Steves Panther A

[Steve Norris]

Christoffer
There is no room for a hex bolt as standard.
Regards
Steve

[Steve Norris]

As the Armortek Panther ausf A is based on Kevin Wheatcrofts Demag built example it really needs a hull mounted towing Pintle. This style of tow Pintle was only fitted to the 50 Demag built Panther ausf A,s and was then used on the Demag built Bergpanthers.

The tow Pintle is a complex shape and takes a bit of work to get the shape correct.

Forming the shape in 4 mm alloy took a bit of effort, it's not easy to get the fold angles correct in what is a quite tight joggle.

The main plate has numerous holes in it for the hull mounted access plates, these will be added when the tow Pintle is mounted on the hull.
The various brackets are all held in place by countersunk screws as adhesive would not give the required strength.

Regards
Steve

[yves mouton]

Hello Steve,

Nice job you done, i like it and will make the same
towing pintle, is it possible to give some dimensions of the part Steve?

I have also a picture of that in one of my books but it is not so good to see how it is made.

Best regards Yves

[Steve Norris]

Hi Yves
I took all the dimensions from "Panzer Tracts No 5-2. Panther Ausf A" and scaled up. Hopefully they won't be to far out.
Regards
Steve

[Tim Page]

That looks great Steve.

Hey, Yves, Those 50 Demag ausf.A were all early versions and i believe only had the letterbox MG port. Your tank has the Kugelblende mg which would not have been fitted to these Demags.

Tim

[yves mouton]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the info, so for my panther version is the towing pintle on
the engine hatch? I like it more under the engine plate like Steve version,
so i will make it like that. For me i dont have to be all correct on the details.
I make my own design of a panther A, but i thank you all for the good advice you
give to me, it is mutch appreciated.

Best regards Yves

[mark lawson]

Yves the answer to your question regarding the towing pintle is yes and no the Kugleblende was introduced December 1943 the towing pintle started to be introduced from March 1944 so there several months were Panther A still did not have this fitted, have you decided on a tank, unit, front SS/Heer you will build this will help break down what was fitted to your tank.

[Steve Norris]

Yves
Just for clarity, Demag produced 50 Panther Ausf A,s between September 1943 and January 1944 before moving over to Bergpanther production. All Demag produced Panthers had letter box mg ports and those produced between November and December 1943 had the lower hull mounted tow coupling.
Hope this is of help
Steve

[Steve Norris]

Belly hatches fitted and tow Pintle test fitted.

Weld seams to add next before I can paint the lower hull and get it the right way up

Regards
Steve

[Phil Woollard]

Beautiful work, I just love that tow hitch, I have got to have one as it's that kind of detail that really makes a build stand out

[Tim Page]

That's fine Phil, except that it wont stand out if they all look like Steves Panther.
Tim

[Phil Woollard]

Good point Tim, I do like each build to have that something a little different, I guess my own builds do have that "jen ne sais quoi" . We all add something different in our own interpretation of what we see! That's why I love this hobby

[Robert E Morey]

Hi Steve, Beautiful work on the Panther fantail. Excellent tow bar details! Your work is always exceptional and inspirational!
Best regards,
Bob

[Steve Norris]

Today I received a pair of Bob Morey,s fantastic idlers, many thanks to Bob for making these available to me.

Just paint to add

Regards
Steve

[Paul Wills]

I am lost for words with your builds now Steve, they are something else, and your attention to detail is quite amazing. It always surprises me what can be done without the aid of a lathe or milling machine. your first panther stood out and this one will make it look average

Paul.