I like this panther very much. It is my first Rye Field Model kit and having the limited clear upper edition is making me think long and hard about potential display options.
I will probably be finishing this as a Panther G from Pz Division Munchenberg during the battle for the Seelow heights 1945. This means that as it was one of the last batches out of the factory it will have the RAL6003 dark green base coat and the IR device on the commanders cupola.
Also I am not keen on the track with the tiny plastic pins that hold them together and make them work, so Friul will be bought in. I would have loved a metal barrel, but with a recoil option available and no AM barrel suitable then the kit plastic one will have to be used. A first batch metal barrel included as a special seeing this clear option is a limited edition would have been nice.
As no IR device is included I will have to source one. Any help would be apprecialted!
A careful inspection of the Ammo provided has made me go for a full load of Eureka XXL shells. The detail on the projectile is a little soft and as they will be right up against the clear upper hull then better definition is needed!
Thats just me being very picky... and I mean VERY picky! It is a really nice kit chock full of very suprising detail as well as the very occasional place where attention and lack of thought shows! That's so minor you have to be really paying attention and know the subject well to see it. It is fixable with some thought!
Mengs Panther A is a very nice kit. I had problems getting the extra Zimmeritt "decals" to stick and bend where needed, but in the end good old PVA glue did the job! THe Panther A sees my return to the bench after a much needed break and rather than bash away I worked to my own whims... when I wanted and how long I wanted, quite often with Mozart playing in the background (don't laugh!) or a movie playing.
I have several half finished projects that just need painting etc before my next major build and that is Mengs Tiger II with full interior. I will admit to already playing with the big parts to fathom out display options and I am pleased to report that meng have put much thought into that and I am well impressed with the dry fit of parts.... nearly click together!
Mengs Panther A just needs tow ropes and a couple of bits of painting doing and it's done!!!