Dragon/DML 10.5cm K.Pz.Sfl.IVa ‘Dicker Max’ 1:35 – build review

Full Review with Dai Williams

The 10.5 cm K gepanzerte Selbstfahrlafette (10.5 cm gun on armoured self-propelled mount), was a German vehicle intended to attack French bunkers along the Maginot line in the early years of the Second World War. The vehicle received the nickname ‘Dicker Max’ which translates from German as ‘Fat Max’.

Just before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…

The fall of France in 1940 meant that the role for which the vehicle was designed ceased to exist. It was therefore decided to trial the Dicker Max in the anti-tank role and so the two prototype vehicles were sent to a combat unit in Russia in 1941. Had the trials been successful full-scale production would have commenced in 1942.

The vehicle was based on the Pz.Kpfw IV Ausf E tank chassis which was heavily modified. The engine was moved from the rear of the vehicle to the centre and an open topped fighting compartment was provided for the crew.

The ammunition was contained in partially armoured boxes and a dummy driver’s position was included on the right-hand side of the vehicle to confuse enemy anti-tank gunners.

One of the prototypes was destroyed after an accidental fire ignited its ammunition.

The other prototype seems to have been in use until some time in 1942 after which it was no longer mentioned in German records. The trials were reasonably successful though it was found that the chassis was overloaded leading to mechanical issues. Another problem was that the 10.5 cm gun had only limited traverse which meant that the whole vehicle needed to be moved in order to engage targets. The Dicker Max did not go into large scale production.

The Kit…