Jump to content

Panther - Ausf.D - Sd.Kfz.171 - Tamiya 1/35


Recommended Posts

This kit was originally purchased and sort of started back in the summer of 2015. However, I then seemed to get sidetracked into other, mainly GB, builds. Back in 2015 I only really got the individual track links built -so the rest has been completed since the start of this year. If you are not aware of this kit then you won't know that Tamiya released it at the same time as three add on sets for this kit - replacement individual track links, engine deck grills and a replacement metal barrel (the latter included the breech as well). Some reviewers of the kit were not happy at the time that Tamiya didn't at least include the grills and metal barrel in with the actual kit and I can kind of see why. It was Mrs PlaStix who bought me the kit plus all the sets and I have used them on this build with the exception of the breech. As the inside of the turret isn't designed to be on show I decided to only use the metal barrel. I intend to use the breech when I make another Panther D and then have the insides visible in some way.

 

The kit was actually a pleasure to make and is only my third 1/35 build - my first being Tamiya's Panzer Kampfwagen II Ausf. F/G and AFV Club's Australian Centurion was my second.

 

The Ausf.D was the first variant of the Panthers and had the impressive L/70 7.5cm gun, sloped armor and a powerful engine. Approximately 840 Ausf. Ds were made between January and September of 1943 and the first time it appeared on the battlefield was in the Battle of Kursk. Not everything was perfect but the Panthers were still able to take out approximately 140 Soviet tanks from a range of 1,500 to 2,000 meters while protected by the sloped armour.

 

The version I have decided to finish mine as is No. 445 - Pz.Gr.Div. - Großdeutschland - Kursk in August 1943.

 

Kit: Tamiya /135 Panther - Ausf.D - Sd.Kfz.171

AM: Tamiya individual track links, grill set and metal barrel

Paints: Humbrol, Revell, Citadel and Railmatch all applied by paint brushes

Mud: Mig - European dry mud

WIP: Here

 

33536244105_2d014b6726_c.jpg

 

33536248515_d7d0d6a5b3_c.jpg

 

33379107432_8620170e9c_c.jpg

 

33379107112_d05cd2d0de_c.jpg

 

32721579893_1319067682_c.jpg

 

33536246875_1c8a55f94f_c.jpg

 

33536246295_6ea2274efb_c.jpg

 

33536245405_9c7b62be9a_c.jpg

 

33536244925_975aeceaff_c.jpg

 

33536243525_7bec2685c7_c.jpg

 

33152518440_c627e5e45a_c.jpg

 

33152517990_f3a09a9367_c.jpg

 

33152517670_19e528900c_c.jpg

 

33379104252_63c2bdeb19_c.jpg

 

33495071116_9f91c69d4e_c.jpg

 

33536239245_131515e79b_c.jpg

 

32692428224_e6f6acba7c_c.jpg

 

33536237815_14e830969a_c.jpg

 

33536237335_95e819b7ce_c.jpg

 

I decided to use the kit figures:

33552528415_1c234f896e_c.jpg

 

33552518925_e1ab37811e_c.jpg

 

33552525105_805847f6e8_c.jpg

 

33395783012_8af7c515f9_c.jpg

 

32709134464_94959eb0da_c.jpg

 

A few photos on my Spitfire display shelf with some grass matting:

33379220802_d367008d2b_c.jpg

 

33495254386_c1dce9f459_c.jpg

 

33495253556_013f90f5dc_c.jpg

 

33379223472_69d0bd8d60_c.jpg

 

33495252696_f10501725c_c.jpg

 

33495252116_d0326daf99_c.jpg

 

33495251706_a5159c7f5f_c.jpg

 

33495250796_21be06d006_c.jpg

 

Well, as usual, I got a bit carried away when I was taking the photographs but I do enjoy this aspect of the hobby too. Thank you to all the people who dropped into my build thread to offer advice and support - it wouldn't be what it is without both.

 

I only noticed after I had taken all the photos that I hadn't fitted the aerial - so that will be corrected when I get chance but I'm not going to take all the photos again!

 

Comments and suggestions welcome.

 

Kind regards,

 

Stix

  • Like 34
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is a very realistic looking weathering job, can't believe the texture you have achieved on the paint it really looks like the finish you find on a tank. So many little details to pic up on! Tell the the camo panther is a transfer and not hand painted :) 

 

Rob

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Stix, you know I know nothing about tanks and AFV in general, and they aren't really my thing - but one thing I know: this is a most excellent paint job, unbelievably realistic :worthy: It really shows all your talent (the same can be said about your pics, of course) :clap::clap::clap:

 

Ciao

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent build and presentaion !

It comes also with a short but well written and informative text about the tank and the kit.

Well done :worthy:!

Beside the great paint job the weathering, especially the used look of the engine louvers caught my eye.:goodjob:

Viele Grüße

Bernd

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Stix,

What a great Panther you have there. It really does look the part. Great weathering and paint work make the beast appear as weighty as the real thing. 

 

Well done! :thumbsup2::thumbsup2:

 

Cheers 

 

Greg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 hours ago, PlaStix said:

Well, as usual, I got a bit carried away when I was taking the photographs but I do enjoy this aspect of the hobby too.

 

When you produce something as nice as that it deserves a good few photos! How did you do the grass? Also I'm not sure about the aerial. I've looked to see if they were definitely fitted and some were and some weren't. I haven't decided whether I'll fit one to mine.

 

M

 

Edited by Watcher
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like that that a lot Stix. I enjoy learning about AFV's, the introduction is really good.

 

I always like it when you take pictures on your Spitfire shelf :).

 

Great figures, they really add life, everything beautifully painted.

 

:goodjob: 

 

TonyT

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...