The Battle of Kursk Collection Panther D Tank Model (3 Viewers)

[tmanthegreat]

Showing some pics of my vignette display with First Legion’s new Panther D tank model from the Battle of Kursk collection. The scene with the Panther having knocked out the Soviet T-70 is kind of a “David vs. Goliath” scenario, only this time Goliath won… All tanks and figures are First Legion products.



My opinion on the new Panther D tank model is mixed… Paint and weathering are excellent; the markings are decals that could be sealed/blended in better, and then there’s the working tracks.

I ultimately wound up getting two of these models (one from a dealer and then from the manufacturer). On my first model from the dealer, the tank’s drive sprocket cogs were misaligned on both sides of the model, so the tracks didn’t roll well on either side. This wasn’t a case of the wheels and axels being stiff, but a case of the tracks system not aligning and working correctly because the sprockets that pushed them along weren’t aligned correctly. There were also too many links on the tracks of this model, meaning they sat loosely and didn’t roll correctly.

My second model purchased from the manufacturer had a correctly aligned drive sprocket on the left side making the tracks roll smoothly. However, the right side sprocket was misaligned and did not roll correctly. The tracks overall had a better and more accurate fit. (The 2nd model is pictured in my post here).

The misaligned sprockets would be a tough QC issue to spot on the factory floor without a close inspection. There’s no way a dealer could be aware of it. The fact I got two different models from two different sources and both had similar issues leads me to believe that the misaligned drive sprockets and the varying lengths of track are likely widespread. One collector could get a tank that rolls perfectly while another collector does not.

If FL continues with the working tracks feature on future tank models, hopefully they can ensure better overall quality. For what it’s worth, I’d personally rather see a return to the fixed tracks.

 

[BrianW]

Showing some pics of my vignette display with First Legion’s new Panther D tank model from the Battle of Kursk collection. The scene with the Panther having knocked out the Soviet T-70 is kind of a “David vs. Goliath” scenario, only this time Goliath won… All tanks and figures are First Legion products.

View attachment 368819View attachment 368820View attachment 368821View attachment 368822View attachment 368823View attachment 368824View attachment 368825View attachment 368826View attachment 368827View attachment 368828

My opinion on the new Panther D tank model is mixed… Paint and weathering are excellent; the markings are decals that could be sealed/blended in better, and then there’s the working tracks.

I ultimately wound up getting two of these models (one from a dealer and then from the manufacturer). On my first model from the dealer, the tank’s drive sprocket cogs were misaligned on both sides of the model, so the tracks didn’t roll well on either side. This wasn’t a case of the wheels and axels being stiff, but a case of the tracks system not aligning and working correctly because the sprockets that pushed them along weren’t aligned correctly. There were also too many links on the tracks of this model, meaning they sat loosely and didn’t roll correctly.

My second model purchased from the manufacturer had a correctly aligned drive sprocket on the left side making the tracks roll smoothly. However, the right side sprocket was misaligned and did not roll correctly. The tracks overall had a better and more accurate fit. (The 2nd model is pictured in my post here).

The misaligned sprockets would be a tough QC issue to spot on the factory floor without a close inspection. There’s no way a dealer could be aware of it. The fact I got two different models from two different sources and both had similar issues leads me to believe that the misaligned drive sprockets and the varying lengths of track are likely widespread. One collector could get a tank that rolls perfectly while another collector does not.

If FL continues with the working tracks feature on future tank models, hopefully they can ensure better overall quality. For what it’s worth, I’d personally rather see a return to the fixed tracks.

Excellent diorama and photos as always Tristan thanks for the buttssment of the model too, both could help inform collectors buying decisions.

 

[BrianW]

Excellent diorama and photos as always Tristan thanks for the buttssment of the model too, both could help inform collectors buying decisions.

It would seem my use of the word a$$essment isn't permitted

 

[Panzer ace]

Smart Car vs. SVU via WW2!

 

[amund]

Tristan,

Were you able to fix the sprocket issues you mentioned? If so, how did you realign the tracks?

