Panzer V “Panther” Ausf. A
Altaya 1:72 Scale Vehicle Review
The Altaya 1:72 scale Pz.Kpfw. V “Panther” Ausf. A with turret number R02 represents the vehicle of the adjutant of a regimental commander.
Evaluation
Excellent choice of subject, the Altaya Pz.Kpfw. V “Panther” Ausf. A is unique in this scale.
The thin rubber tracks of our review sample strongly adhered to the plastic surface of the base, indicating the beginning of chemical degradation of the rubber tracks. Apparently, a previous owner had removed the tank model from the base, using so much force that both idler wheels of the running gear broke off. The broken idlers still clung to the track assembly, but the track was no longer properly tensioned. To repair this damage, the remaining axle stubs in the idler wheels and the broken axle on the hull are carefully drilled out so that a section of 0.3 mm piano wire can be inserted as the new axle. The tank track can then be pulled back over the idler wheels.
The tank is sold fully assembled and painted. The chosen camouflage scheme of olive green and red brown stripes over a dark yellow base coat, has been incorrectly applied to the road wheels. Solid dark yellow road wheels would be correct in this case. This error can be rectified by carefully repainting the road wheels with Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow.
Compatible with Altaya, Atlas, CDC, De Agostini, Dragon Models, Eaglemoss, ESCI, Fine Scale Factory, Hasegawa, Italeri, Orion, Revell, Zvezda.
The Altaya 1:72 scale Pz.Kpfw. V “Panther” Ausf. A does not look particularly authentic in the chosen camouflage scheme. A dark yellow base coat with larger olive green and red brown splotches would be better.