Kit, DML 6458, Jagdpanther Sd.Kfz.173 Ausf.G1 Early Production Smart Kit

DML


Product Specifications.

6458, Jagdpanther Sd.Kfz.173 Ausf.G1 Early Production Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 596 styrene parts (including nine clear), one bag of individual-link Magic Tracks, one etched brass fret, two lengths of braided metal wire, two decal marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 16 steps.


Introduction.

The Jagdpanther was one of the sleekest, most business-like AFVs ever to see the light of day. By combining the mighty 8.8cm L/71 main gun with the finally fairly reliable Panther chassis, a tank destroyer was fielded that could destroy virtually anything on the contemporary battlefield.


As one would have expected, once DML issued all-new Smart Kits of various Panther Ausf.Gs, it would only be a matter of time before the Jagdpanther was offered. Using seven new sprues, this kit will allow the modeler to create a state-of-the-art replica of an Ausf.G1 with the parts supplied in the box.


Tracks.

As with most of DMLs newer kits, this one includes Magic Tracks, which 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 horns on each link; thus they are all but invisible on the completed model. The tracks are of the later pattern with the small ice grips on the face of the links. DML’s designers have gone to the trouble to create tracks where the molded-on guide horns not only have proper rib details on their outer surfaces, but they have also been hollowed-out. There are also four smaller sprues that have a total of 16 links with separate and properly detailed guide horns; they are specifically for the drive sprockets, which, for some reason, the Magic Tracks won’t fit. As a bonus, each small sprue for these track links contains five small and five very small wing-nuts (a total of 20 each); these little guys will come in handy, so make sure you consign them to the details bits box.


Suspension System.

As per the recent Panther G Smart Kit, the newly-tooled torsion bar swing-arm units are separate parts and depict the three different types that were used at various locations on this Jagdpanzer. Internal torsion bar details are also given, including the holders and various other bits. 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 unique to this type, track pin return plates and cast final drive housings.


The drive sprockets feature the late-style hub-cap molded in place, while the early-style idler wheels are in four parts including separate outer rims for maximum realism. The standard rubber-tired road-wheels feature 32 rim-bolts and have subtle ridge detail where the tires are mounted. The back faces of the road-wheels are also fully detailed to include bolt heads and the part of the torsion bar axle bearing that attaches to the wheel.


Hull.

In order to accept the separate torsion bar swing-arms, the hull pan has openings, as well as plate details, which correspond to the torsion-bars on the opposite side. Other bolt detail is included as well. There are also small stubs that will keep the torsion bar arms at the proper angle for a vehicle on level ground; remove them if you wish the suspension to articulate. At the front end there are separate plates that allow for complete detail on both sides of the final drive housings. The lower bow plate has excellently-rendered interlocks and weld beads, while the belly plate is of the final type that came in two sections, with the front being 25mm-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 (new for this kit) and attach to inner sub-plates for a very positive fit; they are exquisitely detailed with weld beads, bolt patterns, recessed screw heads and an opening for the power conduit (also included) that ran to the fender-mounted Bosch head-lamp. Also provided are the lower mounting brackets that the Gepäckkasten (baggage bins) rested upon.


The hull rear plate has fine weld seam and access panel details, as well as the prominent tow coupling that was mounted on the circular access plate. New early exhaust pipes are provided to include the triple-pipes seen on one side. New cast covers are provided for where the pipes entered the hull rear plate; this option also includes the sheet metal heat shields that were wrapped around the exposed pipes. Not for use, but still included, are a pair of marvelously-rendered slide-molded Flammvernichter (flame-dampening) exhaust pipes. The two Gepäckkasten (baggage bins) are slide-molded and have very-finely detailed lids and clasps. Also, the bins are correctly-mounted spaced away from the rear plate, with all the proper brackets. The final items are a multi-part vehicle jack with delicate mounting brackets, and U-shaped tow clevises.


Superstructure.

The engine deck includes etched brass screens for the various cooling air-intake and -exhaust grills. Internally, there are the baffles and fan blades for the engine cooling system. Externally there are two different styles of cast cooling air fan armor guards. A separate engine deck access hatch lid is given as are various fittings, hooks and filler caps.


The superstructure side plates feature proper weld bead and interlock details and have separate mounting frames for the tools and spare tracks. In styrene, the latter are very cleverly slide-molded and include properly-rendered U-shaped track hangers complete with small holes for the separate (and finely-molded) L-shaped holding pins. The tools have molded-on clasps; these are very accurately depicted and with proper cleaning will look the part very convincingly. A jack block with wood grain texture sits in its separate tray and two styles of large tow cable loops are provided; they come from a slide-mold and are pre-bored to accept the provided wound metal wire tow cable. The thinner track changing cable is also provided, but there are STILL no proper end loops for it; the instructions have the modeler use one of the variations of the tow cable end-loops, which are far too large.


No Schürzen plates are provided. The rails on either side of the superstructure side plates are there, as are the hooks (in styrene); for the sake of versatility, it might have been good to have them. The Cyberhobby upgrade for the Ausf.G “Smart Kit” has them and Eduard has a new etched brass Schürzen set for the same kit. So, if the modeler feels the need, they can be had. And, they would not be too difficult to make up from styrene sheet, using the cited references as a guide.


Casemate.

