Dragon 1/72 Panzerfähre gepanzerte Landwasserschlepper (1st prototype), previewed by Scott Van Aken

KIT #:	7489
PRICE:	$26.00 SRP
DECALS:	One option
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Armor Pro Kit

The Land-Wasser-Schlepper was conceived by Germany as a tracked amphibious tractor in 1936. A small number of this unarmored boat-like vehicle was built and they served on the Eastern Front. However, perhaps even less well known is the vehicle designed as its successor – the Panzerfähre (also referred to as the “PzF”). The main difference with this vehicle was that it was armored, plus it was conveniently based on the chassis of a Panzer IV tank. Development of the Panzerfähre began in early 1941, and by mid-1942 two prototypes had been delivered by Magirus. The fully tracked vehicle was lightly armored and it had a boat-like bow and a propeller at the stern. Its main function was to act as a vehicle for combat supply on land and in water. It could tow an amphibious trailer, or alternatively it could work in tandem with another Panzerfähre as a floating platform or ferry capable of carrying a 24-ton load.

Having produced this in 1/35, it was almost inevitable that we would see this in 1/72 scale as well. It is not surprising that, like their larger kit, much of this is based on their Panzer IV. The kit has a couple of interesting features. One is that there are inserts for each of the outer road wheels. Apparently wheel design changed with time. The other is that there is no photo etch with this one, something we have almost come to expect with Dragon kits in any scale. Thanks to the scale, construction time will not be long, but painting those small road wheels may take a bit of time. I would paint them first before installing the inserts. Might save some time. Here is a full list of features.

- Panzerfähre Gepanzerte Landwasserschlepper is authentically produced
- Chain links of front and rear hull
- Rivets on upper hull are detailed and realistic
- Spotlights exhibit extreme detail
- Commander's compartment intricately produced
- Air intake accurately presented
- Detailed assembly w/3D-designed engine exhaust mufflers
- Well-detailed cable drum
- Crane is intricately presented
- Sprocket wheels w/breathtaking details and multiple delicate parts
- Road wheels and suspension w/accurate details
- Idler wheels w/correctly detailed parts
- One-piece DS tracks reproduced

Instructions are as the norm with Dragon kits, though thanks to the lower than usual parts count, they are not as crowded as usual. Markings are simply insignia as befits a prototype vehicle.

If you are a fan of the unusual, then this one must certainly be on your list. It will make into a relatively large model for the scale and look quite unusual amongst the usual mass of tracked armor on your shelves.

Thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local shop or have them order it for you.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contactme or see other details in the Note toContributors.