Panzer IV J final - Dragon 6080 [Archive]

View Full Version : Panzer IV J final - Dragon 6080

panzerjager

10-03-2008, 01:52 PM

Hi everybody. This is my last project, a final Pz IV J with Von Thoma shields and ambush scheme (I think)

The was given to me by a friend partially builded, so there is some mistakes I'll try to correct (like the bogies glued the wrong way :( )

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2201.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2202.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2320.jpg

I've started with the more "heavy" step of Pz IV's: tracks

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2215.jpg

Mud flap hinges modified and hatches lockers added

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2318.jpg

Some details added to the turret, like the fan cover moved and filed, Rommelkiste, etc
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2319.jpg

I can't find any pic of the subject suggested by Dragon instructions: I like the box art subject, tank 223 of 7 Kompanie, SS-Pz Rgt 1, Stoumont, 1944, in ambush scheme, I think. The other 2 schemes suggested are 6 Komp. same Rgt at La Gleize and 116 PD, tank #713 but I don't know if theese ones has ambush.

If you have any pic of the "ambushed" final J's....please post it

Best regards

Darío

dsleigh

10-05-2008, 06:17 AM

Old but fairly nice kit, good luck with the repairs!

Panzergrenadier

10-06-2008, 05:00 PM

I am most interested in how it builds up and gets painted.:)

panzerjager

10-06-2008, 09:41 PM

Thanks guys. I've maked more advances with details like mud flaps springs, some handles, welds, track links, engine flaps retainers, rear chain, etc.
Next come the hard part: the schurtzen :( I need a breath before continue...a day or so :D
I will need any advice about fixing the shields the right way

Hope you like it

Dario

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2344.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2351.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2352.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2353.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2354.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2355.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2356.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2357.jpg

dsleigh

10-06-2008, 10:02 PM

Dario, here is a link to a bunch of close ups of the IVJ at Saumur, it ha Thoma's
http://news.webshots.com/album/559271657XcHcIA

RickLawler

10-06-2008, 10:29 PM

Way to go, Dario.

gibsonfndr

10-08-2008, 01:47 AM

Hi Dario.
Remember we already met ?

Eventho we talked by emails I discover this post only today.
I'm afraid it's too late but are the idler wheels glued on ?
They look of the wrong type for a late J ...

Sturmmann

10-08-2008, 10:01 AM

They look of the wrong type for a late J ...

Why do you say they are the wrong type? They are correct.

dave

gibsonfndr

10-08-2008, 10:48 AM

Why do you say they are the wrong type? They are correct.

dave
I thought the late Js went bak to the "old" style idler wheels instead of the cast ones. I'm not sure about when this happened exactly but his J seems to have some rather late specs ... post Dec 44 anyway, specially since it has the very late type of brake acces hatches on the glacis. These hatches seem to appear only on a few very late war Pz IVs ... so they have to have the welded idler wheels.

see pic of such a J in Sofia :
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/gibsonfndr/pz4jbulgare.jpg

panzerjager

10-08-2008, 03:27 PM

Thanks David, I've dowloaded Mr. Trowbridge's pics, they are very usefull. Anyway, take care with this tank, Mr Trowbridge advice "very nice condition but not very original, so caution if using photos for a project" here:
http://jtrowbridge5.smugmug.com/gallery/4943815_npzyd#295747644_iTUoi

Thanks Mr Knopfler, I mean, Lawler ;)

Laurent, I'll check my references about the idler, thanks for the advice

David, I thinks they are correct too, but...I'm criminalist, so....I want proves! :D

Thanks to all for comment, that help me a lot

Darío

Sturmmann

10-08-2008, 06:15 PM

David, I thinks they are correct too, but...I'm criminalist, so....I want proves! :D

Well, it’s easy to get so involved and lost into accuracy issues that sometimes we forget war is a dynamic thing. Especially during the end of the war supplies were in short hand, and in many cases tanks were repaired with whatever was available at their repair depots.

