1:35 Jagpanther (tamiya)

The real subject

The Jagdpanther was a German tank destroyer built on the Panther chassis. A low fixed superstructure replaced the revolving turret, and a long gun of 88 mm caliber fitted into it; the sloping surfaces follow on smoothly from the hull, so the vehicle is among the cleanest machines of its day in shape. For a modeler that means two things: the silhouette is rewarding, but large flat surfaces forgive nothing, because every part that is too thick and every unfinished seam shows on them.

What photo-etch can do on a model

Photo-etched parts are of thin metal sheet and replace what an injection mold cannot make fine enough: grilles, covers, brackets, loops and small sheet features on the surface. In the result it tells mainly on the outline and on the edges, where a plastic part has to stay thickened. Which areas this set deals with and in what order it is assembled is described in the maker's instructions; according to the name it is cut for the Tamiya kit in 1:35 scale.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface and sand the remains of the fret tabs down. Lead the bend at once along the whole length, best in a bending tool. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue applied on the tip of a wire; cement for polystyrene does not hold on metal. Before painting, degrease the metal and cover it with a primer suitable for metal. Leave the fine grilles to the end of the build, so that they are not crushed during handling, and apply the paint to them thinly, so that the openings stay clear.

Who it is for

For modelers who build the Jagdpanther in 1:35 scale and want the small sheet parts in a corresponding thickness. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.