Panther Ausf. F Schmalturm w/ Rubber-Saving Steel Road Wheels
Takom 35003

Panther Ausf. F with Schmalturm Turret and Steel Road Wheels

Takom 35003 is a 1:35 scale model of the German Panther Ausf. F tank, featuring the distinctive narrow Schmalturm turret and steel road wheels designed to conserve rubber. This configuration represents a late-war design that never entered mass production. The kit belongs to the Super Blitz series, which combines simplified construction with a high level of detail.

The model is based on new parts developed from solutions previously used in the Panther Ausf. G kit. Key features include an aluminum gun barrel, link-and-length tracks, steel road wheels (*Gummisparende Laufrollen*), and highly detailed hull and turret components.

Kit features

• Super Blitz series.
• Narrow *Schmalturm* turret.
• Steel road wheels (*Gummisparende Laufrollen*) designed to reduce rubber consumption.
• Option to use standard or steel road wheels.
• Aluminum gun barrel.
• Segmented tracks.
• Engine and air filter components.
• Hatches can be assembled in the open or closed position.
• Optional commander's night-vision equipment (with rear stowage box) or periscope.
• Rangefinder ports can be modeled as open or closed.
• Various exhaust system options.
• Various rear stowage box options.
• Photo-etched parts.
• Decals.

Panther Ausf. F with *Schmalturm*

The Panther Ausf. F was intended to be the next stage in the development of the German Panther tank. The most distinctive feature of this version was the *Schmalturm* turret, which was significantly narrower than the turrets used on earlier Panther variants. Its design offered a superior ballistic profile and accommodated additional equipment, including a planned rangefinder.

The turret was designed for the 7.5 cm KwK 44/1 L/70 gun. The Ausf. F variant was also intended to utilize many proven components from the Panther Ausf. ...G, including the Maybach HL 230 P30 engine and the Maybach transmission.

Growing issues with rubber availability led to the development of steel road wheels known as *Gummisparende Laufrollen* (rubber-saving road wheels). Their design was intended to reduce the amount of rubber required for wheel production. This feature is one of the most distinctive elements of the configuration presented in the kit.

The Panther Ausf. F with the *Schmalturm* (narrow turret) did not enter full-scale production. By the end of the war, only a small number of hulls and turrets had been completed, existing at various stages of assembly. As a result, the model represents a proposed configuration of the late-model Panther, rather than a production vehicle used by frontline units.

Technical specifications of the proposed version

• Weight: approx. 45.5 t.
• Crew: 5.
• Main armament: 7.5 cm KwK 44/1 L/70 gun.
• Engine: Maybach HL 230 P30, 12-cylinder V12 gasoline engine.
• Engine power: approx. 700 hp.
• Schmalturm turret frontal armor: up to 120 mm.
• Road wheels: standard or steel *Gummisparende Laufrollen* (rubber-saving wheels).

Additional information

• Kit requires assembly and painting.
• Model supplied in parts.
• Glue, paints, and modeling tools are not included.
• Suitable for modelers interested in German armored vehicles from the final period of World War II.