1:35 Panzer IV bump stop late

A late suspension bump stop for the Panzer IV in 1:35

The bump stop is an inconspicuous piece on the side of the hull that the bogie rests against when the suspension reaches the end of its travel. On the real vehicle it is visible between the wheels, but on models it is often missing or cast only as a suggestion. The set offers its late form, as the name gives. It is worth it above all where the running gear is to be worked out in detail, for example on a vehicle with exposed suspension or on a model tilted on a diorama.

How the suspension of the Panzer IV worked

The German medium tank had its road wheels paired into bogies and sprung by leaf springs placed along the sides of the hull. The solution was simple and easy to repair, but on rough ground it had limited travel, and that is exactly why it needed firm bump stops. These passed the shocks from the wheel into the structure and protected the spring from overload. During production they went through several revisions, like most small parts, so an earlier and a later form are distinguished.

Fitting it to the hull

First find the right position on the side of the hull from a drawing or a photograph, because with the wrong placement the whole row of bogies will look crooked. Clean the surface of any remains of the original relief and glue the part on while the side is still freely accessible. You can paint it together with the hull; just make sure the shade gets underneath the part as well. A deposit of mud and dust lasts longest in this area, so feel free to make it stronger than on the Schürzen.

Who it is for

• Builders of German vehicles with an open view of the running gear
• Modelers building a vehicle into a diorama
• Anyone interested in the late form of the small parts of the hull