Wondering if anyone could tell me the major differences (if any) between the Panther A early and late models. Looking for some aftermarket zim for the newest DML kit - 6358 - and it appears that there is a set of eduard - 35487 - that covers the early A model. Will this fit on the late? If there were no major structural changes I should think I could coerce it into place, but I figure I had best check with you guys first.
Thanks in advance!
The most notable change between early Ausf A and late ones is the “letter-box” MG flap switching to the ball-mount hull MG. This is something you would have to cover with Zimmerit by scratch. There are small changes on the hull rear too, such as the exhaust pipes, jack placement and center mounted tow coupling on the engine access hatch.
Some of the resin zimmerit offerings (Atak,Cavalier) have molded resin zimmerit coverings for that MG mount, and sometimes even entire mantlets–I don’t have one here, but check around.
The mantlet should be the same. It did change on the Late G though. The mg is the most obvious difference.
AFAIK, the later "A"s also had the close-in defense weapon added to the turret roof - which shouldn’t affect a thing as far as zimmit goes.