Just Plane Stuff

Kit Number

1/35 Pantherturm

Reviewed By Jack Bruno, #25313

During the two weeks of my holiday vacation, my old model buddy, Dave Schemel of the IPMS/Bong chapter and owner of Just Plane Stuff (JPS), contacted me.  Dave's products, as you may already know, are some of the best resin display bases that are made to exhibit models in their natural environment.  Be it a modern era Navy jet fighter, Pacific Marsden mat, E.T.O. hardstands, W.W. II carrier decks or a W.W. I crate, JPS has a resin base for you.  They come in a variety of scales.  So, again, there I was, minding my own business watching Dawson's Creek when JPS calls and asks me to review and build up his latest creation: A 1/35 Pantherturm kit with base!  I was floored to be sure and the kitty cat grin did not go away until the mailman dropped it off at the house. 

The box was just great, a Market Day skinless chicken breast box turned inside out.  But hey, it worked.  The contents include a resin base with the groundwork and Pantherturm mount already in place, a CMK Panther barrel set which has muzzle brake, aluminum barrel and mantlet, one resin lifting lug bracket for the turm base mount, two sizes of brass wire for lifting hooks and handles and one absolutely beautiful solid resin Panther turret. 

I must say that I am excited about this kit and have already built and painted it.  I had no problem with any of the kit parts whatsoever.  The turret was flawless and no cleanup was needed at all.  This Panther turret differs from a ‘Production A’ turret by having a thicker roof and layout, no pistol ports, and a new commanders’ hatch.  However, Panther A/D/G turrets were also used.  A little care must be taken when making the lifting hooks and handles for the turret.  Having the right tools will help.  Better yet, having a spare Panther turret (TAMIYA, DRAGON) would be heaven. 

In less than one hour I had the whole kit finished with minimal effort.  The resin steel turret mount is beautifully cast with some great looking weld seams.  Dry brushing this area will really enhance the look. 

The base itself includes groundwork with tree parts and rocks of various sizes.  As always, you must wash resin products in soapy water first to remove any oily residue.  JPS has changed a few things on their products the last year or so and this new release includes one of those changes.  The base includes a resin wooden frame making an additional display base, wooden or ceramic, unnecessary.  A simple wood tone paint with sludge wash of your choosing and there you go.  (See the pictures.)

On a side note, according to the JPS instructions, this is a Pantherturm I, of which 142 were built.  Facing the Western Front Allies were 119 with another 18 placed in Italy.  The remaining 6 were sent to the east.  These could be placed in the ground, which this kit is based, or at street level in city fighting. 

Right now as I write this, I'm waiting for the Future to dry on my Pantherturm and then I'll be in the hooch doing a couple of oil washes and dry brushing.  My finished kit will also include some German supplies and camouflaged netting lying about made by Dragon, Tamiya and Verlinden.  I'm looking for a figure too. 

When using any JPS product, you are the Artist, create! A retail price is yet to be determined.  This is an outstanding effort by Just Plane Stuff and I urge any W.W. II armor modeler to look this over.  It will be a fantastic addition to you collection and will draw more than a little notice at a show.  The quality is just what I am used to from this company, first rate!  I am further delighted to see JPS branch out into this field.  Highly recommended. 

Furthermore, in case you were wondering, Dave assures me that although he is very interested in doing more armor related products, he has absolutely no plans to discontinue the aircraft side of the business.  Thanks Dave for not only the opportunity to do this kit, but for your continued support of our hobby with your enthusiasm and zeal. 

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