Kit, DML 6358, Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Production Premium Edition
December 17 2006 at 6:15 PM
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DRAGON MODELS LIMITED
Product Specifications.
6358, Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Production Premium Edition. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 514 styrene parts (including 14 clear), one bag of Magic Tracks, one photo-etched brass fret, one turned aluminum gun tube, 12 stamped aluminum parts, six water-slide decal/marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 26 steps.
Introduction.
The latest addition to DML’s “Premium Edition” range of updated older kits will allow the modeler to construct a late production Panther Ausf.A. To do so, the box includes some parts first seen on the Panther Ausf.G “Smart Kit” and the Panther Ausf.D “Premium Edition”. In addition, new markings for six different Panthers are provided
Tracks.
In the case of this kit, there is no better place to start than with the tracks. They are the so-called “Magic Track” and consist of individual links that press-fit together. They are packed in a small bag and require virtually no clean-up of mold attachment stems. They do have knock-out pin marks, but they are extremely subtle and are placed only between the pair of guide teeth on each link; they are all but invisible after assembly and placement. The tracks are of the later pattern with the small ice grips on the face of the links.
The molded-on guide horns have proper rib details on their outer surfaces and they have also been hollowed-out using slide-molds. There are also two smaller sprues that have a total of 16 links with separate and properly detailed guide horns; these are to be used specifically for the drive sprockets.
Suspension System.
The original kits in this series had the torsion-bar swing-arms molded onto the lower side plate of the hull molding. On this Premium Edition kit, the newly-tooled swing-arms are now separate parts and depict the three different types that were used at various locations; the idler wheel swing-arm is also separate, which will make fitting the individual-link tracks much easier. Do not glue the idler wheel swing-arm into position until you are satisfied with the “sag” of the track. This technique will prevent the potential problem of the assembled track runs being a link too short or too long. There are other separate detail parts for the suspension system that are fitted to the hull side plates, including bump-stops and cast final drive housings; the latter include the small return roller that mounted aft of the drive sprocket.
The drive sprockets feature two styles of hub-cap, while the idler wheels are in four parts including separate outer rims for maximum detail. The road-wheels all feature 32 rim-bolts as seen on the later Panthers. The outer-most road-wheels feature manufacturer’s details on the tires, and also have the subtle rim detail seen here.
Hull.
In order to accept the new separate torsion-bar swing-arms, the hull pan has been re-tooled with new openings, as well as plate details, which correspond to the torsion-bars on the opposite side. Other bolt detail is included as well. At the front end there are separate plates that allow for complete detail on both sides of the final drive housings. Unlike some other Premium Edition kits, the metal “U”-shaped tow clevises are not given, so the modeler must use the original all-styrene versions. The lower bow plate has excellently-rendered interlocks and weld beads, while the belly plate is of the type that came in two sections, with the front being 30mm-thick and the remainder being 16mm-thick. All drain plugs and access plates are provided and are in their proper locations and configurations. The sponson plates are separate parts and contain the front fender/mud-flap units.
The hull rear plate has fine access lid details, a separate round engine access plate and multi-part exhaust pipes, including the later triple-pipe design on the left side, which includes the option to use styrene or etched brass mounting braces. The two large Gepäckkasten (baggage bins) have separate lids in either styrene or etched brass; they include the upper hanging brackets and the lower curved support plates. The final items are a multi-part vehicle jack with etched brass or styrene mounting brackets.
Superstructure.
Since this kit was also designed to be used to replicate the two main versions of the Panther Ausf.A, the upper glacis plate is a separate panel; it features restrained rolled-plate texture, joint interlocks and fine weld bead detail. For this version, it features the blister-mounted radio operator’s MG34 and the hinged driver’s flap. The latter has internal hinge detail, but curiously, no clear part for the glass block. A newly-introduced MG34 from the “Gen2” figure sets is included for the RO’s MG mount, along with a pair of ammunition sacks; the MG34 has a pre-opened bore and excellent cooling-jacket detail as well as a separate receiver cover. However, the ammunition sack has no attachment point to the MG. A single Bosch head-lamp is shown installed. There are also parts included, but labeled as not for use, which the modeler can use to replicate the glacis plate of the early production Ausf.A.
The superstructure side plates, where they attach to the roof plate feature the “staggered” style of welding and have fine interlocks and weld bead detail. Separate lower plates for the fuel tanks are given; they also have proper interlock and weld bead detail. Racks for the tools are separate parts and there are two sets of tools; one set has clamps molded on, the other set is bare of them so that the supplied etched brass clamps can be added. The gun tube bore swab/spare antenna canister is included as well as a choice of etched brass or styrene spare track racks, with the links taken from the bag of Magic Tracks. A jack block along with etched brass retainer chains and cotter pins complete the OVM set. Curiously absent, especially since they are provided in other new and/or Premium Edition kits from this manufacturer, is wound metal wire with styrene end loops for the tow cables and track changing cable.
Exquisite Schürzen plates are provided in aluminum sheet; they are of the proper style and have the correct openings in them. They are hung on separate styrene brackets and will look absolutely great when installed. Note the sequence in which they are hung in the last assembly step, which is correct; the rear-most plate goes on first, followed by the next one which overlaps the first plate, etc.
The roof plate has detailed welds, turret ring race, attached transmission access plate and separate crew hatch lids, with separate hold-open latches, inner lid details and grab-handles. The periscope head armored guards are separate and are complimented by new clear styrene ‘scope heads, while the two-position external gun tube travel lock has etched brass details. The engine deck features separate main access hatch lid, two styles of cast fan covers (straight arms and spiral arms), three options for the circular air vent (standard type in styrene or etched brass, and the cover associated with the snorkel tube) and separate lifting hooks. Some of these options are not for this version, so the modeler is urged to check his references prior to cementing anything in place. A nicely-done antenna base is molded in place, but there is no antenna rod, nor is the modeler instructed to create one using stretched sprue or styrene or brass rod.
Turret.
The turret has some nice features and several options. The rear plate has the gutter in place over the escape hatch lid; the hatch lid is also movable. There is also an MP Stopfen (pistol port) provided, but it should probably not be used on this version
The turret roof has separate grab handles, lifting hooks, vent cover plate (with armored splash guard), loader’s periscope head and armored guard, and close-in defense weapon (which can be depicted opened or closed). The commander’s cupola (first seen on the Panther Ausf.G “Smart Kit”) is slide-molded so that the openings for his periscope heads can be properly-rendered; the interior gets new clear styrene ‘scope heads. The hatch lid comes in several separate parts with very fine and accurate details; a separate Führungsring für MG (ring for machine gun) is provided for the rim, as is the Fliegerbeschußgerät (anti-aircraft mount for an MG34); no MG34 is provided.
The gun mantlet, as well as the two extensions for the turret sides that go behind it, are nicely-textured for a cast effect; the mantlet face has one hole for the monocular gunner’s sight as well as a rain gutter, while on the opposite side there is the opening for the co-axial MG34. There is an option of a conventionally-molded all-styrene 7.5cm KwK or a styrene and turned aluminum gun tube. The latter features a three-part slide-molded styrene muzzle brake; it matches drawings in Panzer Tracts 5-2 very precisely and includes the subtle change in taper seen towards the rear.
Since at least two of the decal options are for command tanks, it is curious that DML did not include parts for the turret roof antenna mount or the plug for the removed co-axial MG34s opening in the mantlet. While we are on that subject, there are also no parts for stowing the spare antennae rods that should be seen below the bore swab/spare antenna canister, or for the large armored guard and porcelain base for the also non-existent Sternantenna (star antenna), as seen on the rear of the engine deck.
Molding, Fit and Engineering.
Overall, I found no problems with the fit of any major or minor components. Of course since this kit is the basis for several others, there are many more separate parts than is usual, so the modeler is urged to clean them and check the fit as he proceeds with assembly. No sink marks were found; in every case except for the above-mentioned individual link tracks, there were no visible ejector pin marks.
Accuracy.
The foremost reference for this Panzer is the four-volume series from the Panzer Tracts team, backed up by their classic work for Schiffer (see listing below). After removing many of the major components from the sprues, I began laying them on the various sets of drawings in the Panzer Tracts book (No.5-2). Almost without exception, they fit flawlessly. So, given that these drawings are widely considered to be the “gold standard” for this tank, I believe I can safely conclude that the overall accuracy level of this kit is superior, perhaps even flawless.
Instructions.
These are in the less-popular photographic style and are complimented by small boxes that contain line drawings. Although they may take some “getting used to”, I have found them easily understood.
Decals and Markings Information.
DML’s usual sub-contractor, Italy’s Cartograf, has provided water-slide decal markings for a total of six Panthers. The decals are in excellent register, have sharp detail and fine color saturation. Colors are keyed to Gunze and Testors paints. The schemes include:
All are finished in a base color of Dunkelgelb, and except for one that remains in a monotone scheme, are over-painted in various camouflage patterns using one or both of the secondary colors, Olivgrün or Rotbraun; one is covered in winter white-wash. For the most part the schemes check out as accurate against references. One item of note is that the 26.Panzer-Division was not equipped with the Panther; I.Abteilung, Panzer-Regiment 4 was the only unit to field the Panther in Italy. The markings given are typical for that unit, not the unit mentioned in the instructions. As always, the fact that some of these schemes are for Waffen-SS Panthers cannot be mentioned on the instructions since these kits are widely marketed in European countries where the mere mention of such is illegal. The final item is this: considering their model designation (Ausf.A) all of these Panthers should have Zimmerit; this is not mentioned anywhere on the instructions
Conclusion.
This is certainly an improvement over the original kit (which was very nice to begin with), and so ought to be welcome. It is curious that several items seen on other “Premium Edition” kits are not given here and there seems to be a “disconnect” between the markings given and the parts options, especially where it concerns the command Panthers. But, altogether, this is still an excellent offering and sure to please.
Highly recommended.
Frank V. De Sisto
References consulted for this review included (note the Osprey Modelling title, recently reviewed here on ToT, by Steve Van Beveren, who is cited by DML on the kit’s instructions as a “Technical Advisor”), but were not limited to:
1. “Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition”, by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.
2. “Panzerkampfwagen Panther Ausf.A”, Panzer Tracts No.5-2, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
3. “Germany’s Panther Tank: The Quest for Combat Supremacy”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
4. “Panzertruppen 2”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz.
5. “Panther & Its Variants”, Schiffer, by W. Spielberger.
6. “The Eastern Front, Armor Camouflage and Markings 1941-45”, Squadron 6102, by S. Zaloga & J. Grandsen.
7. “Panther”, Squadron Armor In Action No.11, by B. Culver.
8. “The Pz.Kpfw.V Panther”, Osprey Vanguard No.21 , by B. Perrett.
9. “Panther Variants 1943-1945”, Osprey New Vanguard No.22, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
10. “Modelling the Panther Tank”, Osprey Modelling No.30, by S. Van Beveren.
11. “Panther, Jagdpanther & Brummbär”, Achtung Panzer No.4.
12. “Panzerkampfwagen V Panther”, AFV Profile No.10, by P. Chamberlain & C. Ellis.
13. “Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Vol.3”, Tankpower No.3, AJ Press, by W. Trojca.
14. “Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Vol.5”, Tankpower No.5, AJ Press, by W. Trojca.
15. “Panther”, Sturm & Drang No.5.
16. “Panther”, Concord Armor at War No.7006, by T. Anderson & V. Wai.
17. “Panzerkampfwagen V Panther”, Aero, by W. Spielberger & U. Feist.
Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.
DML kits are available from retail and on-line shops; for details visit their web site at: www.dragonmodelsltd.com.
