PzIV Puzzler

[Mackem]

Hi All,

I had the PzIV apart yesterday to run in the gearboxes/motors and decided it was the perfect opportunity to re-position the power, sound and smoke switches.
The problem is that there's nowhere nice and easy (like the PzIII engine deck) on the lower hull to put them.
I'm sure somebody here will have tackled this problem already, so if you have, will you post your solution please?

Cheers
John

[tankman]

Hi John I have been looking at my Panzer IV prototype build and I think the only option for the sound switch ( if you want easy access is to drill a ho;e in the panel and mount it flush with the surface. You will have to use plastic packers to space it out from the inner rear panel wall. Looking at the on off switch somewhere under the exhaust looks a good place where it won't be seen. All I am thinking of doing is cutting down the arm on the switch and using a small electrical screw driver to move the stub to the on or off position. As to the smoker switch I don't know as I junked mine. But you could use the same idea as the on/off switch and mount it  somewhere on that rear panel as there are plenty of nooks and crannys on there. All the best for now
Alan

PS check the picture and you can see where I have drilled a hole in the auxuliry muffler for the volume control ( the rusty looking bit )

[Rivetcounter]

With the Bandai Stug IV I placed the switches below the rear engine hatches no ides if this works on the Heng Long version

[Mackem]

Had a Bandai PzIV f2 some time ago, as I remember the engine deck hatches were hinged., the HL Pz IV rear deck is solid.
Had a poke around earlier and came up with 2 options :-

Hide the switches under the exhaust.
Put them in the turret, the side hatches open.

Cheers
John

[philipat]

Check Asiatam's site, they have operating deck hatches and front tranny hatches.  You could get them, cut out the solid HL hatches and put the switches there.

[Mackem]

Had a look at Asiatam, they have metal engine deck hatches, gearbox access hatches, and driver and radio operator hatches.
Looks like the PzIV will be getting even more metal
Cheers philipat