Pz. 38(t) Comparison w/ DML, Tristar, Maquette [Archive]

James Tainton

01-09-2008, 02:13 PM

Okay I am going to start this. It is going to be a big challenge to keep steam up for it but we'll see how far it goes, eh?
I will be using as many aftermarket items that I can afford- to expose you all to what is available. Also I will build the Dragon version first as with the Griffin PE sets some plastic parts can trickle down to the Maquette kit to help upgrade it. The Tristar version will be made next for the same reason and then finally the Maquette version will be made.
I am going to just build and try to keep editorial comments to a minimum.

In any case to kicck it off let's start with the kits with sprue shots.
.................................................. .................................................. ........
Dragon's

The boxart
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/pz-38-1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-1-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-2-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-3-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-4-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-5-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-6-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-7-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-8-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-9-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-10-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-11-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-12-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-13-copy.jpg

James Tainton

01-09-2008, 02:13 PM

And the instruction sheet
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-14.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-16.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-18.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-20.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-22.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-24.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-26.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-28.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-30.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Dragon%20Pz.38(t)/Untitled-32.jpg

Sadness

01-09-2008, 02:23 PM

Hi James,

I will be following this with the most intrest as I want to build either the Tristar or DML Panzer 38.
I am sure your builds will be fenomenal as usual.
Thanx for the efford

Greetz
Tom

baskette

01-09-2008, 04:19 PM

This should be good...

I have a Maquette 38(t) in model limbo at the moment. Lets just say that if construction is your thing, then that kit certainly offers the most "modelling enjoyment" for the dollar :rolleyes:

Mike Baskette

Kreighshoer

01-09-2008, 05:02 PM

woooha james - this will be an epic comparison build of my favorite panzer (oh - surprise with six of those beauties unbuild in my stash :o ) so i will follow this one very closely!

btw - why don't you add the old italeri pz38(t) to the comparison just for fun? :D

cheers

James Tainton

01-09-2008, 06:52 PM

Fortuately I was able to pick up the new sets for Dragons Pz.38(t) from Griffon, They look pretty promising but I'll know more after working with them.
Set L35009 Exterior
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-50-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35009page1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35009page1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35009page2.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35009page3.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-43-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-45-copy.jpg

fenders
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-46-copy.jpg
You get a gun barrel to boot!
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-44-copy.jpg

James Tainton

01-09-2008, 06:53 PM

The Interior set, L35010
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-33-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35010page1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35010page2.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35010page3.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-36-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-37-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-38-copy.jpg

And the Transmission set, L35011
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-42-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/L35011page1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-41-copy.jpg

there is also replacement MG from Griffon
LB35011
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-53-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/LB35011instruction.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Griffon/Untitled-51-copy.jpg

panamadan

01-09-2008, 07:18 PM

Wow! That's some PE madness! Dan

Driver

01-09-2008, 07:44 PM

This one promise to be one great and interesting thread. Can't wait to see it in progress.

Ruben

mbabsit

01-09-2008, 10:46 PM

Yeah, but all that PE looks great. Question: why would you want to do the Maquette kit?

James Tainton

01-09-2008, 11:28 PM

Yeah, but all that PE looks great. Question: why would you want to do the Maquette kit?

This would be a good time to introduce this little gem...;)
And to answer your question I would want to do the Maquette kit cause I paid $43.17for it!:yell:
And I'm going to get my money's worth in fun, if it kills me! (check out the price tag, bought many moons ago)

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/boxtopsmall.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/front.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/step1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/step2.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/step7.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/step10.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/step12.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/step14.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/back.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/jerrycan.jpg

Check out the excellent(?) decals that come with the set (appears to be the same one used in all the Pz 38(t) kits from these guys....)
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-10-copy.jpg

James Tainton

01-09-2008, 11:44 PM

here's the plastic sprues....
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-1-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-2-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-3-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-4-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-5-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/jerrycan.jpg

Plus I bought and paid for some PE sets that I'm 'a gonna usehttp://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:f-zzXdnJGT9NRM:http://2008central.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/yosemitesam.jpg

First the pretty lame Eduard set- bought when I did not know any better.
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/eduard1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/eduard2.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-7-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-8-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-9-copy.jpg

And then there is the more useful Aber set
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/aber1.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/instruction/aber2.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Maquette%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-6-copy.jpg

sharkmouth

01-10-2008, 12:01 AM

Hi James,

At that time, the Eduard set was NOT lame to me as it had nice interior bits not covered by Aber...nice when two companies did not overlap so much.

