6494-1/35 Jagdpanther Ausf.G1 Early Production w/Zimmerit-reviews

DR6494: Jagdpanther Sd.Kfz. 173 Ausf G1 Early Production with Zimmerit 1/35 injection plastic kit with photo etch grills, metal tow cables and decals

Early Production Jagdpanther had zimmerit applied as standard in the factory with a pattern of closely spaced tiles which is one of the hardest patterns for modelers to replicate. This new release from Dragon of this late WWII tank destroyer armed with the powerful 88mm gun is the first 1/35 release of the Jagdpanther with zimmerit molded into the parts.This kit has the features indicating a northern spring 1944 production gun including cast mantlet, mono-block barrel tube and larger rear engine deck grills.

CONTENTS

This kit builds on the Dragon’s previous Early Production Jagdpanther by adding parts with the zmmerit molded in and now includes Dragon Styrene tracks. The previous 2008 release (kit 6458) which is in the Smart Kit format lacked zimmerit and had Magic Tracks. Both kits include PE, metal tow cables and up to date tooling withextensive use of refined molding techniques such as slide molding and crisp weld seams. The gatefold instructions have 17 steps of line drawings that are well laid out. The pre-zimmerited parts are the superstructure, the lower hull tub and a sprue containing all the other parts covered in zimmerit including the rear hull, lower front hull (applique), rear upper superstructure plate, rear stowage bins, front fenders, MG ball mount, and escape hatch.

The zimmerit nicely captures the irregularities inherent from zimmerit being applied by hand with uneven pressure/depth of application and spacing which gives it a more realistic appearance than most after-market sets. When appropriate the parts have unzimmerited section where tools, exhaust pipes etc were.

SUPERSTRUCTURE

The superstructure is a large single piece providing the front and side armour plates, and the large fixed parts on the engine deck. Separate parts are then added for the roof, engine deck hatch, rear escape hatch and small fittings. The pre-cast zimmerit around the MG ball mount has a circular pattern with a hard demarcation as seen in photos.

The roof is a separate plate and all crew hatches can be modelled open and have internal handles and levers. The weld seams on the roof plate look realistic with fine weld marks.

The gunner’s periscope is made from clear plastic and has a cover, while the larger scissors periscope is detailed and includes a mount. Other roof details include the fan housing that is nicely reproduced, the rain channels (integrated into the roof plate), and the nahverteidigungswaffe (close-defense weapon) which can be fitted either open with the internal detail visible or shut. There is no option to fit a blanking panel instead of the nahverteidigungswaffe as happened on some Jagdpanthers.

On the rear of the fighting compartment, there is a choice of two stowage bins (Gepackkasten) that differ in their height and are designed to be built shut. The standard aerial base is included (no rod) and there is an option for a blanking panel where command vehicles had a second aerial. The rear escape hatch has internal detail and can be left open or workable.

The 88mm PaK 43 is the earlier mono-block design and is a one-piece injection plastic tube. It requires minimal cleanup to remove the seam line and has a separate three-part slide molded muzzle break. The break is designed such that it would be easy to fit aftermarket barrels.

The gun is fitted into the earlier style mantlet and recess. These were cast metal and did not have the large visible bolt heads of later models. Dragon has captured these parts slightly asymmetrical shape and the mantlet in particular benefits from having cast texture on all angles, which adds realism.

Typical of early 1944 Jagdpanthers, one of the driver’s vision slots has been welded off and PE is used for the blanking plate. The driver’s periscope is clear plastic. The hull MG34 is included along with its internal detail such as the butt and spent shell case.

The engine deck has detail such as the hex bolts in recessed holes and the hatch can be positioned open, although you will need to supply your own engine (several exist). The six metal grilles are correct for the early Jagdpanthers with all round grilles being the lower profile and the rear rectangular grilles being larger than the other two. Photo etch screens are included for all 6 grilles..

