Panther A Conversion

[Estnische]

Thanks Carl, what browser are you using? They don't work on my iPhone.

[c.rainford73]

Thanks Carl, what browser are you using? They don't work on my iPhone.

I have an Android phone with the tapatalk app when I'm on the road.

[43rdRecceReg]

Yep, I'm image deficient in Safari and Firefox, but I can get them in Chrome. It seems to be some sort of security setting issue, as it's not connected to Flash, Java or other plug ins as far as I can tell...

[rolling-thunder]

I can view on my phone. I'm still learning how to use my new PC so I don't know how to alter the security settings.

[Estnische]

Thanks for describing your browser behaviour – I’ve resorted to using the forum image storage. You can click on the images if you want to see larger versions.

Here is the latest update;

I wanted to place switches under the engine cover as DGSSelkirk did with his, so I also copied his idea of having a 1mm styrene lip to keep it in place. That was a little tricky as I had to fit it under the turret rotation motor and also slide it between the body posts and the bracing for the fan infill.

Unfortunately by the time the saw-marks are tidied up, that leaves an obvious gap between the hatch and the opening.

Again, following Dean’s work, I added a thin strip of styrene to dress it up.

Next I salvaged grills for the vents from the Pantiger hull and added some mesh covers. Not sure about how to make circular surrounds for the fan vents. The mesh came from an Aldi sink strainer that was on special for $7. I also re-instated the hatch bolts that were missing adjacent to the left-hand fan vent.

The engine cover now fits neatly in the opening. I couldn’t trim around the hinges, so I cut them off and salvaged the ones from the Pantiger to fit into the moulded hinge plates. the hatch is backed by a piece of tin, and magnets glued to the rim hold it in place.

I also added handles to the engine hatch covers, and turned the hatch hooks around to the correct positions.

[43rdRecceReg]

Images back online, and click-worthy I applaud the Aldi mesh improv. A typical source here would offer photo-etched brass sheet at a wee bit more moolah: http://modelshop.co.uk/Shop/Raw-Materia ... le/ITM6482
You're a dab hand with the x-acto saw! I also like the Trumpeter razor saw for hard to access areas needing a precise spot of surgery.

[HERMAN BIX]

Brilliant work so far Mr Estnische
I have plans for an early 'D' with the dustbin cupola.
I got hold of the pantiger bits and now only need a donor Panther.
Trying to scrounge up an item similar to the cupola body so I can convert it to suit.

I will certainly use yours and Mr Selkirks conversions as templates for mine..............but not for a while.

[Estnische]

If you have the readies available Herman, you probably won't beat the price of Tank Army's Panther. Their site says 'Last One' too.

[Estnische]

The front of the hull is next:

It looks a bit plain at the moment, although I have already moved the headlight as seen in a previous post.

As Dean did, I decided to add some bolt detail to match those of the rear. Rivet counters look away now, as the bolt pattern does not match.

I’ve already spent money on scale bolts, and buying another 30 was going to annoy me. I couldn't find a ready source of plastic hexagonal rod, so in a fit of bloody-mindedness I decided to salvage the bolts from the Pantiger rear deck. It took me three nights of cutting out little pieces like this, and cursing when vital bits pinged across the bench and onto the floor.

As the Ausf A Panther doesn’t have the rotating periscope, there are three fixed ones. The ones on the Pantiger don’t match the Panther G one, so I discard the lot and cut up some plastic clothes pegs.

What I did salvage from the Pantiger were the crew hatches. As you can see in the previous pics, I traced out the sweep of the turret to keep the hatches clear. They then were glued in, with handles coming from the Panther G.

I don’t think I will add holes to the armoured ventilator as I don’t think it will show up once the travel lock is in place.

[HERMAN BIX]

The cutbup pegs are a great idea!
Your work will make mine a whole lot easier one I get to it.