Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $39.95 Website: www.dragon-models.com . During World War II, the Sd.Kfz.171 Panzerkampfwagen V Panther, or simply, Panther tank, became synonymous with German armored might. Many historians and tank experts alike consider the Panther to be one of the best tank designs of its time, out performing other Allied and Axis armor. Starting in mid 1943 and continuing to the end of the European war in 1945, nearly 6000 Panthers, including 3126 Ausf. G variants were produced by Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg AG and Daimler-Benz. The Panther was designed in response to Germany's first combat experience against the Soviet T-34, which at the time was superior to any German armor in service. It was this combat superiority that caused Germany to assess and study the T-34 thoroughly, resulting in many components from the T-34 being copied, in some way, on the Panther. The most significant features taken from the T-34 were: sloped armor, to increase shot deflection and effective armor thickness exposed to enemy gunners, wider tracks and larger road wheels to increase mobility on challenging or muddy terrain, and a much improved 7.5cm main gun that was superior to the 8.8cm main gun on the Tiger I heavy tank. This newest offering from DML is a fairly unique, specific "niche" variant of the famous and familiar Panther Ausf. G. This kit will build up to an early production version that served in Italy during 1944, with the 26th Panzer Regiment. The claim to fame of this particular version is the double layer, spaced appliqué armor attached to the roof of the turret. Upon first look, this kit appears to be a nearly complete re-box of their earlier Smart Kit Panther Ausf G late production offering (6268), with some new additions and changes to make this the specific early production Ausf G variant. New items in this kit include a large and fairly thick brass PE fret for the appliqué armor, preformed wire spare track hangers, as well as turned bolts for the spacing of the roof armor. There are some additional parts from the late production version that are still included, but aren't used in this version, including a "chinned" mantelet and two steel road wheels for the last road wheel station. The spues look well done, with crisp clean details and very little flash. Again, as is becoming customary with DML kits, any ejector pin marks have been engineered to so that they are on the hidden side of a completed assembly. Once again, DML had made extensive use of slide molding technology to produce some fantastic components, such as the one piece lower hull. Here's a break down of what's included in the box: Sprue A: There are three sprues labeled sprue A (two are the same sprue). The one carries the upper hull and rear deck plates, while the other contains rear deck details and pintel hooks. Sprue B: Here we find the turret and breech components. These are really the only interior parts that come with this kit, but there is enough space inside that adding an aftermarket interior wouldn't be too difficult. Sprue C: Side skirts and suspension components. Sprue D: Hull rear plate, including details. Sprue E: Four of these are included, making up the road wheels as well as spare tracks and torsion bars. Sprue F: Turret mantelets and fuel cells. Here we find the "chinned" mantelet that won't be used for this build. Sprue G: Drive train components, including drive gears, sprokets and return rollers. prue J: Macine gun parts. Sprue K: This is made up of three small sprues and contain numerous tools (bolt cutters, shovel, axe, etc.). Sprue L: This is the kits clear plastic sprue, containing the optics used, such as periscopes. PE frets: Two frets make up the PE component of the kit. The standard PE screens are present, along with a fairly thick fret containing the turret roof armor. Sprue X: Lower hull body single piece, slide molded component. Wire Rope: 2 length included 200mm & 400mm. Decals: One small sheet of Cartograph decals. The markings for this kit are limited, with numbering options are limited to those of the 26th Panzer Regiment in 1944, specifically vehicle 222, although a "number jumble" is included to allow some variance in marking. The only other down side with this kit, is the fact that it is another Panther. Those with only the most basic knowledge of WWII German armor are sure to be confused when it comes to the sheer number of Panther offerings out there already. But having said that, fans of WWII German armor will no doubt be glad to have another Panther to add to their collection. Overall, this newest addition to the DML stable of Panther tanks is no less impressive than previous efforts. The excellent engineering and planning in this kit make it seem as though it will make for a rewarding experience. This promise's to be a great, exciting, and most importantly, a fun build. Thanks to DML and IPMS/USA for the review sample

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