HULL

The hull now has cast on zimmerit and, as with kit 6458, has detail found on an early production Jagdpanther. Features include a pair of engine radiators which sit underneath the four rectangular grills, armored guard for the round air-cooling outlet grills, and detail on the sponson floors. The suspension arms are separate parts that allow flexibility for dioramas andextend the full width of the hull interior.

The rear idler wheel has the earlier smaller pattern, and the idlers swing-arms are separate, a feature which will please many modelers; by leaving it loose the idler can be adjusted to get the ‘right’ track sag.

The tools are crisply cast and most of their brackets and clamps cast on for ease of assembly. The spare track racks are slide-molded and come with fine securing pins that slot into open holes. The multipart headlight has the conduit integrated into the base part to simplify assembly while delivering finesse.

The exhaust has two side vents on the left outlet. The tops of the pipes are hollow and the main pipes feature the metal insert. Some early Jagdpanthers lacked the side vents and the kit’s left pipe could be modified accordingly (add brackets with bolt heads from side vents).

Two lengths of twisted wire are provided for the tow cable and the thinner cable that was used for changing tracks. No side skirts (shurzen) are included, which, is consistent with the fact side skirts were often missing in photos from the frontline. Numerous firms sell aftermarket photo etch shurzen and it can be easily scratch-built using plastic card.

TRACKS

The one-piece Dragon Styrene tracks offer ease of construction and come packed with a cardboard stiffener to ensure they reach you in mint condition. The tracks have crisp chevrons on the outer faces, open guide horns, detailed inner face, no annoying visible sink marks and are among the best one-piece tracks in 1/35. Several links, which have separate guide horns are provided for the spare track racks.

DECALS

Some of the best documented Jagdpanthers were the early production types used by schwere Panzer Jager Abteilung 654 (heavy tank destroyer unit) in France during 1944 and this kit’s decal options are all from this unit.

The decal and painting profile options are expanded over the earlier non-zimmerit release. The instruction sheet has four view profiles of each of six Jagdpanthers and each gun is profiled in colour on the side of the box:

* Three colour camouflage with stripes and Balkan Crosses (box art).

* Solid dark yellow with Balkan Crosses.

* Green stripes over dark yellow and no markings.

* Three colour striped camouflage with gun number red 112 and white Balkan Crosses.

* Tactical number black 314 which had green and brown patches and, Balkan Crosses.

* Tactical number red 133 which had green and brown patches and white Balkan Crosses.

RECOMMENDATION

This new early production Jagdpanther should be popular as it offers realistic zimmerit without the hassles and risks. This kit allows you to build an accurate Jagdpanther as fielded in Normandy (D-Day) straight out of the box with no more effort than for a kit which does not need zimmerit.

Highly recommended.

- Neville Lord

Product Specifications.

6494, Jagdpanther Sd.Kfz.173 Ausf.G1 Early Production w/Zimmerit. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 596 styrene parts (including nine clear), two lengths of DS100 soft styrene tracks, one etched brass fret, two lengths of braided metal wire, six decal marking schemes and eight pages of instructions in 17 steps.

Introduction.

DMLs latest revision of the Jagdpanther Ausf.G1 now has it encrusted in Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine paste, something which was seen on these tank destroyers produced before September 1944. The pattern is the proper cross-hatch style attributed to the MIAG factory and its inclusion will now enable a modeler to construct a Western Front Jagdpanther from the Normandy-era through the end of 1944, with very little fuss. To accommodate the addition of Zimmerit, the hull has been re-tooled with a separate lower bow plate, while the superstructure now has a separate casemate rear wall panel, for the same reason. Other new parts provide for the components that received Zimmerit; these include the MG Kugelblende, rear casemate hatch lid, front fenders, hull rear plate and accociated Gepackkasten, and some other small detail items.

Otherwise, except for the replacement of the individual-link Magic Tracks with continuous-length tracks molded in DS100 flexible styrene material, and the inclusion of a sectional 8.8cm gun tube along with the original mono-block gun tube, this kit is essentially identical to the first release. Therefore, this post is an almost word-for-word repetition of my previous report.

