Tuesday, June 29

Preview: Another pint-sized Panther on the prowl from Suyata

Suyata has followed up their earlier Panther & Strabokran with this, a full interior Panther A kit in 48th scale. We would be surprised if anyone needs aftermarket after seeing what is included here. See the features of the kit in our preview... 

Preview: Another pint-sized Panther on the prowl from Suyata

Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther Ausf. A w/Zimmerit & Full Interior
From Suyata
1/48th scale
Kit No #003
Metal cable & barrel included
Zimmerit decals included
Photo-etch included
The Subject: Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther Ausf. A
Approximately 2,200 Panther A tanks were built from September 1943 to July 1944. The changes from the D type were the replacement of the transmission and a newly designed turret, which made it possible to strengthen the armour and change the turret rotation speed. In addition, the commander's cupola, which was unpopular with tank crews due to its poor visibility, was replaced with a periscope. 

A winter white scheme on this Panther A, a little like the box art example...
Thanks to its unparalleled performance, it became one of the backbones of the German Army, and helped their armed forces fight on through tough times. Others seeing the worth of its features, armament and technological advancement it was even used by the opponents to the end of the war. Its 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 long tank gun could penetrate almost all the armour of its rivals, and its angled armour provided better protection than the Tiger I. 

Panther Ausf. A 331 of 1st Abteilung, 4th Pzr-Regt knocked out on the Gustav Line in Italy - 1944
The Maybach HL230 engine could propel the tank to a speed of 50km/h on sealed roads, and its wide tracks and interleaved road wheels could travel over more uneven ground that the previous Panzer III & IV's. The Panther was a perfect response to the requirements of German armour units. Now the Panther has become one of the favourite armour kits of modellers.

Panzerbefehlswagen Panther Ausf. A (Sd.Kfz. 267) of the Panzergrenadier-Division Großdeutschland photographed in southern Ukraine in 1944
This new kit from Suyata:
The new 48th scale Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther Ausf. A  comes with Zimmerit decals do you can apply them where you want to on the tank, and also if you would like to simulate damage to the "Zimm" coating.
The full Interior includes all of the ammunition and guns, the transmission and engine compartments like in the real thing, this is a pretty amazing feat in 48th scale...
A metal towing cable & metal barrel and muzzle break are included in the kit. There are also link and length tracks to aid in the construction process...
The full turret is its own assembly that slips into the full interior hull
The details of the PAnther A have been pretty well reproduced from the CADs we have seen up until now...
Of course the aforementioned Zimmerit decals plus the schemes of four Panther A's are included in this boxing...
That is all we know about this kit so far. Check out the "Suyata" Facebook page for more information on their innovative range of new kits and tools coming our way.