1:35 Pz. Kpfw. IV

Eight small wheels on each side

The German Panzer IV was the only tank manufactured throughout the Second World War, and it kept the same concept of running gear all the while: eight small wheels a side, paired and sprung on leaf springs. While the armament changed over the years from a short howitzer to a long antitank gun and the sides took on side skirts, the wheels stayed essentially unchanged. The modeler thus faces the same task on the early and the late version. In all, over eight thousand of them rolled out of the factories and the Panzer IV formed the backbone of the tank divisions until the last months of the fighting.

When to reach for the cut-outs

The small diameter of the wheels makes outlining by hand especially unpleasant, because the rubber edge in this scale is barely half a millimeter wide. The cut-outs are laid onto a sprayed and dried base, ideally onto wheels mounted on a temporary axle. After the dark tone is sprayed and peeled off, the wheels remain to be stuck onto the suspension. Prepare the axle on the longer side, so that it can be turned during spraying.

Side skirts and the further procedure

Anyone building the version with side skirts has an advantage and a disadvantage at once: the upper part of the running gear will be covered, but the skirts have to be glued on only after the wheels are finished, otherwise they close off access from above. The decals of the crosses and numbers belong on the hull and the turret, so they do not collide with the wheels. Dusting finally softens the transition and a small repair to a tire can be done even after the track is fitted.

Delivery

A single sheet with the shapes ready. The kit, finishes and markings are not included; the cut follows the parts of the maker stated.