Hi there
Can anyone tell me, why this Panther, which seems to have a ausf. A hull, have got ausf. G hatches at the radiooperator station? Please take a very close look at the Panther to the left in this photo. It's a bit out of focus, but there's a better one in the Panzer Wreck #2, if this one's too blurry.
I would really like an answer to this mystery.
Regards
Jacob

If I remember correctly, the driver's and radio operator's hatches were attached to a separate plate of armor, as depicted in the planform image here. If the tank had been brought back for repairs, it may have had the newer hatch plate dropped in as a replacement in order to get the tank back in the field faster.

Sean
Hmm!, That could probably have worked, I've just never seen this solution before, but it'll make a nice difference on a model. The missing outer road wheels could also make a nice touch.
Thank you.
Jacob

Indeed it would! However, are you sure it's the later hatches, and not just the early hatch swung out & open? Can't really be sure from the photo (too small & not well angled) but you might want to re-check the better print to be sure...

Tom

Tom, I've seen the same picture in the Panzer Wreck #2, and that picture is a lot better than this, and it clearly shows the two spring operated arms coming up the hatch.
Anyway, I'll check up on it, just to be on the safe side.
Jacob

The Bergepanther to the right, an early Ausf A, seems to have an odd box or canvas cover over the hatches.

Well then, will the new plate be in late-war green? Or primer red (with chalk marks, etc)? Or was it salvaged from a wrecked G, complete with contrasting camo that stands out like a sore thumb on the A hull?

By the way, were outer wheels in short supply? The berge in front also lacks them...

Tom