Kauz Panzer Kampf Anzug (Weltraum) Ausf. K Kit Review
Allegiance: Strahl Demokratische Republik

Kit currently out of production from 3Q, previously available from HobbyLink Japan.

I am pleased to offer a review of the Maschinen Krieger Kauz, as currently produced by 3Q models (which is a repop of Nitto sprues - think of it as Yokoyama-san's in-house releases) and was obtainable from HobbyLink Japan. The kit is an reissue of the original Kauz kit, previously offered by Nitto (under both the SF3D and Ma.K. brands). This kit offers the same sprues as the previous releases (but omits the shoulder armor), along with updated box art, camo card (included again!!), and two decal sets. As expected, the Nitto-based sprues show their age with a good fit that needs a little putty work, and some flash along the mold seams. My only caveat is with the plastic - be sure to carefully remove the parts from sprues, as this plastic has a tendency to "tear" and take a little more than you'd like, even when using sprue nippers. I have found that a distance of 3mm off-side is fine, and then sanding the nub flush to the surface is best.

So let's start with the box art. Kow's painting depicts the Kauz in-flight.

The back showcases the camo patterns.

Contents of the box - it's nice to see spring and wires inside!!

In my personal build, I have (laboriously) replaced the molded fingers on the manipulator arm with springs. Inside each spring is a wire to help hold the shape, capped with epoxy putty sanded to a dome shape.

You might also want to scribe a line from cockpit to spring port, as seen below. It's a revision to the design to allow for the way the suit is supposed to open.

Also, many people replace the joints with epoxy putty as seen below, which is carved and sanded to represent a rubber-like baffle.

Primered body:

First layer of camo is applied:

I chose to hand paint the skull design, which also comes as a decal.

The pose is in zero-g, since this particular Kauz will be inspecting an abandoned Lunadiver:

See?

Wanting to further distinguish the Kauz from the Lunadiver, I mixed things up a little and changed the top with yellows and reds.

Flaming skull Kauz!

Coming next - Final gallery!

Maschinen Krieger © Kow Yokoyama