I've decided I want to build a diorama around one of the converted Panther "Ersatz M-10" tank destroyers used in the Ardennes. I've seen that DML has a 1/35 kit of this type slated for the future, and while I could wait, I'm more into instant gratification.

So, I know there is (or was) a resin converion set out there for either the Tamiya or DML PzKpfw V, but I cannot remember by which maker, nor can I find it now. I suppose it could be OOP, but I'm hoping not, as I'd like to try my hand at a larger resin conversion.

Can anyone let me know who made this conversion? As I'm more an into allied subjects (obviously - since I want to build a psuedo US tank destroyer...) than German, a recommendation on which Panther G kit to start with would also be helpful.

Thanks!

I just looked at a few pictures and cut some plastic sheet

Dave -

That's a fun conversion and "Shermiesrule" is an excellent example of how to do it. If however you still want to do the resin kit, there is one from CMK Czech Master (CMK #3039). Try "GreatHobbies" as I think they offer it.

the "Ersatz" Panther was a "disguised" Panther "G" (not Late) used during Battle of the Bulge;

"In preparations for the Ardennes Offensive, around 10 Ausf Gs were converted to resemble American Gun Motor Carriage M10 tank destroyer. The conversion was done by welding additional metal sheets to the turret and hull along with application of US Army camouflage and markings. Designated Ersatz (Substitute) M10, they all equipped Panzer Brigade 150, commanded by SS-Standartenfuehrer Otto Skorzeny." (Achtung Panzer)

Would love to see Dragon put this kit out, but for now there's only a conversion kit or scratch built. Hope this helps.

Blade48mrd

One of these days I'm going to get an M10 and put it in a dio right next to the Panther

I have an old FSM that shows how to convert the Nichimo Panther, it can be easily done (otherwise I wouldn't have stood an earthly!) with plastic sheet and some bits from the spares box.

If you have the Osprey book on the Panther (the original edition), there is a 3-view drawing by Steve Zaloga which shows the modifications made to the hull.

A brief resume is as follows.

Make a new glacis plate with side spacers - this was to disguise the hull MG cupola on the panther glacis, width of the side pieces is slightly greater than the cupola itself. A square aperture was cut in the dummy glacis for the MG itself. The bottom of the glacis was rounded where it met the lower hull - the gun cleaning tube can be cut in half and used here to get the right curve.

Delete all OV tools and fittings from the hull sides and fill the locating holes. Spare track was hung on the hull sides in 3 places, roughly copying US Army practice on their vehicles.

The lower glacis plate had two dummy transmission covers - these are quite tricky to get right - make them from a flat piece of styrene, curved around a side piece - the shape is evident in the line drawings and in at least one contemporary photo but the devil to describe in writing - sorry.

Delete the commander's cupola and replace with a simple halved disc affair - similar to early war Panzers.

New mantlet from sheet plastic; refer to drawing and photos - this can be fitted over the existing Panther mantlet as per the original, with cutouts for the main gun and co-ax.

Extend the hull sides and make new vertical rear - I think this resembled an open box in reality, with cut outs for the exhausts.

New turret sides as per the plan - these had small front plates as can be seen in the drawings. An angled plate may have been used across the turret rear.

OK, what I've outlined above may not make much sense without pictures but hopefully it may be of use to someone.

The FSM article was written by Art Loder I think and the magazine dates from the late 1980s; sorry I can't be more exact.

Steve Zaloga can be contacted through the Missing Links forum and is generally very forthcoming with advice.

Thanks everyone for all the info!

The conversion I had seen is made by Accurate Armor. For some reason, I couldn't find that the other day whilst searching. I didn't know that CMK also made one, I'll have to compare the two.

Of course, scratchbuilding/kit-bashing is another option that I will now also consider. And who knows, perhaps DML will release theirs soon. (I know they will release it soon after my purchases if I go with the Tamiya Panther and resin conversion set ).




That is pretty much my dio idea; I'm going to place the snow covered abandoned Panther "M10" on the side of a road in the Ardennes with the crew real M10 or perhaps M36 stopping to take a look at their mirror image.

Thanks again,

I looked over and over at the pics I have of the Ersatz but I cannot see the front glascis add-on. Interesting. Perhaps it wasn't done the same on all the Panthers?