Model Forum / General / Models / August 2010

Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 Scale Armor Pro Series Kit No.
7339; Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther G w/Steel Road Wheels; 114 parts (111 in
grey styrene, 2 DS Plastic track runs, 1 section of twisted steel
wire); estimated retail price US$19.95

Advantages: Nicely done steel wheels offer variety

Disadvantages: Possible high price for an older kit

Rating: Highly Recommended

Recommendation: for all German fans

    After a four year hiatus DML has returned to its line of 1/72 scale
Panthers with a new variant, the late war production version with
steel road wheels. DML offers a number of options for this kit in the
box, and while the directions show the modeler using the earlier
“rounded” mantlet the “chin” style is also provided in the box. It
also provides either the lower fan tower or the extended height fan
tower for the engine deck.

    The rest of the kit is identical to the earlier kits (less the
original one with diecast metal parts for the hull). This means it
still has the screw towers in the hull for assembly and holes in the
belly as well as closed driver’s and radio operator’s hatches.

    As with the last kit, these photo-style “stick here” directions are
somewhat spare as there seems to be an assumption that anyone building
this kit knows what a Panther looks like, what “interleaved” road
wheels are, and how they work. At least the DS Plastic track runs may
be glued down to the road wheels.

    Surprisingly there is no etched brass with this kit so the modeler
will have to fend for himself on grille screens for the engine deck.

    Five finishing options are provided: SS.Pz.Rgt. 1. SS Panzer Division
“Liebstandart Adolf Hilter”, La Gleize 1944 (tri-color, black 221);
Pz.Rgt. 15, 11th Panzer Division, Germany 1945 (tricolor, black 432);
Pz.Rgt. 24, Ellendorf, Germany 1944 (tricolor, white 221); Pz.Rgt. 2,
East Prussia 1945 (whitewash, red 434); Pz.Rgt. 24, Aachen, 1944
(tricolor, red 232). A sheet of Cartograf decals is provided with a
small number jungle as well.

    Overall this is a very nice little kit but the base parts are
starting to age in comparison with the other DML kits.

    Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.

Cookie Sewell