Parts Genealogy.

As mentioned above, the parts in this kit are from the previous Panther Ausf.G as well as the original Jagdpanther Ausf.G1. A new sprue has all the new pre-Zimmerited parts, while the hull and superstructure parts have also been modified for this release.

Tracks.

This kit now includes continuous-length flexible soft styrene tracks molded using DS100 material. The tracks are of the later pattern with the small ice grips on the face of the links. DMLs designers have gone to the trouble to create tracks where the molded-on guide horns not only have proper rib details on their outer surfaces, but they have also been hollowed-out. There are also four smaller sprues that have a total of 16 links with separate and properly detailed guide horns; they were originally specifically for the drive sprockets, when using the Magic Tracks; now they are for use as spares for stowage. As a bonus, each small sprue for these track links contains five small and five very small wing-nuts (a total of 20 each); these little guys will come in handy, so make sure you consign them to the details bits box.

Suspension System.

The torsion bar swing-arm units are separate parts and depict the three different types that were used at various locations on this Jagdpanzer. Internal torsion bar details are also given, including the holders and various other bits. The idler wheel swing-arm is also separate, which will make fitting the individual-link tracks much easier. Do not glue the idler wheel swing-arm into position until you are satisfied with the sag of the track. There are other separate detail parts for the suspension system that are fitted to the hull side plates, including bump-stops unique to this type (MIAG factory), track pin return plates and cast final drive housings.

The drive sprockets feature the late-style hub-cap molded in place, while the early-style idler wheels are in four parts including separate outer rims for maximum realism. The standard rubber-tired road-wheels feature 32 rim-bolts and have subtle ridge detail where the tires are mounted. The back faces of the road-wheels are also fully detailed to include bolt heads and the part of the torsion bar axle bearing that attaches to the wheel.

Hull.

This part has been modified in two ways. Firstly, it has had a Zimmerit pattern added to its flanks. Secondly, the bow plate is now a separate insert featuring Zimmeret. In order to accept the separate torsion bar swing-arms, the slide-molded hull pan has openings, as well as plate details, which correspond to the torsion-bars on the opposite side. Other bolt detail is included as well. There are also small stubs that will keep the torsion bar arms at the proper angle for a vehicle on level ground; remove them if you wish the suspension to articulate. At the front end there are separate plates that allow for complete detail on both sides of the final drive housings. The belly plate is of the final type that came in two sections, with the front being 25mm-thick and the remainder being 16mm-thick. All drain plugs and access plates are provided and are in their proper locations and configurations. The sponson plates are separate parts that attach to inner sub-plates for a very positive fit; they are exquisitely detailed with weld beads, bolt patterns, recessed screw heads and an opening for the power conduit (also included) that ran to the fender-mounted Bosch head-lamp. Also provided are the lower mounting brackets that the Gepackkasten (baggage bins) rested upon.

The new hull rear plate now has a Zimmerit pattern as well as various access port details molded in place. The prominent tow coupling that was mounted on the circular access plate is provided as a three-part assembly. Early exhaust pipes are provided to include the triple-pipes seen on one side. Cast armored covers are included for where the pipes entered the hull rear plate; this option also includes the sheet metal heat shields that were wrapped around the exposed pipes. Not for use, but still included, are a pair of marvelously-rendered slide-molded Flammvernichter (flame-dampening) exhaust pipes. The two Gepackkasten (baggage bins) are slide-molded and have very-finely detailed lids and clasps; as expected, they now also have Zimmerit. The stiffening ribs often visible under the coat of Zimmerit are not seen on these parts. The bins are correctly-mounted spaced away from the rear plate, with all the proper brackets. The final items are a multi-part vehicle jack with delicate mounting brackets, and U-shaped tow clevises.

Superstructure.

