Contents

This set represents the drum cupola produced in June 1943 and onward. It includes cupola, cupola bottom ring, hatch and its operation assembly, AA MG ring and vision blocks which are in clear resin. It requires some clean up work but should not be difficult for modellers that have only little experience with resin kits.

Casting

This update set is made in light grey resin. Usually, Tiger Model Designs products are in excellent quality, no bubbles, crisp casting, etc. The sample I have is, unfortunately, one of the exceptions. It has some "extra" resin in the cupola and flash on the inner side of the hatch. As the hatch is identical to the one form DML kit, replace it with kit's origin can solve some problem. The handle wheel needs some clean up work too. Other parts are in pretty good shape though.

Instruction Sheet

The instruction sheet is printed in black (text) and blue( parts) colours. It contains three sections: vision blocks; bottom ring and hatch operation assembly; and azimuth indicator turret ring drive box. All drawings show the components in their places except one indicating the relationship of the location between cupola and azimuth indicator turret ring drive box.

Comparing with References

Compare the set with pictures in the references I have, all details seem to be presented in the set. The diameter of the cupola matches a scale drawing in Panzer Tracts No.5-1 by Thomas L. Jentz and Hillary L. Doyle.

Assembly

To put all of the parts together is pretty straight forward. The cupola is a dead match to DML's Panther D turret. Put in the cupola from the top of turret and then the bottom ring from the inside of turret. Place the vision blocks in place and now 80% of the work is done. The only thing that will be tricky is the azimuth indicator turret ring drive box and drive rod connecting to the cupola. Cut a section of styrene rod at proper length and dry fit it with the drive box several times to find out the proper location. It will be tricky but should not be difficult to put the rod in place.

Conclusion

With a little bit clean work, for which one star was lost, this cupola set can improve the look of your model without the need of a complete interior set.

Reference

1. Panzer Tracts No.5-1, Panzerkampfwagen "Panther" Ausfuehrung D, Thomas L. Jentz and Hillary L. Doyle
2. Der Panzerkampfwagen