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Angela's Panzer IV H
Angela
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Visayas, Philippines
Joined: September 01, 2004
KitMaker: 853 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 05:51 AM UTC
Hi,

This is my Panzer IV H from Academy. This is for my "Getting to the Front Line - Belgium 1944" diorama. The kit is good except for the following:

1) Some amount of flash that needs to be cleaned
2) The fit between the turret, the braces and the armored plates at the turret is horrific. I have to readjust, fill, cut, etc. until it looks right.
3) The fit between the hull and the braces that holds the armored plate is also horrific. It won't align and I have to readjust, cut, fill, etc. like the thing I did with the braces.

I added few details such as restraining braces made of aluminum and battle damage. I also scratchbuilt the armored doors and their locks of the armored plates of the turret from sheet plastic. The ones in the kit is too thick and won't align.

I applied zimmeret using wood putty.

I still have to put a few more accessories on this tank. Also, I need to paint the tools and the fixed machine guns there (the one in the hole and beside the main gun) I glued there. Once this is done, I'll continue on my weathering coz I haven't completed weathering it yet.

Top left side view:



Another view:


Yet another view:


and finally, another view.


I didn't add the armor plates at the side. It would cover the nice wheel details. Besides, I've seen pics of Panzer Hs with NO armor plates on them. Shot out, I guess.

In a whim, I also ripped off the brace to add a bit of battle damage. In fact, I added a lot of battle damage to this model....peeling zimmerit, banged up fenders, dents in the hull and a big hole at the armored plate at the back of the turret.

Any comments and suggestions or violent reactions before i proceed weathering this tank? Sorry, my photography skills really suck.

Angela
steeldog51
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England - East Anglia, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 06:41 AM UTC
Angela Wow it looks fantastic!
really nice model the weathering is subtle yet realistic and i agree totally about the lack of skirt armour.
i maybe would have added just one peice of it though. maybe ?or some pieces out of the rubber around the raod wheels to give them a worn look (maybe you already did it ?) and i'm only saying this because its rivet review and i have to find something? i'm struggling to pick fault really
outstanding job!
shonen_red
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Metro Manila, Philippines
Joined: February 20, 2003
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 09:30 AM UTC
Looking waaaayyy good my friend! I like it very much. However do check the alignment of the roadwheels. Some are not even touching the tracks Nice job on the zim.
ShermiesRule
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Michigan, United States
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 10:01 AM UTC
Excellent Pzkw IV. I like the damage. Nice touch. Paint is great too.
TsunamiBomb
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Arizona, United States
Joined: September 21, 2004
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 10:08 AM UTC
Awesome Job Angela! I dont know if you a rea girl (and it really doesnt matter) but you are one of the best lady modelers out there! Keep us posted with the rest of the dio! Good Luck!
Blade48mrd
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Washington, United States
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 10:26 AM UTC
Angela -

As always just totally outstanding job. Great work on details and just the right mix of damage and wear/tear. Weathering is terrific. It "screams" for a figure in the turret though. Can hardly wait to see more and especially the diorama!

Blade48mrd
Art
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Michigan, United States
Joined: March 20, 2004
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 10:49 AM UTC
Hot stuff. I agree, thought, that there should be some skirt armor. Even if you leave off one section, you'll still see the road wheel detail. Also, try some graphite on the gun muzzle and areas of crew activity. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Art
thebear
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Quebec, Canada
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 10:52 AM UTC
Hi Angela ...NICE! I like the camo and the weathering is coming along nicely ...Is it me or are you missing the end of the muzzle brake?? Are you planning to do a specific Panzer IV from a specific unit? With a number like 402 it should be a command vehicle, but not always. I can't wait to see it finished ..keep taking those pictures.

Rick
Angela
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Visayas, Philippines
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 11:32 AM UTC
Thank you for the comments, guys.


Quoted Text

really nice model the weathering is subtle yet realistic and i agree totally about the lack of skirt armour.
i maybe would have added just one peice of it though. maybe ?or some pieces out of the rubber around the raod wheels to give them a worn look (maybe you already did it ?) and i'm only saying this because its rivet review and i have to find something? i'm struggling to pick fault really


Hmmmm...yeah, I think you're right. I also agree with Art that it needs an armor skirt or two.

Okay, I'll add an armor skirt or two. It would make it more "Panzer 4 H-ish" than not having one. I've got to try that worn piece of rubber thingy. What's a "road wheel?" Those four little ones at the top of the lower hole or the eight wheels that run on thte tracks?


Quoted Text

However do check the alignment of the roadwheels. Some are not even touching the tracks


Road wheels....hmmm...what are they? Uhm, I actually superglued the tracks to each wheel. Also, I purposely lifted some of the eight lower wheels slightly up to conform to the terrain of the dio. Are those eight wheels the "road wheels?" Or are they something else?


