In this new video series, we want to show you and introduce you to several originals in detail, one after the other, because there is nothing better than references for model builders.
Today we show you interior and exterior views of the Bergepanther G!
As always, we start with some basic facts about the vehicle and then become more specific about the museum vehicle.
The armored recovery vehicle "Panther" or Sd. vehicle 179 in 1943, i.e. exactly in the year when the Panther came to the front, which is actually also logical if you consider the development and the importance of salvaging and transporting it from the direct battlefield, a tank that is not salvaged is usually irretrievably completely lost . So the need to provide the troops with a suitable means was absolutely necessary
Initially built relatively simply on vehicles of the Ausf. D, initially only the tower was removed and only equipped with rudimentary accessories, the Bergepanther developed into a true specialist, with supporting mountain support / earth spike, winch, auxiliary crane.
A total of 4 companies were responsible for the development, construction and equipment of the Bergepanthers, such as MAN, DEMAG, Seifert and Henschel.
The crew consisted of 3 men, the tank weighed 43t, approx. 339 pieces were built by all versions.
Unfortunately, unfortunately I didn't pay attention to the hull during the inspection, which shows a continuous side wall and thus outed the Panther as a G, I let the 2cm KwK 30 tempt me to make an A out of the G version, this faux pas I beg your pardon.
Now we come to the G version of the tank museum in Saumur, the Panther recovery tank in the Ausf.G has the serial number 157687 and was produced in November 1944. In 1972 the tank was recovered at Satory and taken to the museum under construction. Unfortunately, the unit in which our tank served is not known. What makes our Bergepanther so special is the 2cm KwK 30 that was mounted for self-defense.
The winch has been removed and is located a few meters outside the vehicle, which is lucky for us as we have the opportunity to take a close look at all the innards. Unfortunately, an engine is no longer installed, and in general the condition is not the best, as the vehicle stood outdoors from 1945 to 1972 and was exposed to wind and weather.
We are pleased that the tank museum in Saumur made this shoot possible for us, especially for these unusual insights.
If you would like to see this vehicle (and of course many others) in the original (because no video or photo can replace a personal impression), you should plan a visit to Saumur:
Museum website: https://www.museedesblindes.fr/
Address: 1043 route de Fontevraud, 49400 Saumur, France
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