¹⁄350

Further to this news writers report on the 2010 Shizuoka Hobby Show Dragon Models have released more detailed information on the impending release of their 1/350 German Battleship Scharnhorst 1943 Smart Kit.

The most exciting news is that this kit will be released in July 2010.

The retail price on pre order has been advised as US$139.95 inclusive of a free 1/700 Dragon kitset. This pre order offer is available at Dragon Models USA.

This latest kitset from Dragon Models is the result of 18 months of intensive work.

We understand that the lower hull is made as a single piece via slide molds, and the accurate hull includes the correct undercut shapes.

We also understand that the deck fits perfectly onto the one-piece hull, with a single joint line completely hidden beneath the superstructure. The deck includes fine lines representing the plank pattern, and the bridge superstructure is made to the finest possible thickness.

The bridge is also made by slide moulds so that there are no parting lines to mar this highly visible element.

The kit makes use of multimedia materials with the use of photo-etched parts. The canvas waterproof covers that fit over the guns in their turrets are made from DS in order to give the necessary flexibility and realistic texture.

The gun turrets, made by slide moulds, are fully detailed, with even their riveted construction depicted.

This kit represents the Scharnhorst as it appeared on its final mission in 1943.

Kit features:

• Bilge keels are represented on lower hull by slide-molded technology;
  
• Waterline or full-hull version can be assembled;
  
• One-piece slide-molded upper hull w/undercut details realistically represented;
  
• Radar arrays realistically reproduced;
  
• Extremely fine photo-etched details on radar arrays and rigging;
  
• Two options of hatches can be modeled open/closed;
  
• Extremely fine detailed parts like the 11.5m workboat;
  
• Enclosed Admirals Bridge w/clear parts realistically presented;
  
• Photo-etched ladders on funnel;
  
• Realistic photo-etched funnel platforms;
  
• Separate piping on rear of funnel;
  
• Realistic photo-etched funnel cap grills;
  
• Extra-fine detail on superstructure walls like hose and ladder patterns delicately reproduced;
  
• Moveable searchlights include clear part w/fine details;
  
• Signal lamp delicately rendered;
  
• 10.5cm twin anti-aircraft gun finely reproduced;
  
• 2cm Flakvierling gun and 2cm naval Flak gun accurately produced w/photo-etched parts;
  
• 3.7cm twin anti-aircraft gun w/fine details and photo-etched gunner seat;
  
• Forward superstructure w/authentic detail;
  
• Extra-thin shield walls on superstructure reproduced for accurate 1:350 scale appearance;
  
• Life rafts w/authentic details;
  
• One-piece aft superstructure slide-molded w/authentic shape;
  
• 15cm single turrets, 15cm twin turrets, and 28cm triple turrets authentically reproduced w/optional blast bags;
  
• Turret w/realistic bolt detail;
  
• Realistically detailed gun barrels include slide-molded hollow ends;
  
• Anton and Bruno 28cm turrets realistically reproduced;
  
• Accurate workboat stowage;
  
• True-to-scale propellers reproduced;
  
• One-piece slide-molded lower hull w/undercut details realistically represented;
  
• Rudder can be easily assembled;
  
• Rangefinders located fore and aft;
  

Images courtesy of Dragon Models.

Please note that these prices are approximate and indicative only as supplied by the Vendor.

The final precise retail price of any item to a purchaser can be uncertain at any time due to various variables.

Therefore we recommend that the final precise retail price should be verified with the Vendor.