| The Panther was designed as a new heavy tank able to combat the Russian T-34. Until the Panther, German armor simply could not compete with the T-34. In fact, the Panther was partially copied from a captured T-34. Prototypes were built and presented to Hitler on his birthday in April of 1942. Had it not been for the greater number of Russian tanks, the Panther would have wreaked much more havoc on the Soviets and throughout all of Europe. It had outstanding firepower, great mobility, and beautifully sloped armour.
The Ausf. G included improvements to the transmission, extra armor onto the upper hull, episcope to improve the driver’s visibility, and increased ammunition stowage from 79 to 82 rounds. Like all Panthers, the Ausf. G was loaded with a 75mm high velocity gun. The late G version had improved combat characteristics, including steel-rimmed road wheels and a fighting compartment heater system. These late Panther G’s donned the new “ambush” camouflage colors ordered by the OKH. A cleaning gear stowage box was placed across the hull rear as well. Before the war's end 3,740 Ausf. Gs were produced. The Panther is hailed as the best German tank of World War II, far superior to any US or British tank at the time.
MRC/Academy’s newly tooled Panther G is one monster of a kit. This static 1/25-scale tank’s hull measures nearly 11 inches. This kit is so large it actually takes 2 joined tracks to cover the wheels, and so precise it takes 10 sprues to fit all the parts. It's armed with the 75mm high velocity gun and a machine gun for the commander’s cupola. The kit features movable torsion bars and realistic wheels. Metal parts are included. Comes with clear instructions and decal schemes from tanks used in Germany and Belgium. |
