Help Needed

[Mackem]

Hi All,

Started work on the PzIV today. I removed the front and rear fenders to replace with hinged brass, no problems here.
I was about to start opening up a couple of access hatches when I ran into a few problems.  >:(

1: Engine Deck Hatches

I'm going to open up the engine deck hatches to replace with metal and relocate the switches.
Only to find that this will leave the turret rotation unit exposed and supported by only 2 screws.
Is this ok?

2: Driver & Radio Operator Hatches

Want to open these up to replace with metal so I can put a crew in the tank at sometime.
I thought they would be glued in place but on inspection they are part of the moulding.
Thought I would dremel them out a little bit smaller than the actual hatch size and sand flat what's left.
What do you think?

Thanks in advance for your help
John

[fv432]

John
1) reckon it should be ok as you have 2 screws holding

2) have you tried the thread saw technique as its excellent for that job you also dont remove too much material and cleanup is easier

[Mackem]

Thanks for the speedy reply El Presidenty 

The problem is that the driver & radio operators hatches have splash guards that prevent lateral access.
I've got some very flexible 'key-hole saw' blades though. Should be ok if I take my time eh?

Cheers
John

[fv432]

no worries on the response time i try my best lol
dont spose you have a pic of the problem?
the keysaw may be ok?

[Mackem]

Sorry for the picture quality I'm using my mobile.

Here's a pic from inside the hull



Before



The keyhole saw worked a treat 



Cheers
John

[Mackem]

I'm positive after closer inspection that these hatches are glued in place.
I think I'll try some acetone on the drivers hatch before the next round of surgery.

Cheers
John

[tankman]

Hi Mackem look's like you are getting busy with your Panzer IV. If you get stuck I have the old front hatches and front deck area from my "paper panzer" build. I have however removed the mouldings from the middle of each hatch as I was going to convert the HL panzer to a late model. Keep up the good work and all the best for now
Alan

[Oddball]

Hi Mackem look's like you are getting busy with your Panzer IV. If you get stuck I have the old front hatches and front deck area from my "paper panzer" build. I have however removed the mouldings from the middle of each hatch as I was going to convert the HL panzer to a late model. Keep up the good work and all the best for now
Alan

Hi Alan panzer is looking but I think the ariel on the back maybe a tad out of scale you may what to correct that at sometime
Andy

[Mackem]

Thanks for the offer Alan, I'll keep it in mind.
More surgery tomorrow.

Cheers
John

[tankman]

Cheer's Andy it's not an ariel but the crews Christmas decoration. I will make sure it's removed by 12th night LOL. All the best and a happy new year
Alan