Tamiya 1/35 Panther Ausf D

[charleygnarlyp290]

Here is a quick look at my next project: The new tool Tamiya 1/35 scale Panther Ausf D.

I am generally an out of the box type of builder, but one really can't build a Panther without adding the screen covers for the back deck, so I got Tamiya's photo etch set. I also decided to try some individual link tracks, and after reading some reviews online and watching a YouTube video about them, I decided on the Kaizen Panther tracks.



The paper goods.



One of the things I like about the newer Tamiya kits, is the nice color foldout of the paint and marking guide.



Hull parts, turret shell, and the tracks. Although I won't be using these tracks they are very nicely detail and free from molding marks. Since the vehicle has side skirts, they could be used without worrying too much about the necessary track sag.



Sprue shots.





Small stuff. The decals are in register and look good. Some people comment on the thickness of Tamiya decals, but I haven't found them to be an issue yet.



Grill set.



And the track set. 192 pieces... yikes.



That's it. Construction has begun, so stay tuned for another update.

[Tojo72]

Can't beat a nice Tamiya build.

[Leon]

Should be a fun build Charley! Still in the process of trying to finish my Tamiya A.

[dierk]

Nice one - another kitty!
Not often I see an AM set I've never come across before, but never even heard of those tracks before
If you are going for the correct sag despite the skirts, the tracks should touch down on the third set of road wheels apparently.

[charleygnarlyp290]

Jun 8, 2016 10:13:47 GMT -5 Leon said:

Should be a fun build Charley! Still in the process of trying to finish my Tamiya A.

Is that the old Ausf A from the '70s? If so, that was the first Tamiya kit I ever built in '77 or '78. I thought I had graduated to the big leagues when I built that one. Had been building various brands of aircraft, mostly Revell and Monogram, and the Monogram Armor series vehicles up that point.

[charleygnarlyp290]

Jun 8, 2016 10:38:05 GMT -5 dierk said:

Nice one - another kitty!
Not often I see an AM set I've never come across before, but never even heard of those tracks before
If you are going for the correct sag despite the skirts, the tracks should touch down on the third set of road wheels apparently.

The review I saw on these tracks was very favorable. Seem to be a bit better than the other brands of workable tracks, but less difficult cleanup (i.e., ejctor pin marks) and they are way less expensive than the metal tracks.
And thanks for the info on the sag!

[Leon]

Charley the date on the bottom of the model is 1969! An oldie but a goodie.

[charleygnarlyp290]

Jun 8, 2016 18:44:15 GMT -5 Leon said:

Charley the date on the bottom of the model is 1969! An oldie but a goodie

[charleygnarlyp290]

Leon, that is what I thought. To my junior high mind, the opening hatches and view ports on the front was the epitome of awesomeness!

[13bravo]

Glad to see your new build is the Tamiya Panther D. I've never heard of Kaizen tracks. Going to look them up. I considered this kit with the Fruil tracks. But may change my mind. Have fun with that build.

[c3p0.]

Great selection for the metal after market tracks. I cannot wait to see how this beast goes together. Also please consider any new dragon products built in 2016 as they come with dragon ds tracks and a I HATE DS tracks t shirt . On the back it reads solid guide horns Really? This should be a big hit.

[pt109]

Nice project, I've seen those tracks advertised on ebay....made in Japan I believe. A very nice Tamiya kit for sure.

I built the old Auf A in the 80's......not very accurate but was fun to build.

Paul