I'd like to recreate the tank pictured. I love the look of the Panzer IV in dunkelgrau, with the 75mm long gun, and none of that ugly schurzen armor. So menacing. An "F2" Panzer IV I guesse.

As a beginner I'd hate to drop $60+ on the Dragon (#6360) kit though. Can I do it for less money modifying a Tamiya kit?

Thanks for any help,
Adam

Italerie do a very cheap Pz IV E/F/F2. It is old, the track needs replacing and the figures are rubbish. It is still a damn nice but overlooked kit. Can be found on ebay for little money. Those who think Dragon can do no wrong will disagree.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PZ-KPFW-IV-AUSF-F1-F2-1-35-SCALE-ITALERI-NUEVO-NEW-/331945702723?hash=item4d49817543:g:ZhAAAOSwfY9XQKiR

Amazon has a couple 1/35 Panzer IV's (Tamiya); also check Wal-Mart's website; they have a bunch of 1/35 stuff online

While it could be converted to one, I don't think Italeri's F2/G can be made into an E without a bit of chopping. The most obvious difference is the stepped driver's plate, which was straight on the F onwards.

Still, it is a decent option for an F2/G if you balk at Dragon's price. Tamiya's are all based on later versions (H or J), including the old D which is based on parts from its original H.

I'd second David's post. Following what you specified above, the easiest, simplest, and cheapest route is Italeri #6217. You may build either short or long-gun version.

Adam;

Hi! OK, I'll be the stodgy old Dragon Fan and say... Just plunk the 60 - 62 USD down and get the Dragon F2/G Smart Kit 6360 shipped to you by any of several eBay vendors. You'll get the state-of-art Pz.Kpfw. IV kit with all the doo-dads and even the link track set, and you won't have to do any up-dating or buy extra bits (with possible shipping, too) to get what I think you are looking for.

IF you go the Italeri kit route... And you want better tracks, etc., You will spend more than 60 - specially if you have to pay any shipping for any am part(s). So... Go for the best kit out there first time 'round!

You'll be very happy with having spent the extra dollars, I think. The Dragon kit is super good (I've done one) and you'll get a LOT of modeling pleasure out of it and get a great-looking panzer on the shelf - even if you are more a noob than not!

But... Do bear in mind that Dragon kits can be a LOT of parts, and Dragon does have a well-earned reputation for often difficult and confusing instructions. But the kit WILL go together fine, and you can wend your way through those instructions with paying attention and thinking.

Just my opinion and suggestion, of course! Get some kit and have FUN with it!

PS: I HATE these new way-jacked-up kit prices. If you can get to some model show, there are likely to be some guys selling these kits, and you could probably get a kit for a lot less than the going retail. I buy most of my stash at shows for this very reason!

Bob

I have both and have built both. The Italeri kit is a joy to build but as was said the Dragon F2 is gorgeous and worth the extra coin. Shop around, you can probably find one below $50. I did.

Dragon 6360 , find it on ebay.

However , the cheapest would be the Italeri kit.

Problem with the Dragon kit is that they are likely to surprise you by substituting the Magic Track with DS. Something to confirm BEFORE parting with the cash! I have two Dragpn Panther A Early. Both same kit number, same box but completely different contents!

David and David both pointed to important points;

The specific kit IS currently well-represented on the evilbay, - as I had indicated. There are both individual and commercial vendors hawking this kit. So you have some choices.

And yes, sad to have to say, Dragon has "updated" the box contents a little in more - recent boxings / production - same kit art, subject, number... but recent kits now come with those dreaded (by me! ) DS tracks...

So - CONTACT the seller before you buy it and ask them to check the kit. Older production kits in the hands of individual sellers are likely to have the M-T set. Dragon did eventually change the back-of-box features art to reflect that newer kits have DS tracks (the older art shows M-T, the newer art shows DS). But there are "newer" kits in "older" boxes.

There is also a fair chance that you can find a modeler on one or another modeling site who is selling one from his / her stash. And of course ask that seller about the kit being sold...

Bob

PS: I would have gladly packed and sent off my older-box kit... Save that I already sold it! This is a pretty popular kit in the Dragon Pz.IV Smart-Kit line-up. For very good reasons.

Thanks for all the replies, gentlemen. They've been very helpful.

I didn't even know the Italeri kit existed! Looking for one of those kits also put me onto the Italeri #6514 kit.

However, panzerbob's logic is hard to dispute. Not to mention the extra money is worth the convenience of things like a one piece barrel and Magic Tracks. (I'll make sure the kit I get is so equipped.)

Time to start combing e-bay.

Was one of the kits a re-issue?

Looks like I'm kinda late the the game here, but the Tamiya kit could make this by just not adding the schurzen. It's pretty cheap and goes together like a dream.