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Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G (A1352) 1:35 Airfix


Julien

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Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G (A1352)

1:35 Airfix

 

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The Panther was Nazi Germany's answer to the surprise appearance of the Russian T-34 after they finally reacted to the invasion that was Operation Barbarosa.  Although the project had been in gestation some time before, they took some design cues from the T-34 in the shape of the sloped armour, resulting in the Panther that was intended to fill the gap between the Panzer.IV and the (then) new Panzer VI Tiger.  It was eventually supposed to replace both the Pz.IV and the earlier Pz.III that was really showing its age, but in reality it often fought alongside the Panzer IV.  It was planned as a lighter, more manoeuvrable tank than the Tiger, and was fitted with a high velocity gun from the outset, which gave it enormous penetrating power that was only equalled by the British 17-pounder fitted to the Sherman to make the Firefly.  The sloped frontal armour gave it an increased effective armour thickness, but this was not so true of the side armour, which was comparatively weak, and this area became the preferred target of engaging allied tanks, especially in urban combat where this was a telling issue.

 

Like most German WWII tanks it was complex to produce, so suffered in terms of volume produced, and this led to it being rushed into service with quite a tick-list of things still to sort out.  Later production solved most of these initial gremlins, but loses in the interim were high with many being abandoned after failing during combat. Curiously, the Ausf.D was the first to enter production, with the Ausf.A following later in 1943, replacing attrition of the less reliable Ausf.Ds until they themselves were superseded by the Ausf.G, which became the final major variant with increased ammo storage, simplified design to ease production, and further improvements to reliability, although this was never fully cured with a high rate of attrition due to mechanical issues, some of which resulted in catastrophic fires.

 

The Kit

This is another kit from Airfix in collaboration with Academy. This kit being an Academy new tool kit from 2018.  The quality of the parts is good as its a new tool, the single part main barrel with a hollow cast muzzle brake is a nice touch. Track are of the link and length type.  The main parts are on 8 spures, with another 4 for the tracks, also included is a photo etch fret mainly for the grills. 

 

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Construction starts with the lower hull. The sides are added to the base with two internal stiffening plates being added to give the whole thing some rigidity. The suspension arms and transmission case ends then go onto the sides quickly followed by the sets of road wheels, driver sprockets and idler wheels.  Once all the wheels are on the tracks can be assembled and placed on the wheels, given the nature of construction a medium to slow setting glue will be needed. 

 

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Next up the rear bulkhead needs to be assembled. The exhausts and other components are added. Once complete it can be added to the lower hull. This is now essentially finished and we can move on to the upper hull.  Tools and spare track links are added to the sides along with the attachment plates for the side armour.  On top hatches are added to the front and rear along with the engine vents and grills. The bow machine gun goes on and at the rear the travel lock for the main gun. Thread is provided for a tow cable if the modeller wishes to use it. The upper hull can now be added to the rear, and the single part side armour plates added along with the front mud guards. 

 

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Next up we come to the turret. For the front a basic breach is added behind the gun mantlet mount before this is fitted, the rear hatch is fitted to the rear turret plate and this can also then be added. The turret base is then fitted. The mantlet is then added  along with the turret hatches.  The muzzle brake is attached to the barrel before this is also added. A few PE parts then finish the turret and it can join the hull. 

 

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Markings

There are markings for two tanks

 

Red Brown/Yellow/Green camo White 301 - 2nd Panzer Division, Cleryaux, Luxembourg, Feb 1945

Yellow/Green camo White 104 - Likely attached to Panzer Regiment 16, 116th Panzer Division, Germany 19456

 

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Conclusion

A good kit of the Panther G available from Airfix in their continued move into 1.35 scale. Recommended. 

 

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Review sample courtesy of logo.gif

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