My Panther G Build

[silversurfer1947]

Thanks for that. I obviously was not thinking. Google is usually my first port of call. I just had a blank this morning.

[silversurfer1947]

My Impact metal sprocket guides have arrived at last from Singapore. No reflection on Mitosal, however. Ordered on 18 February, they were posted on 20th, left Singapore on 22nd and arrived in the UK on 24th. It then took 5 days for them to get from their arrival point, which I assume to be Heathrow Airport, to Royal Mail's Heathrow Distibution Centre. Another 4 days and they got to Bristol. Praise to Mitosal and Singapore Post, loud raspberries for the UK authorities and Royal Mail.

[silversurfer1947]

Making some slow progress on the hull. I'm looking to make some detail enhancements and have purchased the Aber grills and cleaning rod storage. I had a look at the instructions for the Basic Set, the Fenders and the Side Skirts. The first two of these look a bit intricate and complicated. I used some of the Tiger Basic Set and Rear Fenders in my Tiger build and wonder how the Panther ones compare. To purchase all three would be a sizeable investment and I really don't want to finish up having bitten off more than I can chew, so to speak. I would be very interested to hear anyone's experiences.

[billpe]

I didn't buy the fender set - knowing how fragile and these tanks occasionally run into things I really never go for the more exposed PE. The skirt set is really nice, again fragile so I'm trying to find a way to keep the plastic supports to attach the brass hooks too so there's some additional strength. The Basic set is actually fairly easy on this one. Compared with the Tiger and King Tiger, it doesn't have as many clamps and it doesn't have the complicated tow and track rope attachments. Most of it so far is far fairly easy for PE - the tool attachments just require some cutting and bending then some soldering.

I would however say that replace all the PE bolts and butterfly screws with real ones or at least the shumo or impact butterfly screws. Way easier to work with an in the case of real miniature nuts and bolts, they will secure parts properly.

[silversurfer1947]

Thanks for that. It's boosted my confidence in attempting a few things. I have actually purchased some impact butterfly nuts from mitosal a while back. I seem to recall a link for a source of miniature hex bolts, but now can not find it.

[billpe]

I got mine from prime miniatures. The 0.8mm size seems to be the most appropriate size. I also hide a wire under most of the PE where it attaches to the hull, drill a hole through and glue it on the reverse side so it will never come off.

[silversurfer1947]

Some progress to show.

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The next two photos represent a double first. My first attempt at camouflage painting and, more importantly, my first attempts with an airbrush. I realise there are a lot of errors - in particular, I found it very difficult to regulate the amount of paint, leading to some heavily over-painted areas. I have a lot of extra bits to fit, so hopefully, I can produce a better finish next time.

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[Ad Lav]

For a first attempt that's pretty good.

Sometimes it's best to test on an old model or, the base of the tank as its not seen.

Good work

[silversurfer1947]

If I had an old model, I would have used it.

[silversurfer1947]

A little more progress on the upper hull. After a few hours, one more broken 0.8mm drill bit and several attempts to superglue my fingers together, this is what I have to show.

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I did think about soldering, but it looked a bit delicate for my ham-fisted abilities. The bolts on the grills are real brass bolts from prime miniatures.