Search the Community

Attached are a few pictures of my 1/35 Dragon Panther II tank. I have used Aber PE set and metal barrel, Adler's Nest MG metal barrel, Eureka XXL towing cables and Friulmodel tracks. The model was made long time ago, but has just got a new gallery. Thanks for looking.

Etched set for German Panther II 1:35 ET Models E35-117 In early 1943, there were fears that the armour of the Panther would be insufficient against future Russian tank guns. Therefore, an up-armoured design of Panther, the Panther II, was initiated. The specifications were identical to that of the Panther, except for the thicker armour. The additional weight of the thicker armour was estimated to be seven tons, for a total of 47 tons. In February 1943, it was decided to share components between the Panther II and Tiger II. The road wheels were to be changed to steel road wheels, and the tracks of the Panther II would be used as the transport tracks for the Tiger II. It was also decided that the turret ring should not exceed 1570 mm, which was later reduced to 1565 mm. The plan was to begin Panther II production without trial vehicles in September 1943. This date was later pushed back to the end of 1944 or the beginning of 1945. Two new plants, Werke Falkensee and Nibelungenwerk, were to begin Panther II production in the beginning and middle of 1944, respectively. While the Panther II was still in the development phase, development of the then in-production Panther I continued. One significant improvement, the addition of Schürzen (armoured skirts) to the lower hull, significantly reduced the threat presented by the Russian 14.5 mm PTRD-41 and PTRS-41 anti-tank rifles. The Panther I also received steel wheels, another suggested improvement of the Panther II. These and other developments had by 4 May 1943 made the Panther II largely superfluous. In June 1943 it was recognized that the Panther II production would not begin in the immediate future, and that Panther production should focus on the Panther I. Two trial chassis were built, but never received a turret. They were captured intact by US forces, who mounted a Panther I Ausf. G turret on one of them. This vehicle is currently on display at the National Armor and Cavalry Museum at Fort Benning. Etched set E35-117 Whilst researching for this set I did find it difficult to get hold of an actual kit outside of China. So, if you’re lucky enough to have one of the Cyberhobby kits in the stash then this set may tempt you to retrieve it and start building. There are seven sheets of relief etched brass, four of the same size and the other three of increasingly smaller sizes. The three smaller sheets are of significantly different thickness compared to the other four. The instructions come on three A4 sheets of the now standard green paper and are pretty clear, although there are some stages that will require careful reading before cutting out the parts. As is also usual for these sets, several areas of the kits details need to be removed before the brass parts can be added. The modeller will also need to provide various thicknesses of styrene and/or brass rod for some of the sub-assemblies. The construction of the sub-assemblies starts with the rather complex tool racks. Firstly the spade gets a new blade and, along with the wire cutters, new clamps and brackets are added. These two tools and a track clamp are then attached to the first of the racks which have been folded to shape and had various fittings and chains attached. The second rack is similar, but fitted with the axe, a track clamp, starting handle and fire extinguisher, each with their associated new clamps, chains and straps. For the gun cleaning gear tube you can either use the kits tube or there is a beautifully rendered plate which looks like knurled metal which requires to be rolled to shape. The end caps with associated chains and brackets are then added. The track brackets are the next folded to shape and attached together for the kit spare track links to be added. Moving onto the tank itself, the front mudguards are replaced by brass parts, as is the Schürzen plate hanging strip. The driver and machine gunners hatches receive new hinge and locking machanisms and there are new periscopes also provided for these two crewmembers. The machine gun port has an optional blanking plate with long chain attached, this was pushed out when the machine gun or pistol was pushed through. On the turret there are several parts that need to be rolled to shape and fitted over the mantlet. On top of the turret there are new periscopes and hatch inner for the commander and several plates, covers and a gun sight in front of the front commanders periscope. Right aft the two storage containers are completely replaced with brass parts that are folded to shape and fitted either side of the exhausts. Below the port exhaust the starting handle port is fitted. On the engine deck, the starboard fan assembly is made up of the inner lining, grilles, and two propeller shaped shutters, all on a shaft. The port fan just has an external grille fitted, whilst the four intake grilles are fitted in each corner. The final parts fitted are the lifting hooks fitted to each main hatch and a scoop shaped intake is fitted to the centre rear of the deck. Conclusion This is another great set from ET Models, even though the kit is pretty difficult to get hold of. The etching is of the usual very high standard, even the smaller thin sheets. If you do have the kit then this set will really bring the kit to life and help take the model to a higher level. Highly recommended. Available soon from White Ensign Models in the UK Review Sample courtesy of