Dragon Models Limited have just sent us images of their latest ''Smart Kit'' - DRA6370 - Panther G with Steel Road Wheels. A surprising release of a pretty unusual version. the Photo-Report on this newly-announced kit can be seen:

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Sweet!! guess I dont need to save all those extra steel wheels from the late model kits anymore

I'll get this one when it hits the stores. Been looking forward to it for some time.

Only the box-art isn't really inspiring, quality isn't too high on the artwork.

Anyway, the added bits apart from the steel wheels are a nice touch, hanging the turret full of spare links.

I was wondering if Dragon would get around to this version, even though it was quite rare I still like the way it looks and will definitely get one or six....

And I thought I can shy away from armor models and switch to aircraft This one's a keeper. Thanks for posting!

Herb; Thanks for all the great info you knock around all the time. Im curious why on the late war Panther G did they only do the last set of road wheels? Seems like a total interim step to me. Can you fill me in?
Thanks, Byrdman

Why MAN as the only factory added these wheels is not known. MNH who was also still producing Panthers as did DB finished their Panthers with rubber rimmed wheels.

DB however is said, curtosy of MAN officials during interogation, to have delivered Ausf. F hulls with steel wheels in staggered pairs mounting Ausf. G turrets.

It can't be something like a shortage of rubber rimmed wheels at MAN as the only other factory using the same steel wheels until the end was Henschel, and they finished their Tiger-Bs until the end with all wheels fitted.

Some have said it was due to rubber rim failure on the last station, caused either by the centre of gravity or the recoil of the tank while firing.

It is further strange that MAN did use these single station steel wheels as the reason for NOT introducing the full steel wheels running gear into production was that it caused broken guide teeth. Perhaps this was caused by only the first set of steel wheel after the sprocket.

But, bottom line, there is no answer as to why MAN mounted steel wheels at the last station.

Now, let's talk about the E-50 running gear on the Panther F...

Herb, nobody has ever done such a fine job in not answering a question!
That was AWESOME!! You hold court with style brother.
Thank you for the great insight into a very interesting Time in ww2 history. The degeneration of the German war machine and it's effects on what we model today is fascinating.
Great modeling Byrdman