Introduction

The Panther Ausf. G was the final production version in the Panther family. The Ausf. G incorporated a simplified chassis while retaining the Ausf. A running gear. The turret was the same as that used on the Panther Ausf. A. The Ausf. G began production at M.A.N. (the primary contractor) in March 1944. Daimler-Benz switched to Ausf. G production in May 1944; with M.N.H switching in early July 1944. All production vehicles, through September 1944, left the factory with zimmerit applied.

What’s in the Box

The kit is from Rye Field Model and released in 2018. This is a very large box, measuring 15in x 9.5in x 6in (38cm x 24cm x 15cm). What’s in the box:

14 sprues molded in beige
1 sprue molded in clear
1 sprue rubber molded
2 PE Frets
1 bag of track links
1 bag with 2 sizes of wire and a spring
1 decal sheet
1 52 page Instruction manual

Jim has a video review of the kit posted in the forum. The video and images used here are those produced by Jim Starkweather.

Looking at the Kit

Instructions – Standard RFM format consisting of 48 pages of line drawings. Assembly is broken down into 71 steps. In addition, there are numerous sub-assembly steps that bring the total assembly steps to more than 110. The blue “A” steps are primarily for the “1945” version; and the green “B” steps are specific for the “1944” version. In many cases, these are not entirely correct as specified.

Before building the kit, you do need to decide if you are building an early, mid, or late Ausf. G version. I define these as Early would be March-July, 1944; Mid would be August-December 1944; Late would be January-April 1945. The kit comes with optional parts that are applicable to a specific version or production time frame.

Instead of my usual format of reviewing each assembly step, over 100 on this kit, I’ll highlight the options and provide background on if it is applicable to a 1944 or 1945 production version. I will also highlight build options unrelated to a specific version.

This kit represents an Ausf. G produced by M.A.N. There was always lead time from when a drawing was released to production and when actual parts became available for incorporation. In addition, inventory of the old part was always used first before switching to the new part or configuration.

Step one gives you your first decision. This step assembles the barrel and breech assembly. You must decide if you will display the breech block in the open or closed position. If in the open position, there is a small tab (highlighted in red) that must be removed.

When installing the barrel, you need to choose between installing a spring or a spacer, part A35. If installing the spring, you will be able to simulate the movement of the barrel as it fires.

In step 2, you need to decide if you will display the gun assy. in the unlocked or travel locked position with part A84.

In step 3, you need to remove the tabs (parts A15/17) if you installed part A35 on the barrel. Remove these tabs before gluing the two parts together.

In Step 5, if you installed the spring on the barrel, then parts Y39 and Y81 should not be installed.

Page 7 of the manual provides for your first configuration decision. Sub-assemblies Step A1, A2, and B1 are still part of step 5. Step A2 is all PE parts that must be folded to fit together. No specific folding instructions are provided and leave you to best work it out based on the drawing. The assembled part from Step A2 is then used with both Steps A1 and B1

A1 is the chin mantlet, identified for the “1945” version; and Step B1 is the round mantlet identified for the “1944” version. These designations are not 100% correct. The round mantlet was installed on production vehicles right up through April 1945. You would be 100% correct to use parts A14/K85 for a 1945 build. The chin mantlet was introduced in September 1944. So you can build a 1944 version with the chin mantlet as well.

You are provided two rain guard options for the main gun sight aperture, parts Y19 or Y20. The instructions call out Y20 for the “1944” version. Therefore, Y19 is for the “1945” version. Again, not 100% correct. Part Y20 would only be applicable for a March-August 1944 configuration. A new rain guard (Y19) was introduced in September 1944. So, use the one that matches your timeline. This was also a field modification, so you can install Y19 on an earlier version and still be accurate.

Lastly, the instructions ask you to fill in two slots on the front turret armor panel for the “1944” version. These slots are for attaching the debris guard. This part was introduced in August 1944. Plus, this was an approved field modification. So, install at your discretion for a pre-Aug ’44 version.

