World War II has long been a bastion for Dragon, serving as a breeding ground for literally dozens of fighting vehicles from around the world and from virtually every theatre imaginable. Happily, the Company may have finally moved beyond its roots to other epochs, by offering a 1:72 scale model of the US M103A1 heavy tank (#DRR60691). Based upon a tank that served with the 24th Infantry Division in Germany during 1959, its refreshing to see that they are willing to step out of their comfort zone every so often. Since the M103 shares the same chassis used on both the M48 and M60 series of medium tanks, its a fair bet collectors will likely see these subjects in the not-too-distant future.
Dragon Armor
Spring Time for Dragon and Germany
Never mind the musical comedy – Dragon has indicated that their first ever German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 161 PzKpfw IV Ausf. H Medium Tank (DRR60651) has arrived at their port and are now inbound to our facility. We should have them in our grubby little hands this Friday, and will do our utmost to get out all of our orders for this item before we close up shop for the week.
In related news, their second take on the PzKpfw IV Ausf. H is due around May 8th, a few days after our return. Good new for all you armor aficionados planning on a Spring Offensive this May.
Dragon Cranks Up the Engine on the Panzer IV Ausf. H
Well, praise the Lord and pass the ammunition! Long rumored to be in development ever since they commissioned its line of Dragon Armor Panzer IV tanks several years ago, the Company has finally pulled back the curtains on its first 1:72 scale Panzer IV Ausf. H medium tank (DRR60651). Sporting a turret girdle and schurzen side armor skirts, the Panzer IV Ausf. H was one mainstay of the Wehrmacht that collectors have been clamoring for for a very long time. Look for Dragon’s inauugaral Panzer IV Ausf. H to tear up the collector countryside in April.
Dragon Goes for a Dip at Dieppe
No stranger to the ranks of the Churchill tanks, Dragon announced plans to reinvigorate the line with a vehicle involved in the disastrous Dieppe Raid of 1942 (DRR60419). This particular vehicle sports an extended exhaust pipes for deep wading purposes and bears the markings of the 14th Canadian Army Tank Regiment (Calgary Regiment).
On a side note, we anticipate that the manufacturer will soon announce a number of “Hobart’s Funnies”, which were specialized Churchill tanks developed for the D-Day landings at Normandy. Stay tuned…
Dragon Surges with the Panther D
First announced over two years ago, the very first 1:72 scale Panther Ausf. D medium tank is finally en route to us and expected shortly. We expect them to sell out quickly since this is a key introduction many collectors have been waiting eons to drive into battle.
No longer content to sit on their laurels, the manufacturer is also showing the fourth iteration of this popular warhorse on their site, which is pegged with a March release date. While its refreshing to see so many versions to choose from, we can’t help but wonder if this is a sound strategy since it floods the market with a wide array of choices in a short period of time. (Shown from left to right: #DRR60645, DRR60683 and DRR60684)
Dragon Strikes Back
Just when we were again giving up hope that we would ever see their long-promised Panther D medium tank comes news that a second version is already in the hopper. While the first version replicated an early model Type D Panther (DRA60596), their latest announcement depicts a later version (DRR60683), complete with its letterbox hatch opening for the glacis machine gun, pistol ports on the turret sides and a drum cupola.
Both are listed as February roll outs, and you can bet your bottom dollar that other schemes and liveries are no doubt in the works. Keep your fingers crossed they don’t run into any partisans, thereby delaying them any further.
Dragon’s 1:72 Panther Ausf. D Medium Tank is Back in the Fight
Announced some time ago, it appears as if Dragon’s 1:72 Panther Ausf. D medium tank is back on the shipping schedule, with a tentative release date of October. On a personal note, this particular vehicle is of interest to me, since it could very well be similar to the mount of our distant cousin Jurgen Dultz, a panzer ace and Oberleutnant with the Grossdeutschland Division, who was a winner of the PKA II. Stufe “25”.
Further information can be found here: http://www.panzer-archiv.de/forum/print.php?t=6975
Dragon Decides to Wage a Two-Front War
Dragon never ceases to amaze and their two newest Dragon Armor pieces should serve as a mute testament to their cause. Expected in September are a 1:72 scale rendition of a Japanese Ka-Mi amphibious tan sporting floating pontoons (#DRR60607) and a repainted PzKpfw III Ausf. M medium tank (#DRR60579) which served in southern Russia during 1943.
We expect further product announcements in the weeks to come.
Dragon Skirts Disaster
As 2014 enters its summer months, its becoming increasingly clear that Dragon is starting to reinvigorate its once dormant Dragon Armor line. Their latest offering are a pair of PzKpfw III Ausf. M medium tank that comes equipped with schurzen side armor skirts and a turret girdle (#DRA60451 and DRA60663), which bears the insignia of 2.Panzer Division and 11.Panzer Division respectively.
Expected in June, this all-new vehicle further extends their commitment to its 1:72 scale range, despite facing a tidal wave of inexpensive partworks lines now coming to market.
Dragon Upguns its Armor Range
Just when we were prepared to throw in the towel concerning the on-again, off-again Dragon Armor range, comes news that they plan to offer a brand new tank this May. (#DRR60664) is a German Berge-Panther mit Pz.Kpfw.IV Turm. Turret Medium Tank (that’s certainly a mouthful), which mates a standard Panther tank chassis with a Panzer IV turret protected by a turret girdle, thereby making it a speedy yet potent armored fighting vehicle on the battlefield. Pre-orders are now being accepted for this handsome beauty.
In related news, their first Sd. Kfz. 232 armored car is slated for an April roll out. What makes this vehicle so special is the bed frame aerial antenna mounted atop the roof of the chassis, making it one of the more noticeable vehicles in the Wehrmacht’s arsenal.