Model Forum / General / Models / June 2009

Kit Review: cyber-hobby.com 1/35 scale Kit No. 40 (Dragon Models
Limited 1/35 Scale ‘39-‘45 Series Kit No. 6551); Befehls Panther Ausf.
G - Smart Kit; 729 parts (530 in grey styrene, 170 “Magic Tracks”, 14
clear styrene, 13 etched brass, 2 twisted steel wires); retail price US
$41.99 via DragonUSA

Advantages: popular kit with new parts and option

Disadvantages: no zimmerit provided – see text

Rating: Highly Recommended

Recommendation: for all German armor fans

    Once again DML’s affiliate has provided a kit of a limited production
kit – but in this case approximately 329 Ausf. A and G Panthers being
converted to command models. These vehicles served as both battalion
and regimental command vehicles as well as ground-to-air liaison.
(Apparently they were referred to as Panzerbefehlswagen mit 7.5 cm KwK
42.)

    I have no breakout on how many G models were converted, but
considering many things one surprise is that the kit is based on the
original production Ausf. G “Smart kit” (No. 6268) and does not have
zimmerit. The few photos I have of command variants appear to be
prototype A models without it, but I would have expected the early Gs
like the one in this kit to have it.

    The new parts are either borrowed from older DML kits (the “L” and
“N” whips and the “g” “Crow’s Foot” radiator section) but it comes
with a new mold mantlet with modified facing and the other bits needed
for the antennas. The “g” antenna may be built to full height thanks
to a converter section. Two new rear stowage bins are provided as the
right-hand one (F4) has the attachment point for the “g” antenna
mast.

    The rest of the kit is the original G kit verbatim. Its only
multimedia parts are the 13 etched brass parts, mostly grilles for the
engine deck, and two steel tow cables (large and small).

    The lower hull is a one-piece “slide mold” part with all of the
torsion bars complete and separate parts. Fine details such as “bump
stops”, “pin knockers” and braces are all separate. The kit provides
the rubber tired road wheels, but for a change of pace it also has two
sets of “steel” road wheels for the last road wheel station on each
side as an option. The model may be built with or without the small
return roller wheel on the final drives, and both types are provided
in the kit.

    This kit uses the original twin exhaust pipes without the late
production “flame damper” exhaust pipes. On the hull top braces, locks
and handles are provided for the “flip up” style of crew hatches. The
engine deck is very complete, with radiators, radiator fans, screens,
louvers and a large number of separate access ports and lids provided.
All grilles replicate full castings and are separate parts as well.

    The hull side trim is all plastic, but comes with “slide molded”
mounts and access holes for pins or attachment in order to permit
track links to be hung in a prototypical fashion on their racks. The
same goes for the tools and OVM.

    As noted the turret comes with a new mold early (rounded) mantelet
with a one-piece plastic barrel and a three piece muzzle brake. The
gun does have a minimal breech assembly but no other interior parts
are provided except for the self-defense weapon (mine thrower) in the
turret roof. The commander’s cupola comes with clear vision blocks and
two interior sections that fit inside the “slide molded” cupola to
give it the right thickness.

    Research credit goes to Steven Van Bevere, Tom Cockle and Gary
Edmundson.

    But one finishing options is provided – Unidentified Unit, Germany
1945 (tricolor with small crosses).

    Overall, given the choice of subject and level of detail achieved, I
would have to say that as much as I personally do not care for the
Panther this would have to be in my top three choices for a “Kit of
the Year.” Honest!

    Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.

Cookie Sewell