Dragon 1/72 PANZERFÄHRE GEPANZERTE LANDWASSERSCHLEPPER PROTOTYPE Nr.I [7489]

Barcode: 0 89195 87489 4
Case pack: 36 Pieces per carton
Box Size: 7.5 x 11.4" x 1.8"

Features:

• Panzerfahre 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
• Idler wheels w/correctly detailed parts
• Sprocket wheels w/breathtaking detail and multiple delicate parts ;
• Road wheels and suspension w/accurate details
• One-piece DS tracks reproduced
  

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, less well known is the vehicle designed as its successor the Panzerfahre (abbreviated to "PzF"). The main difference with this vehicle was that it was armored, plus it was conveniently based on the chassis of a Panzer IV Ausf.F tank. Development of the Panzerfahre began in early 1941, and by mid-1942 Magirus had delivered two prototypes. The lightly armored, fully tracked vehicle had a boat-like bow and a propeller at the stern. The vehicle's main function was combat supply on land and in water. It could tow an amphibious trailer, or alternatively it could work in tandem with another Panzerfahre as a floating ferry platform capable of carrying a 24-ton load. However, as heavier tanks appeared on the scene, the Panzerfahre never went into production because of its inadequate payload.

Dragon released a 1/35 scale kit of this fascinating vehicle a while back, and now it is being released in the smaller 1/72 scale. It depicts the first Panzerfahre prototype, and it makes clever use of parts from Dragon's Panzer IV models for example, wheels, suspension and tracks. Meanwhile, all other parts are brand new in line with the unique nature of this vehicle. Details such as hull rivets are delicately rendered, while slide molds are widely used. Modelers will find this kit assembles easily. The finished item is a stunning vehicle, and the scale allows space for modelers to put it in a suitable diorama showing a river or riverbank.