Hey guys. I’m a plane modeler, and I have been since I’ve started. Never built an armor model in my entire life. However due to certain events I have been forced (when it comes to models, I loved being forced) to build a tank. I have chosen a Panzer tank, specifically a Dragon 1/35 PzBefWg Panther Ausf. G. Sorry if I seem a little stupid, but any help is definently appreciated.
Thanks,
wetmonkey
Forced to build a tank model ? Is that like being forced to kiss a beautiful woman ?I dont know about the model.
What type of help are you after?
The kit is quite good, some fit probs around the rear intake grills but nothing too dramatic. For accuracy, the tracks have solid guidehorns (the bits that stick up between the road wheels and stop the track from sliding off) and these should be hollow. I drilled my DML horns out using a Dremel on slow speed. Drill a hole one on top of each other and then use a sharpe Exacto blade to “square off” the hole. The corners of the hole should be curved not a perfect 90 degrees. not as onerous as it sounds.
An aber Panther G PE set will give you engine deck grills, spare track and tool securing pins, tool clamps, etc if you want to go the whole hog on the kit. Personally, I’d just build it OOB as your first armour build, as painting and weathering is a little different to the sparkly clean Wingy Thingies you build.
Just get in, build and enjoy, and if you have any specific questions just ask us here.
Welcome to the Darkside! Sorry to inform you that you will not be required to fill and rescribe all of your panel lines. Armor is fun, dirt, grunge, worn and stained paint is required. With that kit you can go as far as you want. Friule makes metal replacement track, Aber makes a super PE kit for it (#K02).Verlinden makes an engine compartment and I believe they also make a full interior. If you haven’t just gone crazy the out of box kit is also real nice. Greg.
Here’s mine, it’s a great kit, enjoy it…
Are you talking about the “Night Fighting” Panther G?
I have already built one and I can say that it is a fine kit. If my memory serves me right, it has no major fit problems. The kit comes with clear plastic parts for the IR gear as well as individual track links.
For a first timer in armor…you might get intimidated with individual track links but it is really nothing to worry about. You just need to be patient in assembling the links together.
As explained by others, a lot of aftermarket products are available to improve the kit but it can be built into a nice model even out of the box (like I did with mine).
Good luck and don’t hesitate to ask questions later…
the most important is you feel good, some guys prefer tanks very clean ( as just finish from factory, others extremously deterios as heroes of thousands of battles, the others just define the general shape of the model with drybrush and shadows your choice.
its good to heard the armor community is growing…
if you like it ,then is good ,as in planes but here are more wheels
If it is your first kit, I recommend that you get the Tamiya Panther G. The Tamiya kit will be easier to assemble and will have vinyl tracks instead of indy link tracks. Some examples of Panther G’s can be found at www.missing-lynx.com Good luck with your build and share some pictures.
Impressive build. I was wondering if you had gotten that one finished. You know Dwight, you give a whole new meaning to the term “out-of-the-box”.[tup][tup]
Andy
crocket and Dwight ta-ala those are both great looking Panthers.Excellent and interesting paint jobs also.
Well, welcome to the fun side of modelling [:p]
Dragon kits are usually well regarded and fun to build. What kind of help are you looking for exactly? The basics of aircraft building apply here as well, except weathering will become much more of a prominent factor here.
Steve / Dwight,
You guys make me sick [swg]. I try so hard to make something that looks decent and you guys come along with builds such as these [bow][bow].
I get to the place where I don’t know whether to build them or burn them [banghead][banghead][banghead][banghead].
Great work guys.
Joe [:D]
Wetmonkey(that name just kills me).Jump in buddy!!! There is so much that can be done with armor kits!!! One of the things I love so much about armor!!! I spend alot of time researching and checking out historical sites that it’s amazing the options one has just with one type of vehicle.
Since you’re already a modeler I’m sure you’re experienced with the mechanics of building(glue, knives ect…) Just take your time and enjoy. I’ve found that the more I plan ahead on a build the easier it is. Decide ahead of time what’s all going into the build. Maybe start off simple on the first few builds and gradually work in more techniques.
I must say it’s been awhile now since I switched from planes to armour… and I found it just as daunting as you… however, I have found armour to be more of a challenge… just be patient (as with all models!) and ask any questions you have… I’m more than willing to pass on any info I’ve got… oh, my big tip is, research your stuff… use others as a reference… and well research… heh, that’s why I like building models… I learn something every time!
Thankyou for all the responses. I do have a few specific questions nowt hat i have opened it up. What color sshould I use to paint the track wheels, underside, wheel wells, etc. i’m not looking for a weathered or used look. Kind of a abrand new look. I’m not really willing to spend a bundle seeing as this uis my first tank. Also-do you guys prefer to paint the peices then assemble, or assemble than paint. I have done it both ways with planes, what’s best with armor?
Thanks,
wetmonkey
The painting question is one of those that is hard to say which is better? paint before assembly or paint after assembly? I usually try to at least get the base coat on the lower part of the hull before I begin the buildup of the running gear. I figure that in the case of German armor alot of the camo work is done in the field and thus some of the factory or base coat would likely show in the areas of the lower hull. I also usually apply a base coat of flat black on the road wheels entirely before assembly, and paint the rims after installation on the chassis. Once again that is a judgement call and you should do what works best for you. After complete assembly including tools, packs, loose gear I tape off the running gear and apply an overall base coat, then go with the camo scheme. I detail paint the tools packs and loose gear, after which I apply a gloss coat for decals, apply decals, apply flat coat, and start with the weathering or ageing of the vehicle. I put a final dullecoat/flatcoat on after doing my weathering or ageing. I hope this will give some ideas as to one approach. It really is one of those things that I believe you will develop with your own experience. Good luck, and as an experienced modeller I don’t think you’ll have any real problems, many of us have made the transition from aircraft to armor without to much of a problem. Here are two examples of my technique.
Semper Fi, Mike
Any ideas on paint colors I should use?