Full interior kit with a figure that does not go inside...

Well I, for one, am thrilled at this another example that this is truly the "Year of the Panther". A comprehensive interior is a real treat, goofy figure or not. If you don't care for him they make something called a garbage bin.

Cool, Personally would wait for MENG to join the party before making any move

Meng has already released a Jagdpanther.

The MENG kit (TS-039) is an Ausf. G1. So, not the same version. The recently announced Takom kit calls itself a late G1. From the few pics I have seen, it should be called a G2.

The MENG kit (TS-039) is an Ausf. G1. So, not the same version. The recently announced Takom kit calls itself a late G1. From the few pics I have seen, it should be called a G2.[/quote] I know that, but as there are only a few differences between the two it is still possible to make a comparison of the production quality. The version of the tank has zero relevance to the quality of the kits themselves. Knowing what I know of the Meng release of the G1, Ryefield already has an advantage. Their Panther is superior to Meng's as well so I expect no difference in the Jagdpanther offering.

I think it's the TAKOM JPanther we should be comparing it to- since it will have a full interior. Having experience with both companies' Panthers, the Takom will probably be a bit friendlier to build. (RFM seems to be extremely serious about detail, which is both a curse and a blessing. When it's done it's great, but sometimes I was /am a bit frustrated with the building process.)

A proper apples-to-apples comparison is the RFM and Takom kits. The pre-order pricing on Hobbysearch has the RFM ($88) kit about $24 more than the Takom ($64) kit.

The MENG kit (TS-039) is an Ausf. G1. So, not the same version. The recently announced Takom kit calls itself a late G1. From the few pics I have seen, it should be called a G2.[/quote] Takom's CAD render show the tools fitted to the sides which is a G1 feature. The boxart also shows the earlier Ausf. A exhausts and the lack of a raised heater on the engine deck which are also G1 features.