Coming in January 2017!
After previously releasing a Magach 1/2 tank, We proceeded to offer a Magach 3 as part of our Six-Day War series. Now another kit is available, a Magach 3 fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA). Combat experience revealed the vulnerability of Israeli tanks to anti-tank guided missiles like the Soviet AT-3 Sagger, as well as to RPG-7s. It was clear that better protection was required, and Rafael developed the Blazer add-on ERA for several tank types. Blazer consisted of modular protective elements that contained inserts filled with an explosive compound to disrupt incoming HEAT projectiles. Blazer, a first-generation ERA, typically added about 1 ton to the Magach 3s weight.
This 1/35 scale kit inherits excellent features from the existing Magach 3 model, but it has been suitably modified to represent an IDF version fitted with ERA. This means the tank has a completely new and appealing look compared to the standard Magach 3. The ERA blocks on the hull and the turret are accurately replicated. There are other brand new parts too. For example, there is a new machine gun with ammunition box and a new commanders cupola. Additionally, theres a generous selection of photo-etched parts for delicate elements such as tool brackets and tow cable brackets, plus the tank uses one-piece tracks made from DS for added convenience. The 105mm main guns weatherproof mantlet cover is also made from DS to ensure maximum realism. This is an incredibly detailed kit of the Magach 3, and the ERA suite provides a fascinating look for this Israeli tank.
DRA6860, StuG.III Ausf.A. Michael Wittmann, LAH Division (Barbarossa 1941)
Michael Wittmann was the most legendary panzer commander of WWII. Dragon has previously issued a 1/35 scale kit of his Tiger I tank, as well as an associated figure set of his crew. Now Dragon has turned its attention to the early part of Wittmanns career, where he cut his teeth commanding a StuG.III Ausf.A during Operation Barbarossa on the Eastern Front in 1941. At that time he fought with the elite LAH Division. The Ausf.A was the first variant of the Stug.III family, with just 30 vehicles manufactured by Alkett from January-May 1940. The type mounted a short-barreled 7.5cm StuK 37 L/24 gun.
We have previously introduced high-quality kits of the StuG.III Ausf.C/D and the Ausf.E, so this kit of the Ausf.A is a welcome addition to the infantry support/tank destroyer family. Not only does it allow modelers to build a stunning Ausf.A, but it permits Michael Wittmanns own vehicle from 1941 to be accurately depicted. This kit is superbly detailed, featuring a brand new upper hull and superstructure roof. There are also two new storage boxes on the rear. To top it all off, the kit will contain appropriate Cartograf decals depicting Wittmanns vehicle.