To MikeyD

[Earl Grey]

Don´t know if you do requests, but I´d like to have the Panthers redrawn, if possible. And I will not point out there are numerous faults with the Panthers in CM(BB&AK), like a Panther D late that never actually existed...

[rune]

The Panzer V Auf D2 didn't exist? Those sneaky Germans with their production numbers of 250 Ds and 600 D2s, making up those numbers. [insert smiley here]

Panzerkampfwagen V Panther Ausf D(D1), along with Panzerjäger Tiger(P) Ferdinand (Sd.Kfz.184) and other new armored fighting vehicles, made their debut with Panzer Abteilungen 51 and 52 (96 tanks each) along with Panzer Regiment Stab 39 (8 tanks each) as part of Heeresgruppe Sued (Army Group South) in July 1943 during Operation Citadel in the Kursk salient. Because of technical problems (especially with the gearbox, transmission and suspension, and engine fires) that were not fully solved until later, many Panthers broke down before and during the battle.

"...they (Panthers) burnt too easily, the fuel and oil systems were insufficiently protected, and the crews were lost due to lack of training." - Heinz Guderian.

From the original 250 Panthers, only 43 were in service by August 10, 1943. These were later converted to Panzerbefehlswagen (Sd.Kfz.267). The next 600 Ausf D (also called Ausf D2) were powered by a more powerful 700hp HL 230 P 30 engine, which became the standard power plant for all later models of the Panther. They also featured a cast commander's cupola instead of the early drum-type cupola, and armor skirts, which were standard on later Ausf D Panthers and all later models. Ausf D also equipped 23rd and 26th Independent Panzer Regiment as well as Panzer Regiment of Das Reich and Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Panzer Divisions. In general, from December 1942 to September 1943, some 850 were produced by MAN, Daimler-Benz, MNH and Henschel.

Rune

[Earl Grey]

Actually, I know that, but thanks. Apart from that I didn´t refer to version D1 and D2. From my knowledge there NEVER existed a D version with cast cupola - that has to be an early A. It is very probable that the remainig D´s were refitted to be early A´s. But then, there is no difference between a so-called ´late D´ and an early A, is there?

I have done extensive research on the topic and would like to know what sources you have your information from. I don´t claim to be a specialist, but it seems to me from what I´ve read that most researchers were mistaken regarding ´late D´s.´ And, apart from that, is the early D in CM supposed to be a D1?

[MikeyD]

Ah So many still to do!

I had been using snowy Boston weather as my excuse for sitting home modding PzIIIs and PzIVs all winter. With summer here I'm starting to run out of excuses - maybe I'll be able to use the excuse 'too darned hot'. I haven't touched a plastic kit in years - which means my original CMBO purchase has payed for itself many MANY time over.

A from-scratch Panther mod? I have a mental list under three headings of mods to do:

1: 'Ugh, this texture REALLY needs help!'

2: 'I feel obliged to do this one for the guys'

3: 'This looks fun to play with in my spare time'

I'd put Panther under column 3.

I'd put Sherman under column 2.

In column 1? Maybe Allied halftracks.

I might stay under columns 2 for awhile (more PzIIIs/IVs left), but someday i'll want to bust out and do one just for fun - and Panther's definitely on column 3.

[Earl Grey]

Just wanted to ask. AndrewTF is doing a fine job with the Tigers, maybe I can convince him of tkaing on the Panthers next. it´s just that I noticed a few faults withe the stock textures - though the camo patterns look really cool! If I could, I´d do it myself, but right now I´m not even able to camo your yellow base textures... If I ever could visit one of you modders and learn how it is done... *dream*

[Elmar Bijlsma]

The Panthers are fine. The ones that Lucky Strike did (and someone else converted to CMAK, sorry whoever you are) are more then pleasing and I hate to have to chose between them and anything MikeyD comes up with.

The Sherman mods are the ones I like to see most. While the HTs are pretty bland too, both the UK & US Shermans see more action and the Sherms, with a few exceptions, are dissapointing.

[Earl Grey]

That´s a point. I must confess I´m using Lucky Strike´s right now (and they´re not bad at all!), but I somehow think new base textures (and then Lucky´s camo patterns applied) would look indeed still better...

[patboy]

Originally posted by Elmar Bijlsma:

The Panthers are fine. The ones that Lucky Strike did (and someone else converted to CMAK, sorry whoever you are).

That's JorgeMC did conversion from Lucky's(CMBO)Panthers.

Cheers

Pat

PS : I did one Panther conversion from Gosciniak (CMBO) 5th SS-Wiking marking for CMBB. This mod is available at www.cmmods.com CMAK section.(I posted by mistake)

[rune]

Earl,

To be honest, I don't remember,it has been a few years, but I assume so. If I can steal Steve away from what he is workin on, I will ask.

Rune

[Splinty]

I would say take a good look at Gurras' Panthers, they're really sharp.