That's all for today.
Donald

Thanks a lot Donald. The mix you are using is one I "heard" of before while searching on the internet, so I will certainly give it a try. The red oxide is indeed a difficult color to find. Out of the bottle it may vary from wine-red over brown to orange. Best match I found so far is the Vallejo "Cavalry brown" and the Ammo-Mig "Ral8012 Rotbraun". I'll start some chemistry during the weekend

Installed it in the Lower Hull.

Now for the Idlers, first off let me say( Man there's a lot of seams to clean up here)


I added a 4mm. long piece of Sprue to the tops of the securing pins,I like to be able to remove the wheels for painting and this will keep the pins in the out position to engage the mounts.
The pins are loose and will self center in the mounts.

I used the Mount to hold the idler part and the pin while gluing on the outer Idler part.

The outer and Inner are glued together.



Finished with this for today.
Donald

I'm working on the rear armor plate now.
The instructions show part N2 in place but not named on the sheet.
U48 is probably a better choice.

I think parts of the instructions are coppied from their other Mk.IV kits.

I had a hard time finding them as they aren't named on the instructions.

It looks like there are a lot oh extra parts included you could probably build a Mk.IV Ausf G.
Finished for now.
Donald

A little more finished
You should remove the marks on the Tow Part as they are for the Ausf. J version

You will have to slide the Tow Bracket over the tops of the bolt heads, or shorten the angled parts.

It should sit flush with both the top and bottom.

The rear armor plate is installed. It's much easier without all the little parts to get in the way.

Here's what the Engine area looks like. No hoses, wires, birds,or
teddy bears. Of course you won't be able to see much here anyway.


I'm finished here now . It's time for a large Beer.
Donald

Most of the little parts installed.

Part of the Armor Exhaust cover overlaps the Radiator Drain


There's a slight gap here on both sides.

If you do it right the Muffler will snap in and out, this makes it easier for painting.

part of the left Exhaust pipe will be visable.

This finishes this end for now.


Now to the Front.
Donald

I have the Brake units assembled, no big deal there.
Here they are test fitted before painting.


The inside edges will need some trimming to get the Brake Units to fit.

Finished for a while
Donald

It would be nice if the instructions told you exactly where the parts go.

That's all for now.
Donald

I have a little more finished.
I haven't been feeling really good this past week so it's slow going.

The small spots where the side parts mount, need to be filled.



I, don't know if all this is worth it. I'm sootired and there are times I wonder if anyone cares and is watching. This can be verry discouraging and I've been thinking about dumping this whole build.
Donald

I am definitely watching this build. I'm normally a 1/35 guy but this is an awesome build. Don't be discouraged. You are doing an amazing job.

I've been following and jump on every update. It is impressive and appreciated. Nothing is fun when you aren't feeling well. I hope it passes and you get feeling better.

Hi Donald

Don’t dump the build and please keep going.

I’m building the same kit right now and I’m enjoying seeing someone build it side by side.

It’s quite pleasing to build and detail so keep going hope your well again soon but you definitely have me watching til the end.


Many thanks Ben

I've been following very closely, waiting anxiously on each new installment. The wiring doesn't come with the kit, does it? If you give up on it, please send it to me, I'll finish it. Please keep going, I know it's difficult when you don't feel well. BTW, I really like the instrument panel, and gauges. Did you do anything special with the seat? Thanks sooooooo much for sharing with all of us. Afrika Korps motif?

Don't dump it! This is great and you've already done so much! The Panzer IV is my favorite tank and it's so great to see one in 1/16. I'd never have the space for 1/16th otherwise I might be tempted to convert it into an H mid. Keep it up! We want to see this beast in Kharkov LAH decals or more colorful Kursk colors! Whatever you decide, you're killing it. I know you're probably looking at other things to build and other projects people are working on but trust me, the pay off will be huge with this.

Hey Donald I’m guessing almost everyone who’s taken on a project like this can empathise with how you’re feeling right now, I know I can in spades. Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, you’re already well on the way to turning that finished tank of your imagination into an impressive reality. Besides you’re only 3 weeks into postings and you’ve already got over 5,000 views, so that’s probably over 1,000 regulars cheering you on telepathically, with the notable exception of those appearing above.

It’s looking tremendous by the way & you’re one of the best tutors on this site. Get better real soon & never give up, we need you as much as you need us

Donald,
There are things that you have taught me, and I am sure others, when you do your builds, especially the 1/16 scale ones. Please do continue doing this as long as your health and the wallet hold out. Your builds are much admired and appreciated.
John

You know that if you dump it you will hate yourself within a week. When I get too carried away on something I'll stop, look at what I've put on the back burner and work on those for a bit. After a couple of days I feel recharged and ready to go back to what caused the problem in the first place.

So sit back, get a nice tall glass of ice tea, look at something that could use a little work, throw in a movie to distract and inspire you and do some mindless building. Best medicine for what ails ya.


Besides, your builds inspire me.

I'm still here,
The Instruments are the Decals that come in the kit, After painting the box White I ,glossed the instrument area not the whole box as that would change its color. Next applied the Decals, when dry I i used a decal setting solution on them.
When dry some clear gloss on the instrument dials.
Forthe wires coming out the side I drilled the little part and inserted some fine solder lengths. Don't know how accurate it is but I think it looks good.
Donald

Note- The wiring is all thin solder.