More rare fighting-vehicles will be come up soon. Stay tuned!
Dr. Porsche was an important figure in terms of German armored fighting vehicle development during WWII. Unfortunately, not all his ideas met with success, with the VK4501(P) being a prime example. After its failure, he nevertheless designed an updated version known as the VK.45.02(P). He actually proposed five different versions, with four different types of engine and both forward- and rear-mounted turrets. The heavy tank turret was designed by Krupp to mount an 8.8cm KwK43 L/71 gun, and it featured a rounded front for better ballistic qualities. Production of the VK.45.02(P) was authorized in April 1942 and 200 vehicles were to be produced. Again, however, Dr. Porsche was stymied by a too ambitious automotive design, as the tank’s 10-cylinder engine was unproven and complicated. In November 1942 the whole contract was rescinded and the 57-ton VK.45.02(P) was consigned to the fate of being another ‘paper panzer’!
All items listed as available: January 2013
Check with your local nearest hobby shop for availability. As an alternative, you can monitor Dragon USA Online or Amazon for pre-order.
Note: Dragon Model USA is a wholesaler company. It is not the company that makes plastic scale model with the brand "Dragon" Models.
No comments:
Post a Comment