Dragon 7206 1/72 Scale, Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G, Late Period Tank, Plastic Model Kit (DG7206)

Contents

Model Specifications

• Exceptional Detail for Its Scale: Although it is 1/72 scale, it has the sharp surface details, distinctive welding seams and casting texture inherited from its 1/35 scale brothers.
• Late Period Characteristics: Specific to late 1944 and early 1945 Panther Gs; Details such as the "chin" (chin) ball mask (mantlet), improved exhaust systems (flammenvernichter) and the raised fan fan guard on the engine cover are included in the kit.
• One-Piece "DS Track" Pallets: One-piece pallets made of Dragon's special "DS" (Dragon Styrene) material can be adhered with plastic adhesive and the level of detail is quite high. Its installation is very fast and practical.
• Photo-Etched (PE) Parts: Precision metal parts for engine grills, which are not available in most brands of this size, are included in the box. This feature transforms the model from its toy appearance into a professional exhibition model.
• Fast and Precise Assembly: Thanks to the one-piece body and tower produced with "Slide-mold" technology, the fit of the parts is perfect and requires minimum sanding.
• Small Size, Big Impact: Approximately 12-13 cm long, this model is ideal for collectors or small-scale diorama enthusiasts, especially those who are short on space.
• High Quality Decals: Contains a delicate decal set in Cartograf quality, suitable for different camouflage options and period units.

7206 Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther G Late Production. This kit includes the reinforced chin-type gun mantlet of the Panther G Late Production. This shield was added to prevent bullets from deflecting into the driver's compartment and thus increase the level of ballistic protection. Other new features include new flame trap exhaust and a tower-like device (fighting compartment heating system) above the engine fan on the left side. The chassis is also made of cast metal!!!

Pz.Kpfw V (SD.Kfz 171) Panther is a German-made medium tank considered one of the best tanks of World War II. This vehicle was developed as a response to the Soviet T-34. Although the first production versions appeared as early as 1942, Panthers first appeared on the front lines at the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943. Due to the vehicle's very high failure rate and numerous "childhood" problems, 150 of the 204 vehicles used were lost. Interestingly, only a few of these 150 vehicles were lost as a result of Soviet bombing. Once these shortcomings were corrected, the Panther gained a reputation as an extremely effective tank. It owed this to its well-shaped frontal armor and excellent anti-tank gun (KwK 42 / L70 caliber 75mm). The basic version of the T34 / 76 was unlucky against the Panther. This situation only changed with the emergence of the T34/85 and IS-2 tanks. On the other hand, Allied Sherman tanks were only able to compete with the Panther after being equipped with a 17-pound gun (Sherman Firefly). However, it should be noted that the weak point of this successful design was its weak side armor and the high technical complexity of the entire structure and therefore the high production time. During the war, approximately 6,000 Panther vehicles of all versions (Ausf. D, A, G) were produced. The first mass-produced version was the "D" version, with 80 mm thick frontal armor and a 700 HP Maybach 230 P30 engine. From the second half of 1943, this version tanks had armored aprons. Panther Ausf. The A entered production in September 1943. Its body contained a spherical mount for the MG-34 rifle. It was produced until March 1944. The "G" version was the most produced version. More than 3,700 tanks of this model were produced. It was produced from March 1944 to January 1945. Its main changes were increasing the angle and thickening of the frontal armor. The gun mantlet was also modified. The Jagdpanther tank destroyer (Sd.Kfz 179) was also built on the Panther's chassis. When evaluating the Pz.Kpfw V, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the excellent frontal armor or gun, but also to the disadvantages of the weapon: large overall dimensions, sensitive suspension, increasingly degrading armor or weak side armor caused by a lack of molybdenum. Technical data: Length (including barrel): 8.66 m, width: 3.42 m, height: 2.99 m, engine power: 700 KM, range (on-road): 200 km, maximum speed (on-road): 46 km/h, weapons: 1 75 mm KwK 42/L70 gun, 2 7.92 mm MG-34 machine guns.