Introduction
The Panther G is a model that is available from just about every manufacturer, with this one being labelled an early version, there is only one aspect that jumps out at me and that is the raised left hand circular air intake is not present, instead being the same as previous vehicles. I believe this vehicle to be a command variant, due to the fact that a star antenna has been provided on the model.
Review
This offering from Hobby Boss arrives in a cardboard tray, with two cardboard sections - one at each end of the box, and a cardboard lid with a pleasing artists impression of the contents. The sides of the box exhibit some of the features provided, and a quick overview of the six finishing options provided. Packaging in individual plastic bags, except where the sprues are duplicated, and this should ensure that the model reaches you in the condition the manufacturer intended. The instruction booklet provided, is surprisingly thick which made me wonder what was included to require such a substantial booklet.
The lower hull of the model has been provided as a single piece tub, and I believe that due to the detail moulded on both the base and sides of the tub it is probably slide moulded. Detail on the underside of the hull, is further detailed with the addition of escape hatches. But it is the sides of the lower hull, where you will need to do the most work with regard to addition of parts. Something that a struck me as unusual is a flattened piece of plastic with raised front and rear which snakes its way across the bottom of the hull. While I do not know what this part replicates, it will be hidden beneath a very detailed suspension interior, which includes the floor supporting plates that the suspension torsion bars go through. The suspension arms on the exterior, are then inserted correctly being opposing directions. There is an awful lot of detail provided in this area for a model that is not an internal kit.
The interlocking road wheels are well replicated, with good detail on both faces. The drive sprockets and track tensioning wheels have good detail moulded onto them, but something strikes me as a little odd on the drive sprocket, but I cannot put my finger on what it is. The tracks provided in this release are of the individual track links non-workable type, with a gripe on my part being that the guide horns each have to be individually added to the track links. As long as care is taken during the clean up and assembly, these should look very good and enable the modeller to display the model accurately on any surface they desire.
The rear hull plate needs to be added to the hull, and is an aspect that I have had issues with in the past from many manufacturers, as getting the joint just right can be troublesome. I cannot say that that will be the case in this instance, but I felt it worthy to mention. The rear storage bins do not sit flush to the rear plate, which is correct. Unfortunately they have not been moulded to allow the modeller to show them open. I have noticed that the exhausts are not the standard G model Panther.
Returning to the interior of the model, you are provided with a full transmission unit feeding back to the unit that provides power for the turret traverse. However, there are no seats provided in the model for the hull, nor is there a bulkhead between the engine and crew compartments and so as such I am a little confused as to why this is included in this release. The hull machine gun is very well replicated and worthy of praise. I was particularly pleased to see the MG42 has the correct barrel for a tank mounted gun.
The upper hull is provided with a number of separate panels, including the mounting plate that houses the hatches for the driver and radio operator. The engine access panel and the two air intake covers, photo etch has been provided for the engine deck, and the tool racks down the sides are also provided separately. The spare track hangers have been provided with the ability to lock the track links in to the hangers with pins, and it is details such as this that makes me think of the days when Dragon Models ruled the World War II German armour market, as what is offered here by Hobby Boss in on par with that kind of detail, including photo etch, Schürzen hanging clips which will require bending, and could be difficult for those unfamiliar with photo etch due to their small size. The tools mounted down the sides do have moulded on clamp detail, but it has been well done. The Schürzen plates have been provided in photo etch, and have individual locking clips for the mounting brackets. The tow cables have been provided as separate eyes and a metal cable to go between them. I personally do not the cable provided, and have my own preferred substitute.
The turret of this offering is something I approve of greatly as so far as I can see all of the detail is present for the turret interior, meaning that the modeller can get away with having turret hatches open, without having to have figures in them. The turret ring is an area that is very well replicated in this release, but I recommend that you sand away the model details on the interior and the ejector pins marks there. However, in all other respects, I am very happy with what has been provided. The MG42 that sits beside the main gun, has again been well replicated right down to a photo etch aiming sight. I just wish they had slide moulded the barrels of the MGs, as you will need to drill the muzzle. The main gun is a single piece moulding, and so the worse you are going to face are some minor seam lines, and the Commanders cupola has been provided with clear lenses. The anti aircraft machine gun, has good detail, but the modeller will need to supply the ammunition, and the star antennae is photo etch, and will require that you take care when bending.
Hobby Boss has provided six finishing options for this kit, and has again not provided any details on who the tanks served which and when or where they served. What I will say is that there are some very interesting colour schemes provided, with one having a leopard print that will be very eye catching.
Conclusion
The release from Hobby Boss of a Panther G early version is a very well done model, but I do have some observations. Firstly the track links having separate guide horns, will make assembly a pain, and I am unsure why so much detail has been provided on the hull interior, when all that really needed to be added was the seats for the crew, and a fire wall between the crew and engine compartments, to make the work worth the effort. The machine guns have been especially well tackled, and I like that the main gun is a single piece moulding. I do not like the copper cable that Hobby Boss supply for their cables, but you may think differently. All told a lot of model, some of which will not be seen.