Can you imagine the chief of maintenance telling a Tank commander, " Sir, I can't replace your damage idler because the ones I have around are not supposed to go with your tank's model" ?? Neither can I. :p

dave

dsleigh

10-08-2008, 06:19 PM

Can you imagine the chief of maintenance telling a Tank commander, " Sir, I can't replace your damage idler because the ones I have around are not supposed to go with your tank's model" ?? Neither can I. :p

dave

Spoken like a true Tread Head and witness!:thumb:

panzerjager

10-08-2008, 11:04 PM

Firstly, I apologize for my bad English, remember I live in 3rd world (Argentina)
Ok, now, I’ve searched a little about Laurent suggestion on idler
1) In Panzer Tracts 4, page 55 Mr. Doyle’s draw show an “old” idler

2) Osprey’s New Vanguard 39, page 37-38 show a pic of Fgst.Nr 86432 assembled in Feb 44, with the old idler too (4 return rollers)

3) Same book, page 39-40, tanks assembled in aug/set with the “new” idler (at least 1 with 4 return rollers)

4) Page 47 show tank Fgst.Nr 110121 with right hand idler, apparently “new”. We can see here:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Panzer-IV-batey-haosef.jpg the left hand side of the same tank….with “old” idler and here http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Panzer-IV-batey-haosef-2.jpg the right side hand again . Museum mistake or german mixture?

5) The Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WW II shows in page 99, plate 308, wire mesh side-skirts, old idler (I can’t see the rollers); plate 311, 3 return rollers, old idler

I’m tired now, lets see more books tomorrow, but I'm afraid Laurent is right. Fortunately, the wheels, sprocket and idler are not glued yet :D and I think the kit provide the other idlers (there are more than 100 pieces not used in this kit)

Regards

dsleigh

10-08-2008, 11:25 PM

gibsonfndr

10-09-2008, 01:54 AM

Interesting if not beautiful case in point, being that these Wiki pictures are of captured SYRIAN pzIV's. All available and relevant spares were sent along and any odd variation is possible, just like in the last months of the war.
If you talk wbout the pic I posted yesterday it is not a Syrian Panzer (we all know these were rebuilt by the French using whatever was at hand) but a genuine Bulgarian Panzer, almost 100% original and very typical of the very late production Js. From the back of my memory it was only modified at some point to receive a Russian MG so it is rather trusty (is it the word ?) and it is the one Dragon used to make their kit.

dsleigh

10-09-2008, 02:08 AM

Refering to Dario's post. Your IVJ in Sofia is just fine, thank you.

gibsonfndr

10-09-2008, 05:24 AM

2) Osprey’s New Vanguard 39, page 37-38 show a pic of Fgst.Nr 86432 assembled in Feb 44, with the old idler too (4 return rollers)

3) Same book, page 39-40, tanks assembled in aug/set with the “new” idler (at least 1 with 4 return rollers)

Regardsthe tank in pages 37-38 is a J from the very last panzers IV made by Vomag early in spring 44. They only made a few of them. This Panzer iV is at the Musée des blindés, in Saumur and despite beeing more authentic than the one at the exhibition, is not 100% original. You simply can not trust it for details. The other one on pages 39-40 is authentic and has the "regular" cast idler wheel introduced in october 43 with the H series.
Every pic I know of late Pz IV Js do show this "olod style" idler wheel.
Here's one :
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/gibsonfndr/panzer%20IV%20Ausf%20J/602silesie2.jpg
Another one, maybe later :
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/gibsonfndr/panzer%20IV%20Ausf%20J/PzIVjbizarre.jpg
But yours as it has the simplified brake access hatches should look like this one :
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/gibsonfndr/panzer%20IV%20Ausf%20J/panzer4jtard-1.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/gibsonfndr/panzer%20IV%20Ausf%20J/panzer4jtard-7.jpg

Of course when I say "should" I was not there, can't be totally sure that no cast idler wheel would end up on a late Pz IV J, it's just a matter of odds.

