Tamiya 35171 - 1:35 Panther G Separate Track

Tamiya individual track links for Panther Ausf.G kits (35170 and 35176) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35171 is a set of plastic individual track links intended for the Tamiya Panther Ausf.G kits in 1:35 scale — the early version (35170) and the late version (35176). The box contains 192 links, a complete set for both track runs of one model.

The links replace the rubber band tracks from the base kit and allow the natural sag of the upper track run over the road wheels to be reproduced. An important compatibility note: the set is intended only for the Panther Ausf.G kits (35170 and 35176) and does not fit the older Tamiya kit 35065 (Panther Ausf.A). The base kit is not included and is purchased separately.

What is in the box:

• 192 plastic individual track links — a complete set for one model
• Illustrated instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35171
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Intended for: Tamiya Panther Ausf.G — 35170 (Early) and 35176 (Late)
• Does not fit Tamiya 35065 (Panther Ausf.A)
• Type: individual track links
• Material: plastic
• Released: 1994
• Base kit sold separately, not included

Individual track links – natural track sag

Individual links reproduce the natural droop of the track over the road wheels, an effect a rubber band track cannot deliver. On the Panther, with its large interleaved road wheels, this sag is particularly visible and adds a great deal to the finished model.

Assembly takes patience. Cut the links carefully, clean up the sprue gate marks, glue them into shorter runs and shape the sag directly on the model while the cement is still workable.

About the vehicle – Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf.G:

The Panther was the German answer to the Soviet T-34 — sloped armour, wide tracks and a long 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 gun with very high muzzle velocity. After a difficult debut at Kursk in 1943 the design matured quickly and became one of the most effective medium tanks of the Second World War.

The Ausf.G, produced from March 1944, was the last version to enter mass production and also the most numerous. The hull was simplified, the troublesome driver hatch in the glacis was deleted in favour of a solid front plate, and the hull sides were given a greater slope. Further changes were introduced during production, so early and late vehicles differ in detail.

The Panther fought on every European front — from Ukraine through Normandy to the Ardennes and the defence of the Reich. The KwK 42 could defeat most Allied tanks at normal combat ranges and the well-sloped glacis offered effective protection, while an unreliable final drive and an overstressed suspension remained its weak points.

Original vehicle specifications (Panther Ausf.G):

• Combat weight: approx. 45 t
• Length with gun: approx. 8.86 m
• Hull length: approx. 6.87 m
• Width: approx. 3.27 m
• Height: approx. 2.99 m
• Crew: 5
• Main armament: 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 gun
• Secondary armament: two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine guns
• Engine: Maybach HL 230 P30, approx. 700 hp
• Top speed: approx. 46 km/h on road
• Range: approx. 200 km on road
• Armour: 80 mm glacis plate sloped at 55 degrees
• Ausf.G production: approx. 2,950 vehicles (1944–1945)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya is a Japanese manufacturer of models and modelling accessories based in Shizuoka, active since 1946 and producing plastic kits since the early 1960s. The 1:35 Military Miniature Series is one of the pillars of its catalogue. Alongside the kits themselves, Tamiya offers paints, cements, tools and upgrade accessories such as photo-etched parts, turned brass projectiles and individual track links. These accessories are designed around specific kits from the company catalogue, so the fit is predictable and the instructions are clear. Careful parts fit and well-prepared documentation remain the hallmarks of the brand.