Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $50.95 Web Site: www.dragonmodelsusa.com The different variants the Germans built on the 38(t) chassis have always been popular with modelers and there have been some really neat looking ones out there. The Gepard is no exception; with a 2cm Flak Anti-Aircraft gun mounted in a modified rear fighting compartment, I believe this version is one of the best looking variants built on the 38(t) chassis. This kit contains over 450 parts and it includes three frets of photo-etch and tow cables made from picture hanger wire. Among the photo-etch parts is a three piece spent shell casing basket that is pre-molded to shape and just needs to be assembled. The parts are superbly cast and in fact I believe this is one of the finest kits I've seen from Dragon. The idlers are advertised as newly tooled as well as the road wheels. The Magic Tracks provided are molded with casting numbers on each track link. There is a complete interior provided and since all the hatches can be assembled in the open position you will be able to see most of what is in the interior. Plus the fact that it's an open top vehicle means there are loads of painting and detail opportunities. Decals are included for six different versions; they include a vehicle from the 21st PD in Normandy 1944, one unidentified unit and 4 vehicles from the 12th PD "HJ" all from France 1944. You are also supplied with two versions of road wheels and three 20mm barrels. The gun itself is actually Dragon's 2cm Flak gun and trailer that is thrown into the kit, this gives you an option to assemble the trailer as an ammo trailer towed behind the vehicle itself. This kit as got me more excited than usual about building a model and that's a pretty rare thing these days especially with all the nice kits being released. My only disappointment in this kit is that there are no figures included and in today's market I don't understand why manufacturers continue to do this. Looking at the parts break down on the instructions it seems that about 1/4 of the parts are not used but I will let you know in the Build Review.

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