Quoted Text

I dont know if you a rea girl (and it really doesnt matter) but you are one of the best lady modelers out there!


Thank you....and I'm a real girl.


Quoted Text

It "screams" for a figure in the turret though. Can hardly wait to see more and especially the diorama!


Yeah, it needs a figure. I painted the figure that came along with it together with the eight figures that I'm painting. It is a nice figure, which is quite a surprise since Academy doesn't usually make good figs.


Quoted Text

Hot stuff. I agree, thought, that there should be some skirt armor. Even if you leave off one section, you'll still see the road wheel detail. Also, try some graphite on the gun muzzle and areas of crew activity. Can't wait to see the finished product


Yeah, I think I should add a few plates of skirt armor. I'll do your suggestion on weathering on "areas of crew activity." I haven't applied weathering on the gun muzzle yet.


Quoted Text

Is it me or are you missing the end of the muzzle brake?? Are you planning to do a specific Panzer IV from a specific unit? With a number like 402 it should be a command vehicle, but not always. I can't wait to see it finished ..keep taking those pictures.


Hmmm...I actually completed the model according to the kit instruction. I'm not sure what is a muzzle break. Is it the one at the end of the structure? Like the flash suppressor of a gun? If it is, I did finish it. Did I miss out something? Oh, it hasn't been weathered yet....soot and all. I think it blended in the yellow color.

I'm not sure if it is in a specific unit. I just used the decals provided in the kit. Maybe it is a command vehicle since in the dio (check out my dio thread in the Dioramas forum) it is leading a group of soldiers.

Angela
steeldog51
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England - East Anglia, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 01:39 PM UTC
Hi Angela Road wheels are just the main wheels
the rubber tyres often get little chips taken out of them by road debris it can really add a nic bit of realism to an armour subject as long as they dont look too worn out unless of course intend it that way ? if you have a motor tool then put in a dental burr (a small round one)
and run it on slow just over the edge of the would be rubber part let it bouce on and off the surface when you are hppy just give it a little sanding down to remove unwanted flash and hey presto ,or if you prefer just use a sharp hobby knife t take out a couple of small nicks to the rubber section (i use both methods ) looking great!
warthog
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Metro Manila, Philippines
Joined: July 29, 2002
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 01:54 PM UTC
Hi Angela,

I agree with them that you should put some some side skirts ( 1 or 2 would do per side). Those side skirts should show some damage to justify the loss of the other skirts.

Muzzle breaks are those found at the end of the barrel...and I think Rick is right, something seems to be missing..



compare the pic above to your barrel...


Quoted Text

Are those eight wheels the "road wheels?"


Yes, they are the roadwheels...


BTW, have you seen my Pz4 with the "leche Flan" (custard) side skirts....he he..he



if you are interested there are more pics here...
Arvin's Pz4

Overall...very good work...a little more weathering would make it fantastic.....

cheers
Angela
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Visayas, Philippines
Joined: September 01, 2004
KitMaker: 853 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 05:32 PM UTC
Hi Art and Warthog,

I checked your references and you're right, the muzzle break is missing. I checked out the box (I still had the sprue) and I found it as part B6.

I'm going to glue it on tonight. I'm sure it won't take a lot of effort. Thank you very much for the comment. I wouldn't have spotted the error where it not for you.

Hey, Arvin, I like your Panzer IV. Wow! How did you make those leche flan sideskirts? Did you glue two pieces together or did you use just one piece?

That's one beautiful Panzer you've got there, Arvin.

Angela

Angela

Henk
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 05:42 PM UTC
Angela, I agree with all the previous comments, so I won't repeat them here. One thing I noticed is that you have painted the rim on the wheels black aswel. The rim is the little 'ring' around the wheel. Only the ouside part of this should be black, the rim should be the wheel color. I'll try to upload a pic that shows this in detail ( of all the pic's in my gallery, not one of the wheels. Ohh the shame...) Or maybe someone else has one ready... Also if there is zimmerit on the tank, there would normally be zimmerit on the armour skirts. Not always, as the Germans tended to add bits to their tanks as they came in for repair or refit, so it is quite possible that the turret armour was zimmeritless.

About the Academy kit, my LHS just got some in, including the StuG IV, and I wonder what they are like. You say there is a figure included? What are the tracks like, indy or rubberband? How many decal options are there, and which theaters are they for? ( East front, west europe..?)

Cheers
Henk
Angela
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Visayas, Philippines
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Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 07:34 PM UTC
Thank you, henk. I'm going to follow your advice on the road wheels. I think it's an easy thing to do.

The kit came with rubberband tracks, not individual. They're fine except that it somehow lenthened after I gave it a wash of thinner. It didn't distort though. So it was just a matter of cutting two links each so that it would fit the whole assembly.

