Panzer Measurements (1 Viewer)

[katana]

The first photo shows measuring instruments on top of a superb scale engineering drawing of a Panther G in 1/32 scale by Hilary Doyle.

The second photo shows the the cover of Germanys Panther Tank by T. L. Jentz. Published by Schiffer Military History 1995. The Hilary Doyle scale drawings are from this excellent book.

The third photo shows a measurement of the height of the Figarti Panther G.

The fourth photo shows a group of figures in increasing size from left to right. The first figure is 60mm tall above the base. The third figure from the left is the figure that came with the Figarti Panther G. The fourth figure from the left is by TCS and is 68 mm tall above the base.

The measurement of models is important in determining the scale. I wish manufacturers would produce their products to a true 1/30 scale; but alas they do not. The Figarti Panther G is a case in point. The box claims it is 1/30 scale; measurement proves it is 1/29 scale. Too large for 60 mm figures and too small for 68 mm figures.

Measurement of models can be complicated by the amount of misinformation on the dimensions of the actual vehicle. Accurate data sources are essential. Hilary Doyle actually measured the Panzers in museums to assure accuracy; rather than depend upon historical information often in error. I always try to find at least three sources that are in agreement to validate any data.

Calculating scale is simple. Divide the actual length, width or height of the Panzer by the models length, width or height in mm or inches. The result is the scale.. Example, the width of a Panther G is 129". The width of a Figarti Panther G is 4.375". 129/4.375=29.4 or 1/29 scale. A true 1/30 scale Panther can also be derived by the same equation i.e. 129/30=4.3. The correct width for a 1/30 scale Panther G is 4.3 inches.

I have read posts that have said scale is unimportant in Toy Soldiers. I can agree with that statement as long as you are not trying to produce a realistic scene or diorama; where relative sizes between vehicles, buildings and figures is essential. I have read posts where it has been said that the height of the Panzer is not relevant to calculating scale. I would agree if you are using 2 dimensional models; but the Toy soldier model are 3 dimensional and Panzer height is very important in determining the compatibility of the figures used in a scene or diorama. The validity of this can easily be proven by determining which figure standing next to the Figarti Panther G looks most realistic.

 

[Hunter Rose]

Katana,

Why do you continue to post this picture of the 1/30 Figarti Panther next to figures that are not even close to it in scale or proportionally correct for humans (with the exception of the Honour Bound figure)?

Why not post some pics of it with actual 1/30 figures?

You honestly believe this Figarti Panther is too big for 1/30 scale figures that are proportionally correct for human beings?

 

[katana]

I consider the W. Britains Fallschirmjager as proportional as the First Legion figures. I use the range of figures to show why accurate size is important; especially given the range of figure sizes that are claimed to be 60 mm.

The Figarti Panther G is 1/29 as I have demonstrated many times. Panther G actual width 129". Figarti Panther G width 4.375. 129/4.375=1/29.4. The Honor Bound Panther A width is 4.25". 129/4.24=30.3.. The Honor Bound Panther is the gold standard for comparison IMO.

Great photos and the First Legion figures look good. I have said before that both the Honor Bound and Figarti Panthers are excellent models; but both can be improved. I would expect when First Legion does one it will probably excel the Honor Bound and Figarti Panthers in accuracy and quality. The resin techniques they use for their Panzer models is more accurate than polystone. Just as polystyrene injection molding is more accurate than resin IMO.

Do you have the T. L. Jentz book with the scale drawings by Hilary Doyle? High quality scale engineering drawings are very good for verifying dimensions and visualizing proportional relationships.

 

[Hunter Rose]

We live in two different worlds, as my Panther width measures:

Actual - 3270
Model - 109
Scale - 1/30

But we've done this before. We'll agree to disagree.

Cheers.

 

[katana]

We live in two different worlds, as my Panther width measures:

Actual - 3270
Model - 109
Scale - 1/30

But we've done this before. We'll agree to disagree.

Cheers.

I disagree with your comment. I think we are both correct.

We agree with the actual width data of 3276 mm and are within 2mm of the 2 models measurements, for the width of the Figarti Panther G. I do not think we are dealing with measurement error; as width measurement is straight forward compared with length and the locations for the measurement.


I think we may be measuring the product from two different molds. My Panther is number 21 of 200. Rick Wang once said that they could only obtain 100 models from a tool on average. 200 models 2 tools. The products from 2 differnt tools are going to have a dimensional varience.

What production number is your model?

Another source of varience between polystone models is the percentage and type of fill material used. My model is very light compared with my Honor Bound model; indicating less fill material.
I believe the amount and type of fill material can effect the shrinkage of polyurathane resin.

How much does your model weigh?

A similar problem happend with the Honor Bound Gold Tiger molds. Some Gold Tigers had the Turret overhanging the deck hatches; some did not. I pointed the problem out in a post and many people said I was wrong; their Gold Tiger I did not have this problem. Some found that their model did exhibit the hatch overhang problem. Frank (Gebhard) measured his Gold Tiger which had the problem and attributed it to an oversize turret. The problem was caused by a significant error in dimensions between 2 different polystone molds. Having to change tooling half way through a production run can cause serious problems; especially with soft tooling.

Slange Val