New modeller needs assistance

[Guest]

Hi all I'm very new to modelling, only been doing it for 4 months, so the quality of my builds and painting isn't great however I am really enjoying it so looking to learn more and keep practising so please don't be brutal in your assessment of my modelling efforts. I have recently finished the paint job in this Tamiya Panther AUSF A 1/35 scale and I don't know what decals to use out of what's in the pack, I would like the decals to be a good reference to the correct theater etc... If you could help I'd really appreciate it

The details available I've uploaded in the pictures

[spanner570]

Welcome to the Forum Jamie.
Just 4 months in, that looks fine.

No one will be "Brutal", but will give a fair assessment of your Panther. It's not really my bag to write what is wrong with other folks models and where they could be improved. I'll leave that to others.

Also you will pick things up as you go along and your modelling skills will improve accordingly.
Don't be put off by some excellent stuff you see on here, you too will eventually be as good - or perhaps even better. Just be patient.

I can't help with decals as I just stick on what I fancy. Someone will come along soon to put you in the right direction.

In the mean time join in on the forum, enjoy your model making, and have fun!

Cheers
Ron

[Guest]

Many thanks for your kind words Ron, I have completed 4 other projects in that 4 month period also I will upload pics of them at some point in the near future.

[Guest]

Since you’re not building a model of a specific real tank, you can add what you like, really. The simplest way is to simply follow one of the marking options goven on the instruction sheet. Otherwise, with German tanks like these, all you really need to get it correct enough is to add a set of numbers to the turret, a divisional marking (the white and yellow ones at bottom right) and the crosses in the locations shown in the instructions — even if you use different combination of numbers and divisional insignia than the instructions show. The set of white bands are kill marks (each indicates one enemy vehicle destroyed), so these only make sense if themodel is supposed to be in an area where combat is going on. A tank in Normandy in May 1944 wouldn’t have them, for example, but one in Russia at the same time could. You can also cut some of those stripes off, to show fewer kills.

[Steve O]

Hi Jamie welcome to the forum, as long as your enjoying your modelling that's really all that matters, as time goes on and the more you get the bug you will improve, it's a great hobby.

All the best Steve.

[Gary MacKenzie]

You have at least 2 x SS Tank division insignia , 1st SS and 2nd SS.

[Guest]

Hi Jamie welcome to the forum, as long as your enjoying your modelling that's really all that matters, as time goes on and the more you get the bug you will improve, it's a great hobby.

All the best Steve.

Many thanks for your

You have at least 2 x SS Tank division insignia , 1st SS and 2nd SS.
An example of 1st SS panther @ https://www.worldwarphotos.info/gall...ank-in-france/ , ( actually Belgium June 1944)

Many thanks for this information, with the decals I have in the pack which would you apply to my tank

[papa 695]

Hi Jamie, did you copy a colour scheme from the instructions you get with the kit. Like the ones below.
[ATTACH]310245[/ATTACH][ATTACH]310246[/ATTACH]
If you did it should tell you which decals to use and where to put them. If not I would google the theatre of war you used and it should show you some tanks with the insignia used.

[Guest]

Hi Jamie, did you copy a colour scheme from the instructions you get with the kit. Like the ones below.
[ATTACH]310245[/ATTACH][ATTACH]310246[/ATTACH]
If you did it should tell you which decals to use and where to put them. If not I would google the theatre of war you used and it should show you some tanks with the insignia used.

Hi,

Unfortunately the kit I used didn't have instructions on colour scheme etc like the ones you have pictured or previous kits I've used, it simply has a small write up about german military colours and I went with post Feb 1943 which was dark yellow with camo options of dark brown and olive drab as you can see in my attached picture...

[papa 695]

Just type into Google Panzers Ausf A post 1943, and it should show some pictures of the Panzers of that era and you can use your decals accordingly.
Hope this helps Jamie.

[Gary MacKenzie]

Many thanks for your


Many thanks for this information, with the decals I have in the pack which would you apply to my tank

If it was me , i would use the division sign of ''2nd SS'' , the z on its side. ( allows you Normandy France after July 1944 as a setting )
I would then use only the German Cross , as many tanks by the later stages of the war no longer had the large red numbers on the side of the turret ( if you want nos , i would use the black only version) , or had them covered by spare tracks or any other stowage.

[Guest]

If it was me , i would use the division sign of ''2nd SS'' , the z on its side. ( allows you Normandy France after July 1944 as a setting )
I would then use only the German Cross , as many tanks by the later stages of the war no longer had the large red numbers on the side of the turret ( if you want nos , i would use the black only version) , or had them covered by spare tracks or any other stowage.

Thank you so much for your help. Really appreciate it...

[PaulTRose]

i did the same kit a few months ago and as i remember the instructions are a bit lacking....as ai remember i went online and found the instructions to another brands kit of a panther and used that for guidance

dont know if these sites are of any use

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Insignia_of_the_Wehrmacht

https://mistertretiakpresents.wordpress.com/2015/03/26/world-war-2-german-camouflage-and-tactical-markings-part-2/

http://tacticalwargamer.com/articles/history/germanvehiclemarkings.htm

[Guest]

I would then use only the German Cross , as many tanks by the later stages of the war no longer had the large red numbers on the side of the turret

I’ll add that on the Panther, the crosses often went on the very forward end of the hull sides, in front of the tool stowage even — so basically as far forward as you can get them where they still fit — or behind the front tools about level with the driver’s hatch. On the rear, you can put it in the middle of the left-hand stowage bin on the back of the hull, or in the middle between the bins (behind the tools stowed there).

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Jamie
Nice clean build and great finish on the camouflage pattern. For marking references, look at Google. You have a Panther Ausf A as Ian sort of says, but I think he got hit by the spellchecker....should be plenty of images there. If you can find them the newer Tamiya Panther A instructions may be available on line. I built that a couple of years ago and know it has pretty good colour references. Unfortunately I have now got rid of the instructions so can’t scan them for you.
Most importantly, have fun!
Cheers
Tim