DML 1/72 Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G w/Steel Road Wheels Kit First Look
By Cookie Sewell
| Date of Review | August 2010 | Manufacturer | DML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G w/Steel Road Wheels | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 7339 | Primary Media | 114 parts (111 in grey styrene, 2 DS Plastic track runs, 1 section of twisted steel wire) |
| Pros | Nicely done steel wheels offer variety | Cons | Possible high price for an older kit |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $19.95 |
First Look
After a four year hiatus DML has returned to its line of 1/72 scale Panthers with a new variant, the late war production version with steel road wheels. DML offers a number of options for this kit in the box, and while the directions show the modeler using the earlier “rounded” mantlet the “chin” style is also provided in the box. It also provides either the lower fan tower or the extended height fan tower for the engine deck.
The rest of the kit is identical to the earlier kits (less the original one with diecast metal parts for the hull). This means it still has the screw towers in the hull for assembly and holes in the belly as well as closed driver’s and radio operator’s hatches.
As with the last kit, these photo-style “stick here” directions are somewhat spare as there seems to be an assumption that anyone building this kit knows what a Panther looks like, what “interleaved” road wheels are, and how they work. At least the DS Plastic track runs may be glued down to the road wheels.
Surprisingly there is no etched brass with this kit so the modeler will have to fend for himself on grille screens for the engine deck.
Five finishing options are provided: SS.Pz.Rgt. 1. SS Panzer Division “Liebstandart Adolf Hilter”, La Gleize 1944 (tri-color, black 221); Pz.Rgt. 15, 11th Panzer Division, Germany 1945 (tricolor, black 432); Pz.Rgt. 24, Ellendorf, Germany 1944 (tricolor, white 221); Pz.Rgt. 2, East Prussia 1945 (whitewash, red 434); Pz.Rgt. 24, Aachen, 1944 (tricolor, red 232). A sheet of Cartograf decals is provided with a small number jungle as well.
Overall this is a very nice little kit but the base parts are starting to age in comparison with the other DML kits.
Thanks to DML for the review sample.
Sprue Layout:
- A 40 Steel road wheels, drivers, idlers, exhausts
- B 25 Turret and mantlets
- C 44 Jagdpanther - engine deck, OVM, cables
- D 2 Hull pan and top
- E 2 DS Plastic track runs
- F 1 Twisted steel wire