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6291,
Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.C. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia
kit. Contains: 739 styrene parts (plus 31 clear), two bags of individual-link
"Magic Tracks", one turned aluminum gun tube, two turned brass
rounds, six steel wire parts, three photo-etched brass frets, one stamped
brass part, one piece of braided metal wire, six decal/marking schemes
and ten pages of instructions in 21 steps.
With the release of this kit, DML has filled in the last remaining gap
in production models of the early Pz.Kpfw.IV; we now have an Ausf.B
(a limited-run item from DML offspring Cyberhobby), an Ausf.C, Ausf.D
and two different Ausf.Es. An Ausf.D Tauchpanzer (submersible tank)
is next from Cyberhobby. All we need now is the Ausf.A, but it was a
very different beast and would have less in common with these "later"
models. As I have reviewed all of these kits recently, I was tempted
to "cut and paste" from those documents to make up this review.
But, I thought I'd approach much of this kit as if I'd never seen any
of the others, hopefully giving this one a fresh perspective. Well,
that's the theory anywayˇK
Starting with the tracks, DML provides the earlier type of 38cm track
with the shorter opened guide teeth, in the so-called "Magic Track"
individual-link style. This means that the links need no preparation
prior to assembly, if the modeler can ignore the two faint ejector pin
marks on their inner faces. The links are "handed", which
means that they have certain details that are seen on each side when
they are properly oriented on the suspension system. So, don't just
empty them out of their bags and start throwing them together; DML has
also molded them in two different shades of grey to keep the modeler
from getting mixed up. Curiously, the track assembly jig seen in other
DML Pz.Kpfw.IV kits has been omitted from this item.
The road-wheels have separate hub-caps of the first type seen on these
Panzer (more about this in the section of this review dealing with the
provided color schemes and markings) as well as separate wheels and
tires. This will ease the painting process, since the tires can be finished
separately and then attached to the pre-finished wheel/hub assembly.
They have properly positioned mold parting lines, which despite what
contest judges may think, are correct for new tires. Their sprue connections
are on the insides of their rims, which will ease their clean-up and
also preserve the seam on the tire. The suspension bogies are multi-part
affairs and can articulate, which will be helpful to diorama modelers
since the Panzer can be depicted following the contours of rough ground.
Separate bump stops are fitted front and rear (there were only four
on this model), while a completely detailed final drive housing, with
internal gear details is to be attached to the front of the hull tub.
The rear gets new movable idler wheel adjustment housings, something
that will be of great help in fitting the tracks. Don't glue the axle
in place until after the tracks have been fitted; this will prevent
the dreaded "one-too-few or one-too-many" link phobia.
The drive sprockets themselves are presented in two ways. One is conventional
in that the hubs, spokes and toothed rings are fitted to each other
to make the assembly. The second is rather unusual in that a second
set of toothed rings have open holes to which tiny bolts are fitted,
and these then mount to the spokes. This is a handy option if a modeler
wishes to show these removed for maintenance or as battle-damaged items.
A full set of Ausf.E-type drive sprockets are included; these will come
in handy if modeling the two Panzer used by 21.Panzer-Division in Normandy
in 1944 (see my remarks in the segment on decals and paint schemes,
below). Two styles of idler wheels are provided, both of which make
use of photo-etched brass rim inserts. One type is conventionally-molded
in the usual two parts; the other is molded as one piece using slide-molds.
Either will look fine when mounted.
The hull and superstructure rear plates are new moldings and depict
the type seen on the Ausf.B with the particular style of tow coupling,
exhaust muffler and smoke candle dispensers seen on these models. The
flange that connects the superstructure rear plate to the hull rear
plate has bolt heads on both surfaces, which is a very nice touch. Other
details such as tail lamps, access plates and tow cable hangers are
provided, including a choice of styrene or pre-shaped metal parts for
the latter. On the bow, a separate plate is provided to which the front
tow points are attached, along with their separate pins and etched brass
keeper chains.
The glacis plate has separate final drive access hatch lids as well
as a separate transmission access hatch lid. These fit to a new plate
that has a straight rear edge to accommodate the straight superstructure
front plate. The superstructure front plate is thinner to represent
30mm plate and has separate driver's visors, radio operator's view-port
flaps and MP port cover; there are clear parts for the interior to represent
bullet-resistant glass. The superstructure sides are also thin, representing
14.5mm armor plates very nicely; these also have separate view-port
flaps with clear internal details. The driver and radio operator's hatch
lids are separate and include separate signal pistol flaps and internal
latches. The entire superstructure roof plate is new and features three-part
engine deck hatch lids with the correct style of locks as well as fan
housings for the inside of the starboard side lid. The side vents on
the engine compartment are also new and are provided as one-piece styrene
moldings or multi-part etched brass assemblies. The fenders are also
provided as two options; one has pre-opened holes for the corresponding
set of tools. The other consists of fenders with only the "base
details", such as bolt heads and tread plate pattern, to which
a second set of tools, designed to be used with etched brass clamps
and brackets are attached. This provides maximum detail and also allows
flexibility since tools and other items can be placed in "custom"
locations to depict a specific Panzer's features. Also of note is that
the fenders are superbly detailed on both sides and have not a single
knock-out pin mark on any surface. The front and rear mud flaps are
also separate items (with many separate details) and can be positioned
"up" or "down". Other items such as head-lamps,
etc can be fitted and the modeler should note that the Panzer seen in
France in 1940 should not have the Notek black-out driving lamp fitted
(it should be on the 8.Pz.Div. Panzer), while the ones seen in Normandy
should have this feature as well as the later rectangular convoy distance
marker light on the rear end.
