The Land-Wasser-Schlepper was conceived by Germany as a tracked amphibious tractor in 1936. A small number of this unarmored boat-like vehicle was built and they served on the Eastern Front. However, less well known is the vehicle designed as its successor – the Panzerfähre (abbreviated to “PzF”). The main difference with this vehicle was that it was armored, plus it was conveniently based on the chassis of a Panzer IV Ausf.F tank. Development of the Panzerfähre began in early 1941, and by mid-1942 Magirus had delivered two prototypes. The lightly armored, fully tracked vehicle had a boat-like bow and a propeller at the stern. The vehicle’s main function was combat supply on land and in water. It could tow an amphibious trailer, or alternatively it could work in tandem with another Panzerfähre as a floating ferry platform capable of carrying a 24-ton load. However, as heavier tanks appeared on the scene, the Panzerfähre never went into production because of its inadequate payload.
Dragon released a 1/35 scale kit of this fascinating vehicle a while back, and now it is being released in the smaller 1/72 scale. It depicts the first Panzerfähre prototype, and it makes clever use of parts from Dragon’s Panzer IV models – for example, wheels, suspension and tracks. Meanwhile, all other parts are brand new in line with the unique nature of this vehicle. Details such as hull rivets are delicately rendered, while slide molds are widely used. Modelers will find this kit assembles easily. The finished item is a stunning vehicle, and the scale allows space for modelers to put it in a suitable diorama showing a river or riverbank.
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