Contemplating a Panzer IV build? Then...

[43rdRecceReg]

Well, Roy, you've convinced me that if I build another P4 I'll go with the Tamiya kit. That seems to be the most accurate total package right out of the box, eh?

Yes, Gary. That's my conclusion too, although from what I've been able to gather of the Trumpeter product, it's also fairly close to the real thing too in terms of accuracy. Like the Tamiya, though, it's going to leave your wallet a lot thinner..

[Raminator]

I've seen the Trumpeter Panzer IV pop up on eBay for about AU$250, but you'd need to add electronics and running gear to that. Still, I think my hybrid Trumpeter/Taigen T-34 was a good compromise between detail, robustness and price.

Cue Tom telling me the Tamiya can be had for 20p and some McDonald's chicken nuggets if you know where to look.

[silversurfer1947]

There are Trumpeter Panzer IVs available from Germany on eBay, best price at present approx £175 including postage.

[43rdRecceReg]

I've seen the Trumpeter Panzer IV pop up on eBay for about AU$250, but you'd need to add electronics and running gear to that. Still, I think my hybrid Trumpeter/Taigen T-34 was a good compromise between detail, robustness and price.

Cue Tom telling me the Tamiya can be had for 20p and some McDonald's chicken nuggets if you know where to look.

That would prompt murderous mini goldrush fever, as with the crazed 'Dobbs' Character (Humphrey Bogart) in Huston's 'Treasure of the Sierra madre'
Here's a neat Trumpeter Pz IV conversion to RC, from Scalemodeladdict.com:
http://www.scalemodeladdict.com/SMF/ind ... ic=12704.0
and this Addict's first Elmod-powered trial run on Youtube. Love the start up rumble!

phpBB [video]

[c.rainford73]

Very nice indeed

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[B_Man]

The half cylinder near the drivers hatch is an armored cover for the steering brake cooling vent. I'm not really sure how it vents both brakes but no doubt there was an elaborate, over engineered solution behind it.

My first RC tank was a Heng Long PIV and when I put it next to the Tamiya the differences are pretty noticeable. My old Heng Long is now in line to be converted to a Stug IV otherwise I'll never use it. You do get what you pay for with Tamiya but I wish they would release them without the outdated electronics at a more reasonable price.

[43rdRecceReg]

The half cylinder near the drivers hatch is an armored cover for the steering brake cooling vent. I'm not really sure how it vents both brakes but no doubt there was an elaborate, over engineered solution behind it.

My first RC tank was a Heng Long PIV and when I put it next to the Tamiya the differences are pretty noticeable. My old Heng Long is now in line to be converted to a Stug IV otherwise I'll never use it. You do get what you pay for with Tamiya but I wish they would release them without the outdated electronics at a more reasonable price.

Thanks, B-Man! I reasoned that it was some manner of armoured vent, but finding a ready source of Panzer IV named parts is quite a challenge. At least the Tiger 1 has the Haynes manual to detail and describe individual components.

For anyone wanting to build a unique looking Pz IV then this 'Big Booty' version, located still at the Aberdeen Proving Ground (?), should be the ideal candidate

Big Booty Panzer IV with hydrostatic drive

It is powered by a 'hydrostatic' drive train. This means, is has no gearbox or drive shafts as such. Instead, a pressurised oil feed drives two motors attached to the rear sprockets...
For anyone wishing to know about Hydrostatic systems, then boggle yourselves with this but do ignore the 40 secs of frankly weird intro:

phpBB [video]

[43rdRecceReg]

Hmmm..something about the pert posterior on the Hydrostatic model recalls the much vaunted fat backside on the Renault Clio...

[43rdRecceReg]

Just found this interesting 'to do' list in the 'Things to fix' section of the forum index. It confirms the alterations I've recommended, or highlighted, and adds a few more for the future builder with a slightly obsessive streak
viewtopic.php?f=122&t=3004

[c.rainford73]

Never considered "big booty" & Panzer before but.... eh it works. Like the J-Lo of tanks

This is quite a unique Panzer iv variant for sure. Always found it very interesting.

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