The engine deck includes etched brass screens for the various cooling air-intake and -exhaust grills. Internally, there are the baffles and fan blades for the engine cooling system. Externally there are two different styles of cast cooling air fan armor guards. A separate engine deck access hatch lid is given as are various fittings, hooks and filler caps.

The superstructure side plates feature the proper Zimmerit pattern, which takes into account tool and OVM stowage locations; this is a nice touch. Separate mounting frames for the tools and spare track links are provided, with the latter very cleverly slide-molded and include properly-rendered U-shaped track hangers complete with small holes for the separate (and finely-molded) L-shaped holding pins. The tools have molded-on clasps; these are very accurately depicted and with proper cleaning will look the part very convincingly. A jack block with wood grain texture sits in its separate tray and two styles of large tow cable loops are provided; they come from a slide-mold and are pre-bored to accept the provided wound metal wire tow cable. The thinner track changing cable is also provided, along with proper end loops for it.

No Schurzen plates are provided. The rails on either side of the superstructure side plates are there, as are the hooks (in styrene); for the sake of versatility, it might have been good to have them. The Cyberhobby upgrade for the Ausf.G Smart Kit has them and Eduard has an etched brass Schurzen set for the same kit. So, if the modeler feels the need, they can be had. And, they would not be too difficult to make up from styrene sheet, using the cited references as a guide.

Casemate.

The sides of the superstructure were extended upwards to create the casemate for fitting the main gun into a limited-traverse mount. The Zimmerit pattern now covers the entire area and is also applied to the separate Kugelblend (ball mantle) for the multi-part Gen2 MG34. The drivers periscope head is made from a clear part and it features a separate cap. This Ausf.G1 had the second scope removed by the unit, with a plate added to cover the opening. The latter is provided as an etched brass part. New front fenders, with Zimmerit are given, along with a multi-part Tarnscheinwerfer-Bosch black-out driving head-lamp finish the area. While these new fenders have a nice Zimmerit pattern, the stiffening ribs are completely absent beneath the paste coating.

The Geschutzenische (gun recess) is the earlier, low profile, internally-mounted type, part number 021B51244 (see reference 2, below). It is a multi-part affair that includes nicely textured inner and outer cast mantles. The 8.8cm L/71 gun tube is the sectional type; it comes from a slide-mold so the bore end is opened to accept the three-part, slide-molded muzzle brake. The entire assembly will elevate, but not traverse. As an option, the mono-block L/71 gun tube is also provided. Parts are on hand for a basic breech and recoil cylinder assembly to fit either chosen option.

The roof plate is separate and has all mounting apertures opened up for the various sub-assemblies. The separate split hatch lids are detailed inside and out, to include grab-handles and locking levers. The commanders observation station features a separate rotating mounting plate, with clear periscope head and separate armored guard. There is also a nifty scissors periscope, complete with internal mount, separate external flap and other details to complete this sub-assembly. At the rear of the roof, there is another separate rotating plate with clear periscope head and separate armored guard. The fan housing is a multi-part affair that can have a cover fitted; tiny styrene wing-nuts are provided to detail this area. The smaller cast vent cover is also provided; it is nicely textured and includes a foundry number molded in place.

The slide-molded Nahverteidigungswaffe (close defense weapon) can be configured with an opened or closed port and includes the internal part of the weapon. Two other clear periscope heads are provided, along with their armored guards, for fitting around the edge of the roof plate. Finally, the gunners sight is also a clear part; it is mounted inside the molded-on sliding cover. Other items molded on include rain channels and the stubs to mount an external range-finder; Pilzen are not fitted on this early vehicle, although if this feature is needed to depict a certain replica, the modeler can add them easily enough.

The rear wall of the casemate is now a separate part to allow for the newly-added Zimmerit. It features a multi-part, movable access hatch lid, separate case ejection port lid, antenna mount (but no rod antenna) and blanking plate for the command version; all of these parts have Zimmerit where appropriate. One of two different optional Gepackkasten (baggage bins) can be fitted, both feature a separate lid.

