Takom has chosen the Panther Ausf. G for the first kit on the Super Blitz series
This is partial text from the full article (usually with photos) at https://armorama.com/news/takom-super-blitz-panther-ausf--g
This is partial text from the full article (usually with photos) at https://armorama.com/news/takom-super-blitz-panther-ausf--g
2 Likes
Boring… Dragon dumb kit wanna be.
2 Likes
True, but probably cheaper?
1 Like
Cool. I personally like these simple modern offerings. I don’t know about others, but I have different categories of builds I do. I do the extremely thorough projects; For example my SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 25 build, where I’m taking all the time and efforts to get the most detail out of the elements. I’m using Takom’s Panther A late w/ full interior for that, for example. It’s awesome, but taking forever for me to finish.
Then, I have “quick” builds where I’m just trying to use up some material or kit elements in a stash, or have an idea I want to get out asap. This blitz offering from Takom is perfect for that, in my opinion. I have a small Vistula Oder/ Küstrin-Oder bridgehead dio in mind that this would be perfect for. One that I’m more interested in experimenting with all the modern resin figs and dio accessories and just need a decent Panther G late/final to throw in. I think these work for things like that, and I’m at least glad they’re an option.
3 Likes
Where does current research stand on solid guide horn Panther tracks?
1 Like
We have to remember that 80 % of model builders aren’t like us. They don’t do research. They don’t plan out builds. They don’t plot months-long super detailed build slogs. They just go into a hobby shop, pick a kit that looks fun, and build it. If it takes more than 2 weeks, it’s got too many parts. I know guys that are strictly Tamiya builders. They won’t touch anything else. And they build out of box, strictly enjoyment. And that majority is who these Takom Super Blitz kits are aimed at. Average modeler, build it out of the box, one or two weeks tops, and bam! you’ve got your model done and it’s on to the next Takom Super Blitz Kit. They won’t notice or give a damn about solid guide horns.
7 Likes
@SSGToms wish we were more like you ! I guess its a good start for new modellers to the hobby not too over complicated?
2 Likes
That is so very true. I would put the number over 99%.
…
I like Takom and am open to this model. The renderings look nice. I’ve built a dozen Panthers and put a lot of effort into some of them. It looks pretty much correct without opening up books, checking for specific features, and measuring.
In my opinion, when catering to less experienced model builders, designing a model with good instructions, solid connections, and tight part tolerances is just as important as keeping the part count low.
- On a model with different variants, instructions should clearly show what optional parts belong to each variant.
- Instructions should always show exactly where to place each part, taking care to avoid ambiguity.
- Instructions should direct an assembly order that ensures success. Major elements should build up before attaching small parts that can break off.
- The model should include keys, pins, and mounting holes that make it very difficult to misplace a part.
- Major parts must fit to the highest tolerance possible so as not to leave obvious gaps. Major parts must be designed to remain true during cooling.
- Suspension elements must attach solidly, without play, with large mounting pegs, keyed to rest in the correct positions. They need to remain solidly in place when taking the weight of the model, fitting wheels, and fitting tracks. Make wobble wheel impossible.
- Link and length tracks must not include obvious kinks. Include some spare single links so that the builder can adjust shape to taste.
- Parts should be designed for easy clean up. Avoid difficult to clean seams and hard to fill ejector pin marks. Avoid heavy attachment points on small parts.
- Avoid very small parts entirely. Mold these features in place on a larger part.
- Minimize brass part usage. Brass engine screens are desirable.
- For a vehicle with an instrument panel, include decals for the instruments.
- For vehicles with license plate codes or turret numbers, include enough numbers for the builder to model any vehicle in the unit.
- Include placard decals when applicable for visible on vehicle tools.
- Design the entire model for ease of painting.
- Keep visible ejector pin marks to a minimum. Ejector pin marks on tracks are always visible. Shallow ejector pin marks are difficult to fill. Raised ejector pin marks are usually the easiest to remove.
- On a vehicle with a turret, the turret should fit securely to the hull so as not to easily fall off when the model is lifted.
- Injection mold good looking straps and tool clamps.
- On a vehicle with an elevating gun, the gun assembly needs to fit securely so that the gun does not droop on the completed model. This is especially important when including a metal barrel because they are heavy.
- Include easy to paint inserts for attachment beneath engine grates or anywhere else a viewer can see into the interior of the model.
- It would be great if periscopes could be added easily after painting. No one can see the lower half of a periscope on a buttoned up vehicle.
Good luck to the people at Takom. I would really like to see a good, easy build, Kursk Panther D.
3 Likes
Andy’s Hobby Headquarters now has a version of this Panther, under the Das Werk label, available for pre-order for $24.99 US. At that price, if everything fits well, this could become one of the best learning and practice models available.
3 Likes
Damraska post, means Don’t Design Dragon’s Way aka 3D-W to me.
I like Takom’s idea and will definitely add a SuperBlitz Panther G to the stash. It will be #32 & #33 or #33 & 34, not that I’m counting.
Why build a Panther company if you can have a regiment?
The kit is cheap enough, I’d feel comfortable experimenting on it with weather & paint techniques unlike say a ~$70 Dragon Panther G.
Jack up a SuperBlitz Panther G, keep the good parts and trash the kit since it cost less than a phat Jimmy’s John sandwich…
The temptation of preorder goodness is strong at Andyshhq.com
2 Likes
However… you can manufacture the same track with open guide horns and be more accurate with the same part counts. If 99% don’t care, then just copy the out of scale Tamiya A and call it good. If low parts count is the goal then Tamiya is the clear winner. To Maintain your accuracy and reduce the parts count puts you in the Tamiya market but places you at the top of the market. We, the manufacturers, have the ability with today’s mold ability can produce accurate low part kits. There can be crisp parts that are accurate. not to do so is just taking short cuts to save some money.
2 Likes
@Armor_Buff I predict you will purchase the model out of curiosity 
, decide it is not for you 
, and pass it on 
.
The M7A3 and M10 are also on my want list. 
Those ones are probably keepers.
@Topsmith It would be awesome if the people at Takom could pull that off using a slide mold or whatever.
2 Likes
According to Andy’s HHQ video the model takes ~3 hours to build and ~2 hours to paint.
Even a shake & bake Tamiya new school 2020’s KV-1 takes me ~20 hours to build & paint so very interested in building a Das Takom Panther G SuperBlitz.
Anyone think we should have a 2025 SuperBlitz Panther G group build campaign?
3 Likes
Very funny.