Someone mentionned tanks under repair and mechanics using whatever was at hand. this is possible and this could lead to a Pz IV with the two different kind of idler whels but unless you have a picture of the tank or you do not really care and just want to have fun (no big deal indeed it's just a hobby), then give him his welded idler wheels and get rid of the gunner's vision block on the turret front.
;o)

serpico

10-09-2008, 09:07 PM

Obviously the main reason for the hollow tubular rear idler was ease of manufacture since steel was at a premium.....:)

So if it's a very late IV J I would go with the tubular idler. But hey do what you want.....no one would be offended. Just pointing out how I would build it.

Nice model......:thumb: I hope those guys got out of the Jeep alright...!

panzerjager

10-10-2008, 08:17 PM

OK, thanks guys for comments, that help me a lot
More advances: see how many pieces are required for 2 shields in the right hand side: 30 !!!! The brackets are very thin, almost no file required, but....very fragile (I've broke 2 :()

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2365.jpg

The left side shields, not glued and not finished yet:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2371.jpg

And the turret shields:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2368.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2369.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2370.jpg

This is the subject chosed; is not a final, I think, but has the features I want: Thoma shields and ambush scheme (Thanks Laurent)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/711ENGLISH.jpg

Fortunatly, Dragon provides the brakes hatches scoops and I think the tow hooks too (I have to look between the 100+ pieces not-for-use

Any sugestion is welcome, and thanks for looking

Darío

Ropi

10-11-2008, 05:52 AM

Looks nice so far

Dazzer

10-11-2008, 06:20 AM

Looking good Dario, and the Idler discussion has been very informative too

gibsonfndr

10-13-2008, 01:51 AM

Dario, me again.
There is one thing you do not want to let as it is on the kit because it is so ugly ...
On the gun recoil housing, there is a "bump" that is supposed to replicate a gaz detector bracket ... do you see what I am talking about ?

panzerjager

10-13-2008, 09:13 AM

Thanks for comments, guys.
Laurent, I see what you say and I've not noted before. A little of filing will may it disssapear :D Thanks

Darío

gibsonfndr

10-13-2008, 10:25 AM

Dario, you asked for it so here's your punishment. A view of "my J" featuring the part I told you about.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/gibsonfndr/panzer%20IV%20Ausf%20J/panzer4J-1-1.jpg

Still a lot of work to do I'm afraid.

panzerjager

10-13-2008, 10:29 AM

OK, Laurent, that helps a lot. Thanks

DArío

panzerjager

10-19-2008, 07:28 PM

I've added more details, it is almost ready for painting, except for more little details like rear tow pintle chain, doors details, etc.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2386eng.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2387.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2388eng.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2389.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2390.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2391.jpg

Any mistake/suggestion/advice/donation/etc. is wellcome :D

Regards

Darío

gibsonfndr

10-20-2008, 01:21 AM

oh I see you changed some parts compared to last week pics ... you did quite some work on this one !
:thumb:
maybe you want to add the parts that hold the turret schürzen closed ?

kostas.13.

10-20-2008, 02:31 AM

Good work Dario.The beast going well.

Be careful in thishttp://img384.imageshack.us/img384/3728/pz4jxf0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Flak

10-20-2008, 08:04 AM

Looks good...keep it up...Dario

MikkoH

10-20-2008, 09:56 AM

Nice work Dario!:) I have also this old lady and tamiyas ausf. J too. Makes me want to start my IVs.;)

panzerjager

10-21-2008, 04:10 PM

Thanks guys.
I'm working on some details, like the turret skirts doors "lockers", the exhausts (deformed at the top :() and some lines in the mantlet/gun

Cheers

Darío

panzerjager

10-23-2008, 08:10 PM

First try with the "Hintertall" (ambush) cammo. It looks horrible, but I think the next steps will make it look better ( I hope...I REALLY hope :D)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2459.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2460.jpg

Cheers

Darío

gibsonfndr

10-24-2008, 01:18 AM

Dario ... I should've seen it earlyer ... you made a big mistake ... the rear bogies are built the wrong way ... is it too late to fix the problem ??
:yell:

Ropi

10-24-2008, 08:54 AM

very nice camo scheme! keep it up! ;)

Rayman

10-24-2008, 09:23 AM

Nice work Dario on this oldy:thumb: Paint doesn't look that bad and will look better with some weathering.

