Panther-based Anti-aircraft Vehicle and Panzerkampfwagen VII Lowe

Diorama feature two plastic models built to a 1:35 scale. The first one is an anti-aircraft gun placed on the chassis of the Panther tank and assembled from a Hobby Boss kit.

The second model represents the VK 72.01(K) Löwe tank and was built from an Amusing Hobby kit.

The Plastic Models in the Diorama Have Been Enhanced

The plastic model of the Löwe tank was enriched with some tools and metal tracks and fenders. A rangefinder and the tip of the tank's barrel, which stems from a 128 mm gun, were also added to the model. The outlet hole at the tip of the barrel was reduced.

The rangefinder box and air-raid shields for the periscopes and radiators were made from scratch. Exhaust pipes and an antenna were also made from scratch.

A dedicated photoetched set by Voyager was added to the model of the anti-aircraft vehicle.

Something from the Modeler's Workshop

The bricks visible in the diorama were made of plaster. A red pigment was added to the plaster and mixed with water. The plaster pulp was poured into a silicone mold, which can be purchased in a store. After half an hour, the bricks were ready.

The walls of the building were made of Styrofoam, to which thin facings with a brick texture were glued. The tips of the walls were made of plastic angle brackets. The facings and angle brackets are available in modeling stores.

The roof of the building was made of corrugated cardboard.

Originals of the Models from the Diorama

In reality, the VK 72.01(K) Löwe tank was just a project that was never realized. If it had been produced, it would have weighed 90 tons and reached a speed of 35 km/h. It would have had 150 mm thick armor at the front and would have had an 88 mm gun, 71 calibers long.

The anti-aircraft vehicle shown in the diorama existed in real life and took part in World War II. The anti-aircraft guns were being mounted on renovated Panther chassis.

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_VII_LC3%B6we

23 Oct. 2024