Modelling the Early Panzerkampfwagen IV

Review by Terry Ashley

As with previous modelling titles this book starts with a brief introduction and rundown on some of the materials and techniques used in building the models including some useful notes on soldering etched parts.

The book covers the construction of four models divided into categories of Intermediate, Advanced and Master but as all models use additional resin, etched and scratch plastic parts to different degrees some modelling experience in these mediums would be beneficial.

Each article has many colour photos of the models during construction showing clearly the inclusion of the aftermarket detail sets as well as many scratch built items in what is basically a step by step visual guide to the building process with photo captions explaining what is happening in the photos as well as detailed text describing the complete building and painting process.

The painting of the finished models follows the same formula with progress pics showing the basic painting of the camouflage schemes with the use of masks where applicable to the weathering process through to the final model as well as the building of scenic vignette bases to better show of the models.

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. F, 5.Panzer-Division, Russia 1942 Skill Level: Intermediate Bask kit: Tamiya Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. H (35209) Resin conversion kit: MIG Productions PzIV F1 MP 35-125 Tracks: Modelkasten SK-18 Pz.III/IV Middle model Type A Etched-metal detail: Aber 35008 Panzer IV Ausf. F1, F2 Accessories: Tamiya Panzer IV On Vehicle Equipment; Modelkasten A-4 Wing Nut and A-5 Stopper; Hamilton Model Works' No. 1010 Black Chain (40 links/in.) Notes: Many step by step photos of the resin parts being added to the base kit plus extra detailing with detailed text and progress painting photos as well as shots of the finished model. This will provide invaluable reference to anyone using the MIG Productions set as well as the other sets used for detailing other kits other than the model shown here.

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. C, 6.Panzer-Division, France 1940 Skill level: Advanced Basic kit: Tamiya Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind kit No. 35233 and Tamiya Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. D kit No. 35096 Tracks: Modelkasten SK-57 Pz.IV (early) 38cm Etched-metal detail: Aber 35007 Panzer IV Ausf. D, Aber 35A81 Fenders for PzKpfw IV (New Type) Gun barrel: Tiger Model Designs 352035 Panzer IV Fl Backdate Accessories:Tamiya Panzer IV On Vehicle Equipment; Modelkasten W-2 PzKpfw IV Roadwheels, A-4 Wing Nut and A-5 Stopper and SK-20 PzIII/IV Mid Model Spare Track & Bracket; Friulmodel AW-03 white metal drive sprockets; Tiger Model Designs 352031 Panzer IV B-G Drive Housings; Royal Model Screws and Bolts No. 034 and German Tank Fire Extinguisher-WWII No.247; Dragon Model German Tank Antennae Set No. 3819; Hamilton Model Works No. 1010 Black Chain (40 links/in.). Notes: Extensive reworking and detailing of the base model with many scratched parts to the hull and turret as well as the accessory items used with numerous step by step photos showing the construction. Additional photos of the painted model on small vignette base show off what is an excellent model and again is sure to inspire and provide details to add to other panzer IV kits.

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. A, 1.Panzer-Division, Poland 1939 Skill level: Master Basic kit:Tamiya Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind kit No. 35233 and Tamiya Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. D kit No. 35096 Tracks: Modelkasten SK-57 Pz.IV (early) 38cm Etched-metal detail: Aber 35007 Panzer IV Ausf. D, Aber 35A81 Fenders for PzKpfw IV (New Type) Gun barrel: Tiger Model Designs 352035 Panzer IV Fl Backdate Accessories: Tamiya Panzer IV On Vehicle Equipment; Modelkasten W-2 PzKpfw IV Roadwheels, W-3 Panther Ausf. D Roadwheels, A-4 Wing Nut and A-5 Stopper and SK-20 PzIII/IV Mid Model Spare Track & Bracket; Friulmodel AW-03 white-metal drive sprockets; Tiger Model Designs 352031 Panzer IV B-G Drive Housings; Royal Model Screws and Bolts No. 034 and German Tank Fire Extinguisher-WWII No. 247; Dragon Model German Tank Antennae Set No. 3819; Hamilton Model Works No. 1010 Black Chain (40 links /in.); Schatton-Modelbrau Nr.3519 MG34 brass barrel Notes: Another extensively detailed model with the upper hull and most of the turret completely rebuild from plastic card with small details salvaged from the base kits plus the aftermarket items used. The excellent step by step photos and detailed text illustrate the building process with additional photos of the painting and weathering process. The techniques used in the construction process will again prove invaluable when used on other projects and it's a shame all the added detail is covered up with the painting as the unpainted model actually looks more interesting.

Neubau-Panzerkampfwagen IV, Pz.Abt.z.b.V.40 Norway 1940 Basic kit: Armo Neubaufahrzeug (NbFz) kit No. 35026 Tracks: Friulmodel ATL-02 PzM/IV Accessories: Tamiya Panzer IV On Vehicle Equipment; Royal Model German Tank Fire Extinguisher-WWII No. 247 and spare tools from various DML kits. Notes: This full resin kit is built with additional etched parts with again step by step photos of the building and painting process for a nice model of a lesser know Panzer presented in a small vignette scene to add further interest.

Gallery of other Panzer IV modelling projects;
This small section features two additional models with just brief text and a few pages of detailed photos showing the models during construction and after painting, the images with brief captions are left to speak for themselves but should provide useful insights for anyone building these or other kits.
Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. D- 15.Panzer-Division, Libya 1941
Based on the Dragon Pz.IV F-1 kit with Aber and Modelkasten accerssories.
Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. E- 11.Panzer-Division, Balkans 1941
Based in the Tamiya Pz.IV H kit with Aber and Modelkasten accerssories.

Further reading, media and websites;
This section lists useful reference books on the Panzer IV as well as more comprehensive magazine articles and some useful websites for general modelling interests.

Museums and Collections;
Only three museums around the world have examples of the early Panzer IVs referred to in this book and details of their location and vehicle exhibited are listed for reference.

Available 1:35 scale kits and accessories;
Finally there is a list of available kits and aftermarket details sets for the early Panzers and at the time of publishing only Tristar had just released their Pz.IV D so all the newer kits can be added to the list as they become available along with the inevitable aftermarket sets.

Conclusion:
Another excellent book in the Modelling series that offers a nice variety of early Panzer IVs with the models shown to good advantage in the good close up photos showing the extensive detailing and are sure to inspire.
One of the most valuable aspects of this series is that the detailing and techniques can just as easily be used on other projects as much as for building your own models of those featured.

As mentioned the book just missed the current generation of early Panzer IV kits from Dragon and Tristar but will still serve as an excellent reference for adding the finer details to those kits as well as tackling the projects in the book.

Highly recommended.

Page created December 23, 2005