Have you seen LionMarc Model Designs ZB MAchine Gun sets? They are better than all the others in my possession (Aber, Armorscale, LionRoar, Schatton, & Voyager Models).

Regards,

lquah

01-10-2008, 01:29 AM

James

Hat's off to you in tackling this old lady :) Does look like you got a good one as the sinkholes are a mere pinprick compared to 100 ton TNT craters on my Maquette kit. :mad:

I have serious doubts on the location of the radio sets over the cardan shaft. This location is correct for the Marder but highly unlikely for the 38t. I believe manufacturers have taken what is mentioned in PanzerTracts for the Marder and applied the same for the 38t's. My main contention is that it will interfere with the legs of the commander and gunner as the turret traverses!

Saul
I'm sorry but I gotta agree with James on this one. :( The Eduard set is LAME!!! And I'm being kind when I say that. The details are mostly wrong (too many to list!), incorrectly sized and a b*tch to solder. The frame for the radio is also provided but there is no mention of it in the instructions!

Lawrence

Sadness

01-10-2008, 01:41 AM

James,

I am sure they will be stunning models when your done with them. I can only dream of doing that much PE.

Greetz
Tom.

Instructorrob

01-10-2008, 03:01 AM

PE heaven James!
Looks like you took a lot of work on your back.
But it'll be very interesting to see the pimped Maquette model next to the other ones.

Robert

Striker

01-10-2008, 01:47 PM

what a promise of fun and heavy work on three kit

can't wait to see the Saga continue :-D

sharkmouth

01-10-2008, 03:48 PM

Saul
I'm sorry but I gotta agree with James on this one.

Hey Lawrence,

I did state "At that time" ;). Back then, what the real thing looked like was not so easy to find and trusting souls thought that Eduard should know since they, like the tank, are Czech. :D

Those kits do make a nice source of rivets though.

Regards,

lquah

01-10-2008, 08:24 PM

Hiya Saul

It's funny that I bought the set based on exactly the same reasons as you. :) I did get annoyed that it was near impossible to get the solder to stick to the PE. Sadly, that experience put me off Eduard PE to this day.

They had this kind of plating (nickel?) on it. Has Eduard improved since i.e. made it easier to solder?

Lawrence

mbabsit

01-10-2008, 09:56 PM

James,

[QUOTE=panzerfaust;57469]This would be a good time to introduce this little gem...;)
And to answer your question I would want to do the Maquette kit cause I paid $43.17for it!:yell:
And I'm going to get my money's worth in fun, if it kills me! (check out the price tag, bought many moons ago)

LOL! Thanks for the grins! Yes, I see your point. Good excuse as any not to chuck it all in the spares boxes.

James Tainton

01-11-2008, 12:58 AM

So now the Panzer 38(t) from Tristar. I only have the E/F version for now, I'll replace it with the G when it comes in. I think, most of the sprues are the same?
Anyway it is interesting to see that the Maquette artwork and the Tristar.s are the same in their POV, seeming to me to be based on the wartime picture of one downloading from a train car.
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/tri35022.jpg

I'll update the post here with the instruction sheet and artwork when the kit shows up
here. Till then I'll post the sprues from the E/F version.
http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-1-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-2-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-3-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-4-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-5-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-6-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-7-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-8-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-9-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-10-copy.jpg

http://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/Pz%2038(t)%20comparison%20build/Tristar%2038(t)%20Ausf.G/Untitled-11-copy.jpg

holmerz

01-11-2008, 03:17 AM

Nice James :thumb: Could you do me a favor and compare the lenght from the second fender rib to the last on the DML and Tristar kit, respectively.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u199/holmerz/Untitled-3-copy_a.jpg
In advance thanks

\Erik

sharkmouth

01-11-2008, 05:31 AM

Has Eduard ... made it easier to solder?

Hi Lawrence,

No, they did not make it easier to solder. I only soldered the fenders and I removed the nickel plating for that. I do not remember the chemical process though.

James, I am watching with great interest to see the differences in 'buildability' and final appearance.

Regards,

Flak

01-11-2008, 08:30 AM

Interesting thread...James

greybeard

01-11-2008, 08:58 AM

Nice James :thumb: Could you do me a favor and compare the lenght from the second fender rib to the last on the DML and Tristar kit, respectively.
Erik

Hi Erik

Unfortunately my camera just died — no batteries, or I would post photos.

