Modelling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner
 

Summary

FirstLook

The Osprey modelling series has already dealt with the short barreled versions of the Panzer IV. It’s only natural that the authors continue with a look at the types that mounted the longer 75mm KwK 40 L/43 and L48 guns.

Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson take the reader through a variety of builds, each designed to illustrate different techniques to enhance the chosen subjects.

This issue sees the continuation of the 80 page format and is illustrated with over 200 colour photographs. These take the reader on a step by step journey through the four selected builds, culminating in an interesting “Gallery” section.

Kits from a number of different manufacturers are used as a basis for these topics. Italeri, Tamiya and Dragon all feature, the latter thanks to pre-production sprues as the kit wasn’t available to the public at that time. All of the subjects are enhanced to some degree, most with the help of photo etched parts, and a whole lot of plastic.

After a brief introduction to the vehicle itself, the book looks at the various tools and materials used for the projects. A Panzer IV Ausf. F2 starts proceedings in Chapter 1 with a vehicle from 15. Panzer Division in North Africa 1942.

Gary Edmundson details this model and explains his modifications, including how to produce realistic weld seams. He conveys his technique for painting and weathering as well as putting the tank in a suitable vignette.

In chapter 2, Tom Cockle tackles an early Ausf. H from 4. Panzer Division in Russia 1944. The highlight of this section is the way in which the author manufactures his own “Schürzen” entirely out of plastic card. “Zimmerit” is also discussed along with its application and subsequent painting and detailing.

The Panzer IV Ausf. J is the subject of the next two sections and once again these are contributed by Tom. The first is a vehicle from 11 Panzer Division in Bavaria 1945, the second being a member of 5 Panzer Division in East Prussia 1944. Both are extensively modified with the latter receiving wire mesh Schürzen.

As a result, an informative discussion on soldering photo etched brass is included.

The “Gallery” features other Panzer IV projects and a colour card gives an idea of what paint colours were used on these fighting machines.

The book is rounded out with an appendix that directs the reader to further information that can be found in museums, on the Internet, and in other publications.

Conclusion

It is inevitable that sooner or later, kits that are used in publications such as these will be superseded. This book was written before Dragon’s newly tooled Panzer IV hit the streets but that doesn’t mean the book is rendered obsolete.

The authors are conveying techniques to the readers, not a step by step diatribe on improving a particular kit. Thus the book is useful for any late war Panzer IV and should prove to be a useful guide to all those wanting to improve their skills.

Recommended
 

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample.