Panzer IV ausf. H, 1/35 scale

[Whiterook]

This will not only be the first full kit build that I’ve done in a long long time (a right out of the box build), but also my first full kit build in retirement! Seriously, it’s been so long since I built a kit (maybe a decade? …I’ve lost track!), it’s going to be interesting to see how much rust I need to shake off.

Kit number, N-218, being marked with the older company logo of Italaerei, this is a kit made around 1975, and time will tell how well the parts-fit will be. Oddly enough, the company is still selling this very kit still, to this day! There is also a retool, I’ve heard; and I have a much newer kit from another manufacturer, but this is a good practice kit for that. I intend to build her with a Winter camo, probably chipped paint. It comes with figures, but we’ll see how good and adaptable they are to a Winter scene.

[Whiterook]

Roadwheels!

…for me, never fun, but usually the first starting point on a tank build. 



After snipping them from the sprue, the first step was to trim off the plastic nubs from where they were attached to the sprue, with a #11 blade craft knife; cleaned the flash on the wheels with a sanding stick. I just get into my Zen Zone and go at it!

I placed them, pre-sanding, into the tank hull pan (is that the term… or chassis?) just to keep them handy and safe from inadvertent spilling… then split them into two piles for the different sides of attachment onto the transmission suspension (…I wish I knew tank parts like you fellas do…I feel like a bit of a dolt, haha).



Fairly decent instructions provided with the kit. The road wheels use the old heated screwdriver tip method… not a fan! I’m not even sure why it’s done, but then again, I didn’t really look too hard, yet …we’ll see how I approach that later 

So, the build is off and running! I won’t lie… I’ve a bit of butterflies in the stomach on this one, as it’s been so long since I did one box, to build completion. That’ll fade soon enough, as I build and get back in the saddle.

This is a pro bono donation to a wargaming tournament in August, so I have plenty of time in that regard.

[chromdome35]

Feb 17, 2023 14:25:35 GMT -5 Whiterook said:

Roadwheels!

…for me, never fun, but usually the first starting point on a tank build. 

After snipping them from the sprue, the first step was to trim off the plastic nubs from where they were attached to the sprue, with a #11 blade craft knife; cleaned the flash on the wheels with a sanding stick. I just get into my Zen Zone and go at it!

I placed them, pre-sanding, into the tank hull pan (is that the term… or chassis?) just to keep them handy and safe from inadvertent spilling… then split them into two piles for the different sides of attachment onto the transmission suspension (…I wish I knew tank parts like you fellas do…I feel like a bit of a dolt, haha).

Fairly decent instructions provided with the kit. The road wheels use the old heated screwdriver tip method… not a fan! I’m not even sure why it’s done, but then again, I didn’t really look too hard, yet …we’ll see how I approach that later 

So, the build is off and running! I won’t lie… I’ve a bit of butterflies in the stomach on this one, as it’s been so long since I did one box, to build completion. That’ll fade soon enough, as I build and get back in the saddle.

I gotta get steppin’ on this one, though… I’d on the one hand, like to finish it in two weeks (that’s about the quickest I would have ever built a model in this new era, versus slap-together-quickies as a kid). This is a pro bono donation to a wargaming tournament in August, so I have plenty of time in that regard; but I’d like to show it at an IPMS show at the end of March, but I’ll be on a cruise before then, hence the time constraint…but I won’t rush it, and hope and plan for the best. I thrive on pressure, so that helps!

Way to go knocking those cobwebs out!!! I wouldn't worry at all about the butterfiles, just take your time and enjoy the process. On my workbench I have the following staring me in the face to remind me to be patient with it.



My least favorite part of ANY tank build is prepping and sanding the road wheels.

[hasenpfeffer]

Very cool! You're off to a great start. I'll be interested to see how this old kit turns out. (Doesn't everyone love road wheels?)

I was about to start a couple build logs of the projects I currently have on the bench. One of them is a Mini Art Pz IV Ausf H. So I hope you don't mind. We could keep each other company... but I'm pretty sure mine may take a bit longer than 2w.

