Vinnie
Building the Smart Panther
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
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FEATURE
Building Dragons 'Smart' Panther G
Teacher
Joined: April 05, 2003
KitMaker: 4,924 posts
Armorama: 3,679 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 12:35 AM UTC
Here's a full build of the brand new Panther G, from Dragon, it's the very first in their new ''Smart Kit'' series.
Vinnie
Building the Smart Panther
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
Vinnie
Building the Smart Panther
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
Clanky44
Joined: September 15, 2005
KitMaker: 1,901 posts
Armorama: 553 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 01:01 AM UTC
Nice review on the Smart Kit Vinnie,.... I've stated in the past that I would not be picking up these "rehashed" Dragon kits..... but the advances seem to draw me towards them. I picked up their new Premium Panther D and it light years better than the old Panther D, It seems this new Smart Panther G will also leave me with no option but to buy it.
Frank
Frank
JimF
Joined: July 05, 2002
KitMaker: 717 posts
Armorama: 621 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 01:34 AM UTC
Great article, Vinnie. After reading it I wanted to get one immediate and start in...even though I have a Tamiya Late G, plus an interior set and a set of Fruil's to go with it, and several other kits I really, really want to get to, the temptation do snag one and get busy on it is pretty strong right now. Again, good job. 
mauserman
Joined: September 27, 2004
KitMaker: 1,183 posts
Armorama: 628 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 02:28 AM UTC
Great review Vinnie. Thank you. I'd really like to know how you do it though. I mean you just posted the in box review yesterday. And today you post a build review. Jeez, it takes me weeks to complete one model and you crank them out like an assembly line! Do you have a cadre of mini-Vinnies there helping out? 
wbill76
Joined: May 02, 2006
KitMaker: 5,425 posts
Armorama: 4,659 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 03:03 AM UTC
I think DML's found yet another way to suck money out of my wallet with this one. It's being offered online around $30 USD and will be top of the list for acquisition. :-)
DAK66
Joined: April 28, 2006
KitMaker: 286 posts
Armorama: 120 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 03:54 AM UTC
Thanks Vinnie i was thinking the other day after reading about the preveiw of this kit "man i would love to see a full build of this thing and bam here it is !! and you know after the preveiw i went and pre-ordered this kit something i don't normally do without seeing a build up i must say i'm glad i did Thanks again
pzcreations
Joined: May 24, 2006
KitMaker: 2,106 posts
Armorama: 1,116 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 04:21 AM UTC
Thanks Vinnie for posting the great review! Ive been drooling over the previews since announced. Ive got 2 on pre-order already! Though Im left wishing it had more photo etch. Im finishing up the Preium D right now and after working with the supplied photoetch spare track holders, I feel dissappointed to see thats not the case with this even newer model. Oh well, cant have my cake and eat it too I guess..
WildCard
Joined: May 23, 2005
KitMaker: 945 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 04:28 AM UTC
Oh man... this one bring joy of tears to eyes... must...get...it...even...if...I...don't...built...it.
Hi Tim, how accurate was the Panther D? I'm also thinking about building one could use your advice.
WC
Quoted Text
Im finishing up the Preium D right now and after working with the supplied photoetch spare track holders, I feel dissappointed to see thats not the case with this even newer model.
Hi Tim, how accurate was the Panther D? I'm also thinking about building one could use your advice.
WC
HUNgall
Joined: June 29, 2006
KitMaker: 1 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 05:49 AM UTC
Nice work Vinnie. 
