JAGDPANTHER(Sd.Kfz173)
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First Look Review
After 38 years Tamiya is re-releasing it's 1/25th scale JagdPanther. When it was originally released it was a motorized tank. It is now released as a limited edition model, with the option of making it either a static or radio controlled model. Tamiya has also stayed with nostalgia and released it in the original box art including four figures.
History:
The JagdPanther originally started as a concept in 1939 going by the name of a Sturmgeshuetz mit 88 and designed by Krupp. A major design change occurred on August 3,1942 when Major Ventz of Wa Pruef 6 informed Krupp that the suspension of the Panther tank was to be employed for the schweren Panzerjager(Pz.Sfl.IVd) mit 8.8cm L/71. Production was turned over to Daimler-Benz, M.I.A.G. & M.N.H.
The first JagdPanthers rolled out of the M.I.A.G. factory destined for schwere Heeres Panzerjaeger Abtl. 654 in January of 1944. The JagdPanther didn't see combat until July 11th, 1944 in France. Soon after numerous divisions both Heeres & SS received JagdPanthers on both fronts. The JagdPanther went through three distinct changes finalizing production on the Panther G chassis. It proved to be a very formidable foe,employing the same gun as the King Tiger.
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What comes in the Box:
Upon opening the box you are greeted with the superstructure , six sprues, one sprue for the figures & their personal equipment, a bag containing the single track links, and one bag containing the steel axles and various screws. Looking at the roof of the JagdPanther, it is obvious that Tamiya has modeled the G1 (late production) variant as built by M.N.H. in November/December of '44( as evidenced of the Fume extractor moved to the forward position above the main gun & the cooling pipes that are on either side of the driver's side muffler). Good news here - No Zimmerit, as Zimmerit production was stopped September 9th of '44 & production started on the G1 late in October of '44. I find it interesting that Tamiya has only released the G2 version in 1/35th scale. They could easily scale down this model for the 1/35th scale market and have two JagdPanthers in their stable.
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There are three sets of instructions. One set is printed in Japanese, one in English & a supplemental set ( in English) that starts with steps 1-14 & then you are instructed to use the other set for step 15 onwards. These instructions are typical Tamiya; easy to read and follow. The instruction booklet that contains steps 15 onward also contains the painting instructions for both the JagdPanther and the figures with an extensive history on the birth of the JagdPanther. There is also an explanation on both the figures and applying the decals, each containing an abbreviated history of the numerical significance to the turret numbers and Germany's branches of service.
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The decals that are included in the kit look really nice and contain markings for the German helmets, four SS armored divisions ( 1st. SS,2nd SS,10th SS & 12th SS) and note that not all of these Divisions had JagdPanthers. The only decals that you could use would be the 10th SS & the 2nd SS. Unfortunately, Tamiya did not include any decals for the 654th Abtl or the 559th Abtl, who fielded the most JagdPanther during the war.
Looking through my research, I'm hard pressed to find any type of divisional marking on any JagdPanthers except for the Balkenkreuz and turret numbers ( although the JagdPanther does not have a turret, I refer to that for simplicity). Tamiya also supplies tactical symbols for the Tank Destroyer, again I can not find where any unit applied them. So, look at it this way, at least you have some 1/25th scale decals for your spares box.
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The tracks are bagged and loose. Looking at the instructions, you can make these workable. No doubt if you choose the option to make a radio controlled tank that feature will come in handy. They seem to be made of a dense plastic. Tamiya notes on their site that the tracks are resin. There are three ejector pin marks that you will need to clean up; these are concave, so cleaning them should come easy. Just fill in the mark with your favorite type of putty. According to the instructions they should snap together.
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The hatches have detail on both sides, so that you may pose them open or closed. The mufflers have been molded hollowed out somewhat ,but the M.G. 42 does not have a hollow barrel. The figures that are included in this set are straight 1970's Tamiya. They have minimal detail and only one of them is a Tank officer. The others are an SS commander, and two Infantry soldiers.
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The torsion bars are on their own sprue, molded in black and are to be made workable. Have no fear, there is also the trade mark Tamiya Polycap molded to look like the hub & is to be pushed on after you have the road wheels situated on their torsion bars. Sadly, there is no P.E. included in this kit for the screens. {Remember, this is a faithful rendition of a 70's vintage kit! }
A source for 1/25 aftermarket goodies is Artistic Hobbies , the largest suppler for 1/25th scale & 1/16th scale radio controlled Armor in America. I obtained from them a set of engine deck screens made by Aber.
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Conclusion:
I am really excited to see that Tamiya has re-released this kit. The scale of this model lends itself to a lot of super detailing considering the scale, it should be relatively easy and would really enhance the look. I was equally excited to see that this was in the G1 late configuration which means I don't have to worry about applying any Zimmerit ! There is no option in the instructions to back date it ,as the roof section & superstructure are molded as one piece. Despite the fact that this kit is merely a re pop of their 1970's kit there is still quite a bit of good detail & with the inclusion of the separate tracks and workable torsion bars really opens up the door for modelers only wishing to model the JagdPanther in a static pose. Stay tuned for a Full build review.
Highly Recommended !
I would like to thank Tamiya for providing AMPS this review sample
Erik Roberson
AMPSCV
Research:
Panzer Tracts no.9-3 ,Thomas L Jentz & Hilary Doyle(ISBN 0-9771643-0-6)
Missing Lynx website
The Combat History of schwere PanzerJager Abtlung 654 , Karlheinz Munch,
(ISBN 0-921991-60-6)