I'd like to thank the crew form Modellbau-König for processing my order and getting this kit to me so quickly. Two weeks from Germany to Western Canada! Thanks guys.
The kit details are an odd mix from exquisite to meh average. For example, the torch cuts and weld seams are very nicely done, while the steel wheels aren't really any better than the old Dragon kit. All the sprues in the kit are used with the upcoming Panther II with some additional sprues. The build is going quite well. As this is my first Amusing Hobby kit, I'm pleased with the engineering so far.
Here's some of the torch cuts & weld seams. Very nice.
An interesting shot of the bottom. What I found interesting was the two locator marks at the rear. These would be for the special tow hitch the Panther II was designed to mount. It's not in this kit but is in the upcoming Panther II.
The suspension fits normally with separate torsion bars and swing arms that key into the lower hull. These are somewhat workable if installed as per the instructions. the swing arms don't really line up straight when installed but I'm hoping the weight of the finished vehicle will level them out. Some swing arms had some pretty bad sink marks, requiring putty. Fortunately, most won't be seen once the wheels are mounted. i did compare the suspension to the drawing in the Jentz & Doyle Panzer Tracts 5-4 on the Panther II & Panther F and they are pretty much bang on, unlike Dragons suspension.
There some parts for the drive sprocket housing and tow points that get glued on. A little putty was needed to blend them in but not much.
The lower hull rear plate was easy to assemble. It features a working lower door (there's an upper door on the upper hull, workable as well). The stowage boxes have PE clamps on them with locator points on the boxes themselves.
There's a multi piece jack that looks very nice when built. It mounts to the hull with molded retainers. Check out the wing nut detail. The access ports on either side of the jack are separate as well.
There is some interior detail to the door. I installed it but didn't clean it up much as I glued the door closed.
The tools and tool racks are separate parts and go together well. There are no clamps for the tools nor even molded on representation of them, just some banding. The fire extinguisher is quite nicely done and there are PE parts for the sledge hammer and ax.
The track holders fit the tracks ok but are clunky and not long enough really. They should stick out another mm or 2 as the real holder had a pin & chain assembly to secure the tracks. The Dragon track holders are too short as well but are better molded for thickness than these.
The fender is one piece with 6 individual side skirt mounts.
The drivers side took rack and cleaning tool tube. The instructions show the tube with the 90° angle iron rain shield on it but it's not on the part or anywhere in the kit.
The rear door on the upper hull is similar to the lower, though the inside is marred by ejector pin marks. There is no interior detail other than the insides of the hatches, not even a rudimentary breech.
The tracks. Oh boy, the tracks. There are 4 sprues of track parts and 5 parts for every two links. The tracks can be made workable with care. Lots of care. And swearing. And lots of rum. The parts are, the main link (with the web detail inside of it), the connecting link (rounded on one side, flat on the other), the tiny end link and two different ice cleat parts. An assembly jig in is included but it's pretty small. To do a run, set up the main and connecting links. Be careful to orient the connecting links properly with the rounded side up (facing out). Once those are set up, add the tiny end links. Do I need to say sharp tweezers and a steady hand are needed for this? Once those are done, add a tiny drop of glue one the very end (top in the picture) and the large tab by the sprocket tooth hole and add the appropriate cleat part. There is an orientation to them so pay attention. The cleats should point like arrows to either side away from the main cleat. Note one side of the cleat has a narrowed part at the end, while the other does not. I should note, there is not a single ejector pin mark on any of the track link parts, not one. If you don't want to use these tracks, I test fitted both Fruil and Spade Ace and they both fit fine.
The only other PE are for the engine deck. Not as nice as most aftermarket brands but better than say Tamiya.
The details on the superstructure roof. The commander and gunners hatches can be posed open or closed. I'm leaving the commanders hatch open for a Dragon figure.
The round fan is quite a bit smaller than the normal Panther as are the driver an bow gunners hatches. Those hatches are actually so narrow, I couldn't get a figure in them from above. they'd have to be mounted from the inside. Like after the kit is done and painted? No thanks. The mantlet has a nice cast texture but is smooth on the sides due to molding limitations. I blended it in by using Testors liquid cement and stippled them with a short haired brush. the barrel is hollow all the way through but not rifled unfortunately.
Here's a dry fit of the upper & lower hulls and the rear plate. Fit's ok considering there's no glue yet. All the hatch handles are a bit small for the locator holes, so I'll mix up a small batch if liquid putty (Testors liquid cement & Tamiya Basic putty) and paint it in.
And that's as for as I got...in two days. Very good build so far. The wheels are a little tricky. I'll cover them in the next installment. I like to paint the insides for two part wheels before assembly and mounting. I hope to have this kitty done, painted & weathered by next weekend, time permitting.
