Sd.Kfz 171 Panther Ausf A (Dragon kit 6168MT)

 

 

 

Kit:                                          Dragon 1/35 #6168/6244 Panther A
Tracks:                                    Masterclub MTL35001
Barrel:                                     RB Model 35B06D
Photo Etch:                             Voyager PE35084
Cables:                                    Eureka XXL ER-3514
Damaged road wheel set:      ET Model ER35-036
Resin Zimmerit                       Atak 35021



This kit is the 2004 Normandy anniversary edition with the slightly odd colored photo instruction sheet. The kit review can be found here

 
I was informed some of these initially released kits were offered with a metal barrel but unfortunately the two I purchased didn't!  Both mine came with rubber tracks. A later addition of this kit (@6168MT) was released in 2017 with magic tracks. 

The build was straight forward but the Zimmerit application was a bit challenging. My set was slightly vertically short on one hull side and also on one side of the turret. I used My Hobby's excellent but extremely pungent Mr Surfacer 1500 to fill any gaps. Once complete the Zimmeret was roughed up in places with an electric burr to show wear and tear and then the whole model was sprayed with Halfords (UK automotive brand) primer