The sides of the superstructure were extended upwards to create the casemate for fitting the main gun into a limited-traverse mount. This is a multi-part affair that includes nicely textured inner and outer cast mantles. The L/71 gun tube is the mono-block type and comes from a slide-mold so the bore end is opened to accept the three-part, slide-molded muzzle brake. The entire assembly will elevate, but not traverse. Parts are provided for a basic breech and recoil cylinder assembly. A separate clear periscope head with separate cover is provided for the driver. This vehicle had the second ‘scope removed (it is visible from the inside only, so if the modeler wishes, this too can be added) and a plate added to cover the opening. The latter is provided as an etched brass part.


The roof plate is separate and has all mounting apertures opened up for the various assemblies. The separate split hatch lids are detailed inside and out, to include grab-handles and locking levers. The commander’s observation station features a separate rotating mounting plate, with clear periscope head and armored guard. There is also a nifty scissors periscope, complete with internal mount, separate external flap and other details to complete this sub-assembly. At the rear of the roof, there is another separate rotating plate with clear periscope head and separate armored guard. The fan housing is a multi-part affair that can have a cover fitted; tiny styrene wing-nuts are provided to detail this area. The smaller cast vent cover is also provided, which is nicely textured and includes a foundry number molded in place.


The slide-molded Nahverteidigungswaffe (close defense weapon) can be configured with an opened or closed port and includes the internal part of the weapon. Two other clear periscope heads are provided, along with their armored guards, for fitting around the edge of the roof plate. Finally, the gunner’s sight is also a clear part; it is mounted inside the molded-on sliding cover. Other items molded on include rain channels and the stubs to mount an external range-finder; Pilzen are not fitted on this early vehicle, although if this feature is needed to depict a certain vehicle, the modeler can add them easily enough.


On the rear wall of the casemate, one of two different optional Gepäckkasten (baggage bins) can be fitted; each is solid but includes a separate common lid. This means only one can be used. An antenna base is provided, but there is no rod antenna included; a blanking plate covers the area where a command antenna would be mounted. The rear hatch lid can be configured in a couple of different ways and when complete will be workable; it includes inside details as well.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Overall, I found no problems with the fit of any major or minor component except that the four edges of the roof plate had to be sanded down a bit to fit. No sink marks were found, and in every case except for the above-mentioned individual link tracks, there were no visible ejector pin marks.


Accuracy.

After removing many of the major components from the sprues, I began comparing them to the various sets of drawings in the Panzer Tracts No.9-3. Using the drawings on pages 9-3-46 to 9-3-49 depicting a command Jagdpanther built in July 1944 by MIAG, I conclude that the overall accuracy level of this kit is quite high. There are a number of detail parts unique to this version and it appears that they are all included as well. In addition some common Panther chassis components have been provided in a number of variations, as follows:

• 3 types of final drive housings (2 different tires, one skid)
• 4 types of exhaust pipe guards
• 3 types of exhaust pipe/mufflers
• 3 types of MG Kugelblende
• 2 types of engine fan housings (for the new kit) plus 1 late type, and the crew compartment heater fan tower, for a total of 4 types.
• 2 types of U-shaped tow clevises.
• 2 types of tow cable end-loops.


Any issues I have with this kit are solely related to the few omissions that are noted, such as:

• No Schürzen plates.
• No Zimmerit
• No radio antenna mast.
• No proper end-loops for the track changing cable.


With the advent of DMLs newer kits featuring molded-on Zimmerit, it is curious that the manufacturer chose not to use the technique on this kit. In fact I could not find a single photo of an Ausf.G1 with the features provided in the kit that was not coated in Zimmerit. So, it will have to be added by the modeler just as was done in ancient times; as for the other omissions, I’ll keep mentioning them as long the manufacturer fails to include them.


Instructions.

The instructions are presented in the conventional manner, with intricately-detailed line drawings. Almost all of the main steps contain one or more sub-steps separated into small boxes; this will assist the modeler in preparing subassemblies for placement when needed. In step 16, don’t be confused by the arrow going into the chassis from the inner workings of the gun mount; that assembly goes on the inside of the casemate front plate. A nice touch is that the modeler does not have to guess how many links are fitted to each track run as the instructions show how many and of which of the two types of link are needed (81 per side, plus eight for each of the drive sprockets).


Decals and Markings Information.

The decals are from Cartograf. All items are in perfect register, feature crisp edges and fine color saturation. Carrier film is thin, matte and closely cropped to the edges of the designs. Markings for two Jagdpanthers are provided, to include:


• Black/white 314, 3./s.Pz.Jag.Abt.654, France 1944.
• 2./s.Pz.Jag.Abt.654, France 1944.


These are rather simple and are confirmed in photographs, but the vehicles should be wearing a MIAG cross-hatch Zimmerit pattern.


Conclusion.

This is an absolute gem of a kit despite several nagging omissions. It is different enough from other available Jagdpanther kits to be desirable and it can be turned into an excellent display piece with what is included in the box. I would assume a kit of an Ausf.G2 is not too far away.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. Curly Stooge De Sisto


References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:

1. Jagdanther, Panzer Tracts No.9-3, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
2. Germany’s Panther Tank: The Quest for Combat Supremacy, Schiffer, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
3. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition, by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.
4. Panther Variants 1943-1945, Osprey New Vanguard No.22, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.
5. Panther & Its Variants, Schiffer, by W. Spielberger.
6. Panther, Jagdpanther & Brummbär, Achtung Panzer No.4.


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.


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