For reference, there are five braackets: #1 at the fronto of the tank, #2 at the front of the fighting compartment, #5 at the back of the tank.

The Tristar fenders are marginally longer ( .5mm ) with the difference in the curved part at the very front.

The Tristar fenders (Ausf B) fit the DML hull perfectly for brackets #1, #3 and #4. My DML hull is built (no fenders yet), which makes direct comparison more difficult.

Between #1 and #2 (measuring from the front of the strap across the fender):
DML: 22.57mm
TRI: 25.14mm

Between #2 and #3:
DML: 34.85mm
TRI: 32.68mm

Between #3 and #4 32.60 on both kits.

Between #4 and #5:
DML: 23.53mm
TRI: 25.63mm

Between #5 and rear edge:
DML: 11.38mm
TRI: 9.20mm

Between #5 bracket and #2 bracket:
DML: 91.27mm
TRI: 90.26mm

Conclusion: The #2 bracket on the Tristar kit is approx 2mm farther forward than DML, and #4 bracket is approx 2mm farther aft than DML. Brackets #1, #3 and #4 are in the same place.

Who's right? I can't say — I have no 1/35 scale plans for this vehicle, and don't trust the 1/32 scale plans (Doyle, ca.1978) in Spielberger's book.

HTH

Cheers
Scott

lquah

01-11-2008, 09:27 AM

Scott

You can't compare against an Ausf B as the second fender support on the left side is further forward due to the stepped front plate.

I measured the Tristar Ausf G and took measurements of plans in PanzerTracts using a non-digital calipers and my failing eyes :)

I measured the distance from the centrepoint of the fender support from a top down perspective instead of along the side of the fender. I don't have the DML kit so can't give any measurements on it.

..........................................Tristar Ausf G........... Panzer Tracts
Between #1 and #2............... 22.2mm.................. 22.3mm
Between #2 and #3............... 35.5mm.................. 35.7mm
Between #3 and #4............... 32.7mm.................. 32.4mm
Between #4 and #5............... 25.8mm.................. 25.5mm
Between #5 and rear edge....... 9.2mm................... 10.3mm

Lawrence

greybeard

01-11-2008, 09:51 AM

Okay, thanks Lawrence. I'm relieved.

I got curious and dug out my Tamiya Marder III. FWIW, the Tamiya fenders match Tristar, except for #2.

Cheers
Scott

holmerz

01-11-2008, 05:34 PM

Thanks Scott and Lawrence, and James sorry for highjacking this thread.

\Erik

James Tainton

01-12-2008, 02:17 AM

Guys- I think I am going to put this one on hold for now- I was going through some of my model boxes today and I feel so depressed. I need to go back and actually finish some of the ones I have started over the years- it's really got me down.:o:(:yell:

For example-
the 1/16th scale T-34
the 251/9 from DML
the massively reworked RSO mit PaK 40
a DML 234/1 and 234/3
an old Tamiya Wespe

as well as totally finishing the recent howitzer and Panzer IAs

oh and I just found an old Panzer III/E that needs to get done.
oh and a Famo with the trailer

Sadness

01-12-2008, 03:30 AM

:yell::yell::mad::mad::yell::yell:

Greetz
Tom:)

greybeard

01-12-2008, 03:50 AM

I understand James. This is something I think everyone wrestles with — certainly I do. More power to you for going back to them.

Cheers
Scott

James Tainton

01-12-2008, 03:53 AM

Sorry Sadness, and Scott I'm sure I will come back to it...
I did remember a couple of other things-
two Jagdtigers
a Tiger II from Tamiya
2 dml 88's and an AFV one (still need the barrel )

hmmm what else..... (I hate moving- everything gets lost or misplaced or broken. Its been a year and I'm still not totally reorganized!)
Also it is really hard to remember where you left off on some kits you put down for an extended time- ie The RSO!... man, where was I?????

Sadness

01-12-2008, 06:45 AM

James,

No worry as I like all of your work. Especially the RSO, that was a fantastic build, hope you finish that real soon.

Greetz
Tom

sharkmouth

01-12-2008, 11:38 AM

Hi James,

If it helps, put a poll to see which to finish next. This way, you can put blinders on the other kits. Not that it works for me. :rolleyes:

I, for one, would love to see the RSO finished as it isn't common, has a LOT of techniques we all learned from, and is amongst your best work. Since it is an intensive build, use the howitzer (or Pz IA kits) as a 'relaxer'...

