Dragon 1/72 Armor Pro Kit No. 7253; Sd.Kfz. 184 Elefant

by Cookie Sewell

235 parts (222 in grey styrene, 11 in etched brass, 2 vinyl); price $8.95

Advantages: choice of track for either casual or serious builder; lot of detail in a "small scale" kit
Disadvantages: differing versions of same kits may be confusing to consumers
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: to all "small scale" German armor fans

This kit is the third release of a Porsche Tiger-chassis based vehicle, but is now dubbed the "Armor Pro" version, as it comes with some different bits than the original version did (#7201). It provides the modeler with a small sheet of etched brass parts; however, in the review sample of the kit there were no directions as to where the parts went, as the directions were based on the original version of the kit!

The model also comes with two sets of tracks – "link and length" plus single link "hard" styrene tracks, as well as two single-piece black vinyl ones. Thus the modeler has a choice of simply using the one-piecers or the much more accurate hard plastic ones.

There are a number of options as to tow shackles and mounts as well as some other small parts. Hatches may be positioned open or closed as well.

It also comes with a decal sheet that lets it replicate any one of the vehicles of s.Pz.Jg.Abt. 653.

Overall, it is a nice little kit and should please many "Elefant" fans.

Thanks to Freddie Leung of DML for the review sample.