Next are the turret roof options. For the “1944” version (Step B2), the manual has you make several changes to the turret. It has you remove the Pilze sockets; fill in the holes for part A102; and surface locators for parts A51 and A72. Since the turret is a clear part, doing any of these actions will impact the visual quality of the turret. Of course, if you plan to paint the turret, then there is no issue.

The Pilze sockets were incorporated into production in June 1944. It was also an authorized field modification released the same month. Only remove if you are building a version where they haven’t been installed.

Part A51 is the Orterkompass mount and was introduced to production in late August 1944. So, install based on your timeline.

Part A72 is the Lost Erkennungstafeln (poison gas detector panels). These were also introduced into production at the end of August/early September 1944. So, install based on your timeline.

The “1945” version (Step A3) has you install the turret rings for attaching camouflage, 5 per side. M.A.N. and M.N.H. started installing these in late December 1944. Daimler-Benz never installed these to their turrets. So, add based on your timeline.

Next are options for the commander’s copula. A “1944” (Step B3) and a “1945” (Step A4/5) version are shown. The commander’s periscopes had a new frame and fastener incorporated in July 1944. So the called out kit part L12 can be replaced with L11/Y59 for a 1944 configuration.

For the “1945” version, it has the post mount for the AA MG. The post wasn’t incorporated until March 1945. So, use the “1944” parts if you wish for an early 1945 version.

Step 7 has you install the rear turret hatch handle (A90). This was incorporated into production, as well as an approved field modification, in June 1944. Add the handle based on your timeline. Prior to official approval, field workshops were installing a handle on the hatch without authorization dating back to the Ausf. D.

In regards to Steps A7 and B4 I couldn’t find any detailed information on these changes. It looks like the parts are related to the commander’s observation periscope. If so, the mounts were ordered removed, in production, in July 1944.

In Step 21, the debris guard (A6) can be installed in a 1944 version if you have selected that option back in Step 5.

Step 22 has you install the hull MG ball mount part J66 for the “1944” version. Based on the reference material, this was never a configuration on the Panther Ausf. G. All photos from my reference material show only part J70 as the installed configuration for all Ausf. G production. So, I would recommend you only use part J70.

In Step 24, part G27 is the original hull ventilator armor cover. A design change was introduced on October 1944 to the new configuration, parts G21/Y86/G29. If using the new configuration, you do need to remove the indicated raised area around the ventilator. As this is a clear part, be very careful when removing.

Also in Step 24, you have the option of two cover versions over the driver’s periscope. Part G34 is the initial configuration. Part G5 is the sheet metal rain cover incorporated beginning in August 1944.

Step 25 provides the option of installing the crew compartment heater. The first vehicle to leave the factory with this installed was in mid-September 1944. Install based on your timeline.

Steps 35 and 49 have you install the rear shock absorber. On October 7, 1944, the factories were ordered to immediately stop installing these. So, install based on your timeline.

Step 35 also assembles the driver’s seat. The elevated seat, parts D10/D21, entered production in October 1944. If building an earlier version, then you will also need to modify the pedal assembly to remove the extensions used with the elevated seat.

Step 65 requires you to select which exhaust version you want to install. Steps C27/29 is the original Ausf. G configuration with cast covers. In July 1944, the sheet metal covers were added, part C33. So, only the very early production vehicles did not have the sheet metal cover.

Steps C28/C30 has the welded covers introduced in May 1944. In July 1944, the sheet metal cover was added, part C33.

Steps C23/C24 is the initial Flammenvernichter exhausts authorized for production in October 1944. However, factories didn’t begin installing them until late November or early December due to availability.

Steps C25/C26 is the Flammenvernichter exhausts with the welded cover seen on vehicles produced starting in December 1944.

Step C31 is the rear storage box specific to the IR configured Panther Ausf. G’s. As this kit does not include any of the other required IR related parts, you probably should not install this. These were installed starting in September 1944 on the IR designated Panthers.

Step C33 provides you the option of installing the return roller (C14) or the skid shoe (C36/37) on the Final Drive Cover. On 1 June, 1944 instructions were issued to switch from the wheel to the skid. On 6 June, 1944, Instructions were issued to cancel the 1 June order, and continue with the rubber wheel.

