Panther Ausf A late 2-20-10 I'm calling this one DONE!

Disastermaster,
Thank you. I'm glad you like it. It beats spending $$$. It's just a little bit of time invested for a nice effect. Hopefully I'll get the camo on it today. We'll see, as it's my first day off and this shift ends @ 0730.
Cheers
Dave

Nice work on the road wheels. The damage is subtle and a nice added detail.

One other detail to add, if you haven't considered it already, would be the bare metal wear on the inner wheel rims from contact with the guide horns.

Looks really good right now...a perfect dark yellow canvas for a cool scheme.

Go team circle template!

Bill,
Thank you. After the road wheels are weathered, I hit the rubber with a subtle dry brush to help bring out the wear and tear. I've already got the graphite stick ready for the inner wheel rims. Track horns will get the same treatment. I don't know how much I'll get done today. Just got home from a long shift. Still was better than the night before.

Dupes,
I was vacillating on which yellow to use. I found a thread that wBill had recommended Tamiya Dark Yellow. I shot a couple of road wheels and, let them dry. I liked how it looked and shot the rest of the Panther and wheels. Ya gotta love them templates. I've still got color on it from a Panther Ausf D that I did years ago. #521 from Kursk in fact. My first big armor in a long time.

Cheers
Dave

Hi,

Your model looks really great, I am working on my first model, which is also a Panther Ausf. A, but is the Tamiya one.  I had a newbie question...I notice that a lot of the smaller parts that I assume will be a different color in the finished product, such as the shovel, exhaust, etc. are already glued on before you begin painting.  I have already begun the painting process on mine and painted them, but have not attached them yet.  I was going to finish painting the main body of the tank, then attach the extras, then weather them all together.  I was wondering if this is not a good way to go about it, and if it would be easier on me in the future to go ahead and attach them first like in the pictures.  Thanks!

Billthethrill,

Thank you for the compliment.

There is no right or wrong way in which to do it.  Just that which works for you. The reasons I have added mine before painting are these:  there are a number of small parts associated with the tools (tool clamps, screws/bolts); those small parts had to be added separately.  Trying to glue on that many small parts after painting would surely lead to disaster. At least with me.  I have found that when working with parts such as these it is easier to paint them on the assembled kit and , pick out details with a fine brush. I've got 20/15 vision but, even I often need to use the optiloupes when painting those small parts.

I used to paint the tools off the model but, since I have entered the realm of photoetch and other small bits and bobs, I have taken to using the aforementioned way.  I occasionally will paint tools off the model if the need arrises.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Dave

I think I may have finally corrected the flux/alcohol reaction. I covered the problem areas with MM flat lacquer. I'll give the areas a light dusting of Dark Yellow tomorrow.


While letting those areas dry. I decided to work on the tracks. They go together nicely but, they have some unusual ejector marks. Easily cleaned up with a few passes from a #10 blade.

Here is a short run of track. Still a couple of areas that need cleaning up. That camera will pick up everything!

Cheers
Dave

Great work!! Absolutely love the worn rubber on the road wheels and will have to give that a try on the next build!

Jester,
Thank you so very much for the compliment. A couple of details when distressing the road wheels. Hold everything firmly but relaxed. I know it sounds like an oxymoron but, after you try it you'll understand what I mean. Keep a light pressure with the dremel. Otherwise it'll bite and the bit will dig a trench across your wheel. The other thing is that I use a flex shaft with my dremel, otherwise I probably wouldn't be able to do this. All in all it is actually pretty easy to do. The best part is it saves you $$$ from buying AM wheels
Cheers
Dave

Dave, the builds is looking SWEEEEEEEEEET!  beautiful work Brother.  I just about fell out of may chair when you described the PE launching from your tweezers.  I remember us laughing about stuff like that when we were at the Evergreen show. I can picture you holding it with the tweezers then PIIIIIIIIING off she goes..............LOL.

 

Bob

Absolutely fantastic!  Unfortuneatly I don't suffer from OCD.  My wife says I'm more ADD so I loose paitience much too soon to do the super detail stuff you display.

As for the MG question, on page 72 of Panzerkampfwagen Panther by Feist and Culver,  there is a photo of a G with the AA MG 34 mounted and the ball turret empty.  The caption reads  "the ball machine gun is installed in the AA MG mount of this Aus. G Panther."  While not definitive, I would go with the 2 MGs vs 3.  But who's to say that some enterprising German tanker didn't scrounge an extra MG 34? 

One more question, the Zimmerit, is it reisin, PE, or plastic?  Where can one find it?

 

thanks

satch

Bob,
I am glad I could bring some laughter to your day! Picture this then, During that episode I have the optiloupes on and I saw that part launch. I can hear it hit something at about 1000 or 1100 high. So forgetting that I have the loupes on I look up trying to see the errant part. The only visual input my brain was a blur of color that looked like Hanna & Barbara threw up. I closed my eyes, shook my head, decided to create a back story on why the Panther is missing its 5th retention pin.

Satch,
ADD can be used to your advantage. You can get a lot done, even if it may be in small doses. Make it work for you.
Thank you for the info on the MG. True, thought while it may not be definitive, it works for me!
The Zimmerit is resin and was produced by Cavalier. I get mine from my LHS. If you do not have a convenient LHS there are a number of online stores that carry it. Another brand I use is Atak. It too is resin. The Atak's detail may be a bit more fine IMHO but, both are good. I have been using slow CA to attach mine. Next time I will use a urethane glue. I tried it on a scrape piece of zim and its still there. hasn't melted, fallen off, or spontaneously combusted a week later. The urethane gives more working time, which is nice for those fiddley pieces and, it cleans up with water while still wet.

