Early or late clasps for Panzer IV F2?

[lifeofbrian]

Looking at the Aber Brass Photo Etch claps, but what will suit the F2, early or late?

http://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/kata ... :1912.html
http://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/kata ... :5490.html

[jarndice]

The PZ4 was the only German Tank that was in production from before the start of WW2 right up to its conclusion,
Because of its continued construction throughout the War you have to know not only which Type Letter your Tank is but its history, so that you can date it accurately,
If for instance it is a "J" that makes the PZ4 a late model which would use late clasps but an Early "F2" would have been one of the first 25 PZ4s converted from the Short to the long barrel 7.5 cm KwK40L/43 and because that was in 1942 it would have early clasps and yet the same designation "F2" on a later Tank would use late model clasps,
This type remained in production until the introduction of the "G" just before the Battle of Kharkov in mid 1943. So the easy answer is if you are not building an historically accurate PZ4 "F2" then you can use either early or late clasps simply because it was the "F2" model when they changed from the early to late clasps.
Thank goodness this isn't confusing
Shaun.

[lifeofbrian]

Great info as always mate. It probably wont be an accurate build this being my first. I just want it to look cool and believable, but I don't want all the real tank guys to look at it and find it ridiculous.

The PZ4 was the only German Tank that was in production from before the start of WW2 right up to its conclusion,
Because of its continued construction throughout the War you have to know not only which Type Letter your Tank is but its history, so that you can date it accurately,
If for instance it is a "J" that makes the PZ4 a late model which would use late clasps but an Early "F2" would have been one of the first 25 PZ4s converted from the Short to the long barrel 7.5 cm KwK40L/43 and because that was in 1942 it would have early clasps and yet the same designation "F2" on a later Tank would use late model clasps,
This type remained in production until the introduction of the "G" just before the Battle of Kharkov in mid 1943. So the easy answer is if you are not building an historically accurate PZ4 "F2" then you can use either early or late clasps simply because it was the "F2" model when they changed from the early to late clasps.
Thank goodness this isn't confusing
Shaun.

[Tiggr]

Great info as always mate. It probably wont be an accurate build this being my first. I just want it to look cool and believable, but I don't want all the real tank guys to look at it and find it ridiculous.

I wouldn't worry about it....

Of the 4871 members we have, not many would know or notice the difference between the clasps.

Cool and believable is just fine for most of us.

[HERMAN BIX]

All this assumes a constant. That being the tank never had a need to be sent to a rear area for major refitting after massive field damage, therefore having a later version repair or replacement turret/hull combo that makes the entire thing look like a hybrid.

The possible combinations of a particular vehicle are virtually endless..........

[Dug]

The Bovington Pz4 is, I believe an E upgraded to a G on repair/refit so, if it looks right it probably is!

[Dug]

The Bovington Pz4 is, I believe an E upgraded to a G on repair/refit so, if it looks right it probably is!