Dragon 1/35 German Rocket Launcher with Crew

As I mentioned when reviewing the 1/6 scale kit of these, surprisingly little could be found concerning this weapon on the Internet. Suffice it to say that this was an inexpensive rocket launcher that could fire a variety of projectiles, but most often, the 32 and 28 cm rockets. Often found attached to the side of German half tracks late in the war, these rocket launchers could also be used separately on the ground. These used an inexpensive tube framework to house up to four wooden rocket crates that housed the rockets. Thanks to feed back from those who know, I can tell you that the rockets could be fired directly from their shipping cases.

This kit includes not only the rockets, cases and launcher, but also five crew figures. The figures are standard Dragon, which is very good and they are in various poses of loading and arming the weapons. All are in cold weather garb in a camouflage pattern. Dragon includes a couple of photos of these figures in action so that you can assemble them correctly.

The frame and the two different size rockets are injected plastic with the rocket crates in photo etch. In fact, you'll be spending most of your time assembling the crates/launch boxes as they are relatively complex constructs. Dragon's instructions are very well done so that you will have no doubt as to what bit goes where on this. Were I building it, I'd do one of the crates by itself to get an idea of how it all goes together, then gang build the other three. There is a small decal sheet so you can put the warning label on each rocket. There is no detail painting guide for the rockets and launchers, but it looks like wood for the launcher and RLM 02 for the rockets and crates. Heck, it could be steel for these items as well; it is difficult to judge from the box artwork.

CONCLUSIONS

So this is another interesting kit that shows a generally unkitted aspect of German WWII weaponry. An interesting set and one that should make for a most pleasing diorama in its own right.

January 2009

My thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local shop or on-line retailer.