"Having had the Panzer IV as one of my favourite modelling subjects, I discussed the possibility of Dragon developing a completely new tool Panzer IV Ausf.D with my principal contact on modelling related items back in 2004. Later, my contact asked if I could send him all the photos I had of the Panzer IV Ausf.D at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and the one at Bovington Camp.

This was the beginning of a torrent of emails containing numerous CAD drawings of the overall vehicle and details that I reviewed and commented back on, often attaching photos from the references I have in my own library to help
illustrate specific points.

After DML's Initial Tiger I was released, a renewed effort began on the Panzer IV and my good friend, Gary Edmundson also became involved in this and other projects Dragon were working on. In the late spring of 2005, the first test shots of the Panzer IV Ausf.E arrived on our doorsteps for review and it became obvious that Dragon were about to outdo themselves on the quality and features that would be part of this new kit.

Some of the features that Dragon developed, I wouldn't ever have dreamed of suggesting. Separate internal drive housing parts, separate idler adjusting nuts, fenders with exquisite detail on both sides, newly designed tools with
molded on brackets on one set and another set without brackets for use with the photoetch brass brackets that would be provided in the kit as a value added feature. Two separate lower hull tubs, one with the 30mm appliqu? armor molded on and one without for modeling the very early production vehicles. And the one- piece rear idler is one of the most amazing slide molded styrene parts I have ever seen. Dragon also provides separate photoetch brass spokes with the outer ring to accurately reproduce the zig-zag shape of the real spokes. The 38cm “Magic Tracks” need no cleanup and easily rival the accuracy of the Modelkasten workable tracks and, as with the Tiger I's, are included in the kit. The kit designers acted on even minor details like improving the wire cutters and fire extinguishers, and including a separate set of fenders without the tool locating holes. The rear plate went through several modifications to create the first fully accurate replica of this part of the vehicle in kit form.

Dragon Models set out to test the limits of injection molded styrene plastic models and the result is, without a doubt, the most accurate and complete plastic armor model kit ever produced. I am proud to have played a part in bringing this kit to you."

- Tom Cockle