Panther (Juli)

[magmer]

Outrageous isn't it from Tamiya that a kit costing hundreds of pounds and the hatches don't even open. They can manage it on 1/35 scale so why not 1/16? I was building Tamiya models in the 1970s and have always been a fan but I think they have lost their way. Come on Tamiya get your act together!!

[Panzerman]

Outrageous isn't it from Tamiya that a kit costing hundreds of pounds and the hatches don't even open. They can manage it on 1/35 scale so why not 1/16? I was building Tamiya models in the 1970s and have always been a fan but I think they have lost their way. Come on Tamiya get your act together!!

I agree, funny how you make this comment, just put together the next section of this build and ask the same question
about the loaders hatch, I have the 1/35th and 1/25th tamiya RC Panthers and both have loaders hatches that operate
but the 1/16th doesn't, what the?

You would think in 1/16th it would be easier and for the money you pay for a 1/16th we should get them!
Mr Tamiya!?!?

[Panzerman]

Bit more progress, starting on the top sides, weld lines now there are a few methods people use to achieve
this I use half round Evergreen glued in then a 4.5volt soldering iron with a modified scratch built tip.

Slow is the go had a few practices on some scrap plastic to get the technique sussed out, found a bit of power
on then off and use a stabbing motion, lucky I'm a nervous wreck and I have the shakes! Will smooth them out
with some Mr Surfacer later.





Then on but welds used some quarter round and soldering iron again. Then for smaller welds like the AA gun
track used small stretched sprew lengths.


Is Mr Surfacer 500 an awesome product or what, I love the stuff, you can put it on thin or thick, sand if off if
you stuff up and go for a light or agro effect. Makes great textured armour effect, I use a stuff bristled brush
and a stabbing technique again luck I have the shakes aye! Put on a thin coat then go for a second thicker coat
after the first one has dried, will sand it back in places where I think it's too rough.
(Note the indent line running along the bottom of the turret, more on this nasty soon)



The late model chin mantlet has a casting seam along it so used some Evergreen then Mr Surfacer for the cast texture.

Around 4.5hours to get the above done.

Now for a bit of a whine, noticeable indent in the bottom of the turret, hopefully you can see
it in the pic's, probably occurred in the molding process, filled with putty then Mr Surfacer.


Second whine no opening loaders hatch, come on Mr Tamiya! I have the 1/35th and 1/25th Panthers and both these
have operating loaders hatches. Maybe I am asking a bit much, be easier to do in 1/16th and for the $ you pay we
should get it, what does everyone else think?

Here are my 1/35th and 1/25th Panthers with their operating loaders hatches.

[magmer]

Oops forgot to say a great build thread from Panzerman! I was too busy blowing off steam about Tamiya but Panzermans Panther is going to be Great!

[Panzerman]

Okay so into a bit of detail stuff, bit of scratch building on the rear storage bins using fuse wire and plasticard
made the RH side so it can open may see if I can get the on/off switch in there.



The bins took around 1 hour.

Have the Aber grill set for the engine deck, while this stuff is fiddly man it just adds so much detail to a model.
One tip it is easy to bend and cut the tabs accurately to the edge.




Wanted to have working track hanger brackets so used some plasticard.


Detailed track hangers need spare track to hang on them, drilled the pin holes and cut out the guide teeth holes,
no won't be doing this to the main tracks!


Only did four and it took 3 hours, cutting out the single one was way tricky!

Used thin strips cut out of a piece of scrap alloy and fuse wire for the tool brackets.






Bit more to do on the lower hull then its the turret, out of interest have spent a total of around 26 hours to get
to where she is now!

[mustclime]

VERY NICE WORK! Every time I have tried Mr Surfacer my tanks end up looking like they are made of concreat.....

[ruben2005]

good job mate keep them pics coming

[Red Devils]

Hey Panzerman, Juli is hot. Great details...

Derek

[Panzerman]

Okay have had a few mega sessions with "Juli" lately, don't tell my wife! Bit of a mock up starting to look like a Panther!


So as said above bit peeved about the lack of operating loaders hatch so set about scratching this, bit fiddly but turned out okay.
So first step gang drilled the existing hatch out, took my time as I wanted to use this the centre detail on the new hatch.






Finished off the front hatches as well interior detail, thinned out the periscope shield and added power cable for the light.


Turret hatch, small sight at front and scratch built hatch stop. Also finished off the track cable holder.


Finally trial fitted the rear steel wheel and the spare wheel hanging off the track hangers.

Didn't keep a real accurate eye on time for this section but reckon on around three, four or so hour sessions.
Little bit more detail and then hey it's paint!

[maxmekker]

oh man the details