Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther Ausf A Kit Number 6358 Late Production. Premium Kit.

This latest Panther offering from Dragon described as a Premium Edition is presumably their last in the Ausf A range of the Panther? The word Premium has a number of meaning in the English language and I believe the Dragon interpretation is "above the normal value, great value".

At approximately 800 pieces to the kit there are many evening of work for the modeller. Described as a late version the inclusion of certain parts and their position on the model restricts the production to spring of 1944. It does have the interlocking hull roof/side plates found on all Ausf D and many early A's. However the first straight sided hull roof was not identified until December 1943 and therefore Dragon's interlocking hull roof/sides is quite permissible. To produce the final version requires so little alteration from this kit that I feel Dragon is most unlikely to release such a model. Even a novice could undertake this modest conversion. A total of 2,200 units were produced by M.A.N; D.B; MNH and Demag. By this stage of the war Panthers Ausf A saw service in all theatres of operation with the exception of North Africa.

The kit is very much a compendium of their previous Panther Kits with sprues from their D, A and G smart kit. Also are the late magic tracks with the chevrons. I actually used their early magic tracks on Dragon's premium Ausf D kit. Without exaggeration the construction and installing time was approximately twenty minutes per side. I have never been a modeller who enjoys purgatory and cleansing of the soul by fitting guide horns/left/right side pins to make the tracks workable. I just want the best looking tracks installed for my static model and these magic tracks offer this solution.

The standards achieved by Dragon these days are well represented in this kit with precise, crisp, accurate detail. The etched brass is of a good standard, although certain components, especially number 6 are over scale. I would very much like to see a new sprue for the Fliergerbeschussgerat(anti aircraft mount) The one provided represents a standard that Dragon surpassed some time ago. As the attachment was used on so many German AFV, and is in particularly salient position I think it would add significantly to the overall presentation.

The photographic instructions I do not favour as they are frequently too inarticulate to accurately place detail and in this particular model, for example are not up to date with the contents. Sub-assembly 24 shows gluing of guild horns to the tracks when the magic tracks are already provided.

As yet no manufacturer has been brave enough to produce Zimmerit on their models in this scale. Yet from September 1943 through to the late summer of 1944 all German AFVs had this treatment. I personally have always enjoyed this personal treatment, and my own technique and tools have in my opinion always produced a good rendition of this most important treatment. However, even I find that the application on vehicles like the PzKfw IV somewhat daunting. Certainly all Panthers as represented by this kit would need Zimmerit and therefore I think its time Dragon took the plunge and once more proved that they are the best.

The decals are high quality but should have included Divisional emblems of the two Waffen SS units. For those that have Zimmeriting their models the MicroSol/Set solutions is essential.

Overall, an excellent example of this most famous WWII tank and one that should continue to be very popular with the German Armour enthusiasts.

My Thanks to Freddie Leung for the sample

- MR ANTHONY GREENLAND