Panther Ausf. F / Panther II Detail SetVoyager Model, 1/35 scale
Reviewed by Jay Laverty
FirstLook Having recently examined a few
Panther detail sets from this company, I knew what to expect when
the package containing this set arrived on my doorstep. That
expectation however, did nothing to diminish my enthusiasm when I
had my first look inside.
Pushing the box out of the side of the packaging reveals 7 etched sets ranging in size from average to minute, and each of them sporting some fantastically realised details covering just about every possible aspect of the exterior of the tank. With details like the travel lock covered in multi-part infinite detail, and the fastening chains on the tie down sections of the vehicle, there is very little that has not been thought of with this set. While Voyager are not going all that far beyond what the more established European etched producers are doing, what they are doing is adding a bit extra to the set, to increase its value. Granted there are a few details covered here that you probably wouldn’t see elsewhere (in particular the rear stowage bins are thoroughly done as are the convoy lights) the real bonus and advantage these sets enjoy is the addition of tow cables and metal tubing for the tool mounting brackets. Covering the basic elements one would expect to see (such as the grilles and fenders) in photo-etched, this is a complete set, and one that will no doubt cause more than a few hours of frustration and concentration demanding work, but will also provide a stunningly detailed rendition of either (Panther F or II) version of the famous Panther you wish to enhance with the aid of this set.
With the increasing permeation of multi-media elements into each progressive release, Voyager is proving to be not only an ambitious etched producer, but also that they will be increasingly relevant as the hobby and in particular the aftermarket side of it evolves. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Voyager Model for the samples |