The gallon of glue and bucket of paint arrived, so I guess I'm ready to start this build. If you haven't watched Jim's video yet, grab some popcorn and take a look to find out what's in the box:
Panda 1:16 38(t) E/F
To preface, this is a pre-production kit, so a few things may have been corrected in the actual retail release. One thing I do know is the instructions have been amended, as mine has duplicate steps with other steps missing, and some part callouts are incorrect. Neither should affect this build as the parts are large enough to know where they go and the instruction drawings are clear enough.
I'd also like to thank Glen Coleman from Panda, and Jim from Kitmaker Network for allowing me to have this massive kit in my hands (and on my bench!).
Going through the contents initially I quickly found some interesting high and low points:
Detail and molding look very, very good at first glance. Seam lines are nonexistent on the track contact points of the sprockets and idlers, as well as the roadwheel tires...no removing that pesky seam on the sprocket teeth! Screw, rivet and bolt details look excellent, with most screw heads pointing in different directions. Sprue connection points are, for the most part, located in good areas. Optional parts are included depending on what version you decide to build.
As far as the low points that immediately caught my eye:
Rivets are missing on the left side of the turret, and there are no casting numbers on the track links. Also, the amount of track links is a bit sparse, by my calculations I'll have 4 links left over after the two runs are complete for spares. Enough for the rear right fender, not enough for the front or glacis mountings if that was desired.
I did assemble a few track links, and even without the casting numbers they are fantastic...and workable!
And a size comparison to 1:35 scale
One other note, as far as I can tell this only allows the raised muffler as seen on some E's and all F's, the lower exhaust option isn't available.
Enough of that, build proper to start soon. Comments, and corrections to any of my mistakes, are always welcome! Thanks for looking
