Feature Article with Colin Izatt
Kit Ref: DW35011
The Subject
The Panther medium tank was produced from 1943 until the end of the war in three main versions, Ausfuehrung (Ausf- model designation) D, then A and finally G.
The total production run across all three being 5984-6003 depending how they are counted. One figure is the number accepted by the customer the other is the production total by Fahrgestell (Chassis) number.
My main reference used was Germanys Panther Tank – The Quest for Combat Supremacy by Thomas L Jentz and Hilary Doyle ISBN 9780887408120 and gives a production figure of 2200 Ausf. A as being made across four different manufacturers. There were numerous minor differences between machines from the same manufacture and as alterations were made to the specification.
My other references used included the internet and Tanks Encyclopedia https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ and various publications I own, too numerous to list here.
My choice of vehicle can be seen in the picture below.
Here’s a quick look at how it all turned out…
I had to choose a real life subject that was produced by Daimler-Benz as the pattern of the Zimmerit varied by producer. Note that the cleaning rod tube has been re-located to the rear and all the Schuerzen (Protective Skirts) are missing/lost as is half the front fender. The modification was done in the field and according to my references would have left the factory in overall Dunkelgelb (Dark Yellow) then painted by the personnel in the unit, which explains the huge variety of patterns seen. The pattern was applied using paste thinned with whatever was available at the time and applied using anything ranging from a mop to a spray gun. Clearly the painters of my subject had some time to apply the colours as it is relatively neat but applied over some of the exterior accessories in situ. At this stage in the war the colours applied over the base yellow was Rotbraun (Red Brown) and Olivgrun (Olive Green).
The kit
The model is a Das Werk/Takom Panther Ausf. A late production model with Zimmerit which can be viewed here: https://www.das-werk-models.com/products/panther-series/panther-ausf-a-late/ along with the Das Werk branded Zimmerit made by Atak who specialise in Zimmerit solutions for modellers.
There is more information on Scalemates here: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/takom-2099-panther-a–1118072
Which is essentially the same kit but without the interior and has some links to reviews. The Zimmerit can be viewed here: https://atakmodel.istore.pl/en_US/p/35069-ZIMMERIT-PANTHER-A-Late%2C-DAIMLER-BENZ-Pattern-/22730630
Out of the box you have a choice of four different marking options, three standard tanks and a single option for a Panzerbefehlwagen (Command Vehicle) with extra radio equipment.
The instructions are typical Takom and you need to choose which type of machine you are making before getting to step 12, subsequent steps are labelled -1 for the single option and -2 for the other three. To avoid mistakes I went through the instructions and used a marker pen to cross out all the -1 options before starting the build.
Accessories used…
Friul metal track ATl-08 https://friulmodel.hu/termek/atl-08-panther-late-type-tracks-vk-3200-db/
Aber metal barrel http://www.aber.net.pl/detal,1457.html
