WW2 German Panther Ausf.D tank

Description

Dive into a challenging build with our Panther tank model, a kit that not only tests your skills but also rewards with incredible detail and historical accuracy. This 940-piece set replicates the iconic Panther tank at a 1:33 scale, meticulously capturing every aspect from the distinctive sloped armor to the protective side skirts that contributed to its battlefield prowess.

With dimensions of 20cm long, 9.6cm wide, and 8.8cm high, this model showcases the Panther’s advanced design, including its challenging turret with various slopes—a rewarding task for any advanced builder. The kit includes a user-friendly modular design, allowing you to open up parts of the hull to reveal a simple yet detailed representation of the interior, including seats, the transmission, and the engine.

This kit is designed for those who relish a building challenge. The intricate assembly of the turret, combined with the overall complexity of the model, makes it a perfect choice for seasoned builders or those looking to elevate their building experience.

This kit faithfully recreats the Panther Ausf.D which was the first produced panther (interestingly, Ausf. A was the second model). It can be distinguished by its lack of a hull machine gun and the cylindrical commander’s cupola.

A Brief History of Panther Tanks

The Panther tank, designated as Sd.Kfz. 171, is a German medium tank developed during WW2 to counter the Soviet T-34 on the eastern front. After studies on captured T-34s, the first prototype was built in September 1942. Despite numerous unresolved technical problems, it was rushed into combat in the summer of 1943 at the Battle of Kursk. As a result, the Panther became the most controversial panzer: while it is considered one of the best WW2 tanks by some for its excellent firepower and armour, it is thought over engineered and unreliable by others due to its mechanical problems.

Having essentially the same Maybach V12 petrol engine as the Tiger I, the Panther had a very high power-to-weight ratio and thus better mobility. Its 7.5 mm Kw.K 42 L/70 long barrelled gun was capable of penetrating the armor of most Allied tanks at long ranges. Although the Panther doesn’t have the 100 mm thick front armour plate like the Tiger, the sloped 80 mm armour plate gave a more effective protection. Despite its effectiveness, the production of the Panther was expensive and the German army struggled to produce enough tanks to keep up with the demands of the war. Additionally, the Panther was difficult to maintain and required a significant amount of resources to keep in operation. Interestingly, the naming of Panther production variants did not follow alphabetical order: the initial variant is Ausf. D, which was followed by “A” and “G” variants. Around 6,000 were produced overall.