Panther Ausf. G

The Panther was a German medium tank deployed during World War II on the Eastern and Western Fronts in Europe from mid-1943 to its end in 1945. The Panther was intended to counter the Soviet T-34 and to replace the Panzer III and Panzer IV. Nevertheless, it served alongside the latter and the heavier Tiger I until the end of the war. It is considered one of the best tanks of World War II for its excellent firepower and protection. However, its reliability was less impressive. The Panther proved to be effective in open country and long range engagements, but did not provide enough high explosive firepower against infantry. The Panther G was the most numerous version and included improvements to the hatches, no driver port (considered a week spot), improved reliability in the engine and a chin mantlet to eliminate the shot trap on the A model.

This was a great Tamiya kit with no fit problems and excellent figures. The "rubber band" tracks were glued together with model cement. The model was painted with Tamiya paints and weathered with washes and pigments. One of the axles split while installing the tracks, but otherwise I had no issues with this build.