- Panzerkampfwagen
IV (or Panzer IV) tank was a premier workhorse of German armored divisions, used from 1939 Polish Campaign to war's end inside Germany 1945. Its chassis was also
 converted to multiple platforms, including self-propelled anti-tank/artillery, rocket launcher, armored recovery vehicle. Ausfuhrung (model versions) A through F1 had design superstructure changes, but F1 to J versions retained basic design with regular upgrades to gun power, armor protection, and schurzen types (ex. armor versus mesh screen side skirts). Panzerkampfwagen IV - www.achtungpanzer.com/pz3.htm
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Three road wheels on side stowage box used for extra armor
protection. Water canisters and helmets were externally stored since tank interior was cramped. Large tow cable made from
model ship rope, dipped in Elmer's Glue + Water, then place contour on model before hardening to shape for painting. AAF's Ausf. H/J Inside & Out - ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/willphelps/Album0000023.htm
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Panzer IV is considered to be the first modern tank design, such as : 1) Versatile cross-country suspension, 2) Low upper tracks with no sponsons over hang, 3) Compact yet sufficient space for 5 crewmen, 4) Large turret ring enabled large gun installation/upgrades, 5) Good speed and maneuverability for its tonnage. This tank design followed German military doctrine of mobility warfare, compared to conventional post-WW1 military thought by US - Great Britain - France that tanks are basically slow moving land battleships and must accommodate infantry pace of advance.
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Model kit above was purchased on discount from local hobby store's "Missing
Parts" pile (missing left fender and no crew figures), so I searched my own spare parts bin and found a ITALERI Panzer IV fender to replace the part.
- Encyclopedia
of German Tanks of World War Two ( ISBN: 1-85409-518-8 )
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