Monday, April 16, 2012 Some of you have asked for a painted Jagdpanther. Here are two photos of a painted one. The photos were taken January 16, 2005. The date explains why the photos were taken indoors - drizzling, slushy weather. The model is from Fujimi. Note - the back hatch can be opened. A few words about German camoflage paint - The original paint scheme from the factory was German tank gray (a dark blue-greay). This is what German tanks went to war with (Poland, France). However, this was highly inappropriate for north African conditions. Tanks delivered from the factory were thus painted a "sand" color instead. Paint for camoflage was in powder form, comprising the pigment and powder glue. All the crew needed do was add water. The more water added, the lighter the color, the less water, the darker the color. There were 3 available colors - red-brown, green and sand. Initially, all vehicles in a unit were to be painted in the same way. However, getting all tank crews to make identical camoflage work was not easy. It was soon discovered that permitting individual variations made for easier identification of vehicle and crew. As a result, crews had considerable freedom painting their vehicles. Source of this information - a German neighbor who had been in the German armed forces 1944-45. Vehicle statistics - This tank destroyer was developed on the chassis of the successful Panther tank in order to carry the 88 mm. PAK43/3 L/71 gun, also mounted in the Tiger II (King Tiger) tank. The Jagdpanther was first delivered to the German army in January 1944. Weight: 42 tons Armamanet: 88 mm. KwK L/71 gun, capable of penetrating the frontal armour of almost all tanks of the time at 3,500 meters. This included the Joseph Stalin 2 tank’s thick frontal armour at 2,300 meters. Ammunition storage: 60 rounds. Two 7.92 machine guns – one in hull front, other as anti-aircraft gun. Engine: Maybach HL 230 P30 V-12 generating 700 horse power. Speed: 45.7 km./hour on road, 24 km./hour cross country. Range: 160 km. road, 80 km. cross country. Crew: driver, radio operator, loader, gunner, commander. Only 382 Jagdpanthers were built. Based on the Panther tank’s chassis, manufacture was greatly simplified. It was extremely effective and is regarded as the finest tank destroyer designed during WWII. 1:72 scale model by Fujimi. Assembly and painting by me. Enjoy! Camera: Fuji A303 digital