HobbyBoss German Sd.Kfz.179 Bergepanther Ausf.G (84553) 1/35 HOBBYBOSS via Creative Models

[Julien]

German Sd.Kfz.179 Bergepanther Ausf.G (84553)
1/35 HOBBYBOSS via Creative Models

 

 

The Panther was WWII 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. 

 

The Germans came to the realisation that they needed a form of armoured recovery vehicle as even the larger halftracks could not recover a Panther or Tiger tank. In fact so many tanks themselves became lost to recovery efforts that order were given not to try recovery with another tank. MAN were tasked to develop the vehicle and used the Panther chassis which was fitted with a central 40 tonne winch in place of the turret and a large rear spade to dig the vehicle in. Over the winch would be placed a wooden work platform and a light crane (1500 kgs capacity). The added benefit of the vehicle was that crew protection was improved and it could work under fire. As well as the standard machine gun a 2cm KwK-30 cannon was mounted on the front, though the use of this fell off in the latter stages of the war, 

The Kit
This is a new tooling from HobbyBoss following on from a series of Panther kits which all use parts of the same toolings as needed.  As well as the two main hull parts there are 21 sprues in caramac plastic, a clear sprure, two sheets of PE, chain thread and cable. Construction starts with the lower hull, to the outside are added bottom hatches, and to the side the gearbox housings and small fittings for the suspension. Moving to the inside a frame is made up for the full torsion bar suspension thats included in the kit. the bars insert from each side with end caps on the opposite ends. This frame is then fitted into the lower hull.  The suspension arms are then fitted to the outside of the hull. The row of inner wheels is then fitted followed by 8 pairs of inner wheels which must be made up. The idler wheels are mad up and added to the rear. Next up the drive sprockets are made up and added along with the outer set of wheels. 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction then moves to the tracks, these are individual links which must be glued together and assembled while the glue used still has some flexibility. There are 98 links needed for each side. Each individual link has to have two guide horns added to it. 

 

We now move to the rest of the interior. With its open hull all of this can be seen. First up the front gearbox and drive train is made up and added in following a pair of checker floor plates. Now its the turn of the main recovery winch. This is a small model on its own with a raft of parts. The thread included is used here. The inner bulkhead to the engine compartment is fitted and then the winch assembly follows it in. The front bulkhead to the winch bay can then be added, To the rear of the tank the outer bulkhead has its exhausts added and then can be fitted to the hull. This now completes the lower hull.

 

 

 

Work now moves to the upper hull. To the inside of the front hull is fitted the inside bulkhead and all the parts for the bow machine gun. To the top of the upper hull engine grills are fitted at the rear, and at the front is fitted a light and additional recovery equipment. Engine hatches and intake fans follow as well as additional hull fittings and tools. Additional track links are fitted to the side as well as the mounting rails for the PE side plates. The upper hull can now be fitted to the lower hull. To the rear the large blade to steady the vehicle when recovering gets assembled and fitted. This can either be raised or lowered. Tow bars fit to the engine deck and then the PE side pates are fitted to each side. The rear mounted lifting crane and its stays are added. At the front the bow mounted 2cm cannon is constructed and added, along with an additional machine gun which is mounted on the front right side of the tank. To finish off the large central mounted wooden/steel deck box is assembled and fitted over the main winch. 

 

 

 

 

Decals
Decals are provided for national markings and  hull numbers only. Two schemes are suggested in the kit, one in Dunkelgelb and one on three colour camo as per the box art.

 

Conclusion
This is a great looking kit from HobbyBoss and their attention to detail is to be commended. Overall Highly recommended.

 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of