1:35 Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.H

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.H 1:35 (Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German medium tank Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.H (Sd.Kfz.161/1) in 1:35 scale from the Japanese manufacturer Tamiya. The model captures the early variant of the H version with the long gun and the side armor skirts (Schürzen). The package offers options for the front plates and the drive sprockets for different production periods, a commander figure and a decal sheet.

The real subject

The Panzer IV was the most widespread and most produced German tank of the Second World War and the only one that stayed in production throughout the conflict. The Ausf.H version was one of its finest configurations: it carried the long 7.5 cm gun (KwK 40 L/48) with high penetrating power and armor skirts (Schürzen) on the sides and the turret alike, for protection against anti-tank rifles and shaped-charge ammunition. It was the H version that was built in the greatest numbers of all the Panzer IV variants.

Building and painting tips

First assemble and paint the running gear — the Panzer IV has eight pairs of small road wheels. Glue the parts with thin modeling cement for plastic, sand the joints and lay down a primer. Set the side skirts (Schürzen) straight; they often survived damaged, which is a rewarding subject for realism. Shade the dark yellow camouflage with brown and green patches using an airbrush, and apply the decals onto a gloss coat. On the tracks and the lower hull use washes and pigments for mud and dust effects.

Who the model is for

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.

• collectors of German armored vehicles of the Second World War in 1:35 scale
• anyone interested in the most widespread variant of the Panzer IV
• modelers who value accurate Japanese Tamiya plastic
• builders who want to use the optional parts for different production periods