Vespid Models 720029S - 1:72 Panther KF51 German Main Battle Tank - Deluxe Edition

1:72 scale plastic model kit of the German Panther KF51 main battle tank (Deluxe Edition)

Vespid Models 720029S is an assembly kit reproducing the Panther KF51 – a next-generation German main battle tank developed by Rheinmetall and first shown publicly at Eurosatory 2022. The KF51 is intended as a successor to the Leopard 2 family and is distinguished by its 130 mm smoothbore gun and modern active-protection and observation systems.

This is the enhanced Deluxe Edition, combining precise plastic parts with multimedia components. Despite the small 1:72 scale, the model offers a high level of detail thanks to its turned metal barrel, photo-etched parts and 3D-printed parts. The hallmark of this edition is an adhesive masking sheet that makes it easier to reproduce the distinctive digital camouflage.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts and clear parts
• Turned metal gun barrel
• Photo-etched parts
• 3D-printed resin parts
• Link-and-length tracks
• Adhesive masks for the digital camouflage (Deluxe version)
• Decal sheet for 3 paint schemes
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 720029S
• Manufacturer: Vespid Models
• Skill level: intermediate/advanced (small multimedia parts in a small scale)

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Despite the small scale the model is detailed and calls for care with the delicate photo-etched and 3D-printed parts. We recommend cyanoacrylate glue for these, and modelling tweezers for precise work. The turned metal barrel gives a sharp, even profile with no seam lines. To reproduce the digital camouflage it is worth using the supplied adhesive masks and an airbrush; contemporary military vehicle colours in shades of green, grey and brown will help during painting. A matt varnish, typical of military camouflage, is recommended as the final coat.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement and cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched and 3D-printed parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Airbrush and modelling paints
• A wash to bring out the details

About the vehicle – Panther KF51:

The Panther KF51 is a modern main battle tank demonstrator developed by Rheinmetall and shown at Eurosatory 2022. The design uses the chassis of the Leopard 2 and is ultimately intended as an offering for current operators of that family. Its main novelty is the 130 mm smoothbore gun, offering greater firepower potential than the current 120 mm guns.

The KF51 features modern protection systems, including top-attack protection and smoke-grenade launchers, as well as advanced observation and fire-control systems. It is conceived to operate within a networked battlefield, in cooperation with unmanned platforms. As the KF51 remains a demonstrator, no real unit markings exist – the paint schemes in the kit are based on the manufacturer's presentations.

Original vehicle specifications (Panther KF51):

• Main armament: 130 mm smoothbore gun (Rheinmetall)
• Secondary armament: coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun
• Optional: 7.62 mm remote weapon station on the turret roof
• Crew: 3 (with provision for a fourth operator)
• Protection systems: top-attack protection, smoke-grenade launchers
• Chassis: based on the Leopard 2
• Combat weight: declared below 60 tonnes
• First shown: Eurosatory 2022

About the manufacturer – Vespid Models:

Vespid Models is a model brand specialising in military vehicles in 1:72 and 1:35 scales. The company has earned a reputation for highly detailed kits in which multimedia components – turned metal barrels, photo-etched parts and 3D-printed parts – are standard. Vespid models are aimed at modellers who value precise execution and rich content even in small scales.