Ray

panzerjager

10-25-2008, 02:33 PM

Jeje, easy gibsonfndr! (Why kind of name is that Laurent?) May be I forget to say, but this kit was a gift from a friend. He givesme the model partially builded...and with 6 bogies glued in the wrong way. I've tried of correct, but the bogies star to break....so...I guess nobody will can see it with the wheels in place :D:D:D Thanks for worry

Thanks Ropi and Rayman too for see and comment

Today, this is the appearance of my panzer:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2469.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2470.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2471.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2472.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2473.jpg

I still have work to do: correct some spots, glue some tools, paint the exhausts, the shovel, make the rear tow pìntle and chain, etc

Hope you like it

Darío

anthony roberts

10-25-2008, 03:37 PM

Hello Dario,

Excellent job! I look forward to seeing the next installment!

Tony

Petarted

10-26-2008, 01:24 AM

nice man realy

Flak

10-26-2008, 09:55 AM

Looks good...can't wait next update :)

gibsonfndr

11-02-2008, 03:07 AM

Sturmmann

11-02-2008, 09:52 AM

Dario,

Nice work on the Panzer IV! You are motivating me to start working on mine :D Keep up the great work!!

dave

panzerjager

11-06-2008, 06:43 PM

OK, this game is over; I´ve see in the pics that I forget to paint the inside of one return roller
I think the proyect is finished, except for the driver figure. What do you think?

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2475.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2476.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2477.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2478.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2479.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2480.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2481.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2482.jpg

Cheers

Darío

Pvt Mutt

11-07-2008, 07:51 AM

:thumb:
That is one fine Panzer Dario.

Thanks for the Show and Tell
...Tony the Mutt...

Sturmmann

11-07-2008, 09:18 AM

Looks good Dario! :thumb:

Yesterday I was wondering how this build was coming along and now I got my answer :D What will you build next?

dave

gibsonfndr

11-07-2008, 10:29 AM

looks good !

Flak

11-07-2008, 08:14 PM

Looks good. What is your paln on next project?

anthony roberts

11-08-2008, 02:15 AM

Hello Dario,

Thanks for the update and it looks really good and very informative for me as I start to paint my current build,

All the best,
Tony

Markus

11-08-2008, 06:52 AM

Silk purse out of sow´s ears Dario :thumb:!
I like this one a lot!
You definitely turned this one into a real beauty!

panzerjager

11-08-2008, 10:45 AM

Thanks guys! It takes a lot of nervs, but I've enjoyed the kit, and, most important, I've learned to recognize a final J.
I'm working in a list of the modifications I've made to this kit, if any other brave (insane?) modeller want to figh....er.....to deal with it :D

After fixed the antenna rod, the model goes to ....my showcase, to fight with the spiders and dust

Best Regards

Darío

Sturmmann

11-08-2008, 11:38 AM

Dario,

That list will be useful. I still have one of those on my stash waiting.

After fixed the antenna rod, the model goes to ....my showcase, to fight with the spiders and dust

A sad thing really. I lost a model once because the dust really messed it up. Since then I invested in a large glass cabinet for my finished models. It is sad to see a model deteriorate after all the work you put into it.

dave

panzerjager

11-08-2008, 12:54 PM

No, David, easy, I'm "exagerating" :D OK, there are the "long foot" spiders in my showcases, (I have 3) but not too much dust, just a little and, each 6 months or something I control all the models and clean the dirtie ones. The problematic is the big showcase (2 m long x 1 m hight x 0.6 m wide) I don't know how the dust came in, but it contains "only" 15 1/35 AFVs and 22 1/48 & 1/32 Airplanes (yes, airplanes, why? :D) incluiding a pair of Nachtjägers (Ju-88 and Bf 110 G-4)...imagine cleaning those little antenna rods

Saludos, amigo

Darío

Driver

11-10-2008, 11:37 AM

Very nice job rescuing it from the trashcan Dario, it looks amazing!