Cheers gentlemen
Dave

Thanks for the answer.  I've been out of the game for a while so I have to catch up on all the new stuff.  I remembe zim was either squadron green putty or millput.  Some guys even used a hot knife to score the plastic!

I forgot to tell you that the Feist and Culver book has a nice color plate of "Sofie",   Panzekampfwagen Panther Ausf. A 7. Kompanie Panzer Regiment 5, "Wiking" commanded by Panzer-Kommandeur SS-Oberscharfuher Hans Wolf.  A very nice subjet indeed!.

How will you get the markings to lay down over the zim?  I have some stencils laying around for painting the markings.  Ever use that technique?

satch

Satch,
I remember when I got back into the hobby some years ago and was amazed at the cottage industries that had sprung up.
Thank you for the heads up on the Feist and Culver book. I'll see if I can track that one down.
The markings will be from an Echelon set. I've used decals over zim berfore (on the KT i used for my avatar) and settled them down with Solvaset and, sometimes with some gentle (exceedingly gentle) coaxing from a toothpick. The only time I've painted markings are on aircraft. I've used Archer balkenkruz dry transfers on a Tiger 1 with zim. That one turned out pretty well.
Cheers
Dave

Panther 50th Anniversity Collector's Edition 1995

by Uwe Feist and Bruce Culver

Ryton Publicatons

PO Box 2306

Bellingham, WA 98227

sorry no ISDN.  They also do a Tiger book of the same quality.

Updates may be a bit delayed. The power suppy crapped out on my Mac this am. Second one this year. Now it will be getting it's third. Grumble, grumble, grumble. Lucky in love, UNlucky with computers.
I got the schurtzen primed, almost got a full run of track done, spare tracks are fitted. Tomorrow I hope to finish the tracks and hopefully get the base coat on. I may also be able to start laying some camo on the beasty. I'll post the pics when I'm able.

 I envy you guys having fun discussing your current builds. I too build 1/35 german WWII armour. Started way back in 1994 when i was in college, painstakingly saving money to buy a descent kit. Having a job allowed me to buy Dragon kits, most are now rare or much expensive than when i bought them. Guess where they are now... either lost or smashed to pieces! The rescent flood here in the philippines has left me wondering how to restart again.Luky i got an office with a PC that i can use for e mails. Anyway, you guys keep it up, you got great work on your hands! I'll catch up soon!

Totenkopf,
I am truely sorry to here of you getting flooded. Your kits are one thing but, I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and sound.
I myself and I am sure others are looking forward to seeing your contributions/posts here. There is some excellent information to be gleaned from the folks here. If you get stuck on something or aren't sure how to proceed with a technique, aren't sure about a color or camo scheme, then you've come to the right place to have your questions answered.
I am looking forward to seeing your works.
Cheers
Dave

 I agree with you Dave, my two sons and my wife are safe and sound. Im planning to restart with trumpeter kits of modern russian and chinese tanks which are cheaper as a stop gap. But anyway, i dont wanna derail you with your discussion on your panther, im looking forward to show you my stuff when i get my hands on a panzer again! Happy modelling!

No worries about derailing the Panther thread. There are things that trump the hobby. Just glad to hear that you and your family are safe.
Cheers
Dave

Well, throught some technological end run arounds I am still able to post.  Pics by iPhone, loaded to my photobucket account, accessed by my laptop HP.  Trying to locate the app for the iPhone just about blew a gasket. 

I got a run of track done today.  Unfortunately no camo yet. The tracks over all look nice.  All of the links required cleanup from the #10 blade.  Not cleaning them us going to be unacceptable

Cheers

Dave

Nice workaround on the tech problems...tracks are looking good.

Bill,

Thank you.  I am no where ready ro that IT job yet, so I'll just stick with my current career. 

The tracks went together quickly enough that I didn't pay enough attention to a certain detail.  The front schurtzen hanger right behind the drive sprocket..  After the glue set up for a while I was able to finagle the track on the wheels/sprockets. Got the sag set fore and aft. then I let the whole thing dry for a few hours. I was able to get the tracks off and, I didn't even break anything.  Lets see if I am lucky on the other run of track.

Cheers

Dave

We going to see some camo on this puppy soon?

Dupes,
Not meaning to keep you hangin'. I got both runs of tracks assembled and base coated right before work yesterday. One of the tracks just gave me fits. Last nights shift was harsh and I've two more to go this week. Having a difficult time deciding on how to shoot the colors. Whether to use stock Tamiya colors or mix them for a three tone camo. Brain was over clocked after last nights shift. I am chomping at the bit to get the other two colors on this beast. I've got to get some sleep now as the brain is bow somewhere between jello and cream of wheat. Not too many synapses firing in that gunk.
Cheers
Dave

Hey, no problemo...your build is so solid, I'm just excited to see how she looks in warpaint.

Dupes,
As a matter of fact, I've been chomping at the bit to get going on the camo. Though it's kind of difficult to get anything done when I'm working my 12 hour night shifts. That, and the insomnia gene went active this week. Ugggghhh. Gotta get some saddle (MB & road) time in. That always helps.
camo this week!
Cheers
Dave

That sure is one nice panther. Gotta love that Cavalier stuff, used it numerous times with great results. I can't wait to see this kitty with some camo. Great build so far. Is this the Dragon Premium Panther A kit that comes with all the pe?

Panzer88,
Thank you very much for the compliment.
Yes, this is the Premium kit with PE. It'll get shot with camo this week. Maybe even today, if I can get some sleep today.
Cheers
Dave

David, that Panther is looking great--the tracks are really nicely done, and the sag is perfect!