Contemplating a Panzer IV build? Then...

[43rdRecceReg]

'Bogey' is also written as 'Bogie' (pl. 'Bogies'), just in case there are any nitpickers out there. Oh, yes while I'm at it...the correct plural of 'Fly' (cf. Firefly) is 'Flies' ('Fireflies', like Cry=cries, Try=tries..etc..just for infos sake. )

Fitting the Tamiya Pz IV suspension bogeys..

You need three hands to fit these units. But I found that binding the four baseplates to the hull with a little thread locker worked a treat for keeping them in place
Don't be deceived by the drive transmission housing. I only have one, and need another 'B" sprue to complete both sides. Thus far, though, and in keeping with the research brief, I haven't actually bought a Tamiya Pz IV kit! I've just been being bits piecemeal. More than that, MIke's input (donation) has helped to give the upper and lower hulls an almost complete look.

I've measured the Tamiya and Asiatam/Taigen roadwheels, and they're exactly the same size. So it occurred to me that Taigen tyres would probably fit Tamiya wheels. I noted that Dominique (rctank.de ) sells full replacements sets of tyres for Pz IV road wheels- and return rollers, and decided to take the plunge ( + minor financial risk) by ordering a set. I'm pretty sure they'll fit. If not, they may be of use to someone here. The process will be facilitated by the overly large tub of synthetic 'rubber cement' I ordered for the KT project...and didn't really need

[43rdRecceReg]

Right, well here's a snap of the almost fully adorned Upper hull, sitting loosely, atop the now almost rolling chassis. Too late to stop now! This building bug eats away at you, and can only be partially relieved by the arrival of the Postie, or a courier ( AKA the 'Candyman' ) with the next polystyrene 'fix'!

PzIV upper and lower hull meet for the first time..

[jarndice]

RoySan I was surprised that you were not sitting in front of a stack of on approval Tamiya 1/16 r/c armoured kits but are like the rest of us mere mortals begging borrowing but absolutely NOT stealing parts for your PZ4,
With that in mind where did you source the Tamiya suspension parts, ?
I once tried to work out what parts I needed and which sprue/s but I decided to take up an easier pass time,
I now know how many grains of sand make up Southwold beach give or take a dogs doings,
By the by I favour bathing in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean but because of the hot water outflow from the adjacent Nuclear power station Southwold's water temperature is most exceptable and hardly anyone swims there
Also getting there via the Suffolk lanes are a lot of fun on the Bandit.
The threadlock trick beats double sided tape hands down, I took up your suggestion of pin viceing through the Faux bolts in the hinges and I semi cocked up the first one but not irreparably and instead of my usual guess work I now drill confidently into the Tank body through the threadlocked drilled hinges in preparation for fitting the bolts and the washers and nuts where before it would have been a like it or not permanent superglue fix.
When you buy the Tyres if you don't already know there are two types available one has more detail than the other,
Shaun.

[43rdRecceReg]

Konnichi wa, and domo arigato Shaun, San!
Well, I've been buying Pz IV bits from Axel's in the main. Indeed, so cherished is my custom of late, that I've also been treated to complementary bags of Haribo gummi sweets in my most recent consignments. Talk about commercial blandishments. eh? Don't they know they're promoting tooth decay, as well as Tamiya San's precision products? Anyway, Axel's provided the hulls and most of the sprues, although I did bag a brace of sprues from another source on Ebay. Then there was mid-Pacific Mike with his heroic donation to this lost cause (me, not the tank..):lolno: It might be a dumb way of assembling a Pz IV, but I find it more satisfying..as there's the search and find angle on it too. Believe me, you learn far more about the model by this route. The manual for the build is easy to download. In that, there's a complete list of sprues and screw bags (I've known a few in my time.. ) in the appendices.. This is what I've used for procurement purposes...
Funny you should mention Southwold. Many years ago, A friend from our Uni. days invited us to stay there in a cottage belonging, in turn, to a doctor friend of hers. The cottage was by some mudflats and inlets- a product, it was said, of rampant coastal erosion. Well, this was thirty years ago, (my kids are in their 40s now.. ) and so there's every chance that this lovely wee cottage will be in the North Sea by now, along with Dunwich. However, one thing i do recall about that trip above all though, is just how vicious those winds could be off the North Sea in April. Being a Highlander, I'm used to the elements..but those winds could freeze the balls off a buffalo, or kill a wart in an instant
I'm really glad I live on the West Coast, in Wester Ross. We get the gulf stream here, as well as the Northern Lights.....and packages containing gummi bears

[43rdRecceReg]

To be a little more specific, Shaun. If you were to buy the suspension system complete, you'd need:
5 x 'A' sprues (0007459) (for the wheels and return rollers)
Suspension Arm bag (9400758) L.
Suspension Arm bag (9400759) R.
Suspension Arm bag (9400760)
Shaft bag (9400762)
and
Metal Bearing Bag (9400763)
Those are the parts. But you'll also need 'Screw bags': 'B' (9465749)...absolutely crucial; and 'C" ..(9465750)
Simply typing the product number in Google, if prefixed by 'Tamiya', will often bring potential sources up. Indeed I found a new source today- new to me, anyway:
http://www.modellbau-seidel.de/index.ph ... st=0004793
It looks very promising. There are items in stock there that I can't access elsewhere.
As for the screw bags, it is possible to get away without bag 'C", so long as you can find sources for 2.6m x 6mm capped screws, M2 spring washers and much more besides.
Altogether, it's not likely to be cheap, but it will pay dividends in the long run, or clank, as the case may be Surely, if you're p**sed off with wheels falling off your PzIV; with tracks locking up; springs pinging off into the grass, and the wife or partner after you with a rolling pin for wasting precious resources...then it takes two to Tamiya! ...(suspension sides, that is)

Update: yes, I forgot to mention Screw bag 'D' too. Thit is really an essential as it contains the wee spacers needed for the rocker arm studs. the Number is (9465751). In themselves, the bags are actually fairly cheap. Importing them isn't.
Ordering though UK sources would make more sense, but they all look a bit disinterested to me...

[Maccrage]

I have both the Tamiya ausf J and the Trumpeter ausf H. The original intent was to cannibalize the Trumpeter kit to convert the J to an H. Now, I think I will instead build the J stock, and convert the H to rc.

[Rad_Schuhart]

I installed a full tamiya suspension in my asiatam PIV like one year ago too.

For what you are going to spend in parts, it would be better to buy the entire kit and to sell what you dont need like the crappy electronics.

If I could go back in time I think I would do it. Also I must say I bought the parts in the missing jason's store way way cheaper than in axels, and also that seidl modelbau shop does not ship outside germany.

[Big Chris]

Tank build good but can I just say what a fantastic view out of your window

[Big Chris]

Tank build good but can I just say what a fantastic view out of your window

[43rdRecceReg]

I have both the Tamiya ausf J and the Trumpeter ausf H. The original intent was to cannibalize the Trumpeter kit to convert the J to an H. Now, I think I will instead build the J stock, and convert the H to rc.

Sounds eminently sensible to me.. Pictures, and details, of any progress will always be welcome here..