The Blytonian
I have both late and early Academy Hetzer new tools for a direct basis of comparison. I've researched all the reviews and read the nitpicks. I've formed the conclusion that their scale accuracy is as good as any according to extant reference sources preferred by the anointed. My understanding is that their detail if imperfect is so good as to be mistaken as a clone for Tamiya's tool. But, Academy's come with IM plastic track which I prefer, and in sections so a pleasing compromise for those who detest assembly of individual links per Magic Track or Model Kasten. And the price is so right affording detail up etch resin and barrel in the no strain or pain build budget. AFAIK all mainstream IM 1/35 Hetzer kits whether from Eduard, Dragon, Tamiya or Academy have their individual foibles. One just has to decide which matter, and how much time and money one is going to spend in addressing them.

Anyway, the point of all of the above is looking at parts on the Italeri kit sprues, I am simply amazed at how good the moulding is for a 70's kit! Mine was produced back when the moulds when almost new, and things like the fenders and Schürzen are almost as thin as the IM parts in today's Academy moulds if not quite. Scrubbed up with an Eduard PE detail kit which has three sheets of PE including a perforated toolbox, replacement scale thickness fenders, mounting brackets, Schürzen, latches, mount and miscellaneous detail, plus corrective idler rim inners, it's going to come up a treat in war paint with some Gen 2 Dragon figures in support.

M.Julian Marles
That's great, looking forward to seeing it! I have the Academy late and a bunch of DML/Gunze kits. The italeri kit was supreme back in the day, and as you note, still stands up today.😉