Jens 1/35 Meng Panther Ausf. A - Panther GB 2018

[Guest]

Neat work Jens, I see what you mean about the decal zimmerit. I agree with you, it does look too thin. I've never seen diagonal line etched into the stuff before either. Mind you, with the mind boggling different patterns used, it's not surprising!

Taking shape nicely.

Ron

I've seen the diagonal pattern on a Panther once so it did exist at least once, but I'm going to have to be careful with primer and paint so I don't loose all the thin zimmerit pattern.

After testing this decal zimmerit I can't recommend it to be honest because it's out of scale in depth - and the fact that I don't know how well it'll stick?
I read a test/review yesterday and their test pieces came loose. I rubbed my model with iso and fine sand paper before applying the zimmerit, and I used Tamiya decal fix just to be sure and mine's stuck where they're supposed to, but it's a shallow pattern for sure...

[Guest]

I take back the initial guesswork that it would take only 10-ish hours to build this Panther because of the zimmerit.
We tank builders usually just build the whole kit and then start thinking of paint etc. This is not possible here due to the decals!

Taking it slowly and give all the parts a thorough cleaning with iso and some light sand paper treatment was the correct method for the zimmerit to stick well but I'm worried how much will be visible in the end after a couple layers of paint?
I won't use any primer, just diluted XF-69, to ensure I don't build up any thickness and making the zimmerit less deep.

I'm also having to jump back and forth in the instructions in order to fit in pre-painted parts, zimmerit, tools and other "bits" mounted on the hull, but the slow pace seems to work so far.
Very nice kit though! :smiling:

[Guest]

FYI

Just did a quick test how sensitive the zimmerit decal was to Tamiya cement and it's totally eating it!
So any of you doing the same/similar decal zimmerit be careful and plan so you don't have to use cement on/next to these zimmerit decals.

I was pondering if I should apply the zimmerit before or after the tool racks on the hull and now I know to wait with zimmerit as long as possible!

It does however mean that you can "glue" down corners of zimmerit that doesn't want to stick, but do so carefully...

[grumpa]

Excellent choice Jens, I'll be watching :thumb2:

[Steve Brodie]

coming along very nicely

[Guest]

Slow pace but I'm getting there. I keep getting stuck on details and I was momentarily sidetracked when a museum had changed the identity on their Panther to 534 when it in fact was a completely different tank, and a Ausf. D as well!?!
I've found the only three existing photos of my Panther and have had some of my questions answered, but not all. I guess some artistic freedom will have to suffice in the end...

Lots of small pointy parts to break off by accident but so far none, but it'll happen eventually. Really nice kit to build!

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I wish I had some spare bits of zimmerit decals to practice painting on but no such luck. As long as I keep it as thin as possible it should be ok.

[col68]

Looking good Jens.

[Mr Bowcat]

Thats coming on a treat mate. The rolled steel texture looks great, shame most of it will be hidden by the Zim.

[Guest]

Thats coming on a treat mate. The rolled steel texture looks great, shame most of it will be hidden by the Zim.

Cheers! (to all of you!)
Yes, it's a shame to cover it but these Panthers were more or less always with zimmerit so I try not to think about the texture, but it is very nicely done!
If I ever decide to do a larger Panther Ausf. A vignette/diorama then I might do another Meng kit and skip the zimmerit?! The kit builds really well and the fit is on part with new Tamiya kits. :thumb2:

[Mr Bowcat]

I was watching Andys Model HQ this morning, he's done a review of this kit. It looks like they might be bringing out an interior kit, with the open panels in the hull and turret it could make a very nice diarama for a Panther undergoing repair.

[papa 695]

I don't know how I've missed this one Jens, but some cracking work going into it. I'm now watching the rest of the build.

[Guest]

I was watching Andys Model HQ this morning, he's done a review of this kit. It looks like they might be bringing out an interior kit, with the open panels in the hull and turret it could make a very nice diarama for a Panther undergoing repair.

I saw it too but it was only a speculation on his part - but a realistic one since Meng have done a couple recently.
Takom is doing theirs for sure with full interior so I wonder if Meng wants the competition, but so far I'm really impressed with my kit! Not enough though to go down the interior road though...

Actually thinking about it there are signs of this being possible. More specifically the radiators and fans in the kit.
We shall see!

[Mr Bowcat]

Having done the Meng Bradley with full interior, I'm not sure I'd want to go down that route either. Still, never say never.

[tr1ckey66]

Hi Jens
I bought 2 of these kits, a while back now, and I'm looking forward to building them (even more so having seen your progress).
To be fair the decal Zimm looks pretty good to me, I think it's better to be fractional too thin than too thick. I don't think I'll be using the decals I'll reproduce the Zimm myself but it looks a pretty good solution to me, although I haven't seen it in the flesh so to speak.

I may possibly join this GB after all (if the GB can stand another 2 Meng Panthers!) I've also 2 Dragon offerings too so I may do a build comparison.

Anyhow, your build is looking very nice. It will be interesting to see the Zimm under some paint but I think, at this stage, it looks pretty good.
Looking forward to the progress.

Cheers
P

[Guest]

Hi Jens
I bought 2 of these kits, a while back now, and I'm looking forward to building them (even more so having seen your progress).
To be fair the decal Zimm looks pretty good to me, I think it's better to be fractional too thin than too thick. I don't think I'll be using the decals I'll reproduce the Zimm myself but it looks a pretty good solution to me, although I haven't seen it in the flesh so to speak.

I may possibly join this GB after all (if the GB can stand another 2 Meng Panthers!) I've also 2 Dragon offerings too so I may do a build comparison.

Anyhow, your build is looking very nice. It will be interesting to see the Zimm under some paint but I think, at this stage, it looks pretty good.
Looking forward to the progress.

Cheers
P

Paul, the zimmerit looks nice but that's not where it suffers. The issue is that it's too thin and almost disappears after it's been painted and weathered. I saw someone else who'd tested this.
That same test had major issues with the zimmerit not sticking to the plastic. I've not had this problem apart from a few edges, but these are not toys so it should be fine - I hope?!

That aside it's the best slap-on zimmerit out there and it's miles better than the Tamiya vinyl version - that doesn't stick at all!

Please join in on this GB as well! One can simply not have too many Panthers (nor StuG III if you ask me )!!!

Cheers for you kind words!