Molding, Fit and Engineering.

Overall, I found no problems with the fit of any major or minor component except that the four edges of the roof plate had to be sanded down a bit to fit. No sink marks were found, and in every case except for the above-mentioned individual link tracks, there were no visible ejector pin marks.

Accuracy.

After removing many of the major components from the sprues, I began comparing them to the various sets of drawings in Panzer Tracts No.9-3. Using the drawings on pages 9-3-46 to 9-3-49 depicting a command Jagdpanther Ausf.G1 built in July 1944 by MIAG, one can conclude that the overall accuracy level of this kit is quite high. There are a number of detail parts unique to this version and it appears that they are all included as well. In addition some common Panther chassis components have been provided in a number of variations, as follows:

3 types of final drive housings (2 different tires, one skid)

4 types of exhaust pipe guards

3 types of exhaust pipe/mufflers

3 types of MG Kugelblende

2 types of engine fan housings, plus 1 late type, and the crew compartment heater fan tower, for a total of 4 types.

2 types of U-shaped tow clevises.

2 types of tow cable end-loops.

2 types of bump-stops.

Any issues I have with this kit are solely related to the two continuing omissions that are noted below:

No Schurzen plates.

No radio antenna mast.

Instructions.

The instructions are presented in the conventional manner, with intricately-detailed line drawings. Almost all of the main steps contain one or more sub-steps separated into small boxes; this will assist the modeler in preparing subassemblies for placement when needed. In step 16, dont be confused by the arrow going into the chassis from the inner workings of the gun mount; that assembly goes on the inside of the casemate front plate, as also shown in that drawing. By now, most modelers know that the instructions in DMLs kits are often quirky; proceed with caution.

Decals and Markings Information.

The decals are from Italys Cartograf. All items are in perfect register, feature crisp edges and fine color saturation. Carrier film is thin, matte and closely cropped to the edges of the designs. Markings and painting information for six Jagdpanther Ausf.G1s are provided. All are associated with schwere Heeres Panzerjager-Abteilung 654 and depict vehicles seen on the Western from the spring of 1944, through the end of that year.

Many of the schemes are backed-up by photos seen in reference number 8, below. Three of them have Tac numbers, 112, 133 and 314; all except one has a camouflage pattern. It should be noted that this unit re-located their tool and OVM stowage and photos of 133 and 112 show this to be so in their cases. In addition, 133 has a sectional 8.8cm gun tube, while 112s gun tube configuration can not be determined according to information in the below-listed references. All of these Jagdpanther wore a MIAG cross-hatch Zimmerit pattern. DMLs representation of the Zimmerit is such that the modeler can re-locate the tool and OVM items and still leave behind an authentic pattern. To do this properly, all left-behind parts location holes will need filling, which looks easy enough with a bit of care. None of the cited references give precise visual information of 654s stowage pattern. What information that is available, shows the stowage pattern on an Ausf.G2 produced in March, 1945. That pattern may or may not match 654s pattern of the previous summer.

Conclusion.

It is nice to see DML coming out with this particular version of the Ausf.G1, especially since there is so much documentation of this particular version concerning markings and colors. The Zimmerit pattern appears to be accurate, while being delicate and restrained in its execution. I still wish the manufacturer would include a radio antenna, which is a must for any Jagdpanther replica; including Schurzen would have been icing on an already tasty cake.

Frank V. De Sisto

References consulted for this report included, but were not limited to:

1. Jagdpanzer; Panzer Tracts No.9, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.

2. Jagdpanther; Panzer Tracts No.9-3, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.

3. Germanys Panther Tank: The Quest for Combat Supremacy; Schiffer, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.

4. Panther Variants 1943-1945; Osprey New Vanguard No.22, by T. Jentz & H. Doyle.

5. Panther & Its Variants; Schiffer, by W. Spielberger.

6. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition; by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz.

