SPA Modeler

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 09, 2025 6:35 am I'm finding some Zimmerit decal stickers are too short/small or not fit correctly even though I know I'm using the correct sticker.

I'm also finding out quickly small scissors work best than an Xacto knife.

At the end of the night I almost trashed the Panther kit because of the learning curve using Zimmerit stickers. Let's see how I do when I get back to it again.

Use what you can, don't sweat the rest. Once it is painted and detailed...not a bad look.

Looking back on this Panther V kit and delving a bit deeper regarding the Panther V that was involved in the tank battle of Cologne I've come to a stark realization.

The Tamiya Panther V is the A type. The Panther during the Tank Battle of Cologne is the.... wait for it.... the D type!!!

The Zimmerit sticker is for the G type.

No wonder I was getting frustrated. Time to rip off the stickers and run without them on. I'll build it OOB and purchase the correct Panther V type D alo g with the correct Zimmerit decal stickers at a later date.

Further research, now I'm reading it's possible the Panther was and A type or G type. Then again, so.e say it may have been a late type D Panther V.

Am I being too confused or being too anal figuring out the exact correct Panther V type? Any concrete help would be appreciated.

Hopefully, Carlos or any armor expert can chime in to rest my doubts.

The Köln Panther is an A, not a D or G. Here is a photo of the tank afterwards



The stepped edge of the rear hull (present on the D and A), along with the ball machine gun mount on the glacis plate (present on the A and G), along with vision port flap for the Driver on the glacis (present on the D and A) identify this Panther as an A.

Ok then.... I need to find Zimmerit for the A type Panther tank.

Just a side note regarding Zimmerit, what fits one kit may not fit another. In nearly all cases, AM zimmerit is scaled for a particular kit, and no two kits of the same subject match exactly in dimensions. So you will get best results searching for the stuff designed for your kit.

Well… I ruined the turrent trying to separate the bottom from the turrent body because for some reason the back plate would not line up to flush to the turrent backside. I tried using debonder even though I used liquid glue. No dice.

Sent in a request for replacement parts through Tamiya USA. Got a response within minutes in an email they will send them from their cannibalized parts section. I replied back with a thank you to let them know I appreciate reply back and the excellent customer support.

My replacement turrent parts arrived yesterday. Just haven't got a chance to order the correct Zimmerit decal stickers yet.

Placed my correct Zimmerit order at scalehobbyist last night and a few other things.

Cool! looking forward to seeing it progress Tom.