German Elefant SdKfz 184 Tank Destroyer

The 1/35 Zvezda Elefant is a great kit for those who want to build this tank destroyer, but are on a limited budget. This kit is much more economically priced than either the Dragon or the Tamiya offering. The tracks are of the link and length type. The tow cables are one piece molded pieces that break easily while trying to position and install them. Unfortunately the Zimmerit decals barely register as such and are somewhat of a gimmick. Other then these faults, the rest of the build is relatively straightforward. Careful fitting of the upper casemate assembly to the lower hull is problematic, so dry fitting is critical. The kit comes with clear plastic periscope blocks. There are no photo etch parts, which is not necessarily a problem. I decided to paint the tri-tonal color spotted pattern suggested in the color paint guide provided in the kit to make an Elephant from the 653rd heavy battalion of tank destroyers. The actual vehicle, No. 124, was eventually destroyed by her crew in a suburb of Rome, Italy, Summer 1944. The decal sheet limits the builder to make either Tank 102 or 124. The main 88mm gun barrel is slide molded and as such it is a single piece unit with no glue seam to hide. Despite it's lower price point, when the model is completed, it wil look like a scaled down replica of the real vehicle. Application of paint schemes by use of an airbrush is recommended. This kit can be made to look just as good as the more costly Dragon and Tamiya kits, if it is built with care, patience and attention to detail.