Tamiya 35172 - 1:35 Panther G Grille Set

Tamiya photo-etched grille set for Panther Ausf.G kits (35170 and 35176) in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35172 is a photo-etched sheet designed for the Tamiya Panther Ausf.G kits in 1:35 scale — the early version (35170) and the late version (35176). The set covers the parts that always come out too heavy in plastic: two round grilles, four air intake meshes, a periscope guard and a sight.

The effect is most obvious on the engine deck, where open etched meshes reveal the space beneath the armour instead of a solid moulded surface. This is an upgrade accessory — the base kit is not included and is purchased separately.

What is in the box:

• Photo-etched sheet: two round grilles, four air intake meshes, periscope guard, sight
• Illustrated instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35172
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Intended for: Tamiya Panther Ausf.G — 35170 (Early) and 35176 (Late)
• Type: photo-etched parts
• Material: thin metal sheet
• Released: 1994
• Base kit sold separately, not included

Photo-etched parts – a thin metal sheet instead of moulded plastic

Photo-etched parts are made by etching a pattern into a thin metal sheet, so meshes and grilles have a thickness close to true scale — something injection moulding cannot achieve, as mould requirements force the detail to be much thicker. An open etched grille lets light through and shows the depth of the engine compartment.

A bending tool, or a metal ruler and fine tweezers, helps when folding the parts. Cut them from the sheet with a modelling knife on a hard surface and attach them with cyanoacrylate glue. Degreasing the surface and using a primer intended for metal is a good idea before painting.

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 the long 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 gun. After its 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 most numerous version. The hull was simplified, the driver hatch in the glacis was deleted and the hull sides were given a greater slope. The Maybach HL 230 engine needed efficient cooling, so the engine deck carried an extensive arrangement of air intakes and outlets protected by metal grilles — today the most rewarding place to use photo-etched parts.

Panthers fought on every European front, from Ukraine to the Ardennes. The KwK 42 could defeat most Allied tanks at normal combat ranges, and the well-sloped glacis offered effective protection.

Original vehicle specifications (Panther Ausf.G):

• Combat weight: approx. 45 t
• Length with gun: approx. 8.86 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.