 

[mestell]

As always Tristan, an outstanding display.
Mike

 

[tmanthegreat]

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone! Much appreciated

Tristan,

Were you able to fix the sprocket issues you mentioned? If so, how did you realign the tracks?

Amund, I was not able to fix the sprockets, or at least not yet. The issue comes down to how they were assembled at the factory. Tank drive sprockets are basically two single cog wheels put together and the cogs on each side have to be lined up in order to fit into the holes on the individual track links to move the tracks when the sprocket turns. It’s clear the drive sprockets on the FL Panther were two parts glued (or perhaps screwed) together and that whoever was doing that at the factory wasn’t ensuring correct alignment. It’s a shame as this is supposed to be a premium model and should be near perfect out of the box.

 

[amund]

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone! Much appreciated



Amund, I was not able to fix the sprockets, or at least not yet. The issue comes down to how they were assembled at the factory. Tank drive sprockets are basically two single cog wheels put together and the cogs on each side have to be lined up in order to fit into the holes on the individual track links to move the tracks when the sprocket turns. It’s clear the drive sprockets on the FL Panther were two parts glued (or perhaps screwed) together and that whoever was doing that at the factory wasn’t ensuring correct alignment. It’s a shame as this is supposed to be a premium model and should be near perfect out of the box.

Thank you for the information, Tristan. It is a shame considering the cost of the model. I wonder if First Legion will recall their remaining models in inventory and reimburse both dealers and collectors their money for releasing a faulty product due to a lack of quality control.

 

[Mastercom10]

Thank you for the information, Tristan. It is a shame considering the cost of the model. I wonder if First Legion will recall their remaining models in inventory and reimburse both dealers and collectors their money for releasing a faulty product due to a lack of quality control.

Yes, I agree, FL should do something about this factory defect.

 

[Sahara]

Thank you for posting this Tristan. I was on the fence about this one. Personally I dont really care about the mobility of the model. I prefer fixed tracks since it would sit in a diorama. I was trying to justify the cost but what attracted me to the model was the more subdued paint job that is shown in the 2 posted videos on the FL site. Looking at your photos it appears the model is a bit more vibrant then I thought. Maybe its just the lighting. Still deciding on this one.

 

[Mastercom10]

Showing some pics of my vignette display with First Legion’s new Panther D tank model from the Battle of Kursk collection. The scene with the Panther having knocked out the Soviet T-70 is kind of a “David vs. Goliath” scenario, only this time Goliath won… All tanks and figures are First Legion products.

View attachment 368819View attachment 368820View attachment 368821View attachment 368822View attachment 368823View attachment 368824View attachment 368825View attachment 368826View attachment 368827View attachment 368828

My opinion on the new Panther D tank model is mixed… Paint and weathering are excellent; the markings are decals that could be sealed/blended in better, and then there’s the working tracks.

I ultimately wound up getting two of these models (one from a dealer and then from the manufacturer). On my first model from the dealer, the tank’s drive sprocket cogs were misaligned on both sides of the model, so the tracks didn’t roll well on either side. This wasn’t a case of the wheels and axels being stiff, but a case of the tracks system not aligning and working correctly because the sprockets that pushed them along weren’t aligned correctly. There were also too many links on the tracks of this model, meaning they sat loosely and didn’t roll correctly.

My second model purchased from the manufacturer had a correctly aligned drive sprocket on the left side making the tracks roll smoothly. However, the right side sprocket was misaligned and did not roll correctly. The tracks overall had a better and more accurate fit. (The 2nd model is pictured in my post here).

The misaligned sprockets would be a tough QC issue to spot on the factory floor without a close inspection. There’s no way a dealer could be aware of it. The fact I got two different models from two different sources and both had similar issues leads me to believe that the misaligned drive sprockets and the varying lengths of track are likely widespread. One collector could get a tank that rolls perfectly while another collector does not.

If FL continues with the working tracks feature on future tank models, hopefully they can ensure better overall quality. For what it’s worth, I’d personally rather see a return to the fixed tracks.

