DML 1/35 Pz.Beob.Wg.V Panther Ausf.D Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Like many German panzers, the Panther was modified to perform specific tasks. Command tanks were fitted with additional radio equipment which allowed the unit commander to reach back to higher headquarters while still communicating with the tanks assigned to him. Panther observation tanks (Pz.Beob.Wg.V) were fitted with even more radio equipment to allow steady communications with artillery batteries while forward deployed to combat action. To make room for that extra gear, the main gun was removed from the tank and a wooden dummy gun put in its place in an attempt to disguise its true function. Observers in a Panther hull had a relatively safe rolling bunker until the allied tanks arrive...

DML has rendered the Pz.Beob.Wg.V Ausf.D using their usual art of mix and match of parts along with some newly tooled additions to render the turret front, mantlet and wooden gun. The Panther retains most of its features including cupola, rear spent shell hatch, external stowage, etc., given that the vehicle was originally produced as a combat tank before having its gun removed and receiving its suite of electronics.

The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on 14 parts trees plus lower hull, and two lengths of vinyl (DS) track molded in tan.

Some key features of this release are:

• Enhanced illustrations in instruction booklet
• Detailed suspension
• Positionable driver direct viewing port
• Nicely rendered commander's cupola
• Smoke grenade launchers on turret
• Crows foot antenna top nicely molded as one part
• Nice exterior details and pioneering tools

Markings are provided for a generic example at Kursk, 1943 and hull number 521 from 4./Pz.Rgt. Grossdeutschland at Karachev, 1943.

This kit has a number of small parts to build up the interior and exterior details. This won't be a problem for the experienced modeler who wants to have a nice tank hunter on their shelf.

My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!