Test Shot Unboxing Preview of TAKOM 35003 Panther Ausf.F Model Kit
This is a test shot kit and not the final production version, so some parts may differ from the final release – just keep that in mind. TAKOM 35003 Panther Ausf.F Model is expected to be available around September 25th.
Alongside the Panzer IV H, this Takom Panther F also arrived. Compared to the completely new tooling of the Panzer IV, this Panther F doesn't feature many newly tooled parts, but it has generated just as much buzz thanks to its subject matter.
The newly tooled parts in this TAKOM 35003 Panther Ausf.F Model Kit include the turret, night vision device, and rear stowage bin. It offers two sets of road wheels: steel-rimmed and rubber-tyred. The steel-rimmed wheels are sourced from Takom's own steel-wheeled Panther G kit and are not newly tooled. The hull is carried over from the previous "Super Lightning" Panther G. The kit includes photo-etched parts and an aluminium gun barrel.
Since this TAKOM 35003 Panther Ausf.F Model Kit is a test shot, no instruction manual or decals are provided. The painting guide will be shown at the end of this article using the electronic manual's colour pages.
As the hull carries over parts from the previous kit, I won't go over them again and will only show the new additions. First, the newly tooled steel-rimmed road wheels. Unlike the multi-wheel connection method used for the rubber-tyred wheels, these are traditionally moulded as individual parts, with sharp bolt details on the sides.
The newly tooled rear stowage bin features longitudinal reinforcing ribs and is moulded as a single piece.
The turret body is moulded as a single piece, with fine weld seam and cut-mark details at the armour joints. The antenna base and S-mine launcher are also moulded as one piece.
The front and rear turret armour plates are separate parts, equally rich in detail.
The commander's cupola periscopes are moulded as one piece, with a more convenient moulding approach for the periscope guards. The cupola hatch features fine weld seam details.
The gun mantlet has a subtle cast texture – modellers who prefer a heavier texture can rework it themselves.
The rangefinders on both sides of the turret are provided with two options, and the armour joints feature weld seam details.
Details of the night vision device and other parts.
Summary of TAKOM 35003 Panther Ausf.F Model:
As the final production version has not yet been received, this is a parts preview rather than a full review.
Based on the test shot, Takom's Panther F remains an entry-level-focused kit – simple tooling, moderate part count, high overall sharpness, and low build difficulty. Combined with the excellent subject matter and current pricing, it offers outstanding value for money. A full review of the production version will be posted after it hits the shelves – stay tuned.
Next issue, let's take a look at the Unboxing Review of Academy 12636 Tu-22M3 Aircraft Model Kit
The above content is translated from the WeChat Official Account of moxing.net - Static model enthusiasts, http://www.moxing.net , a veteran vertical website for static military scale models launched in late 2000, with nearly 26 years of operation. It mainly focuses on armoured fighting vehicle subjects.