Asiatam Pz.IV

[littletankman]

hi i bought a set of Steves Asiatam Pz.IV idlers and sprockets and there excelent quality . A lot better than the stock HL plasick versions . Especialy as Im making my Pz.IV a late model .

Andy

[tankman]

Hi Andy are you going to fix the incorrect return roller ( to high ) next to the rear idler and reduce them to 3 rollers per side as well as raise the drive wheel a couple of mm to look correct ?. On my "paper Panzer" I undertook these "simple" modifications and even added a flanged 8mm bearing to support the drive axle. I would also recomend the rear idler adjuster Steve sells as it's fantastic with metal or plastic tracks to get that magic sag over the return rollers. Also made late style exhausts as I think these look so much better than the drum type exhaust IMO. Then I just went nuts with the upper deck . Plenty of pictures so I can pinch errrr get some ideas for a possible later build . If this build turns out half as good as the Stug it will be a cracker. All the best for now
Alan

[littletankman]

Hi Alan , Hi thanks for the copmments I have started the Pz.IV build but apart from the engine decks and turret all the rest is goin to be re done . Ones going to be a late Ausf. H . Like in Normandy probaly from the 12th SS . This ones going to be a late H with out the track guard mounted filter as this was phassed out in Feb '44 towards the end of the H run and solid skirts . If I do the late Ausf.J I was thinking of a Sept '44 model so no zimmerit , mesh skirts I have Steves latest Asiatam Pz.IV late idlers and sprockets ( ) And I also have another set of late sprockets and idlers not Asiatam but as good for the H model. I will fit Steves track tensioners as I want to lower the rear idler and the sag will look good . Im not sure about the drive sprocket I wasnt aware it was wong ? Im keeping the 4 return rollers and single piece lift cuppola lid rather than the lift and swivel cupola lid both fitted post Sept '44 . The cupola lid in Oct 44 and the cupola like Dec '44. But saying that it would be good to make a final model

[tankman]

Yes mate the HL drive sprocket is about 3 mm to low. If you do raise it beware the front mudguard also need to be raised so as not to foul the track. I will repost a couple of pictures of my "paper Panzer" as it's based on a Panzer IV late chassis.
Alan

[littletankman]

Hi Alan please do mate Was it a big job

Thanks Andy

[tankman]

Not that big I will post some pictures later. I wanted to put bearings in to support the drive shafts so all I did was raise the gearboxes by a few mm with plastic shims then mark where the shaft,s new position was. I then lined up my bearings on where the shaft had moved to and marked round them. Got the dremmel out and made a rough hole inside the mark then hand filed the rest away untill the bearing dropped into the new hole put the gearboxes back in then a spot of superglue on the bearing flange to keep it in place. As I said I also had to adjust the front mud guards up a little to avoid track fouling. Hope that helps
Alan
PS you have to trim the gearbox casings down to allow the top to fit. That's why HL dropped the sprocket by 3mm

[littletankman]

Hi thanks for that looks a good job well done . i will be attempting that.

Andy

[tankman]

Good for you Andy. Keep us posted on your progress mate.
Alan

[littletankman]

Hi Alan,
Will do mate Ive decide to make a Pz.IV Ausf.H from Normandy with solid skirts and a Ausf.J with mesh skirts but not a final model as Im not altering it to three return rollers or the up and swivel cupola. These picts will be a great help thanks .

Andy

[tankman]

Any time mate
Alan