FYI
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Back to regularly scheduled programming…
WWR: Academy Panzer III ausf L (tp) North Africa #13531
4 Price MSRP $68, Online Retail $55, paid $55, it’s high but you get what you paid for a fun model to build.
5 Instructions are best in class 
Academy even suggests the best assembly sequence! Quality instructions? That’s definitely something I’ve NEVER seen in a Dragon kit. A++ Academy.
Academy clearly shows the modeler what needs modified at the start when the modeler decides on which version to build.
3 Molding Quality It could be crisper. Quality is very good.
4 Plastic Quality It’s good but a little soft for my preference. Used the hot Tamiya Extra Thin sparingly before switchto the milder Testors Liquid Cement
5 Parts Clean Up best in class
Really cool that Academy only needed two attachment gates where most others use four. The wheels are very well engineered with NO mold seam on tires. Pretty shocked Academy pulled that off!
Cleaning road wheels took over five hours on the Dragon Pz III Ausf N. These road wheels were cleaned to the same standard in 45 minutes for the Academy kit.
5 Ease of Build best in class
Better Tamiya experience than Tamiya.0p
3 Accuracy It’s good but the details aren’t as crisp. B24 absolutely knocked the breath out of me on this fantastic kit. Ejat a gaudy solution and looks it.
5 Fit best in class Meticulous part clean up rewards with perfect fit.
3 Doesn’t Require Aftermarket Some will be happy out of the box but the model benefits from aftermarket tracks. The kit link & length tracks were unappealing to me so I used Ryefield’s. Likewise, the MG’s are replaced wirh Aber brass.
4 Details built Out of the Box
The model has out of the box potential for contests in my opinion but will benefits from additional attention. The PE engine deck screens are very nice and the kit PE smoke grenade launchers chains are an excellent touch.
41 points out of 50
41/50 => 82%
Enthusiastically recommended for modelers looking for a great build experience that don’t mind the price premium.
In short, a fantastic build experience to savor.
