What 1/35 Tiger I and Panther kit would you recommend?

Some Tamiya kits have the best of both worlds; they include very nice, gluable one piece vinyl tracks as well as a set of regular styrene link and length tracks that have any sag pre-molded in place. Kits like Tamiya's JS-2, JS-3, ISU and Hetzer include both styles of tracks.

modelcrazy

What are Magic Tracks? That's what comes with the steel wheeled Panther.

Another feature of "magic tracks" is that they're supplied as separate, individual links. That is to say they're not on a sprue, they're literally separate links. They may need a little work if ejector pin marks are present, but require minimal cleanup because you don't have to separate them from a sprue.

Bish

  

I didn't know that about the tracks falling apar. I have used 2 sets and painted with Acrylics and so far so good. I guess time will tell.

 

Not all of them fall apart, that why I said not all batches are created equal. Problem is, you don't know which ones. I have an unbuilt 1/72 scale Panther with tracks that have deteriorated. I have some 1/72 Shermans that are fine as are my 1/35 Abrams.

Thanks everyone for the concise tutorial!  It seems that I was not the only one confused!

Bill

Tojo72

 

 

modelcrazy

What are Magic Tracks? That's what comes with the steel wheeled Panther.

 

 

 

 

Magic Tracks are plastic individual links,glued together to make the entire  run,they are not workable once assembled,do a Google search,you'll see them.

 

Probably the biggest headache with individual links for me, and I've only built three or four sets, is that some of them need a fair amount of clean up. That kind of sucks. And theres $$$ involved, but I always figure all the hours that go into it make it worth the extra cost.

Amen to your last, GM!

Bill

Rob Gronovius

 

M1GarandFan

Actually, I appreciate the explanation of DS tracks, as I wasn't sure what they were either. But, do I detect just a hint of sarcasm (super duper all powerful DS Styrene) with the description?

 

 

 

 

It was Dragon's attempt to make highly detailed, gluable one piece "vinyl style" tracks. Some modelers were turned off with some of Dragon's multi-piece (per track block) individual track links. In other words, if a tank used 80 track links per side and each individual link used 3-4 pieces, you're talking 240-320 parts per side. Many people have partially completed Dragon kits because of the insane track assembly.

 

So they developed DS or Dragon Styrene, a tan colored gluable substance. The tracks often look beautiful and offer the simplicity of traditional vinyl with the detail of single link. But, the tracks have had a bad habit of literally falling apart after a few years of display. Even some older, unbuilt kits have had the untouched tracks start to crumble and fall apart inside the box.

Obviously, tracks that fall apart before you build is better than having an award winning kit start to have the tracks crumble as it sits on the shelf. Many modelers replace the DS tracks with higher end metal tracks.

 

I didn't know that about the tracks falling apar. I have used 2 sets and painted with Acrylics and so far so good. I guess time will tell.

modelcrazy

What are Magic Tracks? That's what comes with the steel wheeled Panther.

 

Magic Tracks are plastic individual links,glued together to make the entire  run,they are not workable once assembled,do a Google search,you'll see them.

What are Magic Tracks? That's what comes with the steel wheeled Panther.

These crumbled after a few years,I used enamels,have to say ones painted with acrylics are okay after some years.

M1GarandFan

Actually, I appreciate the explanation of DS tracks, as I wasn't sure what they were either. But, do I detect just a hint of sarcasm (super duper all powerful DS Styrene) with the description?

 

So they developed DS or Dragon Styrene, a tan colored gluable substance. The tracks often look beautiful and offer the simplicity of traditional vinyl with the detail of single link. But, the tracks have had a bad habit of literally falling apart after a few years of display. Even some older, unbuilt kits have had the untouched tracks start to crumble and fall apart inside the box.

Obviously, tracks that fall apart before you build is better than having an award winning kit start to have the tracks crumble as it sits on the shelf. Many modelers replace the DS tracks with higher end metal tracks.

modelcrazy

Bish, I put the steel wheel version G on the list. I'm excited about this.

 

 

GMorrison

For a ship modeler used to a certain amount of tedium, putting them together is not a big deal at all and worth the results.

 

 

 

You will love it. No Zimm needed and no AM either. Last couple of years i have built 3 of their recent Panther based kits and my only regret was i waisted money on PE it did not need.  That kit does have the Magic tracks, i don't think they have replaced the track on it yet, but i am sure you can manage those no problem. Some people hate them, some love em.

Bish, I put the steel wheel version G on the list. I'm excited about this.

