Kent`s Panther build

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 5:17 pm

Kent,

I like the way you are doing this project-very impressive!

I like that you are doing this in subassemblys "just like the real guys".

It is easy to tell that you get an immense sense of satisfaction from your work.

NICE!

Brian

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 10:00 pm

Superb work and also superb research.

Kent Wiik · Post by **Kent Wiik** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:54 am

Hi all!

And thanks for the kind comments.

Per//
David Byrden mention it on his Tiger 1 info site
http://tiger1.info/EN/EngineRearSupport.html

Strange that it is not mention in any Panther books but is quite evident in photos and drawings.
The 25mm have I also got confirmed from Saumur.

Please note how the cardan shaft comes out from the fire wall in an angle.

Not even in "The research squad" Panther project regarding the restoration of the Wheatcroft Panther is it mentioned.
Maybe in the #2 book as it will be about the engine.

One learn something new every day and that is nice

Cheers
Kent

Robert E Morey · Post by **Robert E Morey** » Sat Feb 06, 2010 5:10 am

Kent,
Great work on the tow hook rear plate. What a transformation. Your model will be a marvel when all these great mods come together on the hull. Loving every post...
Bob

Tim Bowman · Post by **Tim Bowman** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 1:14 am

Hi Kent

What a perfect looking engine access plate. Work of art.

Kind regards
Tim

Per Sonnervik · Post by **Per Sonnervik** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 11:54 am

Hi Kent,

Thanks for the info. I donÂ´t know where David got his info. (tried to look at his Maybach drawing but it was gone) but on my original T2 drawings the engine is off set by 20 mm, not 25 mm.

Not much of a difference but I would think it was the same on the Panther, using more or less the same type of engine. I havenÂ´t found good Panther drawings, perhaps Saumur could help us with that.

Cheers,
Per

Kent Wiik · Post by **Kent Wiik** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 1:16 pm

Hi all!

Owe you the final result of the rear engine hatch with all its towing details.

Made the tow bar from a 10mm diameter aluminium rod.
The handle I got from a very well used bbq grate

that had the needed 3,5mm diameter.
Wanted to go all metal but a plastic rod would have been easier.
The handle shall have a 20 degree outward bend and I attached it to the rod with a tiny screw.

Good ww2 photos of these items are hard to find.
But in every one of them the handle look as I made it even if preserved Panthers has a huge variation in their look.

Here is a (bad) photo but the chain length and the handle design can be seen.

Seen is also that at the ends of the chain a ring was attached.
Found a very in scale brass chain in one of my old (and never finished) Billing Boats kit

Here are some photos of one of Saumurâ€™s restored Panthers.
Please note that no zimmerit was applied to the engine hatch and that the nuts holding it was not castle nuts â€“ bad post war restoration!

Please note that the pin holding the tow bar in place is not a pin but a blade with a loop.
Made it a whole lot more difficult making the hole for itâ€¦

Well here is the final result:

The all metal use makes it quite easy to weather it slightly.
Just some gentle rubbing with a steel brush (a small and soft one!).

As always, thanks for looking!
Kent

Steve Norris · Post by **Steve Norris** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 4:41 pm

Kent,
Keep the build photos comming, they are always a great inspiration for me.
Regards
Steve

simon_manning · Post by **simon_manning** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 10:29 pm

just like the real part only 1/6th scale!,informative,generous sharing of knowledge,a pleasure to view, simon manning.

Tim Bowman · Post by **Tim Bowman** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:10 am

Add that one to the museum!

Outstanding work as usual my friend.

Kind regards
Tim

Sven Strobbe · Post by **Sven Strobbe** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 3:09 pm

Kent

You should better start restoring the real ones into their original state...
So when people look for a reference to the real deal they know they're right...

Regards

Sven

Dale jordan · Post by **Dale jordan** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:45 pm

Hi Kent ...Your workmanship is top class !!! that's good enough to be mounted on a timber base as a trophy along with you other parts . Kent how long now until we get to see the hull togerther with some of these parts dripping off it ??? Now that's going to be a great day ..Dale

Kent Wiik · Post by **Kent Wiik** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:04 pm

Hi everyone and thanks for you guys with your cheering respond!

Today something tiny but quite visible at the rear of the Panther, an item I have had in mind for a long time keeping my eyes for â€œgood to have materialâ€

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:17 pm

Hi Kent.
Very neatly done, shame about the robot

Cheers Paul

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:23 pm

Kent,

Isn't there a special place in hell for those who steal from childern

No, really, what a great job!

Like so many othere I am greatful for the education and the great work! I know is is said many times, but you are, like a few others, an inspiration and a mentor.

Thank you for shareing

Brian