discussion Big Red’s 1/35 Tamiya Panther Ausf A

[Guest]

An older kit, done by many in the past, and likely done by many more in the future!

Back in the first stage of my modelling life, 30+ years ago, Tamiya was what I yearned for. My budget would rarely allow me something of this type, and I would annually give up the cost to pay for the Tamiya catalogue to covet the contents. With the knowledge we all now have access too I know it has it’s faults, but I fondly remember building this kit in my teens, and I intend to enjoy it this time round too.

First off, the spruce shots etc;
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As with my previous build, this will be out of the box. No after-market add ons or super-detailing for now. It is more about improving my painting and finishing skills. Build begins tomorrow.

Jim

 

[Guest]

Jim.
Front row please, coffee, black no sugar.
I have to admit I've never built one of these yet, so no doubt I will take notes of the sweary bits !
John.

 

[Guest]

Welcome John!

Sadly no non-alcoholic stimulants and no swearing, just a bit of mumbling under my breath.

Jim

 

[Mini Me]

Jim,
The whole "teens" thing makes it worthwhile. There is nothing Better than Nostalgia to spur one on to their desired ends. I still have 1/87 scale Minitanks that I collected as a 14 year old. It is almost heart wrenching to build or modify them into detailed models, but it is what we do.
Model on, Rick H.

 

[Guest]

Cheers Rick, I have to be honest it was mostly nostalgia that got me back into modelling!

A bit of building done tonight;
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Rear panel
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Hull
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Turret
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And wheels

Cheers, Jim

 

[Tim Marlow]

Going well....

 

[Snowman]

Oh, I remember this one! Also from my teens .........34yrs ago!:flushed: Damn, how time flies!

A great test bed to enhance the painting skills on!

I'll pull up a chair, if you don't mind? :thumb2:

 

[Peter Gillson]

Like Gavin, I remember this kit from my youth. I also revisited it a few years ago, chopping it up to make some bases for figures whihc was featured in Military Modelling. I just took a photo of the article and was shocked to see it was 2001 - time flies, all of a sudden I feel old!!

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[Guest]

Cheers guys.
Those cut sections are a great way of framing a diorama like that Peter.
I made the most of the change in the weather, and cracked on last night. So much so that I forgot to take photos as I went!
Here’s the progress
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Upper hull completed, with primer coat

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Pre-shade

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Dunkelgelb base coat. The pre-shade is a bit strong, so I may put another coat on if a get a chance later.

Jim

 

[Guest]

A bit more progress tonight.
Another coat of dunkelgelb to soften the pre shade.
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Then a bit of camo.
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Not entirely happy with a couple of areas, left hand side of the turret particularly. I might have another look at that.

Jim

 

[Mini Me]

Jim,
I like the look so far. If you are concerned with just a small spot or two, by all means touch it up. I happen to think the overall effect is quite well balanced.
Rick H.

 

[Si Benson]

Hi Jim,
Built this kit twice over the years. A nice cheap quick weekend build.
Looking good with the cammo...hope the tracks play nicely for you, they can be a bit tight
Si

 

[Steve Jones]

Well Jim, you certainly have been busy! Camo looks okay. If you are doing heavy weathering you should be able to cover up the odd blemish. Looks okay from here though. Good luck with the next stage

 

[spanner570]

Very nice Jim.
Folks were falling over themselves to buy this when it first appeared. It may be old by today's standard, but I wonder what future modellers will make of the new kits on offer now in 40 odd years time? Just build it and have fun - I did.

Along with the other examples on display, yours will make an excellent addition to Robert's Panther G.B. shelf....:thumb2:

Cheers.
Ron

 

[Guest]

Jim .
All those wheels frighten me :anguished:, love the camo, looks the dogs .
John .

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the kind comments all.
Rick - Overall it was ok. Just one area (see below)
Si - Tracks are primed, fingers crossed.
Steve - Not sure where I’m going to go with weathering on this one. The 3 colour camo and decal options give me a wide choice of seasons/conditions to choose from. Watch this space!
Ron - It’s all about enjoying myself!
John - Wheels-a-plenty for sure.

Having been away with work for the week, I decided it was just the turret I didn’t like. A quick retouch this morning and I’m a lot happier. It’s the little things that annoy us!
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A short session to hollow out the exhausts and get some detail painting done before the man cave got too warm.
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Jim

 

[Guest]

Jim.
:thumb2: nice .
John.

 

[Guest]

After a slightly manic period, I’ve finally got back to this. Tracks and decals added, spare track links on and an initial wash with some streaking.
Next up, pin washes and weathering.
Jim
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[Jim R]

Hi Jim
I missed the start of this - sorry. Can't go wrong with a 'big cat'. You have made a cracking job of this elderly kit. Cracking paint job and I appreciate you felt it needed two top coats but the pre shade has worked a treat. I look forward to the rest of the weathering.
Jim

 

[Guest]

Jim.
Hat off to your camo, really well done. Like the look of that soft edge. I had use panzer putty, not confident enough to try that.