What would it take to convert the Tamiya Panther A to a G model? The reason I ask is I can pick up the old Panther A kit at HoLo for about $10 and would hate to pay the $40 if I can make the A work out. Thanks!

I hate to say this but the Panther A is a different beast to the Panther G. The hull is different to start with, not to mention the different periscope placings etc. I think you'd have a very big job on your hands.
Also if you're thinking of the kit I think you are all it's good for is something to try out different techniques on.


Pete

Hi Hellbent ...if you want to build a G you should try and find the dragon G it costs about $20.00 and you will end up with a nice kit out of the box instead of ending up with a lot of work and the turret is all wrong anyways ...not to mention the Tamiya A is missing a whole row of wheels...It would be the worst $10 you ever wasted ..

Rick

It would take a lot of work to convert Ausf. A to G. The difference on top of my head...
For all Ausf. G; New hull sides. The sides are more upright angle than the previous model. The driver/Radio operator hatches opens like a book. Driver's vision hatch has been deleted. Rotating periscope for the driver

Late G; Chin on mantlet, raise air intake on left engine deck, heat shield on the exhaust.

The previous posters are correct about the woeful state of the Tamiya Panther A. It would be a herculean task even to make it an accurate AUSF A!!! The base kit is that bad. It was made in 1975 and personally, I think it's a travesty that Tamiya still markets that dog.

The list of inaccuracies is long: fantasy angles on the turret, too wide turret, too wide mantlet, missing roadwheels, open sponsons, crude tools, lame tracks.

A Panther G can be had off ebay for about $20-25. Your choice of the Tamiya kit has vinyl tracks. The DML one is nice too but has indy tracks.

As others have said, the kit is good to try out techniques or to build with a young friend. That's about it.

Truer words cannot be said. I picked up a Dragon G off the Ebay for around $15. It was the command version but that is still a G. Wait for the next Hobby Lobby half off sale and pick up one of the Tamiyas for $20 is another viable option

That's what I was afraid of! Being in college it is hard to pass up a $10 kit! You guys are right though, I've done two of them now and they are really lousy. I've used the mainly to test new techniques. Why doesn't Tamiya do something about it?

Tamiya has made some really great Panther G kits. If that old dog of a kit still sells, well the cost for the molds has long since made a profit. They only cost pennies to make so they are reaping large profits on every one that sells. Un-educated / unsuspecting folks are still picking it up and buying it. I see it at all the LHS and Hobby Lobbys. Stick to Dragon and you usually will get something pretty good for your money. The high dollar Tamiya stuff is usally good too, but as you say....expensive.