[mustang1989]

Armor models may have a lot of work involved but they seem to be one of the most rewarding genre of builds IMO. Will be watching……

[Whiterook]

Feb 17, 2023 14:41:39 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Feb 17, 2023 14:25:35 GMT -5 Whiterook said:

Roadwheels!

…for me, never fun, but usually the first starting point on a tank build. 

After snipping them from the sprue, the first step was to trim off the plastic nubs from where they were attached to the sprue, with a #11 blade craft knife; cleaned the flash on the wheels with a sanding stick. I just get into my Zen Zone and go at it!

I placed them, pre-sanding, into the tank hull pan (is that the term… or chassis?) just to keep them handy and safe from inadvertent spilling… then split them into two piles for the different sides of attachment onto the transmission suspension (…I wish I knew tank parts like you fellas do…I feel like a bit of a dolt, haha).

Fairly decent instructions provided with the kit. The road wheels use the old heated screwdriver tip method… not a fan! I’m not even sure why it’s done, but then again, I didn’t really look too hard, yet …we’ll see how I approach that later 

So, the build is off and running! I won’t lie… I’ve a bit of butterflies in the stomach on this one, as it’s been so long since I did one box, to build completion. That’ll fade soon enough, as I build and get back in the saddle.

I gotta get steppin’ on this one, though… I’d on the one hand, like to finish it in two weeks (that’s about the quickest I would have ever built a model in this new era, versus slap-together-quickies as a kid). This is a pro bono donation to a wargaming tournament in August, so I have plenty of time in that regard; but I’d like to show it at an IPMS show at the end of March, but I’ll be on a cruise before then, hence the time constraint…but I won’t rush it, and hope and plan for the best. I thrive on pressure, so that helps!

Way to go knocking those cobwebs out!!! I wouldn't worry at all about the butterfiles, just take your time and enjoy the process. On my workbench I have the following staring me in the face to remind me to be patient with it.



My least favorite part of ANY tank build is prepping and sanding the road wheels.

So… I LOVE that!!! …inspiration stickers are a marvelous way to nudge you into a positive frame of mind; I used to do that at work, so I know it works    I hadn’t thought to do that in the workbench zone!!! Good Karma comin’ your way! And liking the company, as they say, in being good to hear I'm not the only one that’s less than thrilled with road wheels!

I like your Tammy storage. I started out with Tamiya when I started buying hobby acrylics, and still have several… they are on a makeshift shelf on a pegboard, but I’ll probably look for something similar to your storage unit type. These days, I use a lot of Vallejo and AK, and keep them in nail polish stadium racks.

Feb 17, 2023 15:17:12 GMT -5 hasenpfeffer said:

Very cool! You're off to a great start. I'll be interested to see how this old kit turns out. (Doesn't everyone love road wheels?)

I was about to start a couple build logs of the projects I currently have on the bench. One of them is a Mini Art Pz IV Ausf H. So I hope you don't mind. We could keep each other company... but I'm pretty sure mine may take a bit longer than 2w.

I’m thrilled to hear you’ll be doing a PzIV, too! Always good for inspiration, and maybe a shoulder to cry on! I’m looking forward to seeing your work!

Feb 17, 2023 16:25:27 GMT -5 mustang1989 said:

Armor models may have a lot of work involved but they seem to be one of the most rewarding genre of builds IMO. Will be watching……

It’s interesting for me to look at where my interests have gone over the decades… I built almost exclusively, military ships; aircraft was a close runner up; and the occasional civie car.

When I started modeling again back in the late 90s, it switched to armor as my main focus…still is my go-to, but I seem to do a little of everything military, now. I haven’t done anything non-military yet, but I do have an exclusive version of the Batmobile to do!

[mustang1989]

Yeah it seems mine has drifted here and there somewhat. I started this hobby this time around back in 2011 building aircraft exclusively and then started gravitating more towards autos for 2 reasons.

