@Hohenstaufen, thank you! I greatly appreciate the comments and information that 3rd Company was the Panther battalion. That’s very helpful as I have a 9th SS Panther planned eventually
…and now I can kept that Panther out of the Pz IV company!
1 Like
If this is common knowledge then I appologise:
FYI - The small round door on the right rear of the armored engine enclosure of all Pz IVs is an access hatch. You open this and you can then disengage the pulley drive clutch that powers the two cooling fans. It is only then that you can swing open the top right deck cover to access the engine.
1 Like
Well I didn’t know that thanks!
Ken
With respect, the Tiger II could do better than 10 Km before breaking down. On fact, all AFVs of the WWII era had some difficulties of break downs during use. The real issue involved the ease of making field repairs. The Germans tanks were too complicated when compared with those of other nations.
Bill
1 Like
Seventeen months have flown by since the base wash was applied. Surely, it’s cured now! 
Four years since thread start and the pet shelf queen, is now 30 years plus in the tooth.
With the 1970 era detail Tamiya Tiger 1 wrapped, it’s time to complete this Pz IV J as well.
Status…
Started using Mig’s Acrylic mud not that long ago and felt the J should get a mild application. Last year, I wouldn’t even have considered adding any mud product to this model but thanks to the forum, I’ve tried new products and learned.
Skirts too got a light application too.
Started the drybrushing.
Goal is to wrap this model by the end of the month.
11 Likes
Very nice finish so far Wade
3 Likes
Another moldy oldie returning to glory days. This one looks really spectacular Wade, can’t wait to see how you do the finishing touches.
2 Likes
Richard & Matt, thank you!
Definitely about as moldy & oldie as model kits get, this kit was started in my late 20’s before internet was in wide use, real ancient history.
Worked under the fenders today.
Touched up tires with tire black, added a dust wash of MCLT & Gunzy Sail & drybrushed wheels.
Had a blast drybrushing the leaf springs, practically invisible with the wheels Installed.
With sprocket in place the made casting number probably won’t show.
However, the empty top bolt holes will be visible.
4 Likes
Awesome details! You know it’s there.
2 Likes
Thank you, Matt.
Today, slowly grinding forward a bit more with DB on nose, front hull top & turret top.
5 Likes
I forgot using the J’s tow cables on the H (above spring 2023) because my experiment on the H’s tow cables failed.
No worries, that’s what that box of expensive 3D printed TREX tow cable ends is for right?
LOL! Removal & clean up of six parts? Broke two & lost one, yielding three tow cable ends!
Ordered replacements.
Everything, on this specific model requires reworking multiple times. It must be the 30 year curse. For instance the Fruilmodel tracks are the 5th set of tracks for this model.
#1 Tamiya stock band tracks - replaced
#2 Academy Pz IV individual links, after punch marks were fixed and installed on the model realized the detail was pretty lame - replaced
#3 Fruil Pz IV original folding clasp tracks. Handed 50 for one side, 150 for other side. Importer didn’t make product good - replaced
#4 Model-Kasten individual links , cleaned and installed, perfect in 1995 but not acceptable to me in 2019 - replaced
#5 Fruil Pz IV (wire pin). These are suitable but I have the length wrong. Have to shorten tracks by one link.
Obviously, too much slack, have to remove one link.
Overall, happy enough with set #5 of tracks.
Test fit
9 Likes
It looks very very nice.
You’ll make it before that kit turns 40 !!
2 Likes
Definite signs of OCD and AMS, possible exposure to too much liquid cement. 
On the other hand, those tracks do look good!
Ken
4 Likes
You think? ROFL 
BTW - Suspension & wheels have also been replaced on this Pz IV as Tamiya’s kit parts weren’t deemed acceptable due to serious lack of detail plus installation error on my part. TriStar Pz IV Suspension kit to the rescue!
In an alternative universe many years ago, I was a card carrying Panzer Polizi. Full AMS & OCD endorsements on my credentials and IPMS Nationals certified Judge. Weilding my trusty mini-mag flashlight 
like a light saber death ray.
Occasionally have a relapse on the OCD & AMS…with old Pz IV, Tiger or Panther kits.
Not much to update today.
Flu so not motivated 
now but probably back in the hobby room tomorrow. Took wife to doctor and hopefully she’ll be on the mend soon.
In any case, Pz IV build care package from Sprue Brothers arrived today.
I don’t like the kit antenna mount so it’s got to go. Likewise, wanted different decals plus support items.
Looks like the chronic AMS/OCD is still going strong on this one… 
@Nito74 thank you! I really hope this one gets wrapped before 2034!
5 Likes
Wishing you(s) a speedy recovery so I can see more of your work! Haha
2 Likes
Thank you, Steve.
This is about as sorted as the driver side track is going to get. Loose in keeping with what I wanted back in 1994 for this model with the Model-Kasten tracks.
Had to get back to working on “Dumb J” as the temptation of shelving the model yet again and working on a “rework” side project became severe temptation yesterday.
Edit - after lunch…
Both tracks installed…
Only one minor bit of damage which can be fixed w/issue. I’m shocked the chain held!
Couldn’t resist a test fit…
8 Likes
The finish looks great.
Cheers,
Ralph
2 Likes
@mech Ralph, thank you very much.
Made various tweaks today waiting on the tow cables to arrive.
Modified Mig’s 3D printed antenna mount for an Aber antenna.
My interpretation of spots that might get beat up over several months of service.
My Bag of Chips 
Tweaked turret with similar idea.
2nd Panzer Division, trident symbol “chipped” upside down & the 11th build of the year for the 11th Panzer Division.
Links this 1994, 1st attempt at a contest model to my favorite contest model builds that followed later in 1996 & 1997.
Cheers 
5 Likes
Decal Day…with lots of setting solution, lots of softener and lots of pressing with Q-tips…
10th SS Panzer Division
Balkenkreuz
Turret numbers
5 Likes
If you can see the qtip fuzz then you can remove it with cotton forceps. May even contribute some chipping.
2 Likes