Step C36 gives you the option to assemble a set of the 800mm steel road wheels. M.A.N. assembled an unknown number of Panther’s with these on the last road wheel station beginning in late December 1944. Most production used the normal rubber rimmed 860mm road wheel through the end of the war. If you select this option, then you need to also modify the installation of their torsion bars in Step 31.

Step B5, is identified for the “1944” version. This is the original 600mm Idler Wheel. Photos show that his was installed right through to the end of the war. So, you can use this for a 1945 version as well.

Step C35 is identified as the “1945” version Idler Wheel. However, the 665mm Idler wheel was introduced into production in October 1944. So, you can build a late 1944 vehicle with this version.

Steps C37 and C41 provide you with road wheels for use in a diorama. They are not used with the kit.

Painting – RFM color call-outs reference Ammo-MIG products. Call-outs are NOT identified during the build process. There are two pages in the back of the manual that identify painting recommendations for the turret and chassis interior.

RFM’s interior painting guide shows the initial multi-color scheme. On August 25, 1944, the factories were ordered to immediately stop applying this scheme. The interior/turret was to be left in the red oxide primer (RAL8012/3) with the upper surfaces in Elfenbein (RAL1001).

At the end of October 1944, instructions were issued to stop all painting of the interior/turret and leave it in the red oxide primer (RAL8012/3).

In mid-February 1945, instructions were received to apply the Elfenbein (RAL1001) to the interior of only the turret. This would indicate that the hull interior remained red oxide primer (RAL8012/3).

This sequence of changes is based on documents found at M.N.H. However, logic would say that the same instructions would have been issued to the other two factories as well. At the end of the day, it is your build, and paint how you desire.

Camouflage patterns are always a discussion with the Ausf. G Panthers. Here is a summary put together from the reference books listed below. I don’t claim it to be 100% perfect. Ultimately, paint the model any way you want. It is your model.

The three factories received, on August 19, 1944, the General Order to begin applying a standard camouflage pattern before shipping to the front. The word “standard” is not completely correct. Each factory applied a slightly different “standard” pattern. Even within a specific factory, the “standard” pattern changed many times.

Since this kit represents a M.A.N. production vehicle, I’ll only list the evolution of their identified “standard” camouflage patterns.

Late August 1944 – Ambush or “disc” scheme (zimmerit vehicles)
Early September 1944 – “Acrylic Paste” scheme (zimmerit vehicles)
September 1944 – “Classic” initial scheme (non-zimmerit vehicles)
October 1944 – “Classic” modified scheme
Late November 1944 –Vertical scheme
Early December 1944 – Wide band vertical scheme
December 1944 through April 1945 – A combination of the classic and vertical scheme

Around mid-September, instructions were received to apply the three colors directly over the red oxide primer. When each factory begin complying is unknown. The normal application of the Dunkelgelb (RAL 7028) basecoat was discontinued. Probably to conserve paint stocks.

Decals – Options are provided for three different vehicles:
No. 113, 1.Panzer Regiment 2, 16th Panzer Division, Oberschlesien, March 1945
Unknown Unit, Germany, January 1945 (Camo scheme with sawtooth whitewash)
No. 213, 2.Panzer Regiment 31, 5th Panzer Division, East Prussia, October 1944

Reference Books

These books are highly recommended if you are looking for good reference material.

1 Panzer Tracts No. 5-3: Panzerkampfwagen “Panther” Ausfuehrung G
2 Germany’s Panther Tank: The Quest for Combat Supremacy
3 Panther: External Appearance and Design Changes
4 Feist Books: Panzerkampfwagen Panther
5 The Panther Project Vol 1: Drivetrain and Hull
6 The Panther Project Vol 2: Engine and Turret

At Andy’s Hobby Headquarters, YouTube channel, Andy has a two-part build video of this kit that I strongly recommend you view before starting your kit. He identifies a number of assembly issues and ways to resolve them.