1.) I felt that I needed to step back and watch the pros build aircraft for a while so I could gain the skills necessary to come up with more convincing builds and

2.) I REALLY wanted to lay down the perfect gloss finish on auto builds. I did this with my very first auto re-build in 2014 and it was dumb luck that it turned out as good as it did. I mean it....Hell must've frozen over because I didn't have to wet sand OR polish that one. It would 3 more years until I could duplicate the same shine but it always involves wet sanding and polishing to do it. I'll bump the 1970 Challenger build that I got lucky with up to the surface so you can see what I'm talking about. I didn't even use color on the body....just the molded red body.

[Whiterook]

Feb 17, 2023 19:11:56 GMT -5 mustang1989 said:

Yeah it seems mine has drifted here and there somewhat. I started this hobby this time around back in 2011 building aircraft exclusively and then started gravitating more towards autos for 2 reasons.

1.) I felt that I needed to step back and watch the pros build aircraft for a while so I could gain the skills necessary to come up with more convincing builds and

2.) I REALLY wanted to lay down the perfect gloss finish on auto builds. I did this with my very first auto re-build in 2014 and it was dumb luck that it turned out as good as it did. I mean it....Hell must've frozen over because I didn't have to wet sand OR polish that one. It would 3 more years until I could duplicate the same shine but it always involves wet sanding and polishing to do it. I'll bump the 1970 Challenger build that I got lucky with up to the surface so you can see what I'm talking about. I didn't even use color on the body....just the molded red body.

Well, I have no idea how to achieve a shine as you explain it, and had no clue you could wet sand a model or how…that’s one of the reasons I have a Batmobile sitting in my stash (the only civilian vehicle I have), as I know it’s gonna need a sweet shine. I’ll have to study your stuff… and better yet, see you in action on an upcoming build thread!

[Whiterook]

A couple hours of work continued with the Pz. IV. Yesterday started with suspension work, attaching the eight spring suspension units to the tub. Cutting these off the sprue was a hassle, as the plastic is old hard, brittle plastic and sharp-eyed folks may notice a couple missing ends on one side of this crate. Ugh. Well, nothing a generous amount of mud can't hide in the end, right! The units went on fair enough, but I should have dry fitted the suspension road wheels on to let dry in an even, flat-ground pattern...ooops...needed to tweak a couple susension units after it dried, which was a little hairy, but nothing broken.

Today, the glacis plate went on the front and the fit was wonderful! Some kits can be a pain, but this went in smooth as butter! So folks, I had an issue develop yesterday: My old, rusty Model Master Liquid Cement (black label, pictured below) was empty as a dry camel in the desert! I tried looking online and this stuff seems near impossible to find these days, at least on Amazon (my Go-To these days) Oh oh. Digging in my supplies, I found a new bottle of Testers Non-Toxic Liquid Cement (blue label) I bought at Hobby Lobby a few months back... it's OK, but the nib sucks, being plastic with a rather large exit at the tip end ('cause you need to cut the sealed tip off!), as opposed to the nice and thin metal feed rod of the Model Master cement. I'm sing it, but its harder to precision apply. I did find a bottle of Testors Liquid Cement, the clear glass bottle type with the brush in the cap... I used t on the glacis plate and it was a wnder to behold!!! The capillary action worked perfectly on that part!!! ...not as easy on other parts.



So, I have some questions on the third for ya'll: On the Testors Liquid Cement (the clear glass bottle one)...



...who all uses it and what do you think? How do you use it...with the cap brush or an artist brush? Can you speak a little bit about any pitfalls?

OK back to the build... today, I noticed another error made: In the diagram pictured, you can't really see it too well but the #1 parts, these itty-bitty conical plug-like thingies (there goes more of those super technical jargon), are supposed to go up into the mounts for the suspension units. Ugh! I was able to get them up in those tight areas (due to the suspension already being mounted) with a pair of angled tweezers, but that was a hassle! 



I also mounted the rear of the tub, and the rear idler spindles. 









So, on the plus side of all this, it was enlightening and a relief to me that after so long an absence from kit building, just this little bit has dispelled any worries I had on rustiness in my building kits again and built my confidence back up to where it once was... though, there is considerable rust! I forgot a lot of terms and techniques, but that will resurface!

[hasenpfeffer]

Hey WR, nice progress!

