Minichamps - German Panther Ausf G Medium Tank - Normandy 1944

Scale - 1:35 - Model #350019000, Year - Feb. 2001
Model - Sd.Kfz.171 - Panzerkampfwagen V
Unit:  1 SS Panzer Division  
Campaign - Normandy 1944

Markings - tan, green and brown camouflage with No. R01 in red and white camouflage. With machine gun and various gear such as tow cables, track armor and tools on lower hull. 

Model - The Ausf G version (last, best and most produced) was introduced in the fall of 1943 with a number of improvements recommended by battle-experienced officers at the MAN factory. Over 2,950 were made between March 1944 and April 1945. The hull was modified, and armor protection was increased. Ausf G models included a ball mount in the raised glacis plate with a KZF 2 machine gun sight for the hull machine gun. Changes included suspensions, shock absorber locations, track sprocket, guard, adjustment, motor, fuel system, throttle linkage, brake & transmission,  ventilation, floor plates, radio racks, ammo dust covers, electrical equipment, turret drive, both driver and radioman hatch, periscope and seats, steering brakes, external stowage, transmission, rear deck, foot controls, steering gear, clutch linkage, final driven, steering and brake linkages, cooling water heater and thermostat and the tracks. The side sloped mudguard shape was also distinctive. In September 1944 a redesigned mantlet with a thicker lower 'chin' was fitted to Ausf G models to prevent deflections from the lower section of the turret. For ammo storage, the Ausf G had deeper sponsons for 24 rounds on each side of the turret (vs. 36 for the Ausf D and A models) but hull ammo storage was reduced to 27 rounds. 
History - Albert Speer noted about the Panther: "Since the Tiger had originally been designed to weigh fifty tons but as a result of Hitler's demands had gone up to fifty-seven tons, we decided to develop a new thirty-ton tank whose very name, Panther, was to signify greater agility. Though light in weight, its motor was to be the same as the Tiger's, which meant it could develop superior speed. But in the course of a year Hitler once again insisted on clapping so much armor on it, as well as larger guns, that it ultimately reached forty-eight tons, the original weight of the Tiger.^" 

Condition - new with minor wear on box.  

Thank you for your interest.