While on my usual sortie to the LHS I came across this one
I really didn’t pay much attention to it as it was in the kid’s section, and hey boys like me would rather spend time browsing at more serious, big boys stuff at the LHS!
On my way out however, I had a second glimpse, and reading what seems to say 1/72 scale, asked the shop attendant for a closer look at what’s inside.
I was expecting something like those cartoon-like, egg models – but apparently such was not the case. There was some level of detail, somehow looks like a Panther, and comes pre-painted too. It doesn’t come with decals though.
It was a US$5 hit on the wallet, but I thought I’d try it out, imagining myself to be a first-time builder.
The parts snap off by itself without much difficulty. No glue needed. It builds like those kiddie blocks:
I cheated a bit though – used an emery board to sand off areas it joined the sprues. I used a cutter for the gun barrel, to make sure I detach it without mishap.
Building it was quite straightforward. I especially liked that the instructions give you the build sequence within the sub-assembly step. A couple of minor snags though – the glacis and the panel with the driver’s hatch that proved to be a tight squeeze, so I sanded the connecting tabs for fit. The rest of the sections came in well fit-wise.
OOB Color-modulated
Close to an hour's work, it became a Panther:
I don't have a braille Panther to compare dimensions -- I guess it looks the part. This surely will not make it to the accurate kit list, but it was fun doing this – it doesn’t take long to build and have that satisfaction of completing a kit, with a bit of color in it.
I’d say kits like these is one good way of introducing the young ones to the hobby – simple, quick build, no noxious glue and yes, something that looks like your Dad’s tank!
Cheers,
Tat
