I had began building the Dragon M-16, and fortunately, I build in small sub assemblies. Jenny Croft sent me the Griffon set for review and being in tiny subassemblies, it wasn't much work to rebuild the kit substituting the PE parts for plastic ones in various areas.
Griffon offers this highly detailed set to update and improve the DML M-16 halftrack. My only prior experience with Griffon was a recent build of the Dragon Flakpanzer 38 T. It was excellent, I had no problems whatsoever, so my expectations for this set was very high.
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As you can see, the amount of detail is extraordinary! I think they had to do some major research as I can't even imagine what else they could possibly have added! Here are a couple of shots of the build I am working on.
So, this is an up close and personal review rather than just a show and tell. The PE for the inside the cab was the best fit I have ever seen from an aftermarket kit. I had a little trouble with the fit of the firewall as either the instructions were not that specific, or I just overlooked something. No matter as it finally all fitted in perfectly, so the fault was probably mine.
The proper thickness of the hinged upper sides of the bed were achieved by doubling the brass parts, one for the outer side and another for the inner side. Worked without a hitch. The same method was used in veneering the hood parts.
The number of highlights on this set are so numerous, it is hard for me to choose one for a comment. I would have to say the skidplate floorboard and the hood itself were my favorites. Just beautiful!
Conclusion:
If anyone is going to build the Dragon M-16 and want's to make it a detailed showpiece, there are no alternatives. After this, Griffon has became the new standard in photo etch updates for me in the future.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Thanks to Griffon for the review sample!
Bob Letterman
Griffon offers this highly detailed set to update and improve the DML M-16 halftrack. My only prior experience with Griffon was a recent build of the Dragon Flakpanzer 38 T. It was excellent, I had no problems whatsoever, so my expectations for this set was very high.
------------------------------------
As you can see, the amount of detail is extraordinary! I think they had to do some major research as I can't even imagine what else they could possibly have added! Here are a couple of shots of the build I am working on.
So, this is an up close and personal review rather than just a show and tell. The PE for the inside the cab was the best fit I have ever seen from an aftermarket kit. I had a little trouble with the fit of the firewall as either the instructions were not that specific, or I just overlooked something. No matter as it finally all fitted in perfectly, so the fault was probably mine.
The proper thickness of the hinged upper sides of the bed were achieved by doubling the brass parts, one for the outer side and another for the inner side. Worked without a hitch. The same method was used in veneering the hood parts.
The number of highlights on this set are so numerous, it is hard for me to choose one for a comment. I would have to say the skidplate floorboard and the hood itself were my favorites. Just beautiful!
Conclusion:
If anyone is going to build the Dragon M-16 and want's to make it a detailed showpiece, there are no alternatives. After this, Griffon has became the new standard in photo etch updates for me in the future.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Thanks to Griffon for the review sample!
Bob Letterman