Contemplating a Panzer IV build? Then...

[sassgrunt]

Okay, you got me. What the heck is an FPV?

[Max-U52]

First Person View.

Check the video I just posted in the HL Truck Mods thread. Let's put that in Roy's tank.

[sassgrunt]

Got it. I agree with you and think that Roy should follow suit. I mean, he's building the thing; he might as well get to feel like he's driving it as well.

[Max-U52]

One of those tiny cameras fits behind the driver's view port just perfect.

[Max-U52]

OK, since we've had some discussion here about the accuracy over at Tamiya I need y'all's opinion on somethin'. If you could check my last post in the HL Truck Mods thread you'll find a Tamiya paint and markings sheet for the SS100, how accurate do you guys think that is? Please post replies in the truck thread, and sorry for the minor hi-jack there, Highlander.

[43rdRecceReg]

Do you have all the other turret parts you need for it already? Doors, storage bin, schurtzen, etc?

Most of the major parts of the storage unit are on the 'D' sprue. That's been out of stock with Axel since before the project began. I'm waiting to see how dependable the new German Ebay vendor is before taking ordering more parts with him. When the turret components appear from that last order (placed with the new source), I'll have most of what I need, barring gun/ mantlet/Storage kasten and a few other odds and ends.
I'm confident now that in time, I'll be able to source all the external Ausf J bits. Real decision time comes when contemplating which electronic heart the tank will have. Tamiya DMD and MF units for this- even when available amount to almost £400... new from Axel. I could have bought the whole used Pz IV advertised here recently, for that. New is a real no- no. I'll be looking at used , or maybe at a TK60. ..and not overspending. I don't want an address on Skidrow..

[43rdRecceReg]

And what about the FPV?

..and when it's fitted, with advice from the old Motor City hippy tanker, this is the first image to come through the Tank's viewfinder :

Gary helping to configure Pz IV's new FPV...

Catweazel spaced out.jpg (46.41 KiB) Viewed 4276 times

[43rdRecceReg]

Gary raised the subject of Tamiya accuracy. Well, we've covered the obvious details they get right that other brands don't (return rollers etc.,). I just though of another potential inaccuracy. It has to do with the turret's offset.
Made on the cheap, you'd expect the turret's actual midpoint (L-R) to be located plumb centre in the upper hull deck. In reality, the Pz IV's turret was offset to the left (looking forward down the barrel) by as much as 2.62 in (
66.5 mm), with the engine offset to the right to allow the prop shaft (torque shaft) to turn unhindered.
Out of curiosity I though I'd check the Tamiya and Heng Long/Taigen decks to see who'd noted, and included, this feature...or not
Well, this is what I found:

Tamiya Pz IV turret offset

HL and Taigen turret offset

The white line in both instances rests on the exact midpoint between their right and left sides. As you can see, (even though the turret ring aperture is smaller on the HL version), there is an offset present in both pictures...and also the midpoint falls at roughly 74mm from each side for both models. In other words, both models use the same offset. In a way, I'm surprised - given the lack of accuracy Heng Long Pz IVs display when compared with their illustrious counterpart, I fully expected to find another casual error here. I didn't
Anyone building a Pz IV from styrene would have to be aware of details such as these, though,. They're quite easy to overlook.

[43rdRecceReg]

Much to my relief, and delight this arrived in the post after lunch:

Tamiya Pz IV Turret sprue..

I say 'delight' because this arrived well packaged, and fairly promptly (considering it came from Germany ) and only a few days after I clicked 'buy' it- on Ebay. Axel didn't have this sprue in stock, and so I looked further afield, and found
minigrandprix.de. ....and then they supplied it. This outlet, though it specialises in Rc models (boats, cars, helicopters..etc) and slot cars in particular, Tamiya tanks and spares are still well represented:
https://www.minigrandprix.de/rc-modelle/panzer/
Anyway, it looks like a useful alternative to the big boys in the Tamiya biz.
Now I have probably more than 90% os the Pz IV outer shell now.(just need gun, Storage locker, and turret doors). All good.

[43rdRecceReg]

Just starting on the Turret Schurzen...more updates tomorrow, maybe...

Tamiya Pz IV Turret Schurzen...

The Ausf J, thought the final iteration of the Pz IV line, was less well equipped in some respects than the preceding 'G/H' version...but time was pressing, and the borders of the Reich were also shrinking rapidly. So it was 'simplified'. It only merited extra protection around the turret, and was sent into action without the side schurzen fitted to some earlier versions.