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Voyager Models
WWII German Sd.Kfz. 186 Panzerjager “Jagdtiger” Basic
Voyager Model 1:35 Set #PE35160 for Tamiya/Dragon kits
Review by Jenny Croft

DragonTamiya
Introduction:

Voyager have released this “basic” detailing set along with PEA 129 Schurzen set which is intended to detail the new Tamiya Jagdtiger kit #35295 or Dragon kits #6351 Porsche Production (Premium edition), #6051 Porsche Production, #6285 Henschel Production, #6050 Henschel Production or #9036 Henschel Late Production.

The Update Set:

Voyager have included all new tow cable/gun cleaning rod stowage racks with resin inner sections and photo etch outer fittings, the gun cleaning rods are provided in the form of brass tubing which will need to be cut to size, the two tow cables are provided with resin ends and copper cable which is soft enough to bend to suit. The alternative is to show the racks empty on an abandoned vehicle like so many war time photographs. Either way the parts are certain to make a more realistic approach to this area of the vehicles.

The long thinner track changing cable is also included as well as its fittings, this time Voyager have chosen a thin steel cable for the task, there are two resin ends for this cable also. The cable is springy by nature so it will need to be tempered under a candle to take the spring out of it so that it will conform to the stowage configuration.

The hull rear is detailed with a rear light and reflector as well as lift lugs for the armored muffler covers. For Porsche variants there are also the exhaust covers and their associated fittings.

The rear fenders are fully replaced with photo etched brass replacements; these have hinges so they can be lifted for maintenance as well as the outer edge being hinged for transport on railcars with the thinner transport track, they may be fiddly to construct but they will add a sense of realism like only brass can.

Moving to the hull front the Bosch headlight mount comes in for some attention, the base is replaced with a resin part and there are some finely detailed parts in etched brass to give improvement to this area. Some more detail is added to the gun travel lock, locking clamp. The front fender is also replaced with new brass fenders, these have hinges so they can be lifted for maintenance and this is faithfully reproduced with Voyagers etch.

The drivers/radio operators’ roof panel has the lifting hooks replaced with very fine etched parts as well as catches for both hatches.

Onto the engine deck the mesh engine intake covers are provided in fine etch with a delicate pattern, a small air breather cover for the refueling compartment is provided as well as a clamp for the fuel overfill pipe. Replacement lifting hooks for the air intake fan covers are also included. The MG 42 mount base plate and fittings are also replaced. The MG 42 itself is replaced with an all new resin item that has the holes on the top surfaces of the cooling jacket and is nicely detailed with an added anti aircraft sight.

The hatches on the superstructure are next detailed, the large hatch on the superstructure rear has an all new multi part lock which if made carefully will be able to work, more importantly if tackled carefully it should look more dimensional than molded on.

Onto the superstructure roof, the commanders’ hatch has a replacement hinge, handle & internal lock. The small hatch for the commanders’ scissor periscope has a new hinge as well as the handle for closing it from inside. Next up is a replacement slide for the gunners’ sight, the Voyager instructions say this is for the Dragon kit but I see no reason that this cannot be replaced on the Tamiya kit if you wished.

Lastly there is a set of two headphone sets, throat microphones and insignia to detail up either the Tamiya figures or any figures you may use, a nice detail touch which will enhance the crew figures as well.

Etched, resin and metal parts in the Voyager set
Voyager Models
Voyager Models
Voyager Models

Conclusion:

The Voyager set has all you will need to enhance your Jagdtiger; the inclusion of the towing cable and cleaning rod update in multiple mediums will enhance the model greatly and are a step up in realism, all areas where the kit has omissions or shortcomings are addressed with this well thought out update set.

Highly recommended.


Thanks to Voyager Models for the review set.

Jenny runs her own Forum Website Tanks & Things, check it out




Page created May 25, 2009