Panther Partial Interior

The Tank Workshop

Catalogue No. 2038
Scale 1-35
Cost 26.00 USD
Availability New release
Rating
Media Resin
Reviewed by John Gray
Review Type In box/bag
Date Aug 19, 1999

There has some discussion on the internet as to exactly what you get in a "partial interior", so appropriately Tank Workshop includes their own description on a sheet included in the box:

"The partial interiors being released by the Tank Workshop are just that, part of an existing interior we have done in the past.  The are for the modeller who needs some interior (eye candy) for competition.  Just enough interior and then some to avoid point loss when a judge peers inside.  They are mainly to dress up any open hatch with some semblance of an interior rather than an open hole.  We are using the regular interior instructions meant for our full interior.  By following these you will notice fewer parts in areas not noticeable through an open hatch or door.  The areas without interior equipment, floors, hull sides etc. should be done in a dark colour to allow for the furnished, visible parts, to stand out and show interior depth beyond the visible parts."


I would guess that, while the instructions refer to the Tamiya gun breach, the parts could easily be adapted to either of Italeri's Panthers as well.

So what do you get?  
In the lower hull (after a quick glance at the parts) you get a section of floor that appears to be that under the forward/driver's compartment.  The instructions ask you to cut styrene tube to use for torsion bars.  End caps are provided for these.  Transmission and final drive parts, as well forward crew seats, driver's controls, radio, storage bins, side wall details, etc are supplied, as these are all visible through the driver/co-driver hatches.  Ammo bags (co-driver's side sponson) are not supplied, but these are easy to add from the Academy Tiger I, if you have it.

For under the engine deck, the air intake and fan assemblies are supplied for each side, a nice treat esp when dueling with judges/competitors with tiny flashlights!!

The turret receives the balance of the parts, including what appears to be everything from the full interior set from TWS.  The only exceptions may be (I haven't looked too closely yet) the roof ventilator and interior light(s) assembly.  All periscopes however, ARE included, for both the cupola as well as the other hull and turret locations.  The enitre turret basket (including a beautiful turret floor), gun breach, crew seats, water bottles, gas masks, etc are also included.
You'll want to leave all possible hatches open on this beastie, to let as much light in as possible, esp into the turret.  If you follow TWS' lead and paint the rest of the (undetailed) interior black, it should eliminate a viewer's eyes being drawn to areas you don't want them!

Overall, again after just a quick look inside the box, it appears that this is a set offering good value, as I figure about at least 70% of the full interior parts are provided here.  Another winner from TWS!!






Review by John Gray, © Aug 19, 1999
Last updated May 20, 2000
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