Tmanthegreat, another very nice diorama.
Regarding this Panther, I was waiting to read some reviews before buying it because I already have the very nice JJD model.
And now I don't know what to do.
Indeed, the paintwork and weathering are well done, but the issue in the alignment of the drive sprockets and tracks makes me hesitate, especially at this price.
In your photos, it is very clear that the teeth of the drive sprockets do not fit into the tracks.
I'm going to give myself some time to think ....

 

[Hunter Rose]

Thanks for the pictures T-Man, you just sold another First Legion Panther to me.

As a Panther fanatic/rivet counter, the one thing that made me hesitate in ordering this one was the roadwheels looked "off" to me based on the video and pictures on FL's website. Those pictures/video showed the model with the outer metal lip of the roadwheels painted black, so it made them look like the rubber tire portion of the roadwheels was too big. But the actual model has the roadwheel's painted correctly (see picture below) so no issue.

My only other nitpick is the machinegun barrel sticking out of the gun mantlet. That is pinging my rivet counting OCD hard, but it can be fixed very easily by just snapping it off, sawing it shorter and gluing it flush.

Other than that it looks like all the details are accurate. I like the early style stowage box on the center of the right hull side. Nice paint job and weathering as usual from First Legion.

I personally have zero use for working tracks, and prefer fixed tracks on a model if Matt reads this for feedback.

 

[tmanthegreat]

Thank you for posting this Tristan. I was on the fence about this one. Personally I dont really care about the mobility of the model. I prefer fixed tracks since it would sit in a diorama. I was trying to justify the cost but what attracted me to the model was the more subdued paint job that is shown in the 2 posted videos on the FL site. Looking at your photos it appears the model is a bit more vibrant then I thought. Maybe its just the lighting. Still deciding on this one.

Sahara, while the Panther’s colors are more subdued in person, they are brighter than I expected and as seen in the videos. Another issue I noticed on the model is that the decals weren’t fully sealed and in the right lighting, you can see the outline and shine of the decal. It’s almost as though there was a final wash and dull coating that wasn’t applied to fully blend those in. Other FL models have this process done correctly.

Thanks for the pictures T-Man, you just sold another First Legion Panther to me.

As a Panther fanatic/rivet counter, the one thing that made me hesitate in ordering this one was the roadwheels looked "off" to me based on the video and pictures on FL's website. Those pictures/video showed the model with the outer metal lip of the roadwheels painted black, so it made them look like the rubber tire portion of the roadwheels was too big. But the actual model has the roadwheel's painted correctly (see picture below) so no issue.

My only other nitpick is the machinegun barrel sticking out of the gun mantlet. That is pinging my rivet counting OCD hard, but it can be fixed very easily by just snapping it off, sawing it shorter and gluing it flush.

Other than that it looks like all the details are accurate. I like the early style stowage box on the center of the right hull side. Nice paint job and weathering as usual from First Legion.

I personally have zero use for working tracks, and prefer fixed tracks on a model if Matt reads this for feedback.


View attachment 368836

Steve, that’s good to know they got the small details like the wheel rim colors correct! And I’m in your boat when it comes to preferring fixed tracks over movable ones. War Park has always included moving tracks on their tanks, but I never roll them across the tabletop and they always sit still in a diorama, so movable tracks, while neat, aren’t a necessary feature…

 

[Hunter Rose]

And I’m in your boat when it comes to preferring fixed tracks over movable ones. War Park has always included moving tracks on their tanks, but I never roll them across the tabletop and they always sit still in a diorama, so movable tracks, while neat, aren’t a necessary feature…

The one use I personally have for working tracks is they can give you a more accurate look if you are displaying the tank moving over an obstacle or uneven ground. Then some wheels will be appropriately higher than others.

But like you and Sahara, I view these as static display models, and I've found it's a pain to have to make sure the roadwheels are correctly aligned inside the track teeth every time I pick up and set down my War Park models. I've also had two idler wheels break loose and need to be re-glued on different models when I was rolling the tank to get the tracks to sit properly after moving them. So there is some wear and tear involved on the model.