Jagdpanther Sd.Kfz. 173 Ausf. G1 Early ProductionReviewed by Cookie Sewell
|
Stock Number and Description | Dragon Models Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6458; Jagdpanther Sd.Kfz. 173 Ausf. G1 Early Production - Smart Kit |
Scale: | 1/35 |
Media and Contents: | 548 parts in grey styrene, 170 "Magic Track" links, 9 clear styrene, 6 etched brass, 2 twisted steel wires |
Price: | estimated price US $42.00 - 45.00 |
Review Type: | First Look |
Advantages: | "Smart Kit" of a very popular vehicle should make many modelers happy; redone parts in many areas something of a surprise |
Disadvantages: | No zimmerit on the early production model version does not appear to be correct; some modelers will be disappointed about lack of brass parts |
Recommendation: | Highly Recommended for all German armor and Panther fans in particular |
FirstLook
When it became apparent to the
Germans that the Soviets were able to figure out how to defeat the
Tiger and Panther, a solution had to be created to give the
advantage back to the German army. Since the Panther, even with its
large size, was not able to mount the heavy 8.8 cm L/71 gun in its
turret, a simple conversion to use a casemate with a limited
traverse weapon solved the problem. The new vehicle, dubbed the "Jagdpanther"
to indicate its tank destroyer function, entered production in
January 1944 in time to go up against the new Soviet IS-2 and
T-34-85 tanks. But only 392 of these heavy tank destroyers were
built, as opposed to more than 4,500 IS-2s.
The sleek Jagdpanther has always been a modeler's favorite, and now
DML has added a "Smart Kit" version of the vehicle to their line of
Panther kits. Following the original "Smart Kit" (No. 6268) by 18
months, the new kit changes out a surprising number of parts from
the original Ausf. G kit for the new variant. Some 209 parts have
been replaced or added to the original kit basis.
Like previous "Smart Kits" it makes more use of "slide molding" than
previous DML kit, and the goal seems to be to permit modelers to get
"multimedia" kit finish and part definition with a minimum of actual
multimedia parts – here being but six brass parts, mostly grilles
for the engine deck, and two steel tow cables (large and small).
The lower hull remains a one-piece "slide mold" part with all of the
torsion bars complete and separate parts. Fine details such as "bump
stops", "pin knockers" and braces are all separate. As it is deems
an "Ausf. G1" early production the kit provides the rubber tired
road wheels, the cast mounting collar and the monobloc gun barrel.
The model may be built with or without the small return roller wheel
on the final drives, and both types are provided in the kit.
The hull rear plate comes with the four-pipe exhaust, but most of
the other options from the G kit are now gone.
A totally new engine deck is provided with mostly new radiators,
radiator fans, screens, louvers and separate access ports and lids.
All grilles replicate full castings and are separate parts as well.
No engine or deep interior parts are provided.
The hull side trim is all plastic, but comes with "slide molded"
mounts and access holes for pins or attachment in order to permit
track links to be hung in a prototypical fashion on their racks. The
same goes for the tools and OVM.
The hull comes with a separate roof plate and details, with all
hatches save the left from sliding plate as separate parts. The
commander's hatch may have the "rabbit ears" periscope installed if
the modeler desires, and al of the hatches are positionable as is
the close in defense weapon. However, only a very minimalist gun
breech for the 8.8 cm gun is provided. Since the rear gun access
hatch is also provided separately, it does limit the modeler's
options to show this hatch open as there is little to see inside the
casemate.
Two finishing options are provided: 3./s.Pz.Jg.Abt. 654, France 1944
(three color patches, black 314), or 2./s.Pz.Jg.Abt. 654, France
1944 (sand overall with no numbers.) A small sheet of Cartograf
decals covers these options.
Overall, this should be a popular kit, but surprisingly as this
variant seems to have been normally given a complete coating of "zimmerit"
paste and DML has been doing some great work with providing this
finish it is a bit of a disappointment that they did not do it to
this particular version of the Jagdpanther.
Highly Recommended
A 52x2 Engine deck details and fine
details
C 60 Hull details and sponsons
E 47x4 Road wheels, torsion bars, individual "wrap" track links,
wingnuts
F 3 Mantelets
G 37 Drivers, final drives, steel wheel sets
H 33 Jagdpanther engine deck details and sponson liners
J 8 MG-34 bow gun
K 30 Tools and OVM
L 1 Jagdpanther upper hull
M 27 Jadgpanther casemate roof and exhaust parts
N 42 Jagdpanther rear hull, radiators and hatch details
Q 11 Jagdpanzer 8.8 cm gun components
R 1 twisted steel wire
S 9 clear styrene
T 26 Jagdpanther mantelet and gun barrel
X 1 Lower hull
Y 170 "Magic Track" links
Z 1 twisted steel wire
M 6 Etched brass
TG 3 Close in defense weapon
Thanks to
Freddie Leung for the review sample.