A good base effort. Obviously, the rubber band kit tracks detract from the other detailing that you worked so hard to acheive. The Panther is an interesting subject, and this old kit has a lot to be desired in terms of accuracy.

A good clean build, but, as an aircraft modeler, I know it's hard to apply weathering and wear that most armor projects require.

Keep at it. If you can mange to get hold of any DML Panther kit, your horizons will be expanded. You can still discard these tracks and fit up a set of AM tracks that would really improve the presentation.

Below is my Panther D that was published in an edition of finescale modeler magazine - just an idea of the almost limitless possibilities you can acheive as your learning curve progresses.....

Thanks Crockett, figured I had to atleast use the rubber band tracks once before going to indi link stuff.

I also filled the sponsons and created ducting for the rads an fans, the antenna is a whisker my kitty shed.

Your panther is excellent!

Shawn,

I think it looks damn good for a first armor build! Great job!

Thanks Bruce :)

Shawn M.

Thanks Crockett, figured I had to atleast use the rubber band tracks once before going to indi link stuff.

I also filled the sponsons and created ducting for the rads an fans, the antenna is a whisker my kitty shed.

Your panther is excellent!

 

I would save a little cash and get a double action airbrush and compressor. Mastering the airbrush is really necessary to elevate ones skill. A lot of builders invest heavily in PE and other (expensive) AM accesories, only to have thier models not acheive the result expected....due to lack of understanding in terms of acheiving realism @ 1/35 scale. The airbrush can alleviate the need for "washes" and other techniques that require extra $ and in most cases, errors are not reversible...not so with the airbrush.

Build experience with your wingy thingies definitely is a plus for you....good luck and welcome to the darkside. Looking forward to your future work..

 

regards

 

Steve

 

I own and use an Iwata CR Revolution, this is the 4th model I've painted with it.

Very nice build, excellent paint job.  I think Iwata AB are one of the best companies out there.  They cater to all personal styles!

Toshi

Thanks Toshi!

I love my Iwata, money well spent in my book.

Looks really good to me! I've yet to venture into the armor arena but this makes we want to too. Really nice build!

Shawn M.: I'd be proud to call that my first tank!  You were pretty bold to try all those upgrades...I commend the effort & execution!  She's a real looker.

If you're serious about staying over here on the dark side you'll find there are TONS of things that can be done to keep taking the model to the next level...specifically weathering.  If you want to look for stuff for the Panther just do a "search forums" and you'll find all kinds of things from PE enhancements, to camo' schemes to using graphite pencils to depict worn metal-to-metal on the road wheels!  

BTW: What kit was this, Tamiya? 

nice job. i hope my first airplane turns out half as good.

thanks everyone!

The kit is the old Tamiya Ausf A.

Looks pretty darn cool to me! That same kit was my second 'real' tank. I'd second the Dragon kits, way better than this but the classic Tamiya you built is an excellent 'entry drug' to armour modeling!