Last, I'll see what I have in 88mm barrels...if something is available to offer you, I'll PM you. Chances are it will be for the Dragon kit and not the AFV Club kit but, a barrel is better than none at all! ;) BTW, didn't both Dragon kits come with two barrels of which one was the Type 18?

Regards,

RickLawler

01-12-2008, 12:55 PM

James it's interesting, but just yesterday I was going through some of your Vbench and would get into a build only to find that it had come to an abrupt halt.....! So in all selfishness, I applaud your intentions to finish some of your builds. For me it doesn't matter which, as I find learning and inspiratioin in most all of your projects.

Thanks for all the at you contribute,
Rick

armor fiend

07-03-2008, 11:19 AM

Which of the three kits did you think was better? I was debating the DML versus the Tristar for the 38(t) G, and it came down to cost. With the seperate interior kit, the Tristar was $10 more.

Which of the PE kits do you think is best?

greybeard

07-03-2008, 05:06 PM

I have the Tristar Ausf B and the DML Ausf G. I like them both. I have the Griffon set for the DML kit and it is awesome. I may have some others, too, but that one stands out. ModedlPoint has very nice MG barrels, which need replacing with the Tristar kit, IMHO. The DML parts pass. The DML kit comes with a metal barrel and more photoetch.

If I was only to build one, it would be the DML kit. I want to build two, though — an early Ausf B from the French Campaign, and an Ausf G from the Hungarian Corps in 1942, in the Donbass.

DML have been clever about the fenders. The make their case for straight fenders, and there is small raised ridge along the hull side to align them in the kit. If you choose to remove this, they provide a template on a sprue to set the "other" angle. The fenders are nicely done, and work well either way. I don't care much about the interior. You can't see anything, anyway. The tracks are better on the DML kit.

Dollar for dollar, in my opinion, the DML kit is better value. It's also a great model to build — lot's of fun. Everything fits. You can tweak it with lots of brass and other stuff from all over, but you don't need to. Everything is there.

Anyway, those are my conclusions.

Cheers
Scott Fraser

louisuni

07-04-2008, 04:30 AM

The interior sets from Griffon model look so cool ! Love it. :thumb:

MikkoH

07-04-2008, 06:11 AM

I have a Dml ausf.G and it looks good. Can't say anything abt Tristar other than they have more choices: B, E/F etc. Dml's 38 can't be made pre -42 without surgery. But as far as I know there's not much difference E/F and G versions. I'm planning to do my G as a 22nd PD panzer gray-sand(mud?) camo.

Flak

07-04-2008, 08:56 AM

I have both DML & Tristar 38(t) Ausf G kits...for me...I voted on the Tristar 38(t) versions...and I have all 3 Griffon upgrade sets...

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=37576&img=Giffon_38t_upgr.jpg

both sets are for DML.

Here is the DML's 38(t) G review by PMMS

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/dragon/dr6290.html

Here is the Tristar's 38(t) G review by PMMS

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tristar/tri35022.htm

And the comparison interior (The lower hull) review by PMMS

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tristar/tri35022.htm

armor fiend

07-04-2008, 10:41 AM

Why so much love for the Pz38(t)?

louisuni

07-04-2008, 11:35 AM

James Tainton

07-04-2008, 11:54 AM

The Griffon PE sets are designed for the Dragon kit- they won't fit the Tristar kits in the way they are meant to.

Panzergrenadier

07-05-2008, 04:09 AM

Why so much love for the Pz38(t)?

:D Because it is THE tank.

greybeard

07-05-2008, 04:48 AM

Why so much love for the Pz38(t)?

Indeed, why.

1.) There are several excellent kits.
2.) There are lots of very good aftermarket accessories.
3.) There are many interesting schemes.

4.) Historically, it was an important vehicle for Germany, even if it was a Czechoslovak design.
5.) It has the 'look' of a tank from the late 1930s, and it was an excellent example of technology of the time.
6.) It was the first of many different vehicles on the same basic chassis, Marders and Grille and Hetzers, and should be included in any collection of those later German adaptations.

7.) Probably most of us have built the Italaerei model, which was a very nice kit for thirty years ago, even if it was not quite right. It is very refreshing to build a latest-generation kit of the same tank.

Those are some reasons why I like it as much as I do.

Cheers
Scott Fraser