Ruben

Fledermaus

11-10-2008, 12:16 PM

nice job Dario :thumb:, I love panzer IVs;) the camo looks terrific:cool:

Carnageinc

11-17-2008, 12:27 PM

This was a great build log! I have even orderd a Dragon IV J kit myself just because of your posts.
" This is the subject chosed; is not a final, I think, but has the features I want: Thoma shields and ambush scheme "
Have you changed your mind about the final bit or can you point out what to needs to be removed or added to make it absolute final?

Thanks for this share! // Hampus

serpico

11-18-2008, 12:05 AM

Nice model and good job on the camo.....I like the Mesh Screen variants...

:)

serpico

11-18-2008, 12:08 AM

panzerjager

12-06-2008, 06:11 PM

Uh, sorry, I've not see these replys
Thanks boys! Is good you like my model!
Carnageinc: I think the final-final Ausf.L must have a couple of hooks welded to the front hull plate. The reason why I've choosed a final is that I want an ambush painted tank. Please refer to the next post for modifications and references (text is too long for just one post)

Serpico, let me see if I have some pics of the Ju-88 A4 (the Nachtjager was my first DML kit, I don't want to show the mess I made :D)

Theese are the final pics
In the next post a put a list of modifications

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2708m.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2709.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2710.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2711m.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2712.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2713m.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/pzjager/08PzIV%20J/DSCN2714m2.jpg

Best regards

Darío

panzerjager

12-06-2008, 06:13 PM

This is a list of modifications I made to may kit. Be in mind that betters modifications can be worked with aftermarket or more skilfull, so, theese are the changes my skill can make :D

Sorry, I made it in spanish and is too long for traslating. Any doubt with the language, just let me know

Panzer IV J DML 6080

Modificaciones realizadas

Es un kit del año 1996 aproximadamente, por lo que no está a la altura de los modelos actuales de Dragon, sin llegar a ser malo. Trae muchas piezas de sobra, más de 100 que puede usarse para complementar otros kits
Las orugas son del tipo eslabón por eslabón, pero no son las Magic Tracks. Cada eslabón posee dos marcas de inyección que deben ser lijadas o tapadas, además de las marcas de corte que quedan al desprenderlas de la bandeja
El kit representa el modelo J final, producido a fines de 1944; según el libro de Osprey, esas características serían (tomando los cambios introducidos desde agosto):
- Apagallamas en lugar del gran silenciador
- Escudos laterales en malla de alambre
- Tapa de cúpula plana y pivotante
- Extensiones en los laterales del casco terminadas en ojales para ganchos de remolque
- Corte en la tapa del ventilador del techo de torreta, para que no interfiera con el arma de defensa cercana
- Rodillos de retorno reducidos a 3 por lado
- Creo que Osprey no lo menciona, pero a cada bogie se le eliminaron los 2 tornillos centrales de sujeción al chasis (no se sabe bien desde que fecha)
Sin embargo, al no disponer de todos los datos necesarios para hacer un modelo final correcto, opté por uno construido entre noviembre y diciembre del 44 (aunque algun dibujo lo muestra como de setiembre del mismo año y otro como de 1945 ) En la foto que aparece en Panzer Traces no se aprecia si posee 3 o 4 rodillos de retorno

Paso 2
Acá se debe estudiar con cuidado la versión a realizar y en base a ello, perforar o tapar los agujeros de los guardabarros, adonde irán ubicadas las herramientas

Paso 3
Perforé la pieza C4 para poder pasar el perno, hecho con alambre de cobre, al igual que la cadena que lo sujeta

Paso 5
Me parece mejor no pegar aun las ruedas ni los rodillos de retorno, hasta armar las orugas
El dibujo indica mal la posición de los ojales para los ganchos de remolque (f21). Deben pegarse contra la plancha trasera
Para la versión que elegí, tuve que eliminar los ojales delanteros y pegar los ganchos del tipo anterior (provistos como piezas sin usar, B 2, 3, 6, 7) No se deben tapar los agujeros que indica el dibujo
Eliminé los 2 tornillos centrales de cada bogie. Podemos representarlos con los agujeros resultantes de la falta de tornillos o lijar y simular los bogies a los que ya no se los perforaba en ese sector

Paso 6
Dragon indica las piezas G1 como ruedas tensoras. Sin embargo, en los modelos finales, se volvió a utilizar el tipo de rueda tensora anterior, de tubos soldados (F1, 2)
Tapé los agujeros en el casco para las piezas f18 y realicé otros de menor diámetro. Reemplacé las piezas por alambre
Los pasadores de las bisagras B35-B36 son un tanto gruesos. Los corté, perforé ligeramente las bisagras e introduje trocitos de plástico estirado con la forma adecuada
Los ganchos f22 fueron reemplazados por otros hechos con alambre de cable telefónico
Perforé la boca de la MG frontal antes de pegarla

Paso 8
Reemplazo de las asas f23 por los carenados f10
Reitero que se debe estudiar la ubicación de las herramientas, ya que algunas perforaciones vienen hechas y no coinciden con los pines de aquellas
Dragon sugiere colocar 8 eslabones de repuesto, pero solo caben 7, que es lo que se ve en las fotos de vehículos reales. Perforé los extremos del primer, tercero y último eslabón, para que pasen las varillas de fijación

Paso 9
La pieza B29 fue reemplazada por otra hecha con plástico
Los resortes de los flaps de los guardabarros se realizaron con hilo de cobre enrollado
Agregué dos pequeñas “U” de metal a la caja A27, para sujetar la barra que aprisiona las ruedas de repuesto (hecha con una aguja hipodérmica)
Reemplacé el taco del gato, su soporte y sujeción
Marqué con la punta del cúter la separación entre flap y guardabarros
Se pueden mejorar las sujeciones de las herramientas mediante FGs o hacerlas con lámina de metal
Perforé el pequeño rectángulo que está en la parte trasera de las escotillas de conductor y R.O. Como la primera irá abierta, agregué otro rectángulo pequeño soldado al casco (servían para colocar un candado)
Añadí soldaduras por todo el casco y chasis, según fotos, hechas con plástico estirado ablandado con pegamento (usando un solvente llamado xilol o xileno)

Paso 10
Rebajé la pieza C20 del gato, para que este quepa con facilidad
No debe usarse la pala B22 sino la C33 (el dibujo es correcto, pero el número de la pieza, no)
Tampoco va la pieza B30, sino la C28
Perforé los extremos de 3 eslabones y los coloqué en tramos de a 2, aunque lo correcto me parece que es que vayan colocados individuales, atravesados por una varilla, que entra en las piezas f19 (las cuales deben perforarse o reemplazarse)

Paso 11
El asa A31 fue reemplazada por otra hecha de alambre de cobre. Creo que la posición no es como pone Dragon, oblicua, sino paralela al eje central del carro, ya que servía para asirse al ascender al carro
Perforé la base de la antena, para insertar la misma
Agregué una cadenita hecha de alambre de cobre retorcido a la plancha B32; Dragon colocó una pequeña asa que fue reemplazada por otra de alambre de cobre y sujeta la cadena
Reemplacé la parte de los ganchos

Paso 12
El kit no permite la posibilidad de dejar las puertas de acceso a la torreta abiertas. Lo mismo sucede con la cúpula, que queda sellada
Reemplacé la barra de referencia Z8 por otra de plástico más fino y los ganchos f22 por otros de alambre
Eliminé los refuerzos de los vierte-aguas Z9
Creo que las piezas f27 y f28 no tienen sentido, ya que representan los aislantes de madera, para que la Rommelkiste no haga descarga al tocar la antena en otro modelos de Pz IV. En su lugar coloqué la fijación de la caja a la torreta, con una lámina de plástico y 3 tornillos cada una
Agregué los 2 cierres de la tapa de la caja, hechos con alambre y plástico
También añadí soldaduras adonde era necesario

Paso 13
El ventilador debe moverse un tanto hacia la derecha de la torreta (consultar plano de H.L.Doyle) Le hice el corte a la tapa del mismo, para que no estorbe al lanzador de granadas
El techo de la torreta carece de todo tornillo, los cuales simulé perforando ligeramente sin atravesar el plástico con una broca de 0,5 mm
Al mantelete le eliminé el resalte que trae en la parte superior y le hice el soporte del indicador de gases venenosos. Un soporte igual debe ubicarse sobre la tapa del ventilador de torreta

Paso 14
Rehice la fijación del escudo trasero a la caja de repuestos, eliminando las guías grabadas. A dicho escudo le eliminé unos resaltes que traía grabados y que representaban parte de las bisagras, reemplazándolos por unos trocitos de plástico fino
Además agregué los sujetadores de las puertas, con lámina de aluminio
Simulé los agujeros de desagüe en la cúpula
El asa A8 se reemplazó por una de alambre

Paso 16-18
Aquí es donde se pone realmente complicado.
Pienso que cada uno debe estudiar que método le resulta mejor: pegar las rejillas primero a los soportes y luego a las fijaciones y por último al casco; o pegar primero las fijaciones (Y2, 3, 4) y luego los soportes y luego las rejillas; o pintar todo por separado…en fin, hay varias posibilidades. Yo usé una combinación distinta en cada lado, y ninguna me resultó fácil
Las plantillas que da Dragon para las rejillas J1, 2 y 3 resultan muy altas. Hay que adaptarlas según los planos.
El sistema de fijación de las rejillas y de los soportes es muy endeble y delicado. Como si fuera poco, las rejillas de plástico que trae el kit, no se pegan bien con cianioacrilato y no me animé a probar los solventes que uso normalmente para pegar, por miedo a que las derrita. Terminé pegándolas con ciano, pero cuidando de no forzarlas después durante el manipuleo.
Según el plano de Doyle, se debe confeccionar un soporte para las rejillas horizontales delanteras.
A las rejillas J4, 5 y 6 se lea agregó un marco hecho de papel grueso, tomando las medidas una vez que estaban pegadas las rejillas laterales

Webs:

http://photos.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php/cat/12900 Panzer IV H/J en Bruselas

http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii198/modelmike737/Euro%20Panzer%20IV/ H/J War & Peace

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1221937772/Real+Panzer+IV+at+EuroMilitaire+who+wants+pics- Discusión sobre el tanque anterior

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1097367937/Pz+IVJ+production+changes.+Long+text+%26amp%3B+ima ges+(4+POSTS+to+follow) Serie de 5 posts de un modelista tratando el tema de los cambios introducidos durante la producción del Ausf.J

http://www.track-link.net/forum/modelling_kits/8436 Breve comentarios sobre el kit 6080

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1218018614/Pz4J+late-brake+access+hatches+without+vent Discusión sobre las asas de las tapas delanteras

http://anonymous-generaltopics.blogspot.com/2008/01/panzerkampfwagen-iv-hitlers-sherman.html Blog con una pequeña lista sobre Pz IV’s en museos

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Panzerkampfwagen_IV Panzers IV en Museo israelí y otros

Libros:

Panzer IV Sd.Kfz. 161 vol. I - Kagero Photosniper 16

Sd.Kfz.161 Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf. G-H-J - Trojca 20

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G, H and J 1942-45 - New Vanguard 39

Panzerkampfwagen IV - Panzer tracts 4

Achtung Panzer 3

Panzer IV - Tornado Nro 11

Best regards

Darío