This Tamiya 35345 is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit of the Panther Ausf.D. Length: 254mm, width: 101mm. The model captures the Ausf.D variant of the Panther with superb accuracy thanks to intensive examination of the final surviving original Ausf.D. Unrivalled precision thanks to depictions of surface texture such as cast metal mantlet and steel armor plating. Intuitive design offers uncomplicated assembly without sacrificing detail. Ausf.D-specific features such as turret-side smoke dischargers are faithfully captured. Features realistic belt-type tracks. Comes with 2 figures - 1 depicting a crewman behind the turret, and a torso figure of the commander inside the turret. The 3 marking options depict tanks from the Battle of Kursk.
Tamiya's 1/35 Military Miniature Series 35345 model kit depicts the German Panther, a WWII AFV developed by Germany to combat the mighty Russian T-34. Given the importance of stopping the T-34 as the Russians turned the tide in WWII, the Panther was a priority and this was emphasized by armoured warfare expert Heinz Guderian's role in the design process. The Panther packed a powerful L/70 7.5cm gun (rumoured to have taken out a T-34 at 3km) and combined it with excellent mobility and a 55km/h top speed. Just as importantly, it made great use of T-34-inspired sloped armour, up to 80mm in places. As things turned out, development of the Panther was rushed as the German situation worsened, and this led to severe reliability problems in engagements such as the Battle of Kursk in July 1943. Despite that, it proved offensively and defensively highly capable. The Ausf.D was the initial variant of the Panther; 842 were manufactured between January and September 1943.
The Ausf.D was the debut variant of the famed German WWII tank Panther. It offered a complete performance package, with firepower from the imposing L/70 7.5cm gun, excellent protection afforded by its sloped armour, and maneuverability thanks to a roaring 700hp gasoline engine. Around 840 Ausf.D Panthers were produced between January and September of 1943, and the first time it appeared on the battlefield was in the Battle of Kursk in July of that year. While it wasn't all smooth sailing, Panthers were still able to take out some 140 Soviet tanks from a range of 1,500 to 2,000 meters, all the while protected impeccably by their sloped plate. The Ausf.D was followed by improved Ausf.A and G variants, and while the Panther was unable to stop the tide from turning against Germany it nonetheless revolutionized German armoured vehicle design, and remained on the front line until the end of hostilities.