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Monday, January 18, 2016 - 08:52 PM UTC
Dragon Models has released news of a Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Early Production coming up for release in 1/72nd scale.
While it’s the impressive Tiger tank that usually attracts the most awe, it was the Sd.Kfz.171 Panther that in the long run was a more important tank to Germany during WWII. This 45-tonne medium tank represented a good balance of well-sloped armour protection, lethal firepower and able cross-country mobility, the design being inspired by the highly successful Russian T-34. The second main production variant of the Panther – the Ausf.A – appeared in August 1943, and its manufacture continued up till mid-1944 before being superseded by the ultimate Ausf.G. Some 2,192 Ausf.A Panthers were produced.

Dragon has previously produced 1/72 scale kits of early and late variants of the preceding Panther Ausf.D, and new to the range is this Panther Ausf.A Early-Production tank. Chronologically it follows on from the previous releases, giving modellers a new Panther variant to build. The turret is correctly suited to an Early-Production vehicle, possessing a periscope on the right side of the turret roof, plus a requisite fillet molded onto the side of the mantlet base. The upper hull is made as a single piece thanks to the clever use of slide moulds. The lower hull tub has been formed the same way, thus ensuring a stable foundation for the rest of the build. All the appropriate characteristics of this Ausf.A Early-Production variant are present, and convenient DS tracks are provided too. Dragon’s delightful 1/72 scale Panther A definitely receives an ‘A’ grade!

1/72 Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Early Production
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Comments

Hmmm...I going to be a "whiner" here and ask if there's any PE grills included. Dragon has it illustrated with Zimmerit, but the CAD's don't show any. Maybe it should have been more truthfully illustrated in a Kursk setting. I suppose it also has molded closed hatches, as is the new normal? I'm only sounding like this as I'm really disappointed in Dragon's giant steps backwards in their marketing decisions.
JAN 18, 2016 - 09:45 PM
You did notice that it's 1/72 right?
JAN 18, 2016 - 11:27 PM
They don't supply zimmerit on the hull and turret plate, yet still have it illustrated on the box art.
JAN 18, 2016 - 11:56 PM
Of course I noticed it's 1/72. Dragon's late Tiger I (1/72) had Zimmerit, and very nicely done, too. And all Dragon 1/72 USED to include PE.
JAN 19, 2016 - 12:09 AM
I don't think that would be "truthful" either as I believe the Panther D was the only one available at the time of Kursk
JAN 19, 2016 - 03:10 AM
Same box art as their 1/35 release...
JAN 19, 2016 - 03:00 PM
You're right! I didn't pay close attention to the fact that it's an EARLY Panther A, and thought I was looking at a D with zimmerit.
JAN 19, 2016 - 08:01 PM
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