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 armor 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of the Panther – the Ausf.A – appeared in August 1943, and its manufacture continued up till mid-1944 before being superseded by the ultimate Ausf.G. Some 2,192 Ausf.A Panthers were produced.
This new tank features a many great new parts: the turret, associated mantlet and commander cupola are all new. It also includes the characteristic ball mount hull machine gun mount in the glacis plate. The exhaust pipes are also new. The upper hull is made as a single piece thanks to the clever use of slide molds. 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 Late-Production variant are present, and convenient DS tracks are provided too.
This new tank features a many great new parts: the turret, associated mantlet and commander cupola are all new. It also includes the characteristic ball mount hull machine gun mount in the glacis plate. The exhaust pipes are also new. The upper hull is made as a single piece thanks to the clever use of slide molds. 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 Late-Production variant are present, and convenient DS tracks are provided too.
- New Turret
- New Mantlet
- New Commander cupola
- New Exhaust pipes
- Single piece upper hull
- DS tracks
