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Befehls Panther Ausf.G Späte (IR)

Putting together all parts of the upper hull was quite simple. Beside some Lion Roar clamps for the tools I haven't used any after market upgrade parts to replace the ones from the box. One of the noticeable choices I made was the usage of the Crew Compartment Heater (Kampfraumheizung). It was a logical choice for a late vehicle as this heater came into the production in October 1944. After dealing with all other basic parts I decided that some tools on the side racks would be left over. I always liked visible missings in AFVs exterior equipment. I find it simulates well the "battle ware" and give a more realistic look to the model.

Moving towards the end of the assembly I had few extra details left to add. First I added the additional base for the star antenna from the Armorscale set and a scratch built holder for 3 tubes under the barrel cleaning tube (extension for the star antenna). Both are required for a command Panther. The last thing to do were the armored screens over the louvers on the engine deck. These came from the Griffon Model set for Panther G. The two biggest plates over the exhausts are multipart and stay workable if glued correctly. With the six anti aircraft covers in place the Panther was almost done. At the end a thin copper wire and few accessories were attached to the turret and a scratch built steel ladder was hung on one of the exhaust mufflers (idea taken from a wartime picture).