lookin good! Ive got the command version waiting on me. are there any aftermarket items available for these yet? also, what reference are you using for the interior?

I wasn't aware that they had a command version out.
If you have #TR00922 , it is listed as a Pz. Beob. Wg. IV Ausf. J
The Beob. part if my information is correct is to designate an observation vehicle. The Bef. is used to designate a command vehicle.

For the after market parts, you might check at www.mmodelstore.com For Gun barrel parts check their Barrel section , for other parts check the Photo-etch section . They have a lot of ABER stuf.

As for refrences I'm not super detailing the interior , I just added a little wiring . You can't see much of the interior anyway. I didn't even use the engine this time like I did in the Ausf. H build.

Donald

Here is the back of the Turret.


I carved out the parts where the Turret side skirts latch.

Added the mounting brackets to the side skirts.


Here they are test fitted to the turret.



Now for the base coat of paint and then to install them.
More tomorrow maby.
Donald

I have the base coat of paint on the Turret & Side Skirts installed.



There are 2 Photo-etch screens for use as extra storage spaces between the Skirting and Turret.

Next I'll be working on the Commanders Cupola , I think that I have figured out an easier way of doing it , not like in my Ausf.H build.

Donald

Hey Guys if you are going to build any of the 16th. scale Panzer IVs
I have figured an easier way of doing the Commanders Cupola .

first you should start by fixing the exterior armor blocks for the Cupola in their desired position , either open or closed.


If you have them open , be sure that they don't interfere with the top or mounting the Cupola to the Turret.

You should trim a little bit off of each side of the vision blocks.

Test fit them so that they fit loosely in the bottom part of the Cupola.

Attach the cushion pads to the right side of the blocks, narrow spread of the legs goes on top.

There is a small pin on the back of the upper right leg of the cushion blocks, this needs to be trimmed off as there is no place for it to go.

Temporarily place 4 of the assemblies into the bottom of the Cupola,
and glue them together being careful not to glue them to the bottom.

Install the final assembly .

Then return the assemblies to the bottom until everything sets up solid.

Install all of the Handles and small levers.

Paint every thing including the insides of the Cupola walls, then in install the small frames holding the clear parts.

Place the finished assembly into the bottom part of the Cupola.

Carefully place the Cupola top on, pressing down evenly.

Glue the top and bottom together.

The bottom view.

The colors might not be exactly right, but I think it looks good.

A little blue tape on the inside of the top ring to keep the paint out.

I drilled the hole fot the hatch out slightly to fit the pin that I used to extend the one on the hatch cover.

Next I installed the assembled Cupola to the Turret Top, then painter it and the Bullet splash ring then installed the splash ring.


The Hatch is temporarily installed.


I think that this was a lot less work than doing it like I did last time by the instructions.

I'll be working on the Hull Skirting next, this may take a while.
Donald

The Side Skirt Brackets, slide the correct parts on 2 from each end.


The mesh material is Stainless Steel , it would have been easier if Trumpeter had used Brass instead . I separated the side skirts with really sharp scissors, the top mesh was another thing.

The brackets test fitted to the hull.


For the top screens I first separated the sections .

I then removed the plastic tabs and cut the metal as close as I could. It is very hard to cut.

The center section of top screens on the left side will need 2 notches cut into it to clear the top of the Spare Wheel storage box.

The next 2 Pics. are of the Screens test fitted.
The parts that go over the rails are very tight.

Here everything is base coated and ready for the Camo.



That's all for now.
Donald

The pioneer tools are finished and installed, the only problem was the instructions had the wrong numbers for the clips to hold the ax and the starter crank. they should all be the same.

The brackets that hold the Gun Cleaning Rods need to be shortened about 1 to 1.5mm to clear the rear skirt brackets.



Next fitting everything together.
Donald

Looks killer as usual!

This is the last of the construction Pics.
The top screens on the side where the spare wheels go will not sit down, They will fit ok if you don't use the spare wheels.
They also cover a lot of the fender details.
I'll be leaving them off.


Next are the Pics. of the finished kit.
Donald

Here are the finished build Pics.