One thing I would like to point out forthwith! I think you have mounted the suspension on the wrong side. Meaning, the smallest part of the leaf spring should be facing rearward. If you still can you should swap the 4/side-to-side. (You can barely make it out in those directions, unless you look very closely.)

Ever since I started using Tamiya Extra Thin (or equivalent) I can't possibly go back to any other type of cement for styrene to styrene bonds. I use the brush in the cap as long as it reaches. If I have some super tight area that is further than the cap brush will reach, I'll use an old paint brush. The key for me was just learning how much to apply for different situations. Large parts with long seams I will use more and not wick off much on the lip of the bottle. Smaller parts, or delicate parts I will wick off most of the cement on the lip of the bottle. There are always those occasions where you will use too much. We've all done it! LOL

[brentprice]

Welcome back to the modeling world and congratulations on retirement. I will be following your progress on this build. Thanks for taking the time to photograph and post your work as this can be a time consuming part of the model build.

[Whiterook]

Feb 21, 2023 15:01:53 GMT -5 hasenpfeffer said:

Hey WR, nice progress!

One thing I would like to point out forthwith! I think you have mounted the suspension on the wrong side. Meaning, the smallest part of the leaf spring should be facing rearward. If you still can you should swap the 4/side-to-side. (You can barely make it out in those directions, unless you look very closely.)

Ever since I started using Tamiya Extra Thin (or equivalent) I can't possibly go back to any other type of cement for styrene to styrene bonds. I use the brush in the cap as long as it reaches. If I have some super tight area that is further than the cap brush will reach, I'll use an old paint brush. The key for me was just learning how much to apply for different situations. Large parts with long seams I will use more and not wick off much on the lip of the bottle. Smaller parts, or delicate parts I will wick off most of the cement on the lip of the bottle. There are always those occasions where you will use too much. We've all done it! LOL

Thanks…that was a great catch on the leaf springs! I guess I had a 50/50 chance at bumbling the right way, but I bumbled the wrong way, LOL! Ugh, totally missed that. I did try to gently pry one off, but it snapped the peg off completely…I glued it back in place and it should hold decently, but I don’t want to take the chance with the other 7. I debated on it, and decided I’ll just mud the ever livin’ hell out of all of them when weathering… it’s a Winter piece so mud and snow should hide my faux pas 

On the glue, I’m going to order some Tamiya Extra Thin…the brush is much nicer on that brand, coming to a nice sharp tip; the Testors that I have is chunky and splayed at the end. I’ll try one of my artist brushes with it… I’ll probably try one of my synthetics first, since that’s what the Testors brush looks like to me. Worse case, I ruin a cheap Artist brush. I need to read up on that and see what’s needed when using an artist brush with the bottled liquid glues…as in what type and do you need to clean them after (or can you just let them dry and reuse.

thanks for your help!!! I appreciate it.

Feb 21, 2023 15:49:05 GMT -5 brentprice said:

Welcome back to the modeling world and congratulations on retirement. I will be following your progress on this build. Thanks for taking the time to photograph and post your work as this can be a time consuming part of the model build.

Hey, thanks!!! It feels awesome to be building again, and I finally have the energy and spirit to do so again… work was hell! I appreciate your following along, and the well wishes on retirement…I always knew I’d love it!

[hasenpfeffer]

Yeah, it happens to the best (and all) of us! At least the road wheel will pretty much hide it.

As for the extra thin - I've read that Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner (pink cap) is the same stuff. Cheaper than a bottle of Extra Thin. I have both and replenish the bottle/brush with the airbrush thinner. There is an even cheaper way to go - I think it's all just cellulose thinner which can be bought in bulk pretty cheap. But this is from memory - so do some research if you go this route.

[reserve]

Your #1 parts are the suspension bumpers

Dave's right Tammy extra thin is great stuff. Myself, I keep Testors around as well...I think of the Tammy stuff as "Quick grab" and mostly use it but if I need something that'll give me more working time the Testors will come out. I use an old 2.0 paintbrush to apply this as the brush on the cap is coarse and impersice

[mustang1989]

Progress is looking good on this so far Emery. I would've never noticed about the suspension being backwards (still learning older armor stuff). I tend to use the Tammy stuff these guys are talking about as well, however, the Testors glue that you're using should give the same results. Looking good so far and I'll echo the sentiments on your retirement. Congrats on that buddy.

