Gino, you might be confusing yourself here a bit (unless I’ve misunderstood you - quite likely !) - the Aurora kit is 1:48 but the Dragon (Kpz 70) is 1:35.
I would still strongly recommend the Commander Models resin MBT 70 for the US version. I’ve posted these before but just as a reminder:
That’s not to seek any plaudits but merely to reinforce the acceptability - albeit in my view - of the Commander Models version; not cheap but at the moment the only game in town in 1:35. Resin, and can be tricky as I found out the hard way, but I’m learning (still) and with a bit of TLC I found ways to get something - arguably - half-decent from the kit. It requires AFV Club tracks by the way.
I have looked at the Commander Models kit; it’s very nice but definitely pricy - and the current version does not even include tracks! By the way, what is that thing on the front, next to the headlight?
Ken.
Ken - it is pricey - and when I ordered a couple last year (or even the one before - I forget) I was also hit by a whopping bill from Customs for around £30 ($42) - which took the gloss off a bit. However, at least I’ve got them.
The device next to the headlight is my rendition of the armoured cowling for the TV camera, installed to aid the driver - so he must have had a monitor somewhere in addition to everything else. I didn’t get it quite right - there wasn’t that much info at the time I built it, or at least not what I could find. To their great credit Commander Models copied it and have now included it in their model when I mentioned it to them but it will need a bit of tweaking. Of course, for my model, as technically a “What-if” I suppose the inaccuracy doesn’t matter too much, but I thought it should be included. Interestingly, and I can’t remember if it’s on the one at Muensterlager or Koblenz, but there’s an aperture for the cabling for the TV camera on the Kpz 70.
digging through some old pictures I took from around 1982, I found some pre in service early M1, the MBT 70 is the great Grandfather of these, and they must have been modified a hundred times since these were taken. Just for your interest, not directly linked to the main subject matter.
I would recommend this kit - but then I am a fan! I suppose in the scheme of things the price for a resin kit isn’t that bad. For instance, in the UK the Accurate Armour kits of the CVR(T) range average at around £75 which is what? A $100. If we factor in that this is a MBT ie larger than something as small as a CVR(T) then perhaps it’s not so bad. Of course, you’ll have to factor in the extra cost now of the AFV Club tracks, but then again, it is a niche kit - plus of course - it may not be around for ever.
If my maths are out re currencies please forgive me. I would say that if you want to build this one, then save up/re-mortgage whatever(!) and get it!
Of course, now that I’ve sung Commander Models’ praises to the rooftops you just know that a firm like Amusing Hobby will bring out an injected one!
Grouser, what unit were you in? Those photos are 3/64 AR, some of the first M1s in Germany. I was in 2/64 AR, 82-83 good ole Conn Barracks Schweinfurt.
Ken.
if we get a injection MBT 70 kpz 70, with an internal option, I will buy a couple without a doubt. Surely they could give optional parts and decals to make a two in one kit, to double their market, I even know two Brits that would buy them.
you’ve nearly got as many in your stash as exist as in the real things. Sadly the really trashed one in the video I shared above has been towed away and apparently scrapped, though there are only suggestions of the latter, it was in bad condition, no engine, a shell hit and signs of a fire inside. But even so, such a rare beast.
That’s such a shame; I hate the ignoring of such landmark vehicles but then for a museum to take it on would I imagine involve huge expenditure to put it right. Still a shame though.
