Monday, October 25

Preview update: Meng's new G - Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G Early/Ausf.G with Air Defense Armor in 35th...

Updated with new box art that tells us a LOT about this forthcoming kit, we look at Meng's new Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G Early/Ausf.G with Air Defense Armor in 1/35th scale. We have now filled the gaps in what to expect in the kit in our preview... 

Preview: Meng's new G - Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G Early/Ausf.G with Air Defense Armor in 35th...

German Medium Tank Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G Early/Ausf.G with Air Defense Armor
From Meng Models
Kit No #TS-052 
1/35th scale
Four colour schemes are included in this kit
Metal cable included
Injection moulded plastic, clear & Photo Etched parts included
Due for release in October 2021
The Subject: Panther Ausf.G Medium Tank
The Panther Ausf.G was the last Panther variant. Compared to previous production variants, it had some major changes in its hull design. The driver’s vision port was removed, and it was replaced with a rotating periscope. The thickness of armour also changed. Though troubled by insufficient production capacity, the production of the Panther Ausf.G continued until the end of World War II. Its production quantity was more than the total of other Panther variants. More than half of the German armour units were equipped with this tank.

A couple of examples of Pather G with the extra turret top armour...
The Kit: Meng's Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G Early/Ausf.G with Air Defense Armor
This latest MENG TS-052 German Medium Tank Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.G Early/Ausf.G with Air Defense Armor model is 263mm long and 93.6mm wide. This kit includes precision PE parts, metal cables, four paint schemes and the unique antennae of the command version. Hot rolling, cast, welding and cutting textures on the hull surfaces are realistically replicated. 

The frame and plates assembly design simulate the installation of armour plates of the real vehicle.
All crew hatches can be built open or closed.
All optical devices are replicated with clear parts.
This kit includes precision photo-etched parts, metal cables and metal side skirts.
This kit can be upgraded with SPS-049 movable suspension and workable tracks.
Update 25/10/2021:
The artwork and box top of a kit tells you a lot about a forthcoming kit, and this very nice box art sheds some light on the kit with the information it provides.
Listed features are:
- The kit's armour profile simulates that of the Panther G
- The textures of hot rolling, cast steel, welds & cutting marks are reproduced in this kit.
- Crew hatches can be posed open or closed
- Clear parts replicate the optical visors on this tank
- The kit can be upgraded with the SPS-049 movable tracks (sold seperately)
- The kit includes Photo-etch parts, metal cables and metal side skirts
- The command version aerials are included in the kit
- Four colour schemes from AK Interactive team are included

This kit is due for release in October - You can see more of Meng's kits on their website.