The main joy of the Open Day is to meet people, both old friends and new contacts. Kian, Monique and the gang always put on a good venue (and refreshments !) for that. But this time my main focus was on the new Panther G, aka., for me, Cuckoo. And it didn't disappoint ........
I spent most of my time talking to Steve Norris about it, as he's kindly agreed to build it for me. I hope he won't mind me saying that he was very impressed by it, and is looking forward to tackling one. Comparing it the Panther A next to it, and earlier iterations of the Panther, there's clearly been a step-change in design, and all to the good. I'm not as clued up on the historical details as I should be, but the following improvements were noted (amongst probably many others):
- much improved running gear, especially the road wheels, idlers and suspension. This will be enhanced on Cuckoo as she didn't have the bazooka plates fitted;
general design improvements = better angles, more authentic access plates, better barrel design;
the etched brass grills on the engine deck are now reset, and look superb;
lots of nice tools and accessories, especially the working barrel lock;
the rear bins are now steel rather than cast aluminium, so have an opening top hatch and storage room inside (somewhere to put the on / off switch ?);
nicer cupola design, with clear resin vision ports and an m/g rail.
REALLY looking forward to this one - the Panther is iconic, isn't it ? And it's going to look so good in green SCC15 with big white stars .....
Best wishes,
Chris
