1:35 Panther Type G

Panther Ausf.G in 1:35 scale (Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German Panzerkampfwagen V Panther medium tank in the Ausf.G version in 1:35 scale from the Japanese manufacturer Tamiya. The model captures the characteristic sloped armored hull and the turret with its long 75 mm weapon. The set consists of plastic parts, rubber tracks and a decal sheet; the assembly calls for glue and paints, which are not included in the package.

The real subject

The Panther was among the most capable tanks of the Second World War and combined heavy frontal armor with sloped surfaces and a penetrating 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 weapon. It was powered by a twelve-cylinder Maybach gasoline engine and its running gear with interleaved wheels was carried on torsion bars. The Ausf.G version was the last variant built in series, from the spring of 1944; it brought a simplified and stronger hull with modified sides and an improved arrangement for the driver. German armored units used the Panther on the Eastern as well as the Western Front until the end of the war and it was among the most feared opponents of Allied tanks.

Building and painting tips

Thin cement for plastic and building in subassemblies are advisable. Finish and paint the running gear, the wheels and the tracks before closing the hull, while access is still easy. For a three-color camouflage an airbrush and a base coat sprayed first work well. A faithful look comes from dark washes in the recesses and picked-out edges, and finally from dust and mud effects with pigments on the running gear and the lower surfaces.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of German armor of the Second World War
• Modelers with experience of building tanks in 1:35
• Anyone interested in the techniques of washes, pigments and camouflage painting
• Builders of dioramas from the Eastern and Western Fronts

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