Exhausts drilled out!--1/72 Matchbox Jagdpanther kitbash

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hi doods!

While I’m laboring away on the Stuka over in Aircraft, I’ve learned that I have some time while I wait for drying of paint, so I’ve decided to tackle a little “nostalgic” project with a twist here–the 1/76 Matchbox Jagdpanther kit, but substituting a better-built Jagdpanther model for the pretty basic Matchbox kit.

Who hasn’t built at least one of these kits? Well, maybe not the younger members among us, but I remember that these were among the first kits that I started building. The LHS at the time had a huge inventory of them, at like $5.99 a pop, and I would go in a literally walk out with 4-5 of them. I loved the little dio bases, and my favorite one was the Jagdpanther dio base.

I have been trying to score one of these off eBay for a while; finally I have one, and I’m going to use the Revell kit, with upgraded parts stolen from the Dragon late Jagdp. model, which is unusable because of the damned metal body, which I’ve heard are prone to spontaneous disintegration when subjectd to paint (?!). No need to even take the chance!

Here’s what I have:

Remember the kit now? [:P]

Here’s the Revell–“HURRAH!” for indy-link tracks! You can build this as early or late, but it’s not an accurate engine deck for early–the rearmost engine screens on early models were larger than the ones closer to the hull, so this hull is definitely a later model. You’ll also notice the ExtraTech PE kit for the command version of the JP–boy, was this a disappointment–no PE screens, and a real paucity of parts. Welll, at least it was only about $6.00 or so. I guess I just expected more from it. There’s a star antenna, and some periscope guards.

…and the Dragon kit with that stupid metal hull…

Starting out, I filled in all the attachment holes on the side of the hull, as I intend to show a late model JP with the recommended modifications which included moving all the hull tools off of the sides and on to the rear, as well as the cleaning rods tube. I also cut off the periscope guards, cut out and used the scissors scope and hatch from Dragon parts, and used the better-detailed DR. gun.I cut the hatches opened to put in some great Preisser 1/72 figures, and shaved down the fe ndersfrom underneath.

So it’s a bit slow going, but that’s where I am now. I want to get back to my bench, but gotta work on taxes tonight–BOOOOO! [banghead]

Comments welcomed, of course! [:D]

2

Looks like a fun time filler doog! Good luck with your taxes!

3

Using 3 x kits for 1 x model ? Well, you sure couldnt afford to do it in 1/16…

Seriously Doog, looking forward to this one like always.

4

I’ve never thought about tackling brail scale, but considering how expensive kits are getting, I might look into them.

And you think you’ve got it bad with taxes? My mom does 'em for a living LOL! You got nothing to complain about!

5

Looking great doog!

The Matchbox kit may be basic by modern standards but it is a great kit to build and have a heap of fun not fussing over details!

Here is my Matchbox Jagdpanther, built a few years back as a filler build between aircraft.

It IS the bases ya know…

Mike

6

Thanks, Bill, Paul, Sam, and Mike!

Mike, that Jagd looks about as good as I’ve seen a Matchbox kit look! You’ve pretty much captured thelook of what I want to do with my base–dressit up withsome dirt and grass powders and all. Well done, sir!

The taxes are half-finished…[zzz] It’s not looking good for a refund!..[BH]

7

Looking forward to seeing this one.

The old Matchbox kits are fantastic, I built most of them during my teens, the first being the Churchill AVRE. Does anyone know why Revell only released a select few of the old Matchbox kits?

Mark

8

Looks good, Karl!

And is that the Revell hull you’re using??

-Lasse

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Hi Doog,

I’ve been trying to locate some of those Preisser 1/72 dudes mail order stateside and have not found any as yet. Would you mind telling me where you get yours. Have a couple of Extratech’s 1:72 AFV, their Achilles IIc TD and M-36 GMC, and would like to capture some of those little people for crews. I believe I will plan on big time use of the Optivisor.

Look forward to following along on your build.

Thanks for your time.

Patrick[C):-)]

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Hi Patrick!

