Introduction

I recently reviewed the Dragon 1/35 Panther Ausf. D w/zimmerit (great kit) but found myself disappointed by the ho-hum markings provided for two different vehicles in unknown units. After consulting my references and searching the Internet for aftermarket markings, I came across a great set of decals from Echelon Fine Details. During my research I had a tough time finding good photographs or documentation on markings and camouflage schemes applied to the Panther Ausf. D. This set features a nice selection of markings that should be of interest to anyone wanting to build a Panther Ausf. D. Echelon makes this set in 1/16, 1/35, 1/48 and 1/72 scale. The 1/35 scale set ATX351009 is the subject of this review.

The Decal Set

The set is packaged in a zip lock bag with a beautiful full color fold out guide printed on high quality glossy paper. The markings guide offers a wealth of information on the camouflage schemes in full color and marking placement for 19 different vehicles, although individual numbers are included so you can model just about any Panther D with Pz.Abt. 51 or Pz.Abt. 52. Additional details are noted as appropriate for each specific Panther including such details as to whether or not the subject vehicle had zimmerit, a snorkel cover or additional stowage on the engine deck.

The following 9 schemes include one piece decals for the vehicle numbers and a variety of two or three color paint schemes:

1. Panther Ausf. D “435”, 4th Company, Pz.Abt. 51
2. Panther Ausf. D “R04”, Regimental Vehicle Pz. Abt. 51
3. Panther Ausf. D “A12”, unknown unit with “Zimmerit Field Applied”
4. Panther Ausf. D “A13”, unknown unit with “Zimmerit Field Applied”
5. Panther Ausf. D “435”, unknown unit
6. Panther Ausf. D “438”, unknown unit
7. Panther Ausf. A early “221”, 2nd Company, 15 Pz. Rgt., 11 Pz. Div. with “Zimmerit Factory Applied”
8. Panther Ausf. D “232”, 2nd Company, 15 Pz. Rgt., 11 Pz. Div. with “Zimmerit Factory Applied”
9. Panther Ausf. D “424”, 4th Company, 15 Pz. Rgt., 11 Pz. Div. with “Zimmerit Factory Applied”

The following 10 schemes utilize “generic” single numbers included on the sheet which will need to be combined together to make the specific vehicle on the guide. The advantage of this option is that it allows you to model pretty much any Panther Ausf. D with Pz. Abt. 51 or Pz. Abt. 52. The numbers are based on the typical style used by the two Panther Abteilungen and are black or red with white outlines. All 10 of these feature similar 3 color paint schemes. Several of the schemes include really nice looking roaring panther heads in white, red or black.

1. Panther Ausf. D “142”, 1st Company Pz. Abt. 51 (white panther head)
2. Panther Ausf. D “143”, 1st Company, Pz. Abt. 51 (white panther head)
3. Panther Ausf. D “312”, 3rd Company, Pz. Abt. 51
4. Panther Ausf. D “432”, 4th Company, Pz. Abt. 51
5. Panther Ausf. D “613”, 6th Company, Pz. Abt. 52
6. Panther Ausf. D “632”, 6th Company, Pz. Abt. 52
7. Panther Ausf. D “633”, 6th Company, Pz. Abt. 52 (red panther head)
8. Panther Ausf. D 634, 6th Company, Pz. Abt. 52 (red panther head)
9. Panther Ausf. D “745”, 7th Company, Pz. Abt. 52 (black panther head)
10. Panther Ausf. D “824”, 8th Company, Pz. Abt. 52 (black panther head)

Conclusion

This is a beautiful decal sheet from Echelon that features many marking options for the Panther Ausf. D. The mix and match individual numbers based on Pz. Abt. 51 and Pz. Abt. 52 will allow the flexibility to model just about any Panther D with those two units. The schemes featuring the panther heads are especially attractive.