1:35 Panzer IV steel return rollers with welded base pattern 2

The welded base of the return rollers of the Panzer IV, pattern 2

The second pattern of the welded mounting of the steel rollers for the Panzer IV in 1:35 scale. It differs from the variant numbered one in a detail of the base, and from the cast sets in the whole way of manufacture. The set deals only with the mounting of the rollers, nothing more. Count on its being fitted during the build of the running gear, not onto a finished model.

How the assembly sits on the vehicle

The return rollers hold the top run of the track so that it does not rest on the fenders and keeps a steady sag. Their brackets are spread along the length of the superstructure at regular spacings and are attached firmly to the plate. It is exactly the spacing and the height that decide the credibility on a model: a few tenths of a millimeter of difference is enough and the track starts to ripple above the rollers. The production parts tend to be simplified in this spot, so the replacement makes sense.

Alignment step by step

Lay a ruler along the hull side and lightly mark the axis in which the rollers are to lie. Fit the parts gradually from one end and check the spacing after each one. Before the glue sets, run a straight edge across all the pieces; that reveals even a small misalignment. Patience counts for more here than speed. Only then fix the joints and leave them to cure undisturbed.

It suits

• Modelers who care about the right sag of the track
• Builds where nothing covers the hull side
• More experienced builders working with small parts
• Those who want the whole line of variants and choose by vehicle