Sure thing! I get mine from Reynauld’s Euro-Imports. They’re really good about their stock, and very helpful in acquiring what you want. I git about 10 boxes of these figures–they’re addictive once you start ordering them, they’re just so versatile and cool to build with seperate arms and poses!

Here’s the link right to the Preisser page:

http://www.reynaulds.com/preiser.aspx

Mark–I think that the reason is demand, coupled with the licensing fees.

Huxy–yes, I will be using the Revell hull as the basis for the build, with parts fro the Dragon kit–like the PE< the cables, and various other better-molded parts.

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that is coming along very nicely Doog, can’t wait to see it finished!!

Jim

12

I still have many of the old Matchbox kits. I loved them as a kid. Yours looks like a great build. I did my taxes the other day as well. Something I still enjoy doing since my degree is in Banking & Finance.

13

Fair play there Karl. Looking forward to seeing this develop, that Matchbox is something I have not seen in a long time.

Good Luck with the build,

Terry.

14

Thanks, terry, and Jim! Nice to see that there are many guys who remember these kits as fondly as I do!

And thanks, too, Rob, for posting a comment. I had to laugh at anyone “enjoying” doing taxes–I’ve actually made good progress this year, in that it’s not April 13th when I’m starting them, LOL! [:-^]

I hate doing them so much that I usually put them off as long as I can. To many itemizations! And it doesn’t look like any refund is coming my way…booo!

15

Hi Mark,

Actually there’s about 20 or so of the ex-Matchbox armour kits listed on the Revell (Europe) website. I know there’s been a mere handful avaliable for a few years, but I think we’re starting to see a few more.

Wouldn’t mind picking up one or two of these myself - I’ve been spying the JgdPz IV around the place locally… [BG]

16

Thanks very much Doog. Surfed their site and it’s easy to see why you use them. Didn’t see any US WWII tank crews in particular but with what’s available I maybe able to bash some of the sets and come out alright. Do wish they had some Brit WWII tank crews which would work out great for the Achilles IIc TD.

Anyway, thanks again for letting me butt into your thread. It will be interesting to follow along and pickup on some of your Braille Scale techniques.

All the best,

Patrick [C):-)]

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I used to do my parents taxes, but the last time I did them was around 2005 or 2006 when they retired and moved to Florida. I now do my stepdaughter’s taxes as well as my own. I’ve yet to have to cut a check to the Department of Treasury. In my younger days in the Army in Germany, I used to be detailed as the VITA or Volunteer Income Tax Assistant during the beginning of the calendar years.

Those Matchbox kits used to be around $2 and change when I was a kid living in Vermont. I think I bought the entire line of 1/76 armor and 1/72 aircraft, one kit at a time. One of the last kits I bought as a kid that never got built was the old Matchbox B-17 Flying Fortress. Thirty something years later, I know I still have it sitting unbuilt in a box somewhere. It was one of their bigger and more expensive kits at the time, running about $5+.

18

Cool project…I have never delved into these kits even though I’m guessing I am about your age…I do know that most of the DML 72nd scale kits are very detailed…but those metal hulls are a real buzz-kill…what is your motive in bashing three of these: to get the best parts from each?

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YUP! That’s the idea, Manny! I want some decent detail, and none of the kits together have everything, so I figured I can reduce the stash a bit, and build a terrific model.

These kits are not high on the accuracy or detail list–their main appeal, to me anyway, is their “ready-made” diorama bases. Really a brilliant idea, then and now. The diversity of setting was and is still really impressive. With a little love, they can be made into gorgeous little scenes.

Rob–done with my taxes; I just may squeeze a few bucks out of the Federal gov’t–but not the State! New York taxes us to DEATH! [yuck]

20

Very few of the Dragon kits have metal hulls. Mainly the original Panther G/F kits (Late, early and PzBeobWg, Jadgpanther), the Sturmtiger and original AAV7A1 Amtrac. The Panther G, Jadgpanther and AAV7A1 have been replaced by newer version with all plastic parts (except some PE and aluminum barrels).