Apparently, I joined Armorama back in 2008, but I never remembered registering. So, I'm going to say that this is my first post! My name is Mike Majoris. I am new to this website, but not new to modeling. I started modeling back in 2002 when I was about 15yrs old. As time has gone on, I have learned a lot of different tips, techniques, and tricks from many different people over the years. In any case, on to my issue.
I am currently working on the Dragon PzKpfw IV Ausf.J Late / Final Production kit (Kit #6080). I have made quite a few modifications to the kit so far just to make it more accurate. I can post some construction photos later on.
For now, I'll try to make this somewhat organized and make a list of what information I am trying to find, but seem to keep hitting road blocks:
1.) Information on when they started producing the FINAL run of the Panzer IV Ausf J.
2.) What SS Panzer Divisions had the Ausf. J (final)? When and where would they have been used?
3.) Would any of the Ausf. J (final) have been present in France during the time of the invasion?
4.) Finally, I have a Verlinden Diorama base (Church ruins on either side of the road, with a cobblestone road running down the center) that I will be using for this model. The architecture of the semi-intact buildings appear as though the are of either French, or possibly German construction if I had to guess. This kind of goes back to the previous question, but were there any SS Divisions that had the Ausf. J (Final) while in France? Even Post D-Day? If not, What SS Divisions would have had the Pz IV Ausf. J (Final) in Germany, and when would they have been delivered to those SS units?
I apologize if my questions are kind of scatter brained. I hope they make at least some sense. I have been looking on the computer, along with quite a few different books that I have, and I have been driving myself nuts trying to find some solid information on this. sure, it would be easy to just glue everything together, paint it up and slap the decals that come with the kit onto the tank, but I (along with many people on here, I'm sure) cannot do that.
I want this to be as historically accurate as humanly possible. Even if no one else ever sees this completed Panzer, at least I will have satisfaction knowing that it is accurate, and not just something that I pulled from thin air. Plus, it will help me preserve any sanity that I have left at the end of this project!
Anyway, thank you in advance for reading my post, and for any information you could provide me with. It would be greatly appreciated!!
-Mike-
