Pz.IV Ausf.J late model

[littletankman]

Hi next build just started but will be held up a bit as I need to spray the previous ones. This going to be a later model Ausf.J with the three return rollers , swivel cupola lid and mesh skirts.


Altered dampers . I need to raise the drive sprocket yet,


Stock stops


Rear end with turret rotation motor , tow mounts , exhaust removed . Im adding the later twin exhausts , suporstructor mounted tow mounts . Im also re working the detail on the track tensioner mounts as the stock HL ones seem to be upside down ? . Im adding the Asiatam track tensioners , there on order.

Ive done some more reserch and the dampers Ive adjusted are ok for the J model from photos Ive seen . And the HL ones are fine for the G and H model.

[tankman]

Looking good so far Andy mate. You are putting me to shame with both the rate and quality of your builds.
Alan

[littletankman]

Hi Alan Im sure Im not mate . Im curentley out of work , well been just over 1 1/2 years now after working all my life so I have some free time .

[littletankman]

Just had a little attempt at the transmision covers . I cut the old ones out and used some adapted Stug hinges . But having realised these are incorect . I have made some more realistic plastic ones . I have now replaced the Stug ones that are in these pictures. I have also opened the ends of the air scoops . I may end up buying the metal ones yet if I cant make strong enougth.

[littletankman]

Hi Ive decided to buy the transmision covers and front hatches from Steve now . I have raised the drive sprocket 3mm now and adjusted the return rollers on one side to the later 3 verssion. With the raising of the drive sprocket it caused the front mud flaps to rub on the tracks . So Ive removed them and made brass working ones . I used some of Steves Stug hinges for the hinges . I just drilled them out a bit so i can use a piece of paper clip for the removable locking bar rather than the pins . I still need to make the guide bars and sort some sort of holding spring ?

[Gigantohawk]

All looking good Andy. You and me must be thinking along the same lines with the improvements. I can't wait to get my PZIV now.
The front mudguards are fantastic. I'll copy those for my tank. Where did you get the hinges from and do you think those Schumo hinge kits from Tankzone are any good ?

All the best,

Nick.

[littletankman]

Hi Nick . I got the hinges from Steve at WDM there £3.50 without postage . I had to drill them out as there designed to take the little metal pins that they come with . I wanted the locking bar on the Pz.IV , which is made from a paper clip. Ive never used schumo hinges but if there metal they will be stronger .I do normly make my hinges from brass. This Pz.IV is going to be a realy late Ausf.J version . Im adding the mesh skirts . I do have a second Pz.IV from Dave which is going to be a late Ausf. H model from Normandy with the solid skirts . Ive had some practise with this on my Stug . But the mesh ones will be diferent. What type . period is your PZ.IV going to be ? will look forward to your build . The hinged flaps are also a good idea if you are raising the drive sprocket .

Andy

[Gigantohawk]

I'm not sure about the exact model type I'm going to build as I'm not all that familiar with the type. I would like it to be a Normandy period tank if that's appropriate, with a 3 colour ambush camo scheme. I'll need yor help here to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

Nick.

[[ICE]monkey]

looking good andy, i like the hindged front guards
all the best, ice

[littletankman]

hi Im doing a Normandy one next that will be the late Ausf. H I think this was the most common PZ.IV in Normandy . But my one is almost the final model . If yours is Normandy you would be best to keep the 4 return rollers . You can add the solid schurzen plates were as my current build will have the mesh skirts . Any help mate just ask . And looking forward to your build.

Andy