Todd Michalak takes a look at the Pz.Kpfw. IV L/70 (A) from Dragon Models.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

I build the old one from Dragon years ago, maybe it's time to take another go at this hybride. Your review temps me to buy this.
Jacob

Interesting-sounding kit! Actually one I have in my "buy-sights" ever since I first saw the old DML thing! And I am more than mildly pleased to see that that gun mantle problem has been addressed in the production kit! THAT was a real turn-off . Thanks for posting this!

I would like to offer up a historical comment: This vehicle was one of two competing designs - Alkett and VoMag each put up a design to address the new specs for a tank-destroyer built on the later Pz IV chassis. The Alkett version (this L/70(A)) came out first as a short production run (I think a total of around 300 or so were eventually built), while the VoMag item completed its development. Some folks have labelled this A unit the "Zwischenlosung" or "intermediate" Jagdpanzer IV L/70. Implying, I suppose, that this A version was just an intermediate pending the final V version. Actually a competitor design or maybe an alternative design?

The Alkett was a simpler conversion which involved adding that boxy superstructure and gun-mount onto the complete extant Pz IV hull in place of the turret (I think the hull deck with its ring and hatches was entirely removed for this mounting). This created a somewhat higher profile and retained the basic ballistic properties of the original hull, but was quicker and easier to produce then the VoMag unit, which replaced all of the IV crew hull above the fender line with a sloped superstructure. Both A and V versions carried the same "better" gun (the primary intent being ability to support the 7.5cm L/70 gun). Both A and V were actually effective weapons but both suffered from being a little heavy and clumsy, given that longer barrel out front. As I understand things, the A was actually a little less front-heavy and so experienced less nose-diving and heavy steering than did the V...

The Jagdpanzer IV L/70 (V) VoMag unit turned out to have better ballistics / armor and a lower profile, but took a little time getting into production. The majority of Jagdpanzer IV L/70 were VoMag (maybe 975 or so V units made?). I would not say that it was clearly a better vehicle, but it did look sexier and maybe sleaker and more-deadly! Hey! Ask any old army from years - past... appearances do count in war. Looking properly ferocious is half the battle!

To me, the Alkett version has always appeared more "interesting", if a bit slip-shod and "improvised" - looking, like that first Marder III with the Russian gun sort of plopped on top of the Pz 38(t) hull. Looks like this could be quite a nice addition to the shelf!

Bob

I am building the challenging Tristar version. It is a monster and not for the faint of heart. Very, very detailed parts, confusing instructions and great figurines...but, what a pain to build

Hi Jacob! Thanks for the comments! I hope to actually break into this shortly...you know how it is...too many things on the bench!! Cleaning the bench real soon!!!

Hi Bob!! Thank you for checking out the review as well as the kind words!! Always appreciate the offering of more information on a subject! I agree the V does have a "sexy" look to her while the A has some nice attributes of her own. I admit being a fan of the Pz. IV....umm, all of them I look at these two as being the nice extension to their family!! I believe you are correct with about 975 of the V's getting to the line. Full agreement also with appearance!! Some of these SPG's are just scary, mean machines!!

Hi DJ! Sorry your having a tough go at the Tristar. Personally, I have not built one of the one your on, but like you said, very detailed! A good thing and a curse of sorts. Sometimes its nice to have a shake 'n bake kit like Tamiya, toss the glue in the box, kick it across the florr and out pops a finished model! Thanks for the heads up of sort on the instruction...something they have in common with DML it seems.

Thanks gents!!