|
Tiger Model Designs are coming back in 2007 and to make an entry, they are releasing several sets to increase the IQ of your Dragon Smart Panther Ausf G. They are simple updates and, so far, replace kit parts directly.
In photo one, you see the package of the subject of this review. In a ©ZipLoc bag, backed with a card header, we find one part attached to a carrier sprue. It seems simple enough, and at first glance, it appears that TMD have only added weld beads.
In order to know the reason for this set, without having TMD's Smart Panther Tweaks CD, we need to dry fit Dragon's rear plate, photo 2, and then TMD's in photo 3. The red area shows that the rear turret hatch has been moved left. Once one knows about it, it makes a difference.
The resin was true and there was no need to dip it in hot water to regain the proper shape. The gray resin is a bit tougher than others so take the time with a saw and resist the urge to snap off the part. There was a very small percentage of shrinkage but no one will notice on mine as I used a thin bead of ©Apoxie Sculpt to attach it. This works well as both a filler and adhesive. At the suggested price, it doesn't break the bank and does improve the appearance of the rear turret. As such, it is recommended and I will be looking to see how many modelers fixed this issue.
As a reference, the TMD Panther Tweaks CD can't be beat as it lists all areas to be addressed and includes photos and measurements taken from Aberdeen Proving Grounds Ordnance Museum example.
My thanks to TMD for this advanced review sample.
UPDATE:
I checked the rear plate against my Dragon Panther Ausf. A Late which also suffers from the rear turret hatch being too far to the right. It fits perfectly!
|