[Steve Zuleski]

Moving along nicely, bookmarked!

P.S. Now that you are retired you can live in the model bunker and only come up for air, food, camode, and sleep, SWEEET!

P.S.S. Brian, you're scaring me Bro, you're scaring me, HA!

[ogrejohn]

Nice progress!

[Whiterook]

Back at the tin can a little today, splitting my time between two kits (also have a P51-D Mustang in the works), as well as design on a Vietnam War miniatures wargame. So first being news… I’m a Tamiya Extra-Thin convert! OMG, this stuff is gold! Game changer.

Started with two L-shaped holders that secure a big-assed cable to the rear of the tank. I was holding the first one with angled tweezers when, Phwiiiing! …popped out and I feared was gone forever. I mean this piece was tiiiiiiny! Unbelievably, I found it on the bench! They’re both on the tank now… the cable cracked in one spot, but I was able to rejoin it with glue. Next, the muffler and a small side unit went on.



Next was, attaching two sides of the upper hull… man, I love me my Tamiya Extra-Thin! My hands aren’t as rock steady as they’d once been, not that I’m feeble or anything, ha, but dexterity is a little weaker, and I have a left thumb that doesn’t behave properly when pinching with my index finger — the Tamiya glue is a lot easier to maneuver than the pipette on my old Model Master brand (which I can’t find, anyway).



I stopped here for the night, but plan to put some more time in on her this weekend.

[hasenpfeffer]

Awesome, glad you like the Extra Thin. And glad you found the part. I've spent many hours kneeling on the cement floor with a flashlight trying to create relief or a glimmer from the PE part that I dropped. Usually accompanied by some colorful language.

[mustang1989]

I dunno how folks can build two or more builds at once. For me, it's sensory overload. lol

You got lucky with that lost part. I've had stuff pop out like that and NEVER found it and yup.....Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is the ONLY way to go for me. 

[Whiterook]

Mar 3, 2023 22:35:41 GMT -5 hasenpfeffer said:

Awesome, glad you like the Extra Thin. And glad you found the part. I've spent many hours kneeling on the cement floor with a flashlight trying to create relief or a glimmer from the PE part that I dropped. Usually accompanied by some colorful language.

Thanks… I’ve only had it happen a few times in my building career, thank goodness, but a couple pieces have never been found. Considering this piece was about 3/6” and a L-shaped rod the size of a small sewing needle, I was fortunate.

Mar 3, 2023 22:44:38 GMT -5 mustang1989 said:

I dunno how folks can build two or more builds at once. For me, it's sensory overload. lol

You got lucky with that lost part. I've had stuff pop out like that and NEVER found it and yup.....Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is the ONLY way to go for me. 

LOL, yeah, to be honest, I used to be a one-model-at-a-time guy… but just before I stopped a few years ago, and going into my restart now, I seem to have a few In Progress. Besides this Panzer IV, I have a P51D Mustang, a Carro Armato, and a Huey under construction; and the Battlestar Galactica open and ready to go soon.

[buddho]

Great start on the Pzr IV. Will be watching this thread for updates.

[Whiterook]

Returning from my trip last week, I finally got back to my workbench today, spending a couple hours assembling road wheels and a persnickety tow cable (very delicate cable hooks, where one broke off…ugh…got it back on). Lots of sprue connectors and flash to clean up… these older kits can be a real pain! Yeah, there are some errors with the suspension but, mud and snow will be covering much of the underside of the tank and will hide some of my faux pas!



…used an old trick, having used a Sharpie marker on some of the road wheels, until I realized, I’ll be priming and painting later, so I stopped where you see them done. I’ll be honest, there are some hiccups in my restart back into building… not paying close enough attention to instructions… shaking off rust from my building chops; some of that is to be expected but, I need to up my game soon. I know that sounds a bit harsh on myself, but I generally hold myself to high standards, including my hobbies.



