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Next Up... Tamiya Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf D

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My next project will be the Panzer IV Ausf D from Tamiya. This is one of the older kits from Tamiya, and the date molded on the lower hull is 1975.


This particular kit has been reviewed countless times, and many have noted that since this kit was first molded, at a time when motorized models were popular, the allowances for motors, batteries, and switches rendered the dimensions of the model to non-scale proportions. Because of this, some modelers pooh-pooh this kit as inaccurate, and not really worth the time and effort, especially considering that there are much more detailed and accurate representations of this particular subject. In addition to that, the details are considered simple, somewhat "soft," or lacking altogether.


However, because of its age, this kit has a number of pluses.


First, it is pretty inexpensive. I got this one at a local hobby shop for $21.xx, out the door. It can be found for about the same online via online dealers, or EBay.


Second, due to the lack of lots of small detail, and a lower parts count (compared to more recent kit releases,) and Tamiya's ability to manufacture kits that fit like they are supposed to, beginners can build this kit into a nice representation of the Panzer IV. The instructions are easy to follow, and the parts, even though they are coming from molds that are quite old, are free from flash and heavy mold lines. This makes clean up and assembly that mush easier.


Third, for a modeller that may be a bit more experienced, but wants to try some new techniques, or perhaps some scratchbuilding, this kit is a great candidate. The low price and general quality of the kit parts would allow a person to try out some new stuff without too much worry of money wasted if things go bad.


As for me, I plan on building this one pretty much out of the box. I want to feature this build on my YouTube channel and focus on newer kit builders. This will also be the first time I have finished a WWII German vehicle in grey. All of my German vehicle builds in the past have been in the usual dark yellow and/or camo schemes.


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Thread owner
I don't think you need to justify the kit, but you put some good points across, look forward to the build :)
 
you will enjoy this kit, goes together with no drama.......i used mine to practice the hairspray technique on
 
I've built three of these , it's a great kit and you have a choice of desert and early 39 versions mix both up and you get a rather nice 1941 Libyan version :)
 
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The PIV is one of my favorities tanks...so I will be follow your work with interest ;)
 
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Never got around to getting one of these, looking forward to seeing your build;)
 
nice Brett,I have this one in my stash,so will like to know how you get on with it, ;)
 
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I built one of these for my after gazala dio it is a nice kit that goes together well.


Scott
 
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Looks like a nice kit, but your work desk looks even nicer! damn that's a clean area hahaha, mine looks like something at the back of gollum's cave pmsl. I don't have a stash but if i did id have one of these in it... and some other WW2 stuff, sherman, patton, tiger and panther ect.


Pz 4H would be a nice kit. Need to keep my eyes open for one :P
 
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Thanks for the comments, everyone.


Cripes, I didn't realize that I haven't updated since June. Things have been hectic but that's no excuse. So, I guess an update is in order.


First, the actual construction. i have to apologize, but the build photos I took got erased by a certain bonehead (me,) so nothing to show there. But, there really wasn't anything to show. In typical Tamiya fashion (at least in my experience,) it has gone together without a hitch. Everything fit exactly as it should, and parts cleanup was minimal.


Second, I got it primed. I used Vallejo black primer. I have said it before, and I'll say it again; this primer is awesome. I use it directly from the bottle and it sprays very nice.


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After that I sprayed the interior.


I also got it painted, but need to take some pics for my next update.

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I've got one of these too, been previously started by my old neighbour, and thought I might practice my airbrush and battle damage techniques on it... poor old Pzkfw IV!!
 
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