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Dragon Models has announced a new Panther variant coming up for release. This time around it is a Pz.Beob.Wg.V Panther mit 5cm Kw.K.39/1 that is to be released.

I am a fan of the German armour Dragon Models releases as they have produced the best available, I am especially interested in the Panther as I like the lines of the Panther; however this announcement raises some questions on the direction Dragon Models is taking. This is another release where I cannot understand why the model does not at least have photo etched parts for the engine deck screens; will this release have clear parts for the optics? It is not as if they need to design new parts for most areas and we all know that the price will be the same as an all singing and all dancing offering.

Below is the information direct from Dragon Models;
The 43-ton Panther used by Germany was an impressive medium tank, of which production commenced in January 1943. One variant that was needed was an observation post tank, and these were known as the Pz.Beob.Wg.V. (which is short for Panzerbeobachtungswagen V). Rheinmetall was awarded a development contract in 1942, and one of its proposals was to replace the original 7.5cm armament with a 5cm KwK.39/1 gun and a machine gun in a Topfblende (pot mantlet) in place of the usual arrangement. The design included a built-in rangefinder, a T.B.F.2 observation periscope mounted in the turret roof, and a T.S.R.1 spotting periscope. The commander’s cupola was also an interim design featuring seven periscopes.

Dragon’s new 1/35 scale kit of this Pz.Beob.Wg. Panther mit 5cm KwK.39/1 variant adds further interest to the already extensive Panther family. The turret front plate, Topfblende mantlet, commander’s cupola and periscope cover on the turret roof are all newly tooled. These all combine to give this artillery observation vehicle a distinctive look. Builders will find that the kit assembles easily and accurately thanks to the high-quality pedigree of Dragon’s existing Panther family, plus the easy-assembly DS tracks.

6821 - 1/35 Pz.Beob.Wg.V Panther mit 5cm Kw.K.39/1