Im looking to do a 1/35 scale Panther Late version, I have my eye on the Tamiya kits but am looking for any good alternate (maybe cheaper) kits. Any suggestions?

Are you looking for the late A version or the G version. If you mean the late A, Dragon makes one that i think is pretty good. If you want the final G version, it's tamiya for current production. Dragon used to make some late versions with the schmalturm (F) and the night fighting G with infrared sights, but they're discontinued...you may be able to find them on ebay.

VLS www.modelmecca.com lists the Shanghai Dragon "Night Fighting Panther" as being re-released.

If you're looking to save a little $$ the DML Panther G is a great buy for less than US$20. Just leave the IR gear off and you've got a good G panther.
I'd have to dig one up to see if it has the raised crew compartment heater 'tower' on the rear deck, it's been a while and I'm on a modern kick right now.
The DML kits come with individual track links, if you're not a big fan of those that might be a downside.

While you're at it, go over to Missing Links and burried there somewhere is a VERY comprehensive tweaks list http://www.elccweb.com/MissingLinks/Tweaks/Panther_TweakList.pdf
compating the high points of the DML and Tamiya kits.

Mike

Wahts the difference between the late G and A versions?..I was looking at the late G version///

>Wahts the difference between the late G and A versions?..I was looking at the late G version///

The G's had straight sides at the rear, one plate. The A's had a side plate of two pieces producing a faceted or stepped look to the rear hull sides.

Late G's had a chinned, squared off bottom portion, mantlet and a crew compartment heater tower on the rear deck without zimmerit coating.

Very Very late G's had fewer engine deck bolts

A's had swiveling drivers and radio operators hatches, G's had hinges
Loads of variations on the exhausts, multi-pipes on the A's to the late Flame dampening fat pipes on the last of the G's
Late A's had the ball mg mount and the same turret cupola, but there are different idlers,

Slightly different tool stowage arrangements and tow cable attachment locations.

Also different skirt hangers on the G. On the A they were hung from the bottom of the sponsons above the track, the G's had long thin 'fenders' along the sides..

There's loads more, but that's the gist of it.

There are also a small number of Steel wheeled panthers, all on the G hulls, and a smaller number with just a steel wheel on the last station to the rear.

Bergepanthers were on A and G hulls both.


If you've got more q's drop me a PM and I'll scan up some images for you.
Mike

I am currently building the Tamyia Late "G" and it is going together beautifully! It has been a pleasure to build so far (about 80% complete) I am not a rivet counter so I am not sure how "accurate" it is, but I (as a novice builder) rate the kit very high. I was lucky I got the kit for $15.00 on Ebay and added a spun barrel, Academy Tank Crew, and some other PE and still have a kit under $30.00.