Dragon 1/35 10.5cm K.Pz.Sfl.IVa Dicker Max Model Kit - 6357

The Dragon 1/35 10.5cm K.Pz.Sfl.IVa "Dicker Max" is a plastic model kit in the Dragon WW2 Military Plastic Models range. The Medium M4 tank, better known as the Sherman, appeared in various forms throughout its stellar career with Allied armies. One of the lesser known variants is the M4A3 (105mm), of which five hundred were manufactured by Detroit Arsenal between April through August 1944. The 105mm Howitzer gun was fitted so that the vehicle could serve in the close support role, rather than in the usual tank role. They were not widely seen until the end of the Second World War. In terms of rarities, they don't come much more unique than Germany's Dicker Max. The catchy sounding name actually translates as "stout Max", this being the name given to the prototypical tank destroyer mounting a long-barreled 10.5cm K18 gun. Only two vehicles were produced in 1941, both issued to the 521st Panzerj�ger Detachment for a proposed attack on Gibraltar. When this never eventuated, they were transferred to the 3rd Panzer Division and saw combat on the Eastern Front in 1941.
Because the Dicker Max is such a rare breed, and since there are no survivors, an enormous amount of research was required by the project supervisor, Mr. Thomas Anderson. The 1/35 scale model replicates the original vehicle as accurately as possible using all available references. Since this is an open-topped vehicle, no effort was spared in fitting out the interior of the fighting compartment with full detail. To realize this kit, slide molds were frequently employed to give maximum detail and yet keep assembly for modelers as simple as possible.

Features:
Gun :
Newly tooled 10cm Kanone 18 designed specifically for "Dicker Max"
Completely new gun cradle for 10cm Kanone 18
Newly tooled gun mount w/extreme detail
Two muzzle provided
optional 10.5cm le.FH 18
Slide-molded gun sleeve w/declicate detail

Fighting Compartment :
Slide molded one piece fighting compartment accurately shaped for ease assembly
Realistic weld seems on fighting compartment (different weld detail inside and out)
Hatch can be assembled open/closed
Newly designed driver's compartment for "Dicker Max"
driver's bay and dummy bay in front of superstructure
Optional gun rest for 10cm Kanone 18
Accurately designed transmission and steering brake
Side fenders w/pattern detail on both top and bottom surface
New armor for front hull

Interior :
Full fighting compartment interior
Scissors periscope and commander's observation periscope included
Newly tooled signal pistol, ammo box for signal pistol and grenades
Ammo box w/interior detail

Chassis :
Newly tooled one-piece slide-molded hull bottom w/new fuel filler hatch on both sides -Track tool made from photo-etched part
Newly tooled headlight w/photo-etched part for crisp detail
Newly tooled cleaning rod for "Dicker Max"
Exhaust pipe w/photo-etched part for great detail
New fuel filler hatch can be modeled open/closed
Final drive housing w/detail on both sides
Metal towing cable
Towing eye brackets in extreme detail w/separate parts

Suspension & Wheels :
Accurately modeled sprocket wheel
Correctly detailed idler wheels w/numerous separate parts; made from astoundingly delicate slide-molded and photo-etched parts
Road wheels exhibit maximum detail w/separate rubber tires and hubs
Suspension armored covers come as separate parts
Realistic parting line on rubber tires

Tracks :
Magic Tracks
Spare track bracket made from photo-etched part

Other :
Cartograf decal offers accurate marking

Manufacturer: Dragon
Model: 6357 10.5cm K.Pz.Sfl.IVa "Dicker Max"