Officially the title of this is simply “HJ Division” due to the fact that the terms “SS” and “Hitler” can’t be used in some coutries. But then officially these are “Gernadiers” too. Someone failed their proofreading exam. But we can use those terms here so what this kit represents is Panzergrenadiers of the 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitler Jurgen”, or Hitler Youth. History lesson over, let’s look at the kit.
This comes in the standard Dragon open ended box on one large and three small sprues, all moulded in their traditional light grey plastic. The large sprue contains the four figures that make up the kit, the three smaller sprues all provide an assortment of weapons. The moulding quality is very good with no flash, just the usual minor mould seam clean-up, though being an older Dragon kit the detail can be a little soft in some places, mainly the creases and folds in the clothing which are a little understated.
Two of the figures wear the M42 SS Type 2 camo smock with the foliage loops, the other two wear the camo panzer coveralls. All four wear helmets with camo covers and low boots, one with gaiters. The faces are good, though they all look the same and if you’re aiming to capture the look of the younger men often associated with the 12th SS then they don’t really do that for me. The poses are good and they look very natural once assembled.
Equipmentwise between them they get three gas mask containers ( the three figures they go with have moulded on straps for these ), four bread bags, four canteens, one entrenching tool, one bayonet, two rifle mag pouches, two MP40 mag pouches ( one includes the smaller cleaning kit pouch ), a mapcase, an MG34/42 maintenance kit pouch and a pair of binoculars. Also included is a carry case for the rifle grenade launcher and a pair of grenade carry bags ( again the straps for these are moulded to the figure they are intended for ). One unidentified piece appears to be lens covers for the eyepieces on the binoculars.
The weapons included give you a good choice as you get a G43 rifle, two PPSh 41 Sub Machine guns with drum mags, two MP44 assault rifles, one MP40 with a moulded on folded stock, one MP40 with a separate stock, two holstered pistols, and one Panzerfaust 60. These are all very well moulded.
You also get an MG42 that comes with a folded bipod, an open bipod, a four piece ammo tin ( body, lid and two ends ), a five piece ammo tin ( body, lid, two ends and carry handle ), four lengths of ammo belt, one drum mag, and a spare barrel case. Also included is a piece intended to be used as a piece of wood which one figure uses to hang an ammo can from over his shoulder. The fact that the different weapon sprues were assembled from different kits is evidenced by the fact that one of the ammo belts has longer rounds than the other three.
The assembly instructions and a painting guide for doing three different types of German camo patterns ( Splinter A, Dot 44 and Oak A Spring ) is included on the reverse of the box and are simple and straightforward.
This is a great little kit, the figures may lack a little fine tuning in the clothing representation but the poses are good, you get a lot of excess weapons, they assemble well and look very good once completed. The HJ title shouldn’t be a deterrent as these can represent any of the SS Panzergrenadier units.
Click thumbnails to enlarge images
