A LEAP OF FAITH

[MrChef]

Interesting,,, I have a general malaise for all things Panzer IV. I haven't attempted one yet but likely will before a Sturmtiger Just little to no interest in the German Sherman…

Let's Go Bix get it ON!

[john1970]

If it's going to be a runner then this build might be of help
viewtopic.php?t=32903

[HERMAN BIX]

If it's going to be a runner then this build might be of help
viewtopic.php?t=32903

Thanks Mr 1970, it certainly will help.
Theres a lot of technique missing tho, so thats the bit Im concerned with.
No such thing as "get another bit from wherever" available on this !

I'll get ér, I know I will.....................just how is part of the fun

[jarndice]

Not a lot to add at this point only to say I have tried every PZ4 metal hull on the market and they all have disappointed me one way or the other.
A lot of extra cash for a lot of extra frustration.
How early ? The Taigen Metal turret is pretty much the definative in accuracy with the bustle box on the back of the turret but of course a number of early variants did not have a turret box.

[Rob59]

Hey Mr.B
I do have the Trump P-IV on the shelf with those Thoma Schürzen.
Kit is still untouched in its huge box.
Folowing your build with great interest too.
Good luck,
Rob.

[Estnische]

Good luck Herr Bix, although I'm sure you won't need it.

[HERMAN BIX]

Well I certainly do appreciate the belief folks!

To get the thing actually moving there has been a lot of minor stuff done to enable the bigger stuff to progress.

- Rear plate idler gussets ground off.
- Rear plate idler placements had shim material added.
- Front drive hull penetrations opened up for the gearboxes.
- Suspension assembly made up for one station to check positioning & centerline for correct track & gearbox alignment.
- Trumpeter suspension pivot cover & fastening points modified & drilled for accepting the new pivot axle.
- Internal floor plate that Trumpeter provide to mount all the internal features cut & to be used to stiffen the hull and assist with gearbox mounting hardpoints.
- Side hull reinforcement plats made out of 2mm styrene which will be added to the Trumpeter walls for increased rigidity.
- Suspension pivot points to be filled with (something ) to assist the new axles to retain.

Long long way to go, but its taking shape.

[Meter rat]

Following this with interest. Will this be pristine, limited weathering, or the Bix job of a well used tank, limping back home?

[HERMAN BIX]

Following this with interest. Will this be pristine, limited weathering, or the Bix job of a well used tank, limping back home?

G'day Mr Rat, thanks for looking in matey.
This one is not mine.
Im paying forward on a favor & a lot of goodwill.
I will do the mobility & turret function phase- he will do the rest.
From the little bit I have done I can say that using an upper & all the rest from a Trumpeter(or many of the others) on top of a good lower is the best way to go.
Some H/.L tanks, especially the PzIV , need a lot of improvement.

[jarndice]

Like the tank body needing a 5mm drop from turret ring to rear plate for starters.