panamadan
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,513 posts
Armorama: 1,449 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 06:02 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Where is it being sold for $30 USD? This kit looks great! Thanks, DanI think DML's found yet another way to suck money out of my wallet with this one. It's being offered online around $30 USD and will be top of the list for acquisition. :-)
Genetk44
Joined: March 17, 2006
KitMaker: 85 posts
Armorama: 73 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 06:35 AM UTC
Vinnie,
I've just finished reading your build review of the smart Panther kit, very informative,thanks, but, I have a question! Its been about 35 years since my last build...Tamiya Stug III
if memory serves...long before PE,resin or AM kits and certainly before the types of tracks included in the Dragon kits. In those days I used to paint the lower hull and wheels/tyres before assembly and put the tracks on last...my question ...how are you going to paint the lower hull behind the running gear,the wheels,tyres(especially the backs) and the tracks now that everything is assembled and glued together??? sorry for being so long-winded.
cheers
Gene
I've just finished reading your build review of the smart Panther kit, very informative,thanks, but, I have a question! Its been about 35 years since my last build...Tamiya Stug III
if memory serves...long before PE,resin or AM kits and certainly before the types of tracks included in the Dragon kits. In those days I used to paint the lower hull and wheels/tyres before assembly and put the tracks on last...my question ...how are you going to paint the lower hull behind the running gear,the wheels,tyres(especially the backs) and the tracks now that everything is assembled and glued together??? sorry for being so long-winded.
cheers
Gene
wbill76
Joined: May 02, 2006
KitMaker: 5,425 posts
Armorama: 4,659 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 08:13 AM UTC
Dan,
Great Models has it on Pre-Order status for $31.95.
http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=DML6268
Great Models has it on Pre-Order status for $31.95.
http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=DML6268
pzcreations
Joined: May 24, 2006
KitMaker: 2,106 posts
Armorama: 1,116 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 09:30 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Oh man... this one bring joy of tears to eyes... must...get...it...even...if...I...don't...built...it.Quoted TextIm finishing up the Preium D right now and after working with the supplied photoetch spare track holders, I feel dissappointed to see thats not the case with this even newer model.
Hi Tim, how accurate was the Panther D? I'm also thinking about building one could use your advice.
WC
Im writing an article right now on building and painting the D. I have the build part written and will finish the painting part tomorrow. Pending if it gets posted once submitted
Grumpyoldman
ConsigliereJoined: October 17, 2003
KitMaker: 15,338 posts
Armorama: 7,297 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 12:03 PM UTC
Nice review Vinny.
dsotm
Joined: August 13, 2005
KitMaker: 357 posts
Armorama: 291 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 12:35 PM UTC
First off - great build Vinnie - thanks for the warnings on the problem areas. Can't wait to get one!!
Gene - I am cuurently building the new Panther D which is the same process:
1.Paint wheels separately
2. Paint lower hull (mask off the wheel axles)
3. The tracks - Build in sections for each side - cut some masking tape in a strip that fits between the horns - this will keep them together during assembly.
upper and lower flat sections - glue with CA and paint.
Sprocket/idler section - form around the wheels, take off again and glue with poly (NOT CA - dries too quick) - when the poly is nearly dry, form again and check for fit, then remove again. When set, paint them.
Joining sections - Click together all remaining links in a single section (DO NOT GLUE) and paint.
Assembly.
Attach the sprocket section, remove some unglued links from the joining section, and use them to attach the upper and lower sections. CA the joining section, and CA the flat sections where they contact the wheels.
Same process for the idler area. Done.
Perhaps Dragon would in future make the links workable, which would eliminate the entire process (hint hint)
Brian
Quoted Text
Vinnie,
In those days I used to paint the lower hull and wheels/tyres before assembly and put the tracks on last...my question ...how are you going to paint the lower hull behind the running gear,the wheels,tyres(especially the backs) and the tracks now that everything is assembled and glued together?
cheers
Gene
Gene - I am cuurently building the new Panther D which is the same process:
1.Paint wheels separately
2. Paint lower hull (mask off the wheel axles)
3. The tracks - Build in sections for each side - cut some masking tape in a strip that fits between the horns - this will keep them together during assembly.
upper and lower flat sections - glue with CA and paint.
Sprocket/idler section - form around the wheels, take off again and glue with poly (NOT CA - dries too quick) - when the poly is nearly dry, form again and check for fit, then remove again. When set, paint them.
