Deep into the build of Trumpeters awesome Pz IV - very few issues so far, short list and then of to the photos:
1) interior colors only rudimetary called out in the instructions - I have used AK´s splendid late war set
2) virtually no decals for interior except for the grenades - of which you get a full compliment of 87 pieces
3) padded pieces in the commanders "nest" can't get in place without a bit of surgery
4) very little in terms of wires and hoses in fighting room and engine
5) Alu barrel way too heavy to get a good balance - I suspect that using the turned barrel means gluing the assembly so you won't be able to elevate the barrel
6) fit of turret top to the front plate and the bottom of the turret is less than perfect - some filling will be needed
7) Lack magazine pouches for the mg´s
8) no hinges works - should have done so in this scale.

Thats it so far - otherwise a sweet build.

Looking good there Jan.don't think I could tackle such a large kit as I hate painting 1/35 never mind 1/16

Thank you for the update & photos, still nothing there to put me off buying one.

Keep up the good work,

Kylie

Picking mine up saturday

Nothing that can't be done with a little old fashioned modeling skills

Trumpeter have announced a "J" - i have only seen drawings so far, but it looks like it would have Thoma Schurtzen - so that might be worth waiting for Kylie ?

To Zimmerit or not to zimmerite - well, with the "J" u are pretty sure that it was produced after the order to stop coating with zimmerite came out - with the "H" my impression - and it is cutting the date a bit sharp - that the production og "H" ended after the order came out ...

Otherwise Atak makes a set for Tamiyas "G" - it ought to fit, but who knows - i don't know if theres scale differens between Tami and Trump ...

Nice work Jan.

I'm plodding through mine and concur with what you say about the kit completely.

I'll be using your blog as help when painting begins in earnest of the interior if you don't mind. What reference I have doesnt cover the Ausf H interior but I have some shots of a G to work with. If you can recommend any books or links I'd be really grateful

Frankly the engine bay is rather sparce of much detail apart from the generator set which is hidden below the radiators (which are sadly short of detail)Upto now there appears no exhaust connection between the mufflers and the engine/generator.

Also I'd be interested to know if some of your decals were scribbled over with a black marker. I'm presuming they were SS divisional markings? Decals 9 & 11


Now I'd like them to release an earlier variant, something with more vision ports like a F2 and as it says F2 on the main hull moulding I'm hoping if it sells in enough numbers they will.

Keith

Hi Jan,

yep, there's a problem right there: Ausf H, or a J, or the F1 / 2 that is on the photo-etch... which one to go for?!

Keep up the progress, please

Kylie

Lovely job.

Can't wait for their 1/16 M1A1 Abrams.

Nice work so far...very well done. Thanks for taking the time to do some scouting work and post your progress. I have the same kit and am eager to jump into it. -Len

Keith, yes, my decals are also PC sanitized - I bought mine in germany at Axels Modellbau - so thats probably the reason - you might be able to remove it with a little alcohol ?

Len, no problem!

Take a look here http://www.network54.com/Forum/637977/ among other things theres a link to photos from what appears to be a fairly original sample - not all a H, but many things carries trough the versions.

I have given up on the turned barrel - its way too heavy ...the counterweight is improved with a cut down spring from a ball pen - it keeps it in balance and still moveable - but still the construction is too weak for the turned barrel.

Feel free to join in with your builds Gents, this is not a blog - more an open discussion/source kinda topic

Now with working hatches and pistol port - a very forgiving scale to work in

Man this looks really nice.
I'm glad I ordered one, it's on the way from China now.
I got it from Hobby Space for $213.30 U.S Dollars.
Voyager has some 1/16th. Pioneer tool clips coming, anf Aber has a Brass Muzzle Brake coming.
Great Work

Hello All, I've ordered this bad boy from Luckymodel.com, as they were having a sale: 20% off of orders over $180US. What was I suppose to do!? (it's being delivered to my brother's business... so as to avoid the Minister of Finance, who does not really need the bother of it all...). I was going to wait for the Ausf J, but gave in to an offer too good to refuse. Delivered for less than $210.

Please, keep up the up-dates, and hopefully I will be joining you soon.

Kylie

I have to admit that I am disappointed by the level of detail offered by this kit (not a criticism of the OP's great thread as I think Jan has done a fine job)but this model does not pack the same level of detail as the magnificent Trumpy Kingtiger, especially around the engine

Maybe I am being unfair but I kind of expected more, but its not like I wont buy it

OK, who here saw this one coming: Atak have done zimmerit up-dates for the Trumpeter kit! Hull, schurzen, mantel. Now, how cool it that?

Still waiting on mine to arrive... and I've the AFV Modeler build article part one for this kit.

Kylie

Honest question,because I am very curious- Why does everybody keep buying Zimmerit sets?
Wouldn't it be cheaper to use some putty and a tool?

Sure, if you fancy doing it - or has the skills.

Beautiful, enjoyable build!