The Panzerkampfwagen V (abbreviated PzKpfw V), also referred as the Sd.Kfz. 171, was better known as the Panther. TankCraft 34, Panther Medium Tank, German Army and Waffen-SS Normandy Campaign, Summer 1943, although the fifth book on the Panther in the TankCraft series, introduces the famed tank with its combat debut in Operation Citadel in July 1943. The Panther tank was developed to counter the Russian T-34 and KV series tanks encountered during the invasion of Russia in 1941.

The Table of Contents (see accompanying photo) lays out the book in a logical manner with a truncated introduction of the Panther, then its combat baptism of fire during the Battle of Kursk, Panther units, camouflage and markings, and in a trend in this series, the Model Showcase and Products (pp27-48) break up the book before delving back into technical details and modifications, unit tables of organization and an extensive bibliography.

Thanks to DragonUSA for supplying the resin/PE set for review and IPMSUSA staff for handling the request and publishing this review. Special thanks to Dave Morrissette who forwarded this kit to me after I and everyone else refused to review it in 2014. I said it would take me a while to get to it, but better late than never! Apologies to DragonUSA for the delay. YD98 is still available!

Brengun is very well known for their wide range of photoetch and resin sets for aircraft. They also produce 1/72nd and 1/144th scale model kits.

This photoetch set for the Roden Gotha G. IV and G.V includes replacement parts for the yoke, guns, instrument panel, and radiator. Additional parts include propeller details, bomb racks, skids and gun swivel ring. I was building the G.V and I was surprised to see that the bomb racks and skids for behind the landing gear were not used.

The photoetch bends well on the fold lines and is not too thick to look out of scale. Painting is tricky on the mesh fins mounted near the rear gunner as the holes will plug easily.

This set definitely improves the finished build. The radiators and guns give the most contribution to the build as most other pieces are on the bottom or in hard to see areas.