Kröte Panzer Aufkalarungs T.W.47 Kit Review
Allegiance: Strahl Demokratische Republik

Kit currently in production from 3Q & Wave Corporation, available from HobbyLink Japan.

I am pleased to offer a review of the Maschinen Krieger Kröte from 3Q models (which is a repop of Nitto sprues distributed by/supplemented by Wave Corporation - think of it as Yokoyama-san's in-house releases) and obtainable from HobbyLink Japan (click the link above). The kit is an updated reissue of the original Kröte design, previously offered by Nitto as part of the original SF3D line, and later under the rebirth as Maschinen Krieger. Long time Ma.K. fans will remember that the Küster (an expensive Model Kasten/Nitto release from the late 1990s/early00s), which was an up-armored Kröte. This kit offers some of the same add-on parts with updated box art, camo card (included again!!), and new decals which I believe were drawn by Sim-san. Surprisingly, the Nitto-based sprues look pretty good considering how old they are and how many times the Kröte sprues have been used in the other releases and designs. The Wave sprue is flawless. 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. Yokoyama-san's painting depicts the Kröte in a classic camo, with the frog livery we've seen on other releases.

I really like the new orientation of the box as well. The "Hammer Man" is included in the kit, and Yokoyama-san offers instructions on how to fashion the hammer on his website!

The back of the box offers an English language write up, and a GREAT winter scheme. I can't get enough of the whitewash and bold orange striping.

Contents include the original Nitto sprues, photoetched brass, wires, hose springs, and steel springs for shock absorbers.

The new camo card, decals, Wave sprue (a repop of a Gans sprue), and instruction manual.

Another new deco I like features an eye/mouth livery.

The wonderful Gans-based sprue. The only thing missing to make a Küster would be the IR sensor pieces, I believe.

Instructions include how to use the new sprue pieces. The new hip joint system is again a wonderful idea, allowing the modeler to more naturally splay the legs.

Armor placement instructions.

And finally, a shot of a Nitto sprue - see how it looks really clean and fresh for a mold in it's late 20s?

Building is pretty straightforward. Again, Nitto parts show their age somewhat, as you will need to putty the head along pretty much every seam if you desire smooth transitions between parts.

Another angle.

Maschinen Krieger © Kow Yokoyama