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Building a 1:8 Scale Panther: Part 2

Editors Note: Here is part 2 of a 3 part series by Peter Mealing on his amazing 1:8 scale Panther build-up/conversion. If you like to start with Part 1 that would probably be a good idea. Peter's work has been recognized with a silver medal at the 2002 Model Engineers Exhibition in England. This was quite an honor with 760 competitors in the running. Peter's other large scale tank, a Russian T-34 won the bronze medal.  - Jim

On to the Deck!

The entire turret turning mechanism was removed from the turret and relocated in the hull. The logic of this being that there would be less electrical/RC connections to break when wishing to remove the turret.

Silicon moulds were taken directly off of the deck of the various components that I would require. All of the detail was then sanded off leaving a bare hull. The 4 radiator grills on the tank are of the single bar type for the Ausf. G, the Ausf. A had 3. I made yet another master, a silicon mould, removed the original single bar grills and replaced them with the older type. Not easy as the mouldings are quite thin. Once in place they were reinforced with thin brass wire. To conceal the void beneath each grill dummy radiators and fans were made and fitted. The centre circular fan grills were also removed and new hollow ones made with f/g/resin. I wanted this particularly as the speakers for the Maybach engine sound and the WW2 German taped music will be played through here.

New scratchbuild detail was added including the handrails, hatches, bolt heads, hinges and the mesh covers for the 6 grills. I then moved on to the front of the deck. The original mg ball mounting was ground out and an acrylic ball with holes for both the mg and its sight was fitted into place using body filler, the hole then filed and sanded to the correct shape.

New hatches for the driver/radio operator were made from plasticard and the actual removable ‘transmission access hatch’ was grooved in and its 30 odd bolt heads fitted. There were 2 types of barrel locking mechanism. The Ausf. A normally had the later. This consisted of a frame with a bike like chain and locking mechanism that secured the barrel when the tank was being transported or ‘on the march’. A total of 63 parts and a whole 5 days work produced a working scale barrel lock. Various other parts were made including the air extractor, scale periscope guards, hatch retaining catches and 2 masters was made for a periscopes and by use of 2 more silicon mould, a total of 12 periscopes were made to include those in the cupola. (Different size for the cupola).


 

Project Photos
CLICK TO ENLARGE


Major problem. The side armor plate angles on the model are for an Ausf. A Panther. The deck detail is for a later Ausf. G. with the much steeper side armor. Solution make a mould for an A, cut out the wrong G items and refit.


The 4 false radiators and 2 false 'working' fans to 'fill the black holes' beneath the mesh. All from f/g resin.


As with the rear deck, the original detail e.g. hatches, periscope guards etc. was for the Ausf. G. All now to scale for the Ausf. A (sixty three different parts in the new working barrel lock).


Rear view of engine deck showing mesh over radiator/fan openings.


 


About the Author

About Peter Mealing (trackpins)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST, UNITED KINGDOM


Comments

Wow! Holy Cow!! Look at the size of that! Are there really any other words for that?! You have me salivating for the rest of the build! When can we see the rest?!
DEC 30, 2002 - 07:49 AM
Soon...it will be soon. Jim
DEC 30, 2002 - 09:07 AM
That is HUGE!
DEC 30, 2002 - 10:37 AM
Thanks Jim for doing such a great job on the article. The Panther winning the Silver Medal at the Model Engineers Exhibition 2002 this week really put 'the icing on the cake' for me. All I need is a day without rain to take the final photographs! Peter Mealing (Trackpins)
DEC 30, 2002 - 11:08 AM
Keep us posted on this project. It is really interesting and a modelers fantasy.
JAN 01, 2003 - 12:36 AM
Its massive, looks great so far. Looking forward to seeing the other two articles and seeing the final product. Russ
JAN 03, 2003 - 05:15 PM
Your wish is my command. Part 2 is now online. Cheers, Jim
JAN 04, 2003 - 07:59 PM
Getting better every time I see it. Awesome !! Russ
JAN 08, 2003 - 01:44 PM
Sorry for not getting here sooner I have looked at this many times and still can not understand such a fine job of model building. The size alone would scare most folks. All I can say is great job Peter may their be many more
JAN 21, 2003 - 12:19 AM