Panzer Art wheels

[zigster]

I was thinking of buying resin wheels for IBG's Otter & C15TA.

While producer photos show better thread pattern, than "post war" of those kits,

my concern was a look of the bolts, which I found a bit blobby and "non descript".

Does anyone have one of those in possession and can take a closer view pic of the wheel, please?

It's Panzer Art:

RE35-341

RE35-343

Thanks!

zig

[Kingsman]

I have the Otter wheels. I'm at work but I'll have a look later. My recollection is that they are very nice. With the Otter you certainly need new wheels as none of those in the kit are the right size and possibly not the right pattern. Dont know about the C15 but I suspect the same.  Slightly nondescript nuts is probably a better outcome.

[JackG]

Unfortunately standard procedure when dealing with IBG and their Canadian wheeled subjects is to replace the wheels as they all come with post war tires.

 

I don't have those specific Panzer Art wheels but I do have a Humber Scout Car set.  The wheel nuts are small and I think they are not as crisp as some of the better resin aftermarket.  Since Panzer Art is 3D printed, there is limitations on fine detail depending on printer quality.   There is also a finishing step where the print is exposed to chemical fumes that slightly melts the product for a smoother surface - but that also will round edges slightly.   Am not sure if this brand does this as well, but there might be something in the fact that their packaging has a photo of the 3D model rather than a painted up finished product.

[f matthews]

I have used Panzer Art products for years and always thought they were among the best aftermarket makers out there.  I don't think that's the case anymore, at least with wheels/tires.  I ordered a set of SdKfz 234 tires for a Puma build and they were awful.  Only three out of the 9 (the spare was molded cleanly and shaped correctly) were round.  This was not a "weighted" set-the tires and inner wheels were oval-shaped and orange-peely. I was looking at a deadline, so I ordered a second set (with a different tread pattern) and while the moldings were better, the set only included 7 roadwheels and the spare.  I contacted the vendor and they replaced the second set with a complete set, but again, the moldings were not up to par.  I spent over $50 for three decent spares and barely a dozen useful roadwheels (forcing a mixed set).  

I will probably not bother with Panzer Art again after that fiasco.  I mean how do you make and sell replacement wheels/tires that aren't even round?!

[Kingsman]

Contrary to the above, I've had a number of sets of PA wheels now and in the past and never seen any problems with them.  I do think they may perhaps have expanded too far too quickly.  Their wheels are resin cast, not 3D printed - again contrary to something said above.  I'm not aware that any of their products are 3D printed - yet.

 

These are the Firestone wheels for the Otter.  The nuts are hexagonal with domed tops.  This appears to be correct.  The outer ring which hold the wheel halves together are the same size as the inner ring holding the wheel to the hub.  Unusual perhaps, but again images say this is apparently correct.  Typically the bolts holding the rim halves together will be smaller, but not here.

 

 

Edited September 18 by Kingsman
Saved too soon

[JackG]

For sure Panzer Art utilizes 3D technology - at least on their tracks and  figures as witness by their postings on facebook.   For wheels it is possible a 3D print is utilized as a master from which a mold is created, and the customer receives a resin product.    

 

 

Edited September 18 by JackG

[f matthews]

Can't see how bad the finish is on these in the bag, but very grainy/orange-peeled rough finishes and most wheels were elongated-oval shaped.  Also pictured is the set with one spare and only 7 roadwheels...

I'm done with this brand after many years of using their stuff. Garbage 1980s-era "quality".

 

Edited September 19 by f matthews

[JackG]

Sounds like a quality control issue.  With resin casting the molds can only be used for an X amount of casts before they have to be replaced with new ones.   The warping may have resulted from the resin not fully cured when pulled out of the molds?

[zigster]

Gents! Thank you for your responses!

The photo from @Kingsman answered my question.

On the big picture I can see a hex pattern, those small elsewhere, looked like rivets on Sydney Harbour Bridge 😃

@JackG, all wheels are "old stuff resin", they started with 3D and tracks recently.

Don't know their product, but another Polska firm - Quick Tracks, does really good stuff.

As for some oval wheels @f matthews, they were caring for guys, who misaligned their chassis / suspension.

Turn a bit left, a bit to the right and all wheels touching the ground  🤣

Anyway!

One more superb helpline from BM!  👍

Boys, you're great!

zig