I used a couple of after market sets to help me on my way. The main one was a set of photo-etched from Aber (35 A24). For those who haven’t either used or heard of this brand, do yourself a favor and get some. I can’t speak highly enough at the quality of these sets. I would have no problems in rating Aber sets better than Eduard and Show Modeling. They have an ever-expanding range of full detail sets and accessory sets for all sorts of armor, both modern and WW 2.

These sets are available from NKR Models in Ballarat. Earl from NKR will be happy to help you with any inquiries and you won’t be disappointed with the services. The second set I used was the Panther G detail set from Verlinden (1266). In hindsight I could have done without the Verlinden set as I didn’t used that much of it.

I won’t go into a blow by blow description of what Aber stuff was used. Instead I will let the photos show the extent of etched stuff added. All weld seams and edges of the armor plates were detailed with a pyrogravure. For those who don’t know, a pyrogravure is like a variable heat soldering iron that can be used to melt plastic. The gun barrel was replaced with a turned aluminum one from Hot Barrels(No 08). This is a Russian company that does a range of barrels of very good quality at a very reasonable price. Most sets come with a resin mantlet and muzzle breaks as well. These items are also available from NKR Models.

I added resin vision blocks to the commanders’ cupola from the Verlinden set. The Aber set also includes vision blocks as well as details for the inside of the cupola. The gun cleaning rod canister on the side was replaced with the resin ones and detailed with the Aber latches. I rebuilt the jack block from balsa wood and detailed it with straps and handles from the Aber set. I replaced the Notek light with the resin one from the Verlinden set and used copper wire for the power lead. I used brass picture hanging wire to make the tow cables and the kit ends. The jack was replaced with the Verlinden resin one and detailed with parts from the Aber set and wire handles. The Aber set gives you nearly all the necessary components to completely re-build the jack but I haven’t been able to bring myself to go that far yet.

The spare tracks were detailed by drilling holes and adding trackpins from brass wire. Small bolts were added on the ends using a punch and die set. The rear stowage boxes were banged up a bit using a lino-cutting tool. Gouges were taken out of the plastic then sanded smooth. I have since purchased a motor tool and the same result can be created with that. The strengthening ribs were replaced with thin strips of lead foil and braces were added to the under sides of the bins with lead foil and bolts from the punch and die set. The exhausts were drilled out and wire was added across the openings of both the exhausts.

That about covers the main improvements to the model.