Global Scale Modeller

Hello,
i’d like to introduce my V2 Panther Test Chassis build, Dragon Models 6830 is the 2nd and most up to date Kit for this Project. However, for a 2016 release it feels half baked and hasted. The initial release back in 2015, Dragon No.6822, was designed on Panzer Tracts Drawings, new Photos emerged making the drawings as well as 6822 obsolete… The rest of the Kit is based on Dragons 2002/2003 Panther D molds.
For my build I’l cross reference Panzer Tracts 5-1; Germanys Panther Tanks as well Abt. 502 External Design Changes...

Let’s start with a short overview of the work done so far – I did not yet modify everything. I just stuck everything together here, DS Tracks are fine for holding the roadwheels on, they get replaced with 3D Printed ones.
Mantlet is not yet modified, the rainguard has to go. The cover plate with the hatches were not present on the photographes, I'll use a January Production vehicle for reference. Note the vent cover and travel lock are not installed since Dragon does not provide the early type - only the later production version. No Periscopes were mounted on V2. Dirver visor cover was operational, on V1 it was welded shut.
One Thing Dragon got right is the number of Bolts on the roadwheels. It 18 Bolts on the rim, left you see a generic 16 bolt one Dragon includes in every other Panther D and on the right a wip printed last production roadwheel with 24 Bolts. There are improvised variants in between, I'll explain in the next build...

Let me show you some differences of the V2 compared to a "timeless" production Panther D (no prod. mounth specific features installed yet)
V2 has a unique test turret with a very different shape. The central bump stop for the gun elevation is a later modification that needs to be removed on v2. Copula opens at a different angle that later prod. vehicles, on the right I did correct the rear turret wall with a printed part, on v2 I did not find it necessary.
The engine deck on v2 (left) is left blank by dragon, this was one of the inaccuracies in Panzer Tracts, they didn't have the pictures back then. Dragon should have fixed it by providing guide marks for placing the air intake covers. They were lazy and didn't. Coolant infill covers are on both sides included into the radiator covers on v2, the fuel filler cap is in the same location as the Coolant filler of a production type vehicle. No Schnorchel (deep wading) is installed on v2.
Next big feature of V2 is it had no interlocking armour and the sides were not extended behind the rear wall. It was made from mild steel, just fiy when it comes to choosing decals and "camo"

Interesting comparison!

Finished most of the engine deck, there are still 2 small things missing: A Y-shaped tube sticking in the fuel filler cap and a round shape between fuel filler and engine hatch. I print both as soon as I have figured out they are. Dragon does include the right type of grills, the radiator covers had no mesh on them.
finished the front section by cutting off the rainguard on the mantlet and making the travel lock symetrical. Panzer Tracts notes something about a different style of fan cover, I don't see a difference in the included drawings in 1/35th...
First iteration of 3D printed Fender extensions. It goes in the right direction, but will need further adjustment.

Aside from different style stowage bins, v2 had a very different exhaust system. Still need to dig deeper in the style and position of the tail light.
Compared to a mid-year panther d rear there are no access hatches. Dragon instructs us to remove all of them. I did leave the track tensioning system on there, according to the research squad panther A book, it would be hard to access the mechanism from the inside, but I could be wrong about it.
Still with DS Tracks at the end of the day. Printing tracks will take most of the next week spare time. The aluminum barrel is not inculded I took it from Dragons 6940 Panther D & Pantherturm.

That's it for today, I'm back when the printed parts are ready. If you like to go rivet counting on that one, don't hold back.

On first reading this post I didn't realize that you were replacing old parts with 3D printed version of your own making. My hats off to you sir in under taking such a challenge. There is a lot to learn with using 3D printing , but the fenders look very professional.
Shall be taking a intense interest in this project.

Thanks digger303

Tracks are now on. Designed them myself based on Magic Tracks, Takom, Tamiya and original Drawings. They will need further adjustment to be perfect, but it's a start. First printed batch
They don't look bad, here the guidehorns needed some rework
guidehorns somewhat fixed, realistic sag.

Wow! Very neat!

Friggging amazing

Ps......I need a set of tracks for a Bronco Type 63-1 (YW-531A) Armored Personel Carrier ......ANY time you want to knock me up a set... :

Thanks lads
@digger303 I'd need parts of the kit (sprocket, idler, roadwheel and some track links). They are no problem to print, but will be a mess to put together - I've a video on Panzer I tracks on my channel.

Got some more progress: Finished the Fender extensions: perfect fit for Dragon (constructed them after Zvezda to get started) and added wing nuts. It is easier to print them right away instead of getting the clearance for the dragon part right (almost not possible, they didn't think of extenders themselfs.) engine deck is now done as far as I want to go. Added lifting hooks (included in the kit but not in the instructions). And a small access hatch, Dragon did not deal with at all. There are a ton of things dragon missed or got wrong in this kit. Fixing them is almost impossibel, I'd end up redesigning the whole kit... I call it here as long as it is still fun. On the Vehicle was a ladder attached, quickly made one since it not in the kit again.

Wow, they look fantastic

Great scratch building and research!