GMorrison

For a ship modeler used to a certain amount of tedium, putting them together is not a big deal at all and worth the results.

Hey Bill,

I'm like you where I've built a small number of tanks and other armor, and like it as a break.

i haven't bought a kit with those DS tracks yet, and would hope not to use them. 

I have bought AM tracks for the last thtee and liked them, all independent link. One set of metal and two plastic. For a ship modeler used to a certain amount of tedium, putting them together is not a big deal at all and worth the results.

M1GarandFan

Actually, I appreciate the explanation of DS tracks, as I wasn't sure what they were either. But, do I detect just a hint of sarcasm (super duper all powerful DS Styrene) with the description?

 

What, me. I don't know how you could suggest such a thing

Actually, I appreciate the explanation of DS tracks, as I wasn't sure what they were either. But, do I detect just a hint of sarcasm (super duper all powerful DS Styrene) with the description?

They are one piece tracks similar to the rubber band tracks found in kits by Tamiya and others. But they are made with Dragons super duper all poweful DS Styrene. They are a lot better than the old one piece tracks but still suffer from the same issues such as getting the correct sag.

Can someone enlighten me?  What are DS tracks?  And, yes, I am looking for an aftermarket alternative to the tracks on my Italeri Panther D.

Bill

One advantage of the Dragon Panther G Late is no need to add zimmerit (the Late model didn't need any). The kit also has indy links and PE screens. 

ridleusmc

I believe that there are two Dragon Smart-Kit Panther G's.  One has a stand off armor plate over the turret, which is an Italian Front modification (Panzer Battalion 26).  I don't know much about the other, but I believe the box art depicts Normandy.   

 

There are 3 Smart kit Ausf G's. The Italian one you mention, a Late one and a Steel Wheel one. I think the Normandy one you mention is the Pre Zimmed premium kit. The Italian one was re boxedin 2015 and my guess is they have swapped the tracks for the DS ones.

I believe that there are two Dragon Smart-Kit Panther G's.  One has a stand off armor plate over the turret, which is an Italian Front modification (Panzer Battalion 26).  I don't know much about the other, but I believe the box art depicts Normandy.   

Rye field tiger 1, I personally like the 5001 kit and have a bunch of them. 

The new Dragon Panther kits are a real dream. No need for AM, go together really well and instructions are not a nightmare to follow.

If you don't want the DS tracks, you have to be careful which kit you go for.

modelcrazy

Thanks Rob,

Difficulty is not a problem with me, in fact the more difficult the better. It sounds like Dragon is leading the way so far.

 

Read whether or not the kit comes with Dragon DS or Magic tracks. DS is the gluable one piece vinyl style. Magic are the easy to assemble (easy is subjective) individual tracks. Look for Doog's posts lamenting DS tracks; I know I have some in 1/72 scale kits that have started to deteriorate untouched in the box. Not all batches of DS tracks are created equal. I have seen beautiful kits with tracks literally crumbling off.

The Italeri German armor has an odd two pieces of vinyl to make up one side of track. I would advise that you toss those and find someone who replaced their Dragon tracks with high end Fruil metal tracks and buy those for $5 or the price of postage. The Italeri track is often very stiff and shiny silver.

Rye Field Models makes a very nice high end Tiger kit.

I'm currently building the Italeri Panther D that my son gave me when I became interested in tanks a short while ago.  The most difficult part was sanding the turret rings off so that the turret would fit flush with the hull, and those @#$% vinyl treads. But, the model does look good. I also sanded down the road wheel ridges seperating the rubber from the wheel.

Bill

Thanks Rob,

Difficulty is not a problem with me, in fact the more difficult the better. It sounds like Dragon is leading the way so far.

Recommendations would be based off of your skill level and level of interest. Dragon kits are usually pretty accurate, but often a bear to build for an intermediate or begining modeler. Tamiya, on the other hand often has simplified, but accurate detail and fit nicely. Although they do have an ancient Panther A hanging around hobby lobby that is bad in every sense of the word, but folks buy because of the brand name. Then they rush here and lament about the purchase of a 40+ year old kit at 2017 prices.

AFV Club does a fairly detailed Tiger that has some accuracy issues, but is a nice kit regardless.

Dragon Tigers are awesome, but tend to be pricey.

Dragon Panthers can be had for cheap, some are better than others, but the lesser ones are not bad.

Italeri does kits of both, not as nice but look the part. I wouldn't pay any more than $20 for either.