I've just opened up Meng's new Pather Ausf A kit which I can say without doubt looks like an absolutely outstanding kit. The casting textures and weld seams are very realistic and the overall 'feel' of the kit is one of quality.

I love the fact that they do not use rubber band tracks but rather they include a set of individual link tracks which look very good too.

One major disappointment however was that in the kit, there are some very nice looking jerrycans, interestingly two Wehrmacht and two British ones...four in total...these are constructed in the same way that all jerrycans are...separate front and back with separate carrying handle and filler cap and PE 'weld seam' insert.BUT...only two filler caps, two jerrycan back halves, two PE weld seam inserts and two filler caps are provided. That just seems a bit miserly Meng!

The jerrycans were actually something I was specifically looking forward to in this kit...the British one looks great and has an inusual makers mark ("RTMP") on it, while the Wehrmacht one says "MIAG" and also looks top notch. Its a pity that you cant make all four in the kit...

sweetness

You could make the seam using the pe as a guide, but the filler caps would be a little harder to do. I have spares I can use.

I also got the kit, I have a soft spot for Panther A's.

Got it today. Could have done without individual teeth for individual links. So why did they go with the armor plate on frame assembly for the turret?

I was thinking of using the PE as a template for the seam but there's still the problem that the back half of two of the cans are not provided...I've compared size and shape with the Tamiya and AFV Club ones that I have spare and they are a bit different and scratchbuilding a whole jerrycan half is a bit beyond my ability!

What a waste of two very nice looking jerrycans in this kit!

Perhaps the famous captured British Panther Ausf. G named 'Cuckoo' is in the pipeline?

My guess would be that a full interior kit (with clear plastic parts) is soon to follow...

Oh, I hadn't noticed that. Bummer.

make some resin copies of the backs.

I've never tried doing anything like that but it's worth a try attempting!

How much of the back half of the jerry-can do you really need to replicate? If it is mounted against the armour then you will not be able to see the pressed indentations on the back side.
You will "only" need to make the shape of correct thickness, rounded off corners and the angled parts of the side:

http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/attachments/equipment-field-gear/47710d1248552026-british-jerry-can-1943-a-100_2642.jpg
Maybe you could start from the slightly differing shape of the Tamiya or AFV-Club jerrycans? Add a thin slice of styrene or maybe take some away.

The filler cap is another matter but maybe thoes can be taken from the Tamiya or AFV-Club set.
/ Robin

Thanks Robin...that's actually an excellent idea that I hadn't thought of.

I've got some spare filler caps and can make a generic piece of styrene with the correct outline, rounded edges etc... If the can is lying flat the missing detail won't be relevant.

Thank you so much for the good idea!