LION ROAR Sd.Kfz.234/4

Lion Roar are fast developing a name as one of the best after market etch specialists & this offering has some nice little bonus features . This kit is for the Dragon 234/4 DML6221 kit

Upon opening the box you find five pages of neatly drawn instructions covering the box of contents . On one card in three plastic bags are turned brass pieces , 4 turned brass shells , 6 spent cartridge cases & 12 tiny brass spacers for the gun shield



4 large sheets of etch carry the majority of parts






Along with two small frets , one with working tool clamps & another with the end caps for the cartridges & spent casings . Also included are two lengths of various diamater plastic & two diameters of Brass rod.



The set has etched springs for both drivers seats (possibilities if you want to model a burnt out vehicle ) , foot pedals & Levers , a improved radio cradle & its mounting box which now has a workable hinge & opens , the \"forward\" drivers stowage box is also provided so it will have suitably thin sides .

Working hinges for the two ammo stowage & catches are included plus a map pamphlet stowage for the side of the side one . Hinges & locking levers for the drivers hatch pretty much round off the interior componentry of the kit .

The engine louvers are provided with individual slats which promises to be the most challenging but also the most rewarding part of the project & a very delicate mesh sits under the completed louvers , as mentioned all tools have the appropriate clamps in etch & shovels have etched heads .Of course the fire extinguishers come in for special treatment too .

New armoured topsides replace the kits pieces with a pleasingly more scaled appearance , the rear one hinged as was the real one some etch to replace the weld seams is also included which is glued over the plastic strip to give some depth to the weld . Tiny tarpaulin loops are included to go around the superstrcture & forward hull .

The large etch tool box mounted on the side is a great inclusion , most modellers I imagine will have this modelled open , with lots of chipping scuffing & dents showing off one of the materials main advantages over plastic .

The fender ends are included so that the scale thin ends are apparent , as are brackets for the jerrycans , again I can see mos modellers leaving a jerrycan off just to show the etch to maximum advantage .

The rest of the details are the new gun shield , as mentioned with machined brass spacers , which I must mention on the box art with the unpainted model with its aluminium barrel looks totally awesome
Small details to the breach & MG mount as well as some teeeny weeeny gun sights for the MG 42 .

By far & away my favourite detail is the Flare box , made in two pieces it has a working hinge & if mounted open it has the etch for the tiny cartridge holes for the flare pistol ammo !! Madness

In summary if you are a fan of etched brass & are looking to create a show stopper this brass will take the already superb Dragon Sd 234/4 to an entirely new dimension . If you are new to PE to be fair you will probably be jumping in at the deep end a bit as working tool clamps & hinges can test the most patient disposition . I absolutely love how the kit is not providing parts for the sake of providing them in brass & that they provide the appropriate brass or plastic to complete an assembly in the box . If you are building a 234/4 & like brass etch I would thoroughly reccomend this . I would rate this kit 92%

Is this a recent release?
Panzer

Panzer wrote:Is this a recent release?
Panzer

No it isn't Chris , it has been out for some time now

Jenny

I will have to snag this set
Panzer