"Püppchen" (German: Dolly) was the popular name for the Raketen-Panzerbüchse 43 ('rocket tank rifle', abbreviated to RPzB), an 88 mm calibre reusable anti-tank rocket launcher developed by the Germans in the later years of World War II.

It was given to infantry to bolster their anti-tank capability. The weapon was fired from a small two-wheeled gun carriage (also fitted with skis for use in snow) which fired a rocket-propelled, fin-stabilized grenade with a shaped charge warhead. It was made in much smaller numbers than either the "Panzerschreck" , which was based on the American Bazooka or the Panzerfaust, which was a disposable recoilless rifle firing an anti-tank grenade.

As you can imagine, even something relatively small like this requires a somewhat large box. With only about 120 parts (miserly by Dragon standards), the kit is still highly detailed. Though it does have some molded in place detailing (like the hand grabs on the main chassis mount), most of the pieces are separate and will require some skills in application. This is not the wheeled version, and while I'd expect one in the future, this particular boxing comes with skids/skis. These  have hand holds to allow it to be grunted around by its two man crew or pulled by truck, horse or human. It is on the skis and underside of the main chassis that we find the most egregious ejector pin marks. The ones on the skis will be a snap to clean up.

The kit also includes a piece of aluminum tubing to use for the barrel. A smart idea that obviates any need for seam clean up on this highly visible piece. The gun can be built to elevate and move in azimuth. There is also a box with two rounds included. In fact, the decal sheet is designed for this box and the rounds as the gun itself has no distinguishing markings. This box can be constructed open or closes as one wishes. A piece of thread is provided for the rope handle.

The large instruction sheet includes five very large and clear photo-realistic construction steps. There are no options, but you are shown just what bits not to cement in order to have the various bits work. It is to be painted in overall panzer grey with a white wash in order to match the box art. Gunze and Model Master paint references are provided in case you need them.

This is by far the smallest and least construction intensive kit in Dragon's 1/6 series so far. It is one that will still take up a lot of room, but at least you should be able to display it on your model shelf!

http://en.wikipedia.org

May 2008

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