Joining sections - Click together all remaining links in a single section (DO NOT GLUE) and paint.
Assembly.
Attach the sprocket section, remove some unglued links from the joining section, and use them to attach the upper and lower sections. CA the joining section, and CA the flat sections where they contact the wheels.
Same process for the idler area. Done.
Perhaps Dragon would in future make the links workable, which would eliminate the entire process (hint hint)
Brian
Adolph
Joined: August 27, 2005
KitMaker: 171 posts
Armorama: 127 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 01:38 PM UTC
Hmmmm, nice enough, but my Trumpeter Kreigslokomotive BR52 and HMS Hood will be enough distraction to stop me from being tempted to buy a Dragon kit
Removed by original poster on 07/16/06 - 16:10:23 (GMT).
JamesDean
Joined: August 17, 2005
KitMaker: 77 posts
Armorama: 67 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 05:50 PM UTC
Quoted Text
how are you going to paint the lower hull behind the running gear,the wheels,tyres(especially the backs) and the tracks now that everything is assembled and glued together???
Ditto. Dying to know how thats done. I've seen builds where a complete assembly comes first, yet still an exquisit paint job follows, including the wheels/tracks.
I remain baffled...
thedutchie
Joined: February 01, 2005
KitMaker: 1,299 posts
Armorama: 919 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 06:16 PM UTC
Thanks for the build story Vinnie. Much appreciated. The kit looks very nice. Cant wait to try one.
Genetk44
Joined: March 17, 2006
KitMaker: 85 posts
Armorama: 73 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 07:38 PM UTC
[quote]
Sprocket/idler section - form around the wheels, take off again and glue with poly (NOT CA - dries too quick) - when the poly[quote]
Brian
Brian.....i know CA refers to "superglue" but what do you mean by poly?.....tube cement/glue, liquid cement or some other type of glue/cement?
cheers
Gene
panamadan
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,513 posts
Armorama: 1,449 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 10:41 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Found it-ordered it! Thanks! Dan Dan,
Great Models has it on Pre-Order status for $31.95.
http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=DML6268
Hawkeye
Joined: March 29, 2002
KitMaker: 701 posts
Armorama: 640 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 10:53 PM UTC
Good build review Vinnie, two things that spring to mind after reading the review.
1.Are there no flame suppressing hoods for the exhaust stacks?
2. Does the kit include side skirts?
Regards from the Swamp
Hawkeye
1.Are there no flame suppressing hoods for the exhaust stacks?
2. Does the kit include side skirts?
Regards from the Swamp
Hawkeye
Teacher
Joined: April 05, 2003
KitMaker: 4,924 posts
Armorama: 3,679 posts
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 10:56 PM UTC
Ethan, hoods are supplied, but I didn't want them, it mentions this in the build, and as you can see from the review, no schurzen.
Vinnie
Vinnie
irish
Joined: October 21, 2005
KitMaker: 170 posts
Armorama: 146 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 16, 2006 - 07:03 AM UTC
Vinnie,
Great review! As always, I will be looking forward to your finished product.
I have a very basic question: Your builds always appear so clean (little if any glue marks). What type of glue do you use, and how do you apply it?
Thanks again,
irish
Great review! As always, I will be looking forward to your finished product.
I have a very basic question: Your builds always appear so clean (little if any glue marks). What type of glue do you use, and how do you apply it?
Thanks again,
irish
Silantra
Joined: March 04, 2004
KitMaker: 2,511 posts
Armorama: 913 posts
Posted: Sunday, July 16, 2006 - 08:39 AM UTC
once again, thanks for the building review Vinnie...
now i'm tempted to get one.... but i have acquire quite a number of large kits this few months....
but with that kind of price tag, i should be eating grass and dried scrubs....
now i'm tempted to get one.... but i have acquire quite a number of large kits this few months....
but with that kind of price tag, i should be eating grass and dried scrubs....
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