Moving along, retro fitting the Tank Workshop interior is laboriuos, but a heck of a lot of fun.
Hull layout:
I fitted the DML turret lower unit to the TW basket. The resin turret ring was too big on the outer dia., so it was just easier to use the kit part. I will add the traverse lock, traverse gearbox etc later. The challenge was to fit it to the hull interior and make sure it would traverse with no interference…
Looking south with the upper hull dry fitted:
The entire kit hull must be completely free of all molding gussets and supports befor installation:
Tank Workshop air boxes require extensive fitting:
And of course, I’m doing my own zimm with the hot knife:
I am planning on displaying this model with the turret on and off as necessary, I have relieved the kit interlock feature between the turret and hull. Most of this interior will be visible once the turret is lifted off. The only real disappointment is the Engine compt. Even with the engine hatch open (which I will make workable), the fabulous detail on the TW Maybach will be wasted.
Comments of all types are always welcome and encouraged…
That looks great, can’t wait to see’er all together. I know that it’s been heavily modified, so this might not be a fair questions, but do you like Dragons Panther A? Kit 6168?
It’s a great kit, but I am puzzled by the fact that the sprues include full torsion bars, but they are not used on this kit’s hull? Parts for a working torsion bar suspension are included, but why hasn’t a “new” hull been released to utilize them. ???
Wondered where yah been for some time now. Man, I’ve lost track of how many Panthers you’ve done. Is this number 5? This is certainly your most ambitious to date and of course your zim is outstanding.
Thanks to this post, I just slobbered and drooled all over my computer! [(-D]
Man, I cannot WAIT to see this finished and posted! The zimm looks INCREDIBLE! (I LOVE those zig-zagged Panthers!!)
Quit your job immediately and finish this by, say…tomorrow please?![(-D]
On a serious note; why not cut out the engine deck, ala the I:72 Panthers that DML has released? You’d be able to show off the whole of the engine, radiators, etc…
Just gonna keep tryin’ til’ I get it right Eric…[:P] I consider the Panther to be one of the greatest tank designs of all time, on par with the T-34/85 and the Sherman.
I’ve always liked the Panther’s lines myself, but for years the King Tiger was my fave. Somewhere within the Panther GB of years ago, my heart waned and the Panther G is now all-time favorite. I’m glad the designers decided against copying the T-34 itself. [tup]
the zimm looks great steve. i think that i am ready to try the hot blade method. the apoxie sculpt works great, but hard to get in the nooks and crannies. i can’t wait to see the finished product, as all of your build are so beautiful. waiting impatiently…[:-^]