I also have the Stug IV. Figs are often included in Academy kits. I am not sure about which decal goes to what theater; my Panzer IV only has one set of decals.

Angela
warthog
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Posted: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 04:13 PM UTC
Hi Angela,

The shuerzen or side skirts were done individually...same as the original...good you like it. I did individual skirts so that I would have the option of putting the number of skirts I desire....its fairly easy to do.

Just trace the original plastic side skirts that came with kit, cut it (use a tin snip or any metal cutter that you have) afterwhich apply some putty to simulate a rolled steel look...then paint...

Cheers
Monte
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Rhode Island, United States
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Posted: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 06:10 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Also if there is zimmerit on the tank, there would normally be zimmerit on the armour skirts.


I have never seen zimmerit on the side skirts. Woulden't make much sense since the skirts are there to pre-detonate any incoming rounds thus reducing their impact. But then again it's not completly out of the realm of possibilities. Sorry Henk, not trying to step on any toes here!

Great job Angela. I love the fact that you included battle damage to give it more character.
Angela
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Visayas, Philippines
Joined: September 01, 2004
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Posted: Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 06:44 AM UTC
Thank you for the comments, guys. I truly appreciate such wonderful help.

There are some things I need to do with this tank:

1) More weathering, of course
2) A thin wash of white to denote snow in the crevices
3) Camouflage netting around the barrel
4) A little bit of folliage for additional camo
5) A few more accessories including some ration boxes that Engin (Graywolf) sent me.

Angela
Henk
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Posted: Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 07:23 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Also if there is zimmerit on the tank, there would normally be zimmerit on the armour skirts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I have never seen zimmerit on the side skirts. Woulden't make much sense since the skirts are there to pre-detonate any incoming rounds thus reducing their impact. But then again it's not completly out of the realm of possibilities. Sorry Henk, not trying to step on any toes here!


No worries Monte, no toes have been trodden upon. I agree that you don't see many Pzr IV's with zimmerit on the skirts, mainly because the one's with skirts didn't tend to have zimmerit at all. But if the zimmerit was applied it would have been applied to all outside vertical surfaces. Off course skirts were lost and replaced, not always with equal ones. If you get to that stages of German Armour discussion we could ( and probably would) be here for a long time.... There is however a picture in 'PzKpfw IV Ausf. A to J' in the Tanks in Detail series book, on page 15, of a Ausf. H with zimmerit on the skirts. Sorry but my scanner is not hooked up so I can't scan the pic at the moment. I'll try in the future as there's some nice pic's in this book. Well worth the £10 I piad for it. But I digress, back to Angela's Pzr IV.... :-)

Cheers
Henk
warthog
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Posted: Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 09:51 PM UTC
Where did you terminate the wiring for the bosch headlight? I can't seem to find any reference pics...
Hohenstaufen
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Posted: Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 11:36 PM UTC
Yep, I agree with the point about the tyres, but I can't see much else to criticise here. The Zimmerit thing, well I have seen photos of Zim on bazooka plates (skirts), but strangely enough they tend to be on Stugs.
As regards turret numbers, the point about 402 being a command tank is true if applied systematically (would be the Adjutants or CSM's tank), but some tank commanders deliberately painted misleading numbers (cf Wittman's 205 & 007, he should have had 201 & 001). More importantly, most divisions had relegated the PIVs to the second battalion by 1944 (the 1st having Panthers), so turret numbers would be 501- 834 or similar. Once again, however, as with so many things German this didn't always folow. Pedantry over, nice model.
Angela
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Visayas, Philippines
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Posted: Monday, December 20, 2004 - 07:41 PM UTC
Thank you so much for the comments and criticisms, guys. This will surely help in detailing this tank a bit more.

Warthog, I haven't made the wiring yet. Should have made it before I painted the tank.

Just an update, I painted and weathered the spare tracks...painted the commander...assembled some accessories (ration boxes, camou nets) to be placed on the tank and painted the tools.

Guys, I need a question coz I'm stuck.

What should be the color of the gun cleaning rods? The long cylinder/tube/rods hanging at the left back side of the tank?

Angela
SpiritsEye
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Posted: Monday, December 20, 2004 - 07:57 PM UTC
Angela,

the cleaning rods, you can either paint them in wood colour or steel colour since wooden rods and steel rods were used. But personally, i prefer to paint them in steel, cause i can 'rust' them for effect
warthog
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Posted: Monday, December 20, 2004 - 08:14 PM UTC
Hi Angela,

I normally paint them metallic gray and them weather them with a wash of burt umber, afterwhich I apply rust color as necessary...
Angela
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Posted: Monday, December 20, 2004 - 08:31 PM UTC
Hi Danny and Arvin,

Thank you for the advice. I'll do what you suggested.

Angela
Delbert
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Posted: Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 01:40 AM UTC
Nice job there.. I really like the weathering so far...
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