Fortifications often prove costly to attack, and difficult to destroy. None more so perhaps than the Pantherturm!
From 1943, Panther turrets were mounted in fixed fortifications; some were normal production models, but most were made specifically for the task, with additional roof armour to withstand artillery fire. Two types of turret emplacements were developed; the Pantherturm III – Betonsockel — on a concrete base, and the Pantherturm I – Stahluntersatz — on a steel base.
These turrets were built into a larger structure in which they could house ammunition and crew quarters. A total of 182 of these were installed in the fortifications of the Atlantic Wall and Siegfried Line (Westwall), 48 in the Gothic Line and Hitler Line, 36 on the Eastern Front, and two for training and experimentation, for a total of 268 installations by March 1945.
With barely any part other than the turret itself showing above ground, a well camouflaged position could dominate a vast swathe of ground, or vital approaches to towns or other objectives, and would prove extremely costly to approach.
In Bolt Action
Our new Pantherturm perfectly represents the development of the quickly manufactured defences, and the adaptation of materials used by the German forces during the later half of WWII. Well placed, this piece of equipment could severely restrict your opponent's movements and afford you more control over where you want the action to take place!
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