1:72 Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G Early Production

Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf. G of early production 1:72 – a Dragon kit

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Panther medium tank in the Ausf. G version, the early production series form, in 1:72 scale from Dragon. The model is meant to be glued and painted. The contents of the box, the number of parts and the number of decal schemes are given on the packaging.

The real subject

The designation Sd.Kfz.171 belonged to the German Panther medium tank, which was introduced in 1943. The Ausf. G version was the last large-series form: it received reworked hull sides with one-piece sloped armor plates and without the driver's vision port, which simplified production and increased the resistance of the front. The armament was a 7.5 cm gun with a long barrel, and the power came from a Maybach spark-ignition V12. The Panther combined a strongly sloped frontal armor plate, a powerful gun and suspension with interleaved road wheels. The early production series differs from the later one in a number of workshop details that changed during production.

Building and painting tips

Start with the running gear and the bottom of the hull, while the parts are still easy to reach. For the plastic use a thin cement applied with a brush; the seams then disappear easily. Apply a base color before painting, so that the camouflage scheme holds. An airbrush makes smooth camouflage transitions easier. At the end a wash into the recesses and pigments for dust and mud on the running gear pay off, as they give a small scale a sense of depth.

Who the model is for

• Modelers interested in Second World War equipment in 1:72 scale
• Collectors who build a complete series of variants of one type
• Builders of dioramas with modest footprint requirements
• Modelers with basic experience of building vehicles

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.