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Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H w/Zimmerit Manufacturer: Dragon models Scale: 1/35 Material: Styrene & photo-etch Serial Number: 6560 Price: TBA
Introduction It's been some time since the release of the Dragon Panzer IV Ausf.H, and therefore it's probably about time we had a version with Zimmerit already moulded in-situ! Enter kit 6560 from Dragon!
The kit It's another of those very full boxes, which usually means there's a lot destined for the spares box...and such is the case with this one. There are in fact, twelve large sprues, five medium ones, and eight small ones, of which one is transparent. A separate lower hull and turret shell are included, with a small bag of other parts such as the curved rear turret schurzen, various parts for the main gun and mantlet, and the turret stowage bin. There's one of those terribly useful wire tow ropes included...two sheets of individual aluminium schurzen, a small number of individual track links for using as spares on the fender, and a pair of DS100 tan-coloured vinyl tracks. There's also of course, a decal sheet and photo-etched fret.
The kit is, of course, more or less the same kit as 6300, which was released just over twelve months ago, with the necessary extra parts to replace those that would have a Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine coating on them. These new parts are all contained on three new sprues, and on a small separate part representing part of the gun mantlet/sleeve.
Construction is conventional too, beginning with the assembly of the running gear onto the lower hull. The lower hull has no Zimmerit coating. The Drive sprockets provided are of the open-faced welded type, whilst we're provided with a choice of idler wheels between the welded tubular type and the later cast type. If you choose to use the later cast type then there are two photo-etched inserts provided to be sandwiched between the two halves of the wheel. Although this type were supposedly fitted to Late production Ausf.H's, most of the photographs I've turned up seemed to be fitted with the tubular type, but at least we're offered the choice...consult your referecnes. We're again given a choice when it comes to thereturn rollers. Both types offered are of the steel type, with the rubber ones being discontinued earlier, but the spoked steel ones were first used before being discