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CYBERHOBBY
Product Specifications.
6419, Pz.Beob.Wg.V Ausf.D. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 495 styrene parts (including 16 clear), one bag of Magic Tracks, two photo-etched brass frets, 12 stamped aluminum parts, one length of braided metal wire, one piece of brass chain, five turned metal parts, generic water-slide decal/marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 26 steps.
Introduction.
The latest addition to Cyberhobby’s range of limited edition kits will allow the modeler to construct the single prototype Panzerbeobachtungswagen (armored artillery observation vehicle) that was built upon a Pz.Kpfw.V Ausf.D Panther chassis. To do so, the box includes some parts first seen on the Panther Ausf.G “Smart Kit” and the Panther Ausf.D “Premium Edition”, as well as new parts for the unique turret, plus generic (the vehicle was never accepted for service) decals.
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 earlier pattern without the small ice grips on the face of the links, but with small notches. 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 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 16 rim-bolts as seen on the earlier 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 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, 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 variations of the Panther Ausf.D and Ausf.A, the upper glacis plate is a separate panel; it features restrained rolled-plate texture, joint interlocks and fine weld bead detail. The latter has internal hinge detail, but curiously, no clear part for the glass block. An 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.
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 is a new part for antennae rod stowage. A choice of etched brass or styrene spare track racks, with the links taken from the bag of Magic Tracks is also given. A jack block along with etched brass retainer chains and cotter pins complete the OVM set. Wound metal wire, etched brass parts and styrene end-loops can be combined to create a very nicely-detailed tow 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. Some are coated with a lubricating substance, so they will need careful “decontamination” or paint will simply never stick to them.
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, and the separate rod antenna is then mounted. A base and armored cover is provided for an all-styrene Sternantenna.
Turret.
The turret is completely new and is the center-point of this unique Panzer. The rear plate has the rain gutter in place over the escape hatch lid; the hatch lid is also movable. There are also MP Stopfen (pistol ports) for the sides and rear plate, as well as the commander’s side-wall mounted communications hatch. Triple-tube smoke grenade launchers and their mounts are given for the front upper corners of both turret sides.
The turret roof has separate grab handles, lifting hooks, various round plates and covers as well as the cast commander’s cupola. 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 “dummy” gun mantlet and associated gun tube (with pre-bored “muzzle” end) is provided as is a new ball mount for the self-defense MG34; the latter is a Gen2 item and has excellent cooling jacket details, pre-bored nuzzle and various parts for its mount. The final items are the two armored flaps that covered the openings for the Zeiss E.M. 1.25m rangefinder in the turret front. As an added bonus, an SF14Z scissors periscopr is provided in styrene, complete with turned brass tubes for the sunshades. It also comes with an etched brass carrying case and styrene tripod legs. With some work, it can be mounted in the commander’s cupola when his hatch lid is opened.
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). This was supplemented, for this review, by Panzer Tracts 11-1, “Panzerbeobachtungswagen”. After removing many of the major components from the sprues, I began laying them on the various sets of drawings in 11-1. Almost without exception, they fit flawlessly; the only difference was the diameter of the ball mount for the MG34, which is a bit smaller. So, given that these drawings are widely considered to be the “standard” for this tank, I believe I can safely conclude that the overall accuracy level of this kit is quite superior.
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 generic vehicles. Of course, the single prototype was never issued to a user unit, so these are all conjectural. The decals are in excellent register, have sharp detail and fine color saturation. Colors are keyed to Gunze and Testors paints.
Conclusion.
Since the prototype was a “one-off” vehicle, it is ideally suited to the DML/Cyberhobby program of limited-release kits. Panther freaks as well as the more run-of-the-mill “SGFs” will certainly go for this one, as will those simply “into” artillery fire-control technology.
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.D”, Panzer Tracts No.5-1, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
3. “Panzerbeobachtungswagen”, Panzer Tracts No.11-1, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
4. “Germany’s Panther Tank: The Quest for Combat Supremacy”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
5. “Panther & Its Variants”, Schiffer, by W. Spielberger.
6. “Panther”, Squadron Armor in Action No.11, by B. Culver.
7. “The Pz.Kpfw.V Panther”, Osprey Vanguard No.21, by B. Perrett.
8. “Panther Variants 1943-1945”, Osprey New Vanguard No.22, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
9. “Modelling the Panther Tank”, Osprey Modelling No.30, by S. Van Beveren.
10. “Panther, Jagdpanther & Brummbär”, Achtung Panzer No.4.
11. “Panzerkampfwagen V Panther”, AFV Profile No.10, by P. Chamberlain & C. Ellis.
12. “Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Vol.3”, Tankpower No.3, AJ Press, by W. Trojca.
13. “Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Vol.5”, Tankpower No.5, AJ Press, by W. Trojca.
14. “Panther”, Sturm & Drang No.5.
15. “Panther”, Concord Armor at War No.7006, by T. Anderson & V. Wai.
16. “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 Cyberhobby and 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.
Cyberhobby kits are available from retail and on-line shops; for details visit their web site at: www.cyber-hobby.com.
