I am looking for references on the early bergepanther, the one with just the turret removed and a wooden cover installed. What model was it based on the A,D, or G? Did it have a winch inside? and were there any other changes to the orginal Panther? Was it used to tow disabled Panthers after the damaged tank's track was repaired or bring it back to the maintenance depot? Was there a collapsable crane like the BergeTiger(P) or BergePanzer IV?

Anyone know how I can e-mail Carlos Martin, he built one of these beasties.

I think the berge panthers that you are talking about are just field mods to ordinary Panthers with the turrets removed .The ones I've seen were based on D's or Early A's .

Rick

Thye were used for towing disabled tanks and SP pzjgr vehicles to the maintence area.
The original 12 were ausf d.
The majority were ausf A with 107 ausf G produced.
I will post some pics that i have later.

Here is a folow up on my search for the kit. It is available from GreatModels.com and the manufacturer is Precision Models and the conversion kit is PM35053A. Gonna order one this week. Whoopie!!

This one is based on what I found in Squadron Publications Panther in Action Armor Number 11.

Publication says they used primarily D's 279 were converted, in the factory.

I have had the chance to see this kit in person .Nice stuff lot and lots of resin in the box ...This is not a kit for someone just starting with resin kits ...and you will need some good reference materials ...Apparently they missed a part or two around the whinch but not that hard to fix..don,t ask me what exactly ..also I just saw an article in Military Modelling vol. 34 no4 ..On Track Models is now Precision models ...maybe they fixed the missing parts but I bet it is just the same kit ...I really think you should pick up the magasine.

Rick

bergepanther

OK, here is a huge pick for you. Please save a copy for yourself.

According to the Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WWII, those 200+ Bergepanthers were Ausf A. Do not be confused by the "Armoured letter BoX Flap". (MG area on front plate)

Some info at this site

http://www.wwiivehicles.com/html/germany/pzkpfw_v.html

hope this helps some