It’s been many years since I posted here. I took a few years away from the hobby to finish school. I had started this kit sometime in 2008. I had assembled the upper and lower hulls before I packed it up. I dug it out in January, and finished it up. I had to relearn some techniques, and I felt the need to learn others. I think my painting and weathering turned out OK. I think there’s room for improvement, but it’s time to call this project done.
The Dragon kit was very nice. It was very well detailed. The only trouble I had were the “Magic Tracks.” They link together nicely, but they don’t stay together. I built it OOTB. I didn’t really add anything. It’s painted to the kit reference, and the decals aren’t meant to depict any specific vehicle.
First off, thank you for your service. Secondly, well done on your Panther. Your camo turned out nicely. I guess I wasn’t aware that the Germans used three-toned camo in Italy, but suppose they did and I’m sure you researched it. I learned something new today.
Honestly, my research was simply looking at online pics. I relied on Dragon’s research team for the most part, and I followed the painting guide supplied with the kit. Their guide doesn’t specify particular vehicles. It simply gives an example of a scheme used by Panzer Regiment 26. This particular regiment applied stand-off armor to the turret roofs of its Panthers.
Nice job. I like the camo and the sag on the tracks. I was surprised by the turret numbers on the back. I’ve never seen them there. A very nice build. Semper Fi.
Thank you, The track sag is a nice effect of Dragon’s Magic Tracks. They were a bit of a pain, because they kept detaching. I didn’t want to apply glue until everything was in place. They turned out looking right, so I’m happy with them in the end. The placement of the turret numbers seemed odd to me too. However, I couldn’t find a reference online to refute or affirm the placement, so I went with the kit instructions. Dragon’s Smart Kits really have some nice touches. Semper Fi, Chris
Thats a nice looking Panther. I do like the new Dragon panther kits, i have done a couple and they were lovely to build and really well detailed. You have done a good job on this one.
the DOOG has a tutorial on how he does indy track. i do modern wheels mostly but have done some indy track. i usually check the tightness of 2 links off the sprue. if they are tight good, if not i prome them and try again. if that seems tight i prime the links before building the track. i also cheat and tanks with side skirts. [:D]
Thank you all for the very kind words. I’m glad you like the camo. I may have over-thinned the brown paint at first, and I had to smooth it out or cover it with green. After the camo, I had my doubts about its look, and I considered a repaint. Glad it turned out looking right to you gentlemen. I know you guys know your German armor. Semper Fi, Chris
