HI all. I need a little advice here. I want to build a 1/35 PnzKw II Luchs. I am new to this armor modeling. I have the choice of getting an ICM Luchs or the Dragon Luchs. Dragon is onsale for 20.00 and the ICM is 10.00. Does anyone know the quality of the ICM kits compared to Dragon and is it worth the price difference to a new modeler. The ICM comes with seperate links, the Drag. has thier band links. Any thoughts? TIA.
The only 3 luchs kits i know of are Tasca, Techmod and ICM, the Tasca kit is the best by far in fact its reguarded as being one of the best plastic kits ever but it is pricey next best is the Techmod kit which is slightly better than the ICM kit and both are cheaper and go together fairly well but need a few extras adding if you are wanting acuracy.
Edit* i think the reason you thought the Tasca kit was a dragon one is it is on sale at Dragon for $19.99 if this is the case i suggest you get it its a bargain and a great kit
there are actually two Tasca kits, and maybe one from RPM too (seems like I’ve seen it). The Tasca’s are the way to go. The Early kit has the grenade launchers on the turret, and the late has jerry cans on the turret sides. Seems like the late kit only offers decales for western fron units. There are aftermarket tracks for the Tasca kits as well as photoetch. There is an issue with some of the kits being sold concerning the angle of the very lower front of the hull, but even then it’s a fairly easy fix (not sure which brand as mine are still in the box). I’ve seen Tasca kits go for about $25 and then a week later seen them go for $50.
gary
The Dragon Luchs isn’t a true Dragon kit but is instead a re-box…and may be exactly the same as the ICM kit, I’m not sure…either way, don’t expect “modern” DML quality in your purchase. If you’re looking for a kit that somewhat resembles a Luchs, either one will work…if you’re looking for a more accurate and well-designed/engineered kit, the Tasca is going to be the superior option by far…but it will be much more expensive. Case of pick your poison for sure. [;)]
Bill:the poster is confusing DragonUSA’s fantastic sale of the Tasca/Bego Pz II Luchs for $19.99. DML does not make a Pz II ausf L luchs whatsoever.
For the record, the Tasca/Bego Luchs kit is considered one of the single best 1/35 kits in existance. The fact that it’s about 50% off retail w/the sale I mentioned should make you go running for your checkbook – the kit is that good.
What makes this kit the “best” ?
Good catch Roy and thanks for the correction! [;)]
Getting the Tasca Luchs for $20 is an absolute steal/bargain for sure…I remember when it first came it that it was in the $50 range.
ps1,
What makes it the best (by comparison to the others out there) are 1) engineering and fit 2) accuracy and level of detail. It’s head and shoulders above the others in all respects. Builds like a dream, the only real draw back it has is the one-piece tracks.
Ive got one in the stash by Mirage Hobby,and it looks like a great straight forward little kit with seperate track links and photoetch, anyone know anymore about this one as for acuracy?
I was quite disappointed when I opened the box and saw those… Nothing that can’t be fixed by Modelkasten though!
[#ditto]I JUST GOT THE TASCA LUCHS FOR THAT BARGAIN!!
It’s a nice kit for sure! And for me, the only bummer is the one-piece tracks, but for a beginner, it might be a welcomed inclusion?
The kit is perfectly designed for use with either the one-piece or workables like MK or Fruils…one of the most ingenious designs I’ve ever seen in fact as it comes in the form of actual tensioning wrenches on the inside of the hull for positioning the idler. [;)]
I’m with Doog, and your halftrack build insprired me to pick up the DML Half-track Sd.Kfz.251/17 Ausf.C with 20mm flak gun on the back as it was on sale as well. Ever since that scene of the last battle in Saving Private Ryan have I wanted to build a 20mm flak gun.
I don’t know why, I found it to be one of the most depressing scenes in the movie…
Does nobody know anything about the Mirage hobby kit???
Sorry Andy, can’t help you there.
Somebody on here built one about a year ago. Maybe Tigerman? Still if you don’t have one, then opt for the Tasca. There’s a very nice brass barrel set for it as well as AM tracks. Eduard does photoetch for it (maybe Aber I’ll have to look in the box). I’d kinda like to pick up a second “late” kit from Tasca and do the 50mm gun prototype (looks like it uses the Puma turret).
Warning this track is tiny! Not much bigger than a 1/48 Hetzer
gary