ManCave Modeler Presents...

Panzer Kampfwagen IV Ausf. H/J
Sd.Kfz.161/2
 
The workhorse of Germany's Panzer Armies, the Panzer Mark IV
the Ausf.H, equipped with the new long caliber KwK 40 L/48, began production in June 1943 and received the designation Sd. Kfz. 161/2. Other modifications included simplifications to ease production, like the removal of the hull side vision ports, and, later, part sharing with the Panzer III. This was by far the biggest production of the type, with a total of 3774 machines, until its replacement by the Ausf.J, in June 1944. Krupp had received a request, in December 1942, for a new version featuring all-sloped armor, which would have also required a new chassis, transmission and probably engine as well, due to the added weight. However, production started with an upgraded version of the Ausf.G instead. A new headlight was set, a new Zahnradfabrik ZF SSG-76 transmission, new set of radios (FU2 and 5, and intercom). This was necessary in order to cope with the full glacis protection raised to 80 mm (3.15 in), with no appliqué parts. The H now stood at 25 tons in battle order, and maximum speed fell to 38 km/h (24 mph), but only 25 km/h (16 mph) in real combat conditions, and far less on rough terrain. By the end of 1943, Zimmerit paste was factory-applied, new air filters were fitted, along with a turret anti-aircraft mount for an extra MG 34 (Fliegerbeschussgerat), as well as modifications to the commander cupola. Side and turret spaced armor was also factory-mounted.
Panzer IV Ausf.F specifications
Weight 25 tons
Crew 5
Armament 75mm Kw.K 40 L/48 gun
Additional weapon 7.92 mm Coaxial MG 34 machine-gun
Armor thickness 10 mm – 80 mm
Propulsion Maybach HL 120 TRM V12 265hp gasoline engine
Max Road Speed 38 km/h (23 mph)
Max Range 210 km (130 miles)

My first impression upon opening the box is this is an old Tamiya kit, complete with battery box and gear box mounts.
The kit comes with three Sprues and the upper & lower hulls molded in tan plus the standard Tamiya type tracks molded in gray vinyl along with a small decal sheet and 3 page, 15 step instruction sheet.

I found some flash on sprue "C" and it looked like the molds were a little mis-aligned, not badly, but visible
There was a gap in the back of the upper hull that needed to be filled, a strip in styrene took care of it quickly.

Final thoughts..
There's a reason this kit is 20.00 in these days of 50.00 plus dollar kits, it's showing it's age.
For the most part the kit went together quickly with a minimal amount of trouble
Not a bad kit, but there were many areas where parts didn't align and slots were much larger than the tabs going into them. and the tracks seemed a bit short and were difficult to install.

Note:This kit has been re-tooled in 2018 at twice the price
 

just my two cents worth
click to enlarge

Build, Primed and first coat

Factory fresh, right off the dock in Tunisia,


A little light weathering and dry brushing, A few patches of primer showing through some nicks and rust

Finished

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Last Updated Novermber 12, 2018