WIP Panther A By italeri

This is one of my WIP builds, i have redone weld seams ,added cavalier zimmeritt and filled most of the joints, added individual track links, added various details with plastic strips,various PE details ie track holders and pins, grill covers. few more details to add before i finnish. Sprayed in Tamiya acrylics,satin coat added for weathering ,thats about it so far . More to come.

Wow, that is some sweet work there, Bodge…

That’s some real nice work there Bodge. I’m always impressed by how people paint wheels and tracks after assembly. I just don’t think I can do it.

looks good, keep posting [swg]

You’re not really gonna paint the tracks on the model, are you Bodge? [%-)]

The build looks sweeeet so far!

Is this the “A” with the kit zimmerit included?

Thanks for comments,and yes the tracks are going to be painted on model,its ok if you use well thinned paint and doesnt scare me. The zimmeritt is cavalier set addedto model with superglue then pin pricked to let out air bubbles.Its a bit of a job this zimm but u gotta be patient with it.I will update as i progress,Cheers Bodge.

VERY nice work! You’ve done a great job w/that add on zimmerit. The one thing that stands out to my eye with the Italeri kit is the big gap between the turret and the chassis roof. Is there anyway you can lower the turret by about 1mm or so?

Keep up the great work

Finnished painting prosses and chipping,she awaits matt coat and weathering

Wow, Bodge! Fabulous!

I give it…NO STARS!!! LOL!!! [(-D]

(just kidding of course!) [swg]

Cheers pal.Singning off now and going to bed,its late in this part of the world.[|)]

Great looking Panther Bodge. I really like the camo and especially like the chipping in the zim

Very nice work…hand-painted markings? What is the signifigance of the skull and crossbones on the bow???

Bodge!.. How in the world do you paint your tracks and then weather them while they are on the tank? I would have paint all over the place. Fantastic build!!!

OK, first the disclaimer…I don’t comment on these boards as much as I used to, so you may not be familiar with me. I would like to say before posting my comments that I am in no way putting down your work. I am merely offering some constructive criticism in a friendly way…OK?

Some of the longer term members know that I am a “Panther guy” so…here we go…

Gotta love those Panthers. Pretty good job here. Just a couple of things to look out for in the future…

The small intake screen plate on the top deck should be flush to the deck, loooks like a construction error here.

I am suprised that you chose to omit the pioneer tools on the left side …the ejector pin marks on the mounting brace need to be removed next time. With the tools omitted, they are glaring.

Also, since you chose to mount the bow weapon on the AA ring, you might want to drill out the coax hole in the mantlet. Since the tank only had one MG, there should be a black whole there.

The emergency access domes on the engine access door should be 90 degrees, as this would be the “lock” position, your deck should look like this:

I would add a little “smoke” to the exhaust stacks during your weathering faze as well. They look a little too corroded for the scale.

You took the trouble to install the PE track block retainer pins and chains on the hull, but omitted the retainer pins and chains on the rest of the tool storage. Next time, take your time and go the full route, it is very rewarding and makes for a great looking model:

I have to agree with Roy, that the hull to turret gap really needs to be addressed.

Should look like this (the gap, or lack thereof I mean):

Over all, a decent rendition of the Italerei Panther. You really nailed the metal wear on the suspension, etc. I just get the impression that this build was a little rushed. That usually is the case when some areas are very well detailed, and others are ignored. Take the time on your next effort to cover the gamut when it comes to those details. That is what makes a good build a great one.

Nice Work,

regards,

Steve

The running gear looks good, I do the same, I paint them installed. With proper application of paint anything can be painted just about anywhere. I built the Italeri Jagdpanther awhile back, and it didn’t look this good.

Overall a good build.

Really nice Panther Botche. Really like your weathering.

Just need more mud that’s all [:P]

[tup]


Ben

Thanks guys for all the comments,Manny the scull and crossbones was done from reference in a book.Crocket i will take your comments on board, im not an expert and usually take the kit as being correct then add some details i think will enharnce the build, i know i could add some details like exspensive tracks and the like but choose not to.the gap under the turret i would never notice being wrong and i dont think 90% of people would notice and so i wont correct that , its ok for me, but thanks anyway.Tools will have clasps added though then the weathering can take place,thanks for the addvice it all helps to make us better modellers.

Beautiful Panther. All your upgrades paid off.

Bodge,

I understand my friend, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. The Italerei Panther is outdated nowadays, you’ve done an outstanding job on this old “clunker” kit. Maybe when you get the means, you might consider one of the Dragon Panthers, they are fantastic kits and the smart kit versions come with everything you need to create a realistic build right out of the box.

I would hope that you reconsider your decision on the hull / turret gap. It is quite noticeable and can be easily fixed.

regards,

Steve

How small should the gap be , and i have about 80+ kits in my stash with loads of dragon kits, 2 being Panthers so they will be in my list of builds, I do like the simpicity of the older or cheaper kits with exception to really bad ones like the earlier Tamiya panther a,s because you get the build done quickly then the fun begins in trying to get them to look real but in miniature form with the various weathering teq. Cheers.