Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer

German Army and Waffen-SS, Western Europe, 1944–1945

Dennis Oliver

• Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN:
  9781526710895
• eBook ISBN:
  9781526710918
• Topic: Storia
• Subtopic: Storia militare e marittima

"First class illustration and a very effective text overview . . . covers the development, on the Panther chassis, of a very effective tank destroyer."— Firetrench
 
Combining the destructive firepower of the 88mm gun with the outstanding mobility of the Panther series, the Jagdpanther is quite probably the best-known tank destroyer of the Second World War. In the vehicle's first action on 30 July 1944, three Jagdpanthers managed to destroy eleven British tanks in a vicious two-minute fire fight near the village of Les Loges in Normandy, cementing the Jagdpanther's reputation as a potent tank killer.
 
In his fifth book in the TankCraft series, Dennis Oliver uses contemporary photographs and meticulously researched, superbly presented color and monochrome illustrations to tell the story of these heavy self-propelled antitank guns and the units which operated them in the German defense of the Western Front. As with all the books in the TankCraft series, a large part of this work showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of expertly constructed and painted models. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also explained giving the modeler all the information and knowledge required.
 
"Really interesting concept to combine historical, technical and modeling content in one book. Nicely illustrated . . . As a first Jagdpanther book for modelers seeking an economical source on models, accessories and paint schemes, this is valuable… Highly Recommended for Beginner to Intermediate builders."— AMPS

With its sleek lines and formidable reputation the Jagdpanther has been a favourite subject with modellers since at least the late 1960s when Tamiya released their 1/35 scale replica of this powerful tank destroyer. As impressive as this model was for its day, it was soon followed by a 1/25 scale motorised version which caused something of a sensation at the time and is still capable of fetching high prices among collectors today.

The early 1970s saw a resurgence of interest in the smaller scales, perhaps in some part due to the economic downturn, and versions of the Jagdpanther in both 1/72 and 1/76 scale were released by a number of companies which have since closed their doors including Matchbox, Nichimo, Midori and Italian manufacturer ECSI. The detailed 1/72 scale kit produced by the latter was also marketed, with little change, by Hasegawa, Polistil, Revell, Aurora and Italeri. At around this time, Bandai released their 1/48 scale kit which, although long out of production, is still popular today. It was not until 1988 that Tamiya faced any competition to its 1/35 scale model when Japanese manufacturer Gunze Sangyo released a highly detailed kit which was later the basis for DragonModel’s first Jagdpanther. Until this time, Tamiya had enjoyed a virtual monopoly of the 1/35 scale market and the company responded by retooling some of their older products. In 2003, Tamiya began releasing a series of models in 1/48 scale, which had been largely neglected since Bandai had ceased trading, and this line has been extremely successful for the company, combining the potential for a high level of detail without the expense of the bigger kits. At the time of writing, models of the Jagdpanther are currently produced in a number of scales from tiny 6mm wargames miniatures to the large, radio-controlled 1/16 and 1/25 scale versions. Due largely to the limitations of space, however, I have chosen to concentrate here on the most popular modelling scales of 1/35, 1/48 and 1/72.

I should stress that the information presented on the following pages is far from definitive as many companies regularly withdraw products from their catalogues, often only to repackage and re-release them at some later date, and I would encourage readers to undertake their own research into the areas that interest them most. An index of manufacturers, together with suggestions for further reading, can be found on page 64 of this book. Note that although not strictly correct, I have used the terms early and late production, following the manufacturer’s description.

TAMIYA INCORPORATED

Tamiya Inc. began life as a sawmill and timber supply company which also produced wooden ship and aeroplane models as a sideline. In time, these models proved so popular that the company eventually devoted itself to model making and in 1959 began working in plastic, releasing Tamiya’s first model kit in 1961.

By the early 1970s, Tamiya was producing a large range of detailed armoured vehicles, together with a series of complementary figures and accessories, and was almost solely responsible for the rise in popularity of 1/35 scale, taking their lead from Airfix which had pioneered the concept of a constant scale. For their day the kits were highly detailed and accurate, but relatively easy to assemble and affordable. Tamiya’s near monopoly of the 1/35 scale market remained unchallenged until the release of the first Dragon kits in 1987.

Tamiya’s 1/48 scale Jagdpanther finished with the Eduard Model Accessories photo-etched brass detail set.

Tamiya’s 1/16 scale late model Jagdpanther, built straight from the box. At far right: The box art for Tamiya’s 1/25 scale Jagdpanther. Originally released in 1967 this kit was re-tooled in the early 1970s. Although no longer a part of Tamiya’s catalogue, it was re-released in 2010 and examples can still be found. Below: Parts from Tamiya’s 1/35 scale late production Jagdpanther. First released in the late 1960s, this kit received a major overhaul in 1996.

At the time of writing Tamiya produces 1/16 scale replicas of the Jagdpanther, in both static and motorised versions, early and late production variants in 1/35 scale and a late production 1/48 scale model. Although the 1/25 scale offerings are no longer included in the company’s catalogue they are still listed as available from a number of major retailers and have in any case been re-released by other manufactures as will be explained later. In addition, the company produces a number of accessories su...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Contents
• Copyright
• Introduction
• The Western Front 1944-1945
• The Jagdpanther in Service
• Camouflage & Markings
• Model Showcase
• Modelling Products
• Technical Details and Modifications
• Product Contact Details