NeubauFahrzeug Nr.3-5
1:35 kit comparison
Kit #35A003 - Kit #6690 - Kit #05529
Chapter 3: Main Hull
Page 1 of 2

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The main hulls are engineered differently on each kit, the Amusing kit has a traditional lower hull tub with separate rear and top plates plus the side sponsons as separate parts. The DML kit has the complete hull moulded in one piece and just the lower floor and rear plates as separate parts, this makes assembly quite straightforward. The Trumpeter hull is split along the hull side centre line with separate side sponsons.

Dimensionally each hull matches available data quite well give or take some small discrepancy here and there but this varies between each and the plans for that matter and overall we are only talking small variations not really worth loosing sleep over, there are though quite a few differences in the finer details and individual components as we will see below.

Detail on the hulls is far better defined overall on the Amusing hull with fine flush screws on the rear deck and nicely done weld seams plus other details not included on the DML and Trumpeter hulls. The DML hull does have very well done weld seams including a centre line weld on the glacis not present on the other hulls. There were no fit problems encountered during the assembly although you do need to hold the sponsons tightly against the main hull while the glue dries on the Amusing and Trumpeter kits to avoid any small gaps appearing.

Clear vision ports on inside of Amusing upper hull driver's station.

Amusing hull part break down, top and rear hull plates already glued to hull tub.
Note separate side sponsons and two part engine access hatches and separate rear hull top plate


Dragon hull in one large moulding with just the lower and rear hull plates as a separate parts.


Trumpeter hull split along central line with separate side sponsons and rear hull plate.


As mentioned previously, the Amusing kit has the correct angled rear sponson panel which is incorrectly depicted as square on the other two kits.

Upper rear deck of Amusing kit, note additional details around engine intakes, flush screws on top panel
and better defined bolt head details. Fan on rear deck is not visible after assembly.
The Amusing kit is the only one that correctly depicts the flat bolted strip on top of the rear deck (1)

Dragon rear deck that lacks the flush screws on the turret panel and is missing flat bolted strip with the angled engine deck meeting directly with the top deck panel. The hull side welds are included but a little heavy in texture.

Trumpeter rear deck that lacks the flush screws on the turret panel and is missing flat bolted strip with the angled engine deck meeting directly with the top deck panel.

Profile of the intake covers varies between kits, with that of the Amusing and Trumpeter better matching data and the DML being a little too sharp at the forward curve. The Trumpeter cover does angle too far forward over the rear panel while the Amusing and DML have the correct upright profile. (see images below)
Rear hull views again showing the better defined details on the Amusing kit, note the slight differences in tail light details with the Trumpeter light missing the top guard. Also note the Amusing and Trumpeter kits have tread plate on the rear fender section while this is smooth on the DML fender, reference images showing this section indicate the tread plate is correct for these vehicles.


The Trumpeter intake cover angles too far forward over the rear panel.

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Chapter 1: Running Gear Chapter 2: Track Chapter 3: Main Hull (This page) Chapter 3: Main Hull page 2 Chapter 4: MG Turrets Chapter 5: Main Turret Kit Contents images

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