At the recent Nuremberg Toy Fair, Dragon excited modelers with a tantalizing look at a new 1/35 scale model. The upcoming kit represents a German design that reached only prototype status, but which is a fascinating subject nonetheless. The vehicle is the Ardelt-Rheinmetall 8.8cm PaK 43 Waffentrager. The conceptual idea behind this weapon system was a self-propelled mount for the powerful but heavy 8.8cm antitank gun, as towed versions of this gun were too unwieldy for crews to move readily. Ardelt and Rheinmetall combined to build the first prototype and tests were conducted on this Ardelt I. The vehicle’s engine was fitted at the front of the hull, which permitted the main armament – an 8.8cm L/71 cannon – to be fitted on the rear. It utilized a 38(t) chassis with four road wheels per side. An improved prototype (Ardelt II) was later produced by Ardelt and Krupp, but the end of the war intervened before production got off the ground.

Dragon's kit represents the original Ardelt-Rheinmetall prototype, and it's a scintillating subject in 1/35 scale. To suit the prototypical nature of the Waffentrager, the plastic model employs brand new upper-hull and lower-hull components. The open-top fighting compartment is filled with details, and the armor plates surrounding it have been carefully manufactured to achieve the correct scale thickness. Taking center stage, of course, is the massive 8.8cm PaK 43 antitank gun. This weapon is fully reproduced from the tip of its muzzle brake to the breech. All in all, Dragon offers modelers the highest-quality kit of this novel Waffentrager.

Features:

Newly tooled handrail reproduced

Newly tooled transmission produced in separate parts

8.8cm PaK Waffentrager w/newly designed glacis plate and interior

Realistic 8.8cm gun newly designed

Realistic ammo mounted on the side of turret

Hatch in rear of fighting compartment can be assembled open/closed

Realistic radio power supplies included

Realistic gunner's seat

Radio rack made from photo-etched parts

Optional photo-etched covers reproduced on driver's seat

Gun travel lock can be assembled in either travel or combat mode

Slide-molded one-piece gun barrel

Hollow muzzle brake

Photo-etched gun armor skirt can be optionally assembled

Intricate gun sight offers great detail definition

Ventilation grill molded on hull front

Fighting compartment produced in separate parts

One-piece slide-molded lower hull

Individual tracks reproduced

Delicate idler wheels reproduced

Drive sprocket w/multi-part assembly to achieve the highest levels of detail and accuracy

Road wheels with precise detail

Suspension system as per the real vehicle; slide-molded suspension arms and springs 

w/delicate detail