German Sd.Kfz. 179 Bergepanther Ausf. G – Late Version

The Bergepanzerwagen V (Sd.Kfz. 179) was a German, WW2 armoured recovery vehicle. Primarily based on the Panther’s tank with its omitted turret, the also known as Bergepanther was manufactured to resolve the problems of recovering deployed tanks. Previously deployed recovery half tracks, known as the Famo, were rarely able, and successful to recover heavy tanks such as the Panther or Tiger and ratify the strictly forbidden risk of using other tanks as recovery vehicles to avoid the loss of both tanks.

Featuring a square wooden box replacing its turret, the largely Panther tank’s structure was retrofitted with a 40 tons force winch in addition to a crane boom capable of hosting a 1.5 tons weight load. The Bergepanther was considered as quite reliable in recovering tanks, even one of the heaviest Tiger I tanks, under enemy fire thanks to its armour.

Manned by a crew of 3, the Bergepanther was armed with a hull ball mounted MG 34 machine gun.  More firepower was also fitted with both the 7.92 mm MG machine gun, and the 2 cm KwK 38 L/55 autocannon to support the right or left flank of the combat area.

Hobby Boss German Sd.Kfz. 179 Bergepanther Ausf. G – Late Version features:

• Highly detailed kit.
• Highly detailed lower hull with intricate details and weld lines.
• Complete lower hull interior with suspension and transmission systems, drivers station, and highly detailed winch assembly.
• Single individual track links.
• Highly detailed wood box with accurately reproduced wooden texture.
• 1 part, slide molded winch tarp cover.
• Highly detailed rear mounted recovery spade.
• Highly detailed hull ball MG and 2 cm autocannon.
• Clear parts for lower hull periscopes.
• Copper wire length to depict tow cable.
• Nylon thread length to depict winch cable.
• Metal chain length for crane boom.
• 2 PE frets, including side skirts.
• 2 marking options.