Cut and cleaned up upper road wheel attachment parts



Everything went together fairly well… the instructions weren’t real clear on a couple things and had to back track a bit but, overall everything went together well.



Yeah, a road wheel fell off, but reattached afterward I took the pic below



Coming along. Getting more and more back into the swing of things!

[`Boots`]

Great work WR and yes....mud is ya best friend

[Whiterook]

Another couple hours this morning, continuing with the drive components and work around the front plate and sides. I try to spend a few minutes every time I do a session at the workbench to go through some of the piles of stuff that has amassed itself in the area after a couple home renovation projects and two water damage events last year… had to hurriedly move stuff somewhere, and my work area seemed to take part of the brunt. I’ve also been moving gear and purchases into the general area for reorganization and storage.



So what I’m saying is, it’s a mess down there in my basement furnace room and I need to attack it in small chunks of time so as not to get overwhelmed!

The drive sprockets and idler wheels went on nicely… all components needed trim and sanding, but luckily, this kit doesn’t seem to have a lot of ejection sink marks. I’m loving the new Tamiya Extra-Thin!!! …though I still find I need the Model Master pipette delivered glue for certain parts, but that has only been about 2% of my usage, so I would say I’m a TETc convert!

The tow cable came out pretty good… as you may recall, one of the hooks broke off, and I was lucky to salvage the situation! I wasn’t planning to put the cable on at this early stage but, the decision was made for me!





Next up was some of the most fiddly work I’ve had on this kit so far… the front sides were persnickety to get in place, with some tricky dry fitting to get placement correct…this is where the TETc is far superior to what I’d used previously, as I was able to tack a corner in place, adjust grip and hold, and then glue the rest. Brilliant stuff, this glue! There are a few gaps that will need tending to later… nothing due to misplacement of earlier parts, but rather errors in manufacturing (it’s an old kit!).

The front plate assembly set my mid at ease, on initial worry upon restarting my building endeavors, that my dexterity had suffered too much over the years (I especially have a bit of a wonky and rebellious left thumb, with suffered strength issues, likely for all the computer typing done over the years of working)… I can confident say that though I’m not as sure handed (or fingered, as the case may be) as I used to be, I can still pick a lock if I need to!

The machine gun setup is a gem…the best of any armor kit I’ve ever worked in! Set in a true ball mount assembly, the end result is that of a MG that is movable! Pretty sweet!!! Though now that I think of it, I better paint that sucker before I seal the hull up!!!





…it’s starting to look like an actual tank!!!

[`Boots`]

Shaping up very nicely WR

[Whiterook]

Just so ya’ll know, I’ve not abandoned this beastie! I’ve been prepping for a wargaming expo, which I’ll be leaving for next week…I’ve three games in particular that I’ll be playing, that I have to reacquaint myself with the rules (I’ve not played them in awhile…two, in a looooong while!); and four games someone else is bringing, that I need to have a decent idea how they play. And I’m play testing three games for different designers/companies. When I’m back from the expo, I’ll be diving back into this build.

[stikpusher]

That’s a good kit! Especially for its age. I’ll definitely follow this one!

[chromdome35]

I know your pain, my office seems to be the dumping spot for everything that doesn't have an immediate home to go to.

The great thing about model building, you can set it down, and it really doesn't matter for how long. The model is exactly the same if it sits for a week or for years.

Keep chipping away as you can, love the updates!

Karma to you for persevering.

[406 Silverado]

May 10, 2023 20:01:42 GMT -5 Whiterook said:

Just so ya’ll know, I’ve not abandoned this beastie! I’ve been prepping for a wargaming expo, which I’ll be leaving for next week…I’ve three games in particular that I’ll be playing, that I have to reacquaint myself with the rules (I’ve not played them in awhile…two, in a looooong while!); and four games someone else is bringing, that I need to have a decent idea how they play. And I’m play testing three games for different designers/companies. When I’m back from the expo, I’ll be diving back into this build.

Thanks for posting this Emery. I was wondering where you'd gotten off to. You'll have to tell us how it went at the wargaming expo. Looking forward to your return to the forum and to this awesome build......

Say....you could put this one in the Panther GB ya know......