Rehtna P. Jagdschwebenpanzer

Check out the Build Log.

Like the Rezna P.II, I wanted to take a single kit and kit-bash a panzer hovertank out of it. In this case, I used Dragon’s Jagdpanther late smart kit. I started with the outside, adding shield generators (from sliced road wheels), dust flaps (from front mud guards), and a large thruster (from a sanded drive sprocket). I bashed an engine together from various parts including 2 drive housings.

The interior features a command chair (made from various clamps and the jack). The main cannon remained fairly similar to the kit pieces, except I added an ammo container and ammo made from tow cable ends. I added an opening door to the side, and I even kit-bashed a rifle for the driver.

The underneath features several road wheels.  On the lower sides, I used the torsion bars from the kit, which I sanded and angled to act as stabilizers/static dischargers. The kit vents became hover vents at the rear. I added a tow cable to the front. And I even used bits of the sprues for the pipes around the thruster, and the left, underside bar.

I painted it in an unusual camo scheme with light grey streaks over a grey/green base. I then masked several green/brown rectangles. I added several decals, and then I started chipping with Vallejo paints. The torsion bars/static dischargers were chipped using the hairspray method.

I then added washes, streaks, and pigments to complete the look. I finally built a base and a name plaque, which I painted/weathered much like the tank.

All in all, I only used 1 piece of transparent styrene, 2 copper wires, and a few decals, which were not in the kit.

This panzer hovertank or Jagdschwebenpanzer “hunting hovertank” is known as the Rehtna P. (“panther” spelled backwards). It features a large forward-mounted cannon that fires large hollow-tipped rounds. The rounds receive their warheads as they enter the chamber, and are armed automatically as they leave the muzzle.

Shield generators were added to the right side of the tank to offset the cannon’s weight. A single large thruster provides the speed, while several vents and 6 anti-grav resonators keep the vehicle off the ground. Two steering pads help with turning. Finally, two forward mounted thrusters can be fired to bring the vehicle to an immediate stop.

A single person drives the tank, fires the main gun, and controls the smaller machine gun. Another person can fit in the cabin, and can act as a radio operator if need be. A small medical pack and fire extinguisher are provided in case of emergencies.

The vehicle features 8 static discharge veins that pull static buildup away from the main vehicle. If anyone touches these rods before the tank makes ground contact, the veins will discharge, electrocuting the individual. Some pilots will fly low, using these veins to kill enemy troops that get too close.

Two hatches and a sensor array adorn the roof of the panzer hovertank. The sensors are very basic and provide telemetry and terrain mapping for the pilot. Additional targeting sensors are located above and adjacent to the main cannon, which calculate range and speed of potential targets.