The turret is new and features the configuration that has a separate
bulge on its rear face, below the new commander's cupola. Other distinct
items of the Ausf.C turret include slightly different outer gun mantlet
and armored sleeve for the co-axial MG34. The commander's cupola consists
of over 30 parts based on an exquisite slide-molded core, including
five clear inserts for the view-ports, which themselves can be positioned
opened or closed; likewise the split hatch lids can also be depicted
opened or closed, and are fully detailed, inside and out. The turret
side doors have working hinges and clear parts for the view-port glass
blocks. The interior of the turret has a very nicely-detailed breech
assembly for the 7.5cm KwK as well as seats, framing, floor plate, turret
traverse mechanism, detailed turret race, and internal parts for the
view-ports, including clear plastic to depict the glass blocks for those
on the sides. The gun tube for the KwK has optional styrene (with rifling
at the bore end) or turned aluminum parts, and there are two turned
brass rounds for the main gun. A very well-done co-axial MG34 is also
included, complete with pre-opened bore. The turret roof features complete
screw head location details as well as opening signal pistol ports and
vent flap. Even the two MP ports on the rear face of the turret are
separate and can be shown opened or closed.
There are a number of etched brass parts that are used to detail various
areas of this kit. This includes the folding steps on the port side
fender, mount for the jack block, rain-guard over the driver's view
port flaps and rain-guards for the turret side hatches. There are also
the above-mentioned tool clamps and brackets as well as a blade sight
for the commander's cupola. The tow cables are made up of braided copper
wire and styrene ends with holes already in place due to the use of
slide molds. Three "early-style" jerry cans are provided;
each is in four parts and also includes an etched brass insert to represent
the connecting seam between the two main halves. These are properly
designed so they will fit together with no modification by the modeler,
unlike some of DML's "late-style" jerry cans seen in some
of their other kits. Spare road wheels are given as well.
As far as accuracy is concerned, the kit matches drawings in Panzer
Tracts #4 to well within acceptable limits. The details also look good
to these tired eyes. Molding overall is excellent, while fit for such
a relatively complex kit is rated as outstanding. The instructions are
well-drawn but as always for DML, they are very "busy". The
modeler is urged to proceed with caution!
Water-slide decals for four different Panzer are provided by Cartograf
of Italy. They are in perfect register, have crisp, sharp edges and
excellent color saturation. They depict the following Panzer:
- Yellow 623, 6./Pz.Rgt.31, 5.Pz.Div., France, 1940.- -
White 423, 4./Pz.Rgt.1, 1.Pz.Div., France, 1940.
- -
White 621, 6./Pz.Rgt.11, 6.Pz.Div., France, 1940.
- -
Yellow 8/white 14, 8./Pz.Rgt.10, 8.Pz.Div., Eastern Front, 1941.
However, six paint schemes are called out on the instruction sheet.
The two Ausf.Cs seen in Normandy in 1944 belonged to the re-established
21.Panzer-Division and are almost completely un-marked according to
photographs. Both are painted overall in Dunkelgelb RAL 7028, with one
of them featuring wide sharp bands of a secondary color, thought to
be Olivgrun RAL 6003. Both should have the second style of hub caps
on their road-wheels first introduced on the Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.E; the
two-tone one should also have Ausf.E-style drive sprockets, while the
overall Dunkelgelb Panzer should have the name "Hedi" painted
on the center of the upper driver's visor, in white. Both should also
have a Gepackkasten (storage bin) mounted on the turret rear. Only the
Ausf.E drive sprockets are in the box, so the modeler will have to scavenge
the bin and hub-caps from the Ausf.D which has these parts as extras.
The remaining Panzer have the correct markings according to photographs,
but all of the French Campaign ones should be in a two-tone scheme of
base color Dunkelgrau Nr.46 (later the code was changed to RAL 7021).
This was over-sprayed with Dunkelbraun Nr.45 (later RAL 7017) in patches,
so it covered roughly 1/3 of the item being painted. The Ausf.C on the
Ostfront should be overall Dunkelgrau RAL 7021.
Altogether, this is a worthy addition to the DML stable as it includes
all of the fixes brought about by consumer response to the initial kit
in this group, the Ausf.E. If the modeler wishes to "plug the gap"
in his early Pz.Kpfw.IV collection, I don't see how he'd do better than
this!
Highly recommended.
Frank V. De Sisto
References consulted for this review included (but were not limited
to) the following books:
- "Panzers in Normandy, Then and Now", by E. Lefevre.- -
"Panzerkampfwagen IV", Achtung Panzer #3.
- -
"Pz.Kpfw.IV",
Sturm & Drang #4.
- -
"Panzerkampfwagen
IV, Grosstrktor to Panzerbefehlswagen IV", Panzer Tracts #4,
by T.Jentz & H. Doyle.
Reviewer's note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for
Concord Publications, a sister company to DML. The reader may wish to
take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain
an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.
DML kits are available from retail and mail order shops. For details
see their web site at: www.dragonmodelsltd.com.
-
Frank De Sisto
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