1:72 Panther Ausf. A/D grilles

The real subject

The Panther is a German medium tank of the Second World War. The Ausf. D is its first production version and the Ausf. A follows on from it. On the rear deck the machine has large grilles through which air flows to the radiators and fans of the engine compartment. They are among the first things the viewer sees on the model from above, because they take up a large part of the deck.

What the set contains

These are photo-etched grilles, that is a thin metal sheet with cut-through openings that replaces the solid grilles from the kit. The difference shows at first glance: you can see inside through the etched part and the edge of the louver has the thickness of sheet metal, whereas injection-molded plastic has to be considerably thicker because of the mold. The set is intended for 1:72 scale and for both of the named versions of the tank. The extent of the package and the kit it is drawn for are given in the manufacturer instructions.

Building and painting tips

• Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard support, not with nippers meant for plastic.
• Sand the original plastic grille away as the instructions direct, so that the etched part seats level with the deck.
• Paint the space under the grille black, otherwise bare plastic shows through the openings.
• Glue with super glue applied on the tip of a toothpick; cement for polystyrene does not hold on metal.
• Degrease the parts before painting and lay down a primer meant for metal.
• Work a little pigment powder into the openings of the grille, since dirt collects in them.

Terms of supply

The tank model, paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.