Revell 1/35 03238 German SdKfz 179 Bergepanther

After the introduction of the PzKpfw V (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) "Panther" it was quickly realized that the previous recovery vehicles were not capable of recovering the heavy battle tanks from the battlefield. As an emergency measure a dozen "Panther's" from the current production line were quickly converted to recovery vehicles. To this end the turret bearing ring was covered with wood and a strengthened towing assembly and an auxiliary crane were mounted on the rear end. This combination proved to be so successful that by 1945 a total of 339 "Bergepanther" been built.