7. Panther, Jagdpanther & Brummbar; Achtung Panzer No.4.

8. The Combat History of schwere Panzerjager-Abteilung 654; J.J. Fedorowicz, by K. Munch.

9. Jagdpanther; Kagero Photo Sniper 4, by G. Parada, S. Jablownski & W. Hryniewicki.

-Frank V. De Sisto

Introduction

The Jagdpanther was conceived as early as August 1942, curiously this was before the Panther itself had been produced, and yet the decision to base the self-propelled tank destroyer on the Panther chassis had already been taken. The combination of the 88mm L/71 anti-tank gun, Panther chassis and sloped armour was one of the most successful tank destroyer designs of WWII, and would have been even more successful if it had proved possible to produce the vehicle in the necessary numbers. As it was, the prototype was shown in November 1943, with series production beginning in January 1944 and continuing throughout the rest of the war. At cease of hostilities 415 vehicles had been manufactured.

Although Dragon has already produced an early variant of this vehicle, happily for us modellers, this release includes a full coating of anti-magnetic mine Zimmerit already moulded in-situ.

The Kit Contents

The kit contents consist of fourteen large sprues of light grey styrene, seven smaller sprues and one transparent one. Two sets of DS100 tan-coloured vinyl tracks, a length of wire tow rope, a small photo-etched fret and decal sheet finish up.

The contents are basically those of kit #6458 released by Dragon a while ago, with of course the addition of new parts that have a Zimmerit coating moulded onto them. These are a new lower and upper hull, a new sprue 'B' that has amongst other smaller parts a new rear wall and glacis, DS100 vinyl tracks instead of the individual 'Magic Tracks' that were in the earlier release, and a new smaller sprue 'T' that has a new two-part main barrel instead of the monobloc one supplied in the earlier release. Note that two-part in this case does not mean the barrel itself being supplied in halves, but with a lower sleeve.

The moulding is first class as you would expect, each 'Zimmerit' release seems to get even better than the last. The Zimmerit coating supplied on these parts is I believe closer to scale than any resin aftermarket set or self-applied coating can provide. It's extremely finely rendered. In addition it's not a 'perfect' coating that Dragon provided on the first couple of attempts at this. If you look closely it includes slight imperfections and marks. With it being so fine, scraping parts back with a scalpel blade to represent armour that has lost it's coating shouldn't be too difficult either.

Construction-wise, it assembles in more of less the same fashion as the earlier release, and the in the way we would expect to build it. The lower hull has the working torsion-bar suspension assembled onto it, this part too having a fine Zimmerit coating moulded onto the appropriate locations along the sidewalls. The running gear probably being better prepared at this stage but not installed for ease of painting later. The vinyl tracks making this a much easier task. There are fans provided for inside the engine bay, their presence just being noticeable through the engine intake grills. On the rear wall all the appropriate gaps have been left smooth for installation of the exhausts and stowage lockers, themselves being provided with Zimmerit coating.

The small photo-etched fret included in the kit has engine grills, and all the various tools provided for the sidewalls have the clasp moulded in place. All the various hatches are provided as separate parts with detail on their inner surfaces, so can be displayed opened, although no internal detail for the fighting or driver's compartment is provided.

As I mentioned earlier, the main barrel, is a one-piece moulding, so no joining of halves, although the lower sleeve is provided to represent the two-part barrel rather than the monobloc version as represented in the earlier release. A simplified breech is provided, although if the hatches are opened then a crew member or two should be used to obscure this area.

Marking Options

Six options are provided for in the colour schemes depicted on the instructions sheet. One is in overall dark yellow, one in a two-tone scheme of green over the dark yellow base, and the other four being three-tone schemes. All are on the Western front during 1944.

Conclusion

The first release without Zimmerit was exceptional...this one is even better now that we don't need to provide Zimmerit. The moulding is sharp, the engineering of the parts superb, and will result in an excellent model even built straight from the box. Highly recommended!

-Vinnie Branigan