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Built Review
135
German Tank Crew
German Tank Crew Summer 1940-45 (Pz.Kpfw III & Pz.Kpfw IV)(3)
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by: Keith Middleton [ KBM ]

introduction

This is a set of three resin figures from TANK and is part of a German Wehrmacht tank crew. They are specifically designed to be used with a Panzer III or IV.

the kit

The figures arrived in the typical Tank white box, and don't let the rather poorly painted samples in the boxart put you off as these figures are very well done. Once you open the box you find a few packing peanuts to minimize movement of the parts during shipping and then each figure in its own plastic bag.

Each of the figures is broken down into four parts: the body, two arms, and a choice of two heads. The heads appear to have the same facial features and expressions with the only difference being the choice of headgear. The engineering of the parts is excellent as each part was easily removed from the pour block. Each figure is very well done with well-defined uniform details and facial features.

The tank commander measures out at two inches in height which translates into 5 feet, ten inches tall. There was a small bubble in the rear of his hat, which should be easy to fill. There was also a slight gap in the back between each of his arms and torso. This was also the case with each of the two crewman with crewman ‘A’ having rather large gaps.

conclusion

This figure set created a bit of a stir on the internet because it is similar to an early Miniart set: 35003, German Tank Crew. I do not own that particular set, so I cannot comment except to say there is a remarkable similarity in the poses and uniforms of the three Tank figures and three of the Miniart figures.

However, as can be seen from the accompanying photographs, the detail of each of the Tank figures is excellent and far surpasses anything in my rather sizeable collection of styrene figures. I look forward to using these Tank figures in a future Panzer III or IV project.
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent detail and easy assembly due to the small number of parts.
Lows: Some gaps are present once the figures were assembled.
Verdict: Overall this is a very good addition to the Tank line and a perfect accessory for one of the newer Dragon Panzer III or IV kits.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35108
  PUBLISHED: Jan 02, 2010
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 86.67%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.00%

Our Thanks to Tank!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Keith Middleton (kbm)
FROM: TEXAS, UNITED STATES

Copyright ©2021 text by Keith Middleton [ KBM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

The sets that I looked at had some very nice undercuts where needed which looks the case around the wrists of the tank commander, is that the case? the arms on the figures I have had a small shape at the join which worked to locate the arms correctly, are you sure that is not what is causing your issue as regards gaps? I did find the the parts to be of a good quality as regards casting, and a good crisp level of detail which also looks the case here.
JAN 01, 2010 - 08:28 PM
Darren: I don't believe the arms with these figures had that guide as they were attached to the pour block along the surface where they would connect to the figure's torso. I did examine the parts before having at them with the razor saw so I don't think I destroyed any detail in the removal process. Keith
JAN 04, 2010 - 10:14 AM
They were pyramid shaped locators and were not connected to the pour plug via the locator point. I have found since I did the review that they seem to be a resin version of a Zvesda product.
JAN 04, 2010 - 01:36 PM
   
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