Following on the heels of their recent Panther kits, Dragon has released a Pz.Kpfw IV F2 (G) as the latest in their series of “Smart Kits.” The IV F2 is the first of the "long gun" family of Pz.Kpfw IV vehicles and is the first to be released as a "Smart Kit" unlike previous kits which were classed as "Super Kits".
Kit Contents
The kit contains twelve highly detailed sprues. These cover a complete lower hull followed by the traditional lower suspension, dry sprockets, fenders which are detailed on top as well as below, top deck with open hatches that enable viewing of the turret interior, full set of traditional on-board tank tools, one set of clear sprue that is used for vision blocks and periscopes, one small fret of detailed photo etch, and a complete detailed turret.
Extras and Finishing Guide
Another great feature to this kit is a booklet called, “The Inside Story.” This book refers to all of the extreme detail Dragon Models has put into this kit. It begins with the weld seams of the turret which are the correct ones for this version and continues on to the long barreled 7.5 cm gun sleeves and ending with detailed suspension and road wheels. Dragon has also given you a decal sheet with several divisional markings as listed below:
Pz.Abt.204, 22 Pz.Div.,Russia 1942
Pz.Rgt.29, 12.Pz.Div.,Russia 1942
Pz.Abt.1, ‘LAH’ Div.,France 1942
Pz.Rgt.8, 15.Pz.Div., Tunisia 1942
Pz.Rgt.15, 11.Pz.Div., Russia 1942
Unidentified unit, Eastern Front 1943
Details and Features
I would like to take a little time to discuss some of the finer details of this tank. The weld seams on the turrets of other kits of the IV F2 are smooth and have a single level as on the Ausf. D and E, but this feature is incorrect. Dragon has carefully placed the weld seam on a split level because there is a slight step down at the rear of the turret. The original vehicles have various weld seams throughout and Dragon has done an outstanding job in replicating them from top to bottom making this tank an authentic version.
While on the subject of bottom, Dragon has replicated this tank from its under carriage to both sides of its fenders. The kit also comes with the now famous “magic tracks", which are beautifully molded with open guide horns. The wheels and suspension have been faithfully reproduced in a way that makes them an easier assembly with total accuracy beginning with the leaf springs all the way to the parting lines on the rubber road wheels.
The last aspect I would like to mention is the fact that you can really “open her up”. Dragon has provided the options of opening or closing several items on this vehicle. Some are standard such as the hatches, but others like the fuel filter hatch, the front view port, transmission hatches, and signal port can also be posed open just to name a few.
Conclusion
This kit is one of those that any “tread-head” would want in his collection. When one looks at the extreme detail that Dragon has put into this kit and presenting it as one of their “Smart Kits” simplifies it so any level of expertise can build this kit and enjoy the process.
SUMMARY
Highs: One of the most detailed and accurate kits of the Pz. IV. F2 (G) to be produced.Lows: Dragon has taken the effort to have the rubber mold seams in the center of the road wheels, but upon removing the wheels from the sprue one can easily lose the detail.Verdict: A very good kit, adding the Pzkpfw IV "long-gun" family to the "Smart Kit" series.
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It looks to be a truly amazing kit, as several reviews and buildups have proven. I wonder why the turret interior is simplified from the IVE version with the removal of the turret floor and shell bag. Also, it seems to be keeping the separate rubber bitz for the roadwheels would have been the "Smart" thing to do, if only to spare us from the tedium of cleaning the treads.
This kit looks great... and the Panzer IV is my favorite of the war.
However, I didn't see a picture or mention of the main gun barrel.... is it aluminum, or plastic?
Main gun is one piece plastic.
I'll tell you, in my opinion I'm happy that Dragon left the rubber wheels molded on the rims and not separate like their Super kits Panzers. For me I did like knowing that I didn't have to paint straight lines with my wheels, however I noticed that once the rims and wheels were painted, it was hard to squeeze those rubber wheels on and paint would sometimes chip there. Now all I have to do is just paint the wheels.
Agamemnon,
I think the absence of the full turret interior has more to do with the "Smart Kit" methodology than anything else. They still provide the interior for the cupola in the form of the vision blocks and other things, so it's a compromise of sorts in that regard. From what the build-up reviews have had to say so far, it's a very well engineered kit. I'm with you and javazquez (how's that for straddling the fence? ) in that I too was disappointed in the rubber rims no longer being separate but also see the advantage from an ease of use/handling perspective on returning to them being one-piece, also in line with the "Smart Kit" thinking.
Now I just have to find a good home for the kit #9019 that's still in the stash that this one replaces.
Did you paint the wheels and rims apart from each other, meaning the area where the 2 meet was also covered in paint?
I've read that an easy way to avoid this is to paint the wheels with the rims on, then remove the rims, paint these black, sand any black (or other rubber color BTW) off the inside, and then they would fit perfect.
Anyway, this kit might lead to the Vorpanzer being postponed even further before I get to start building that one. The horror, the horror....
I've heard stories that the separate wheel rubbers actually split when forced on wheels with paint on them. They're that snug.
One thing that does surprise me is the lack of a connector between hull and turret. It's designed to just sit there, or be glued into place. I don't think I've ever seen a kit do that before.
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