Sd.Kfz. 184 Ferdinand

Manufacturer: Dragon Models (Kit No. 7202)

So why did I buy this model after my scathing review of the earlier Elefant kit? Simply because the SquadronMail Order website stated that unlike the Elefant, this kit comeswith individual link tracks. Well, Squadron was wrong.

The sprue on the left above is mostly the sameas that included with the Elefant kit, but the portion outlinedin red is new to the Ferdinand (also some parts unique to theElefant have been removed). As with the Elefant, the detail hereis first rate, and all of the dimensions are completely accurateto 1/72nd scale. The crew hatches are all molded open. Even therear loading hatch is open. It is correct to not have zimmerit onthis kit, because unlike the Elefant, no Ferdinands had thiscoating.

The hull is molded as a single piece, andconsidering the superb detail it exhibits, it's obvious that afour (or more)-part mold was used to make it. The wheelsuspension springs look amazing. Even the sprue of other kitparts was made with a multi-part mold, which allows for detail onthe sides of some of the parts, not only the tops and bottoms(for example, the tip of the gun barrel is already open, and doesnot need to be drilled).

The bolt detail is great. Lift hooks are moldedonto the upper superstructure corners, and though they are a bitthick, they can easily be sanded to the appropriate thickness.I'm not real happy with the gunner's periscope, which is moldedonto the superstructure roof, with no opening in the coveringplate. The hull bottom is completely detailed.

The wheels are highly detailed, and in perfectscale. Even the front and rear sprockets are different, a detailwhich ESCI overlooked in their kit.

There are still some negatives with this kit:first of all, there is no treadplate pattern on the fenders. Asbefore, this doesn't bother me all that much, considering howfine of a stipple-pattern it really is, but it would have beennice to see it regardless. A major error is that the engine deckhas not been revised from the Elefant kit, when in fact, theywere very different. There are also no tow cables included. Andof course the tracks are the same as the Elefant kit.

Once again, markings are included for only asingle vehicle of the 653rd Heavy Panzerjäger Battalion, thistime fighting in its most famous battle, at Kursk in 1943. Thedecals are thin and sharply printed, though slightly out ofregister.

From now on, I am going to refrain from makinggeneric recommendations about models. I have come to realize thatsaying a certain model is recommended or not, is really quitearbitrary, and certainly open to personal opinion. Hence,modelers should look at the scans, and make up their own minds.

References:

• Achtung Panzer No. 6 Panzerkampfwagen Tiger , by Bitoh (ed)
• Panzer Tracts No. 9 Jagdpanzer , By Jentz and Doyle
• Museum Ordnance Special No. 9, Elefant - Panzerjäger Tiger (P) , by Jentz and McKaughan