Panther D/A/G Brass Detail Set

Manufacturer: ExtraTECH (Kit No. EXV 72 006)

This set is composed of 34 parts, which include:

• star antenna
• AA machinegun
• tow hooks
• handles, hand holds and lift rings
• smoke grenade launcher mounts
• periscope covers
• spare track racks for the Ausf. A turret

I find this set only about half useful. As I have mentioned in other reviews, I prefer to use wire for handles and lift rings, because they are more three-dimensional than etched brass. But for small handles, brass works OK. I like the periscope covers and spare track racks a lot, and the smoke grenade launcher mounts are excellent. Add a couple of small pieces of plastic tube, and you'll have excellent launchers. The machine gun is unusual. The detail on the gun breech is excellent, but I fear that the barrel will look too square. What I will do with mine is replace the barrel portion of the gun with plastic or brass rod, but unfortunately, I will then lose the nice perforation detail on the etched parts. Perhaps it would be possible to use the entire brass guns, and use putty to round the top and bottom of the barrel...

Although not nearly as extensive as the Eduard sets, it only costs a fraction of the Eduard price. Unless price is a big concern, I would recommend the Eduard sets because they include engine deck screens, which I think are almost a necessity for etched brass sets. However, the star antenna is unique to this set, so if you want a command version of the Panther, this one is useful. It is designed for the Revell kits, but considering the generic nature of the details, it would also be suitable for the ESCI Panther A.

Thank you to ExtraTECH for providing this set for review.