Building the Dragon SU-76i

So I thought I would have a go at the recently release Dragon SU-76i kit.  The kit is based on the proven Pz.Kpfw.III kit with newly tooled parts to build the upper SU-76i structure.  The kit is molded in the typical Dragon grey styrene and includes a small fret of photo-ectched parts and Dragon DS track.

The lower hull goes together very well, as the previous Pz.III kits do.  The kit contains parts from previous released Pz.III and StuG.III kits, as labelled on the sprues.

Unfortunately Dragon did not include parts to even basically resemble an interior, as the turret deck needs to be cut to fit the simple provided gun breech for the 76.2mm gun.  The fit of the new upper structure is good, with a little putty needed around the nicely molded gun mantlet with well represented casting texture.  Also, Dragon did not include new fenders as the builder has to filled the holes where the German tools would have been mounted.  This does take away from the texture on the top of the fenders a bit.

Photo-etched strips are included for around the upper structure, as per the real thing.  Not being a fan of the Dragon DS track, this was replaced with MasterClub resin track, as was the barrel with a RB Models turned aluminum barrel.

The kit, once complete, was given a primer coat of Ammo by Mig Dark Yellow and pre-shaded with Black.  The Russian 4BO was done with light coats of Ammo by Mig Russian Base. Weathering was completed with various pigments and products from Vallejo.

I was very impressed with the kit, as the assembly went very well, and it provided a decent kit of this Russian tank.  I would definitely recommend this kit for anyone interested in World War 2 Russian armor and looking for a fun build.

You can find my full build log at Armorama