You need to do a bit more research as to what the Takom kit represents and the Panzer Tracts book is probably the most up to date research.
This Bergepanther Ausf.D (Umbau) that the kit represents was built by Seibert between July 1944 and March 1945 using rebuilt hulls. Note that the nomenclature "Bergepanther Ausf.D" is not the same as "Panther Ausf.D"; it was a specific Bergepanther designation and the re-built hulls could possibly be from any Panther (D, A,or even G I suppose). Having said that, the kit includes the letterbox MG opening and it looks like the second periscope in front of the radio operator so it is a D or possibly an early A hull.
The application of zimmerit typically occurred between November 1943 and September 1944. Ausf D hulls/Panthers were produced until September '43 and Ausf As until Aug '44.
Therefore, there are a number of options:
1) If it's a D hull, it did not have zimmerit applied when originally built, however if it was re-built as a Bergepanther prior to October 1944, Seibert may have applied zimmerit to it (or not). Re-built Ds by Seibert after September 1944 would not have had it.
2) If it's an A hull, chances are it had zimmerit when it was originally built as a Panther.
3) And as noted, there is always the possibility of a field applied application.
The first picture that Frenchy posted is definitely of this Bergepanther D (Umbau), since it has both the tow bar and lifting hoist brackets. It is difficult to say from this view if it is a D or an A hull, but the zimmerit definitely looks factory applied.
The second picture appears to be a standard Bergepanther Ausf A (not a Bergepanther D Umbau) that's missing its superstructure, as it carries the mount for the 20mm KwK on the glacis and also appears to have the winch rollers mounted on the back plate. Not all Ausf.As carried a winch and spade.
Jon
