Ryefield Model Panther Ausf.F German Medium Tank 1:35 – build review

Kit Ref: 5045

Feature Article with Colin Izatt

The subject

The Panther F was an attempt to simplify production, reduce strategic material usage and improve survivability.

The hull and running gear was essentially that of an Ausf G. The turret was a new design which reduced frontal area and eliminated any shot-trap under the mantlet. Steel wheels with internal rubber cushioning were designed for the tank thus reducing the amount of rubber needed. If you would like more in-depth information, I can recommend the reference sources I used listed below:

• Panzer Tracts No.5-4 Panzerkampfwagen Panther II & Panther Ausfuerung F by Thomas L. Jentz & Hilary Louis Doyle.
• Germany’s Panther Tank The Quest for Combat Supremacy also by Jentz & Doyle.

  Tank Encyclopaedia entry
• Wikipedia entry


The kit…



Scalemates kit history entry.

Sprue shots here.


Accessories used…

Friul ATL-08 tracks.

0.25mm Pultruded carbon rod for the antennas.



The build…