Home > Reviews > German > Voyager Model Update Set for DML Panther F and Panther II (PE 35144)

Panther Ausf. F / Panther II Detail Set

Voyager Model, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Jay Laverty

Catalogue Number and Description:	Voyager Model item no. PE35144 for Dragon 6382 / 6027 / 9008 Panther F / Panther II.
Contents and Media:	Photo-etched frets and multi-media accessories
Scale:	1/35
Price:	Available from specialist hobby retailers worldwide including Mission Models
Review Type:	FirstLook
Advantages:	Amazing detail; noticeable improvement on scale appearance of some kit parts; poseable and even workable details including hatches and pistol ports.
Disadvantages:
Recommendation:	Recommended to experienced modellers

Voyager Model Accessories are available online from Mission Models

FirstLook

Having recently examined a few Panther detail sets from this company, I knew what to expect when the package containing this set arrived on my doorstep. That expectation however, did nothing to diminish my enthusiasm when I had my first look inside.

I have been a fan of the professional approach Voyager take to their packaging, and there is no doubt that this contributes dramatically to the positive impression these sets immediately give.

Pushing the box out of the side of the packaging reveals 7 etched sets ranging in size from average to minute, and each of them sporting some fantastically realised details covering just about every possible aspect of the exterior of the tank. With details like the travel lock covered in multi-part infinite detail, and the fastening chains on the tie down sections of the vehicle, there is very little that has not been thought of with this set.

While Voyager are not going all that far beyond what the more established European etched producers are doing, what they are doing is adding a bit extra to the set, to increase its value. Granted there are a few details covered here that you probably wouldn’t see elsewhere (in particular the rear stowage bins are thoroughly done as are the convoy lights) the real bonus and advantage these sets enjoy is the addition of tow cables and metal tubing for the tool mounting brackets. Covering the basic elements one would expect to see (such as the grilles and fenders) in photo-etched, this is a complete set, and one that will no doubt cause more than a few hours of frustration and concentration demanding work, but will also provide a stunningly detailed rendition of either (Panther F or II) version of the famous Panther you wish to enhance with the aid of this set.

All in all a very useful set, and one that I would rate very highly, and therefore recommend equally as highly.

With the increasing permeation of multi-media elements into each progressive release, Voyager is proving to be not only an ambitious etched producer, but also that they will be increasingly relevant as the hobby and in particular the aftermarket side of it evolves.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Voyager Model for the samples

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images: