This might going off a tangent, but hopefully we can put a long held myth to rest (as has already been done regarding the first batch of Krupp turrets on early Tiger IIs).

I myself was totally confused regarding the versions of the Panzer IV in the transition period from short-barrelled (L/24) to long-barrelled (L/43, L/48) KwK.

Having read up on the subject, I think we could avoid a lot of confusion if we would just be speaking of versions F and G, period.

Sure, for a time period of 3 months or so, the short-barrelled F was redesignated F1 (7./BW), and the long-barrelled got the label F2 (7./BW Umbau).

However, this was retroactively changed in September 1942, where the long-barrelled version was henceforth called version G.

Of course there have been changes during production, like omitting vision ports that weakened armour protection and were obstructed by the schürzen anyway, just to name an example.

And there were frankentanks like the one I mentioned earlier: F hull with vorpanzer plus G turret.

In other words, it makes next to no sense to talk about late F2, early G and the differences between them. I wish model manufacturers would stop adding to the confusion.

It should only be of interest to readers of combat reports and such.

To reiterate:

Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf F = 7./BW = Sd.Kfz. 161, KwK 37 L/24,

Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf G = 8./BW = Sd.Kfz. 161/1, KwK 40 L/43 and L/48.

To reiterate my point: the "new" Pz IV Ausf "F" is simply the current "G" without the extras and a short barrel. Big deal. Could do the same thing by opting for an aftermarket short barrel or dipping into the spares stash. The "G" also can easily be remade into an "F2" (I like the designations) the same way as it already comes with both the L43 and 48 barrels. Choose the L43 for an F2. Making this release sound new is really stretching the point as what next a "new" Ausf "E" based on the "F" kit? News flash: virtually no differences there either. As parts were used from from existing stock and all tanks returned to the depot for repairs were automatically brought up to current standards it quickly becomes problematic to identify a "true" variant. "New" kits should really be just that and offer something that you can't easily cobble together from the existing kit. Same way the "G" could easily be made into an early "H". Ad nauseum.