Author Topic: Panther in Allied (Russian) service (Read 2300 times)

tom_aargau · « **on:** 26 January 2021, 05:17:58 PM »

Tamiya 1:48, inspired by the picture below...

frank xerox · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 January 2021, 06:08:14 PM »

The white star is interesting - for use in occupied germany maybe, between the end of WW2 and the start of the cold war?

carlos marighela · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 January 2021, 08:29:33 PM »

Quote from: frank xerox on 26 January 2021, 06:08:14 PM

The white star is interesting - for use in occupied germany maybe, between the end of WW2 and the start of the cold war?

No, used during the war. The original photo is from a group showing captured Panthers with the 8th Guards Tank Corps circa 1944. There are examples from other units showing red stars and even the original camouflage scheme but I suspect the white star stood out more which is a desirable quality when using a captured vehicle.

Very nice work on the Tamiya kit. They are lovely models to build.

Wyrmalla · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 January 2021, 08:34:14 PM »

One comment though - I assume it was personal choice to paint it all green, as opposed to just the turret?

Truscott Trotter · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 January 2021, 12:06:55 AM »

White star was used on lend lease as well as captured equipment

cuprum · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 January 2021, 01:43:47 AM »

On Soviet tanks, and in general on military equipment, stars were rarely depicted (except for aircraft). If such an image was applied, then it was the initiative of the tank crew themselves or some junior commander. Usually tactical numbers and the emblem of the military unit were applied. Slogans were also often written.
On captured military equipment, large identification marks were needed that were clearly visible from afar. For an understandable reason - so as not to be exposed to friendly fire. The red color will be poorly visible from afar on a dark background, but the white one is clearly visible.

Although these precautions were often neglected. Even German crosses were not painted over.

Etranger · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 January 2021, 06:24:04 AM »

Quote from: Wyrmalla on 26 January 2021, 08:34:14 PM

One comment though - I assume it was personal choice to paint it all green, as opposed to just the turret?

All the photos I've seen, as opposed to drawings, suggest an overall colour (green) on the Panthers used in this fashion. That said, the photos were from the same unit, so practice may well have varied.

FWIW the British repainted the famous Cuckoo too.

and whitewashed it for winter

cuprum · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 January 2021, 06:45:44 AM »

These are tanks from the "cat company" of Lieutenant Sotnikov.
If you look at this photo, then all the panthers clearly only have a green tank turret.