i just purcahsed this kit and before i get started i need to get some research and information in. time for the questions.
1. did it have zimmerit... it's the late type normandy 1944 2 decal sets included 12th panzer regiment and the 130th panzer-lehr-regiment. i want to do the 12th regiment.
2. if there was zim, what pattern was used?
3. can it be steel wheeled?
4. if so can i use the road wheels on it or do i need to get a set of steel wheels?

those are my questions for now. thanks guys.

John,
After a quick check of my references the answers would be: Yes it did have zimmerit, tanks had zimm applied at the factory from September '43 till Sept. '44. This would include the time period when the late A was being produced. With German armor it is hard to say never so someone may post something to the contrary, but I can't recall seeing any pics of a late A without zimmerit. In Normandy the most common pattern I have seen pics of would be verticle ridges with horizontal cross hatchs. Next, no it can't be steel wheeled, the steel wheels were only fitted to a few Panther G's. I got this info mainly from Thomas Jentz's "Germany's Panther Tank The Quest For Combat Supremacy"

HTH
Mike

thanks alot lieutenant, that really helps. hopefully tommorow i can get started on it!

Hi tookd the following links from a thread in http://www.wargamesdirectory.com foruns, and I thnk they can help you:


http://www.panzerworld.net/Zimmerit.htm
http://www.activevr.com/afv/zimmerit.html

Pictures with details on zimerrit patterns:
http://www.panzerdiesel.com/data/e/27p5_hriffel.html

I'll chime in to echo the previous correct answers you've already gotten.

Zimm yes.. all the 'late' A's at Normandy had it.. having said that there will now be 297 new photos surface of Late A's without Zimm..

Probably the tile pattern. But without digging for the pic of the exact vehicle, that's just a guess. Archer Dry Transfers makes some vehicle specific markings sets and they're spot on, for what it's worth.

Steel wheels, nope. Not ever on the A -again as far as I've ever seen.
They were on the G model and later, Battle of the Bulge and later.

DML's kit builds up very nicely. HAve fun.

If you're thinking about diving into Panther books, the Jentz book is the 'bible', but not heavy on pics. Spielberger is ok, and for modeling details I really like the Achtung Panzer Vol 4.
The Trojka Panther books are pretty and colorful, but should not be taken as much beyond speculative.. he's got some 'interesting' Infra Red info, but no proof to back it up.
Concord is bathroom reading, so many captions are a bit off..
Mike