Introduction
The Command version of the Jagdpanther was in essance identical to the standard Jagdpanther, the only difference on the outside being the Star Antenna on the rearwall of the superstructure. The stowage racks for spare tracklinks were the same, but the tube for the barrel cleaning rods was moved to the rear of the engine deck. The Eduard set contains replacements for all those 'usual' items, and although marked for the Command version, there is actualy only one item that is specific for the Command version.
What's in the bag?
The set is packed in a small plastic envelope, and consists of two frets of Photo-etch and 5 pages of instructions. The frets are sandwiched between two pieces of card, to avoid damage.
a closer look
The set provides new front mudguards, which are much better than the thick plastic kit parts, but as with the Pzr IV set that I reviewed, the bolt/rivet detail along the edges is recessed, whilst this should be prone. Judging by other pieces in the set, raised bolt and rivet detail is not a problem to produce, so why this has not been done on the mudguards escapes me. On the upside, the small hinged inside corner pieces are separate, and have separate hinges and brackets.
The air intakes and outlets are provided for, with not only a set of screens, but also a set of 'baffle' plates for inside the intake cavities. The screens,although not the best I have seen, have the correct shape and frame around the edge, and the baffels fill up the empty void of the intakes. A nice detail are the six panels with make up the fanned cover inside the crew compartment heater assembly, which can be build opened or closed.
Staying with the engine deck, there are a number of replacements for lift hooks, covers for the snorkel attachment, the triangular stay to lean the deck on when opened, the two rubber stops plus mounting brackets for the crew door and the retainer hook to hold the door open.
Moving along to the rear, a much better bracket for the jack is provided, as well as two carry handles. The bracket is a vast improvment over the kit's moulded-on attempt, but the carry handles are flat, and you may want to make your own from some metal wire. The bracket for the convoy light is also moulded to the rear panel in the kit, and the Eduard bracket makes a big difference here. Two more brackets plus a rear light and a reflector help to give the rear a much better scale appearance. Also provided are new brackets to replace the thick plastic exhaust brackets, and hinges and latches for the stowage bins.
A very nice, and welcome, inclusion are the periscopes in the hull roof. The kit provides the holes, and over scale covers, for the periscopes, but no periscopes themself. The Eduard armoured periscope covers look much better as well.
The remainder of the set consists as usual of various chains, tool clamps and a fire extinghiser bracket, and a set of spare track holders, complete with retainer pins and retainer chains.
conclusion
Another fine set of Photo-etch, which will without doubt make a big difference to the finished model. The wrong rivets on the mudguards not withstanding, the other parts show fine detail, and are easy to work with.
Eduard cleverly design most items as one part assemblies, and whilst this may sacrifice a minute amount of detail, it does place this set within the reach of Modellers with little or no experience with Photo-etch. Recommended.
My thanks to Eduard for this review sample.
