I purchased this kit at a show for $15.00 a couple of years ago and started building it at that time but put it away to complete other projects. I have recently resumed work on it. Below are photos of what I have completed to date.

I added Cavalier Zimmmerit along with Eduard photo etch pieces (set 486 - Panther A Early). The Zimmerit was applied with CA glue.

I used Squadron green putty thinned with Testors liquid cement to apply Zimmerit to the areas not included in the Cavalier set. I scribed the lines with a #11 Xacto blade.

I intend to finish it overall in Dark Yellow with Archer dry transfers (set 35165 - Panther A early, Italy).

1)The kit does not include tow cables. Are there any aftermarket cable sets available for this version of the Panther?

2) The photo etch set includes replacement tie down straps for the cleaning rod tube. Included is a V shaped piece that runs the length of the tube at the top. Is this correct for this version of the Panther?

3) What is the base color for Panther tracks from the factory?

Any thoughts and suggestions regarding what I have completed to date as well as what I still need to do are welcome. Thanks.

Looks good keep it up!!

Tracks could be bare metal, though Thomas Jentz has found some evidence that tracks were painted in red oxide primer at the factory. This would have immediately worn off areas in contact with the ground, of course, and over time, the whole track would be scoured by sand and pebbles. Tracks were manganese steel, a dark and slightly brownish alloy that didn't rust much. Later in the war, manganese was in shorter supply and color could be lighter as the alloys were diluted.

Looking real good...you've done a lot of work and it's paid off! Nicely done.

I do believe Karaya (sp?) puts out a set of aftermarket cables, but unsure of the model/item number. If there are the ends that came with the kit, it may be easier to pick up some picture hanging wire and make your own.

Haven't put on any dry transfers to zimmerit, mainly used them on flat surfaces, so will be eager to see how you do it. I know there are a lot of folks that hand-paint them on over the zimmerit...

Looking forward to the paint! Thanks for the pics! Cheers!

Tim

Thanks Tim.

No tow cable ends were supplied in the kit either.

I will look into the cable you mentioned.

Did a little bit of research as well, found this on the GreatModels website.

1/35 Karaya KTC35001 Panther Towing Cable Set $13.95

If you search "Karaya", there are a bunch of tow cable sets that come up. Should get you going in the right direction anyway!

Cheers!

Thank you again Tim.

I don't know if they're available in the U.S. but I always use EurekaXXL cables.The best I've used, made from very pliable copper wire, so no need to glue them down...and they're cheap, U.S.$5.30 here in europe.
Here's the Panther A set, 3 cables with resin eyelets:
http://www.eurekaxxl.com/er35/er-3514
10x better than the ones you get with the kits.
vanhall.

EDIT: http://www.modelsbymickster.com sells them in the U.S. at $8.

Vanhall,

I sent an email to Models by Mickster to place an order for the tow cables.

Thank you.

Looks good. The Archer transfers will work on zimmerit. The trick is to apply it flat without to much pressure, then let the decal fluid sink it into the cracks and crevases.

looks good so far. thats a difficult zimm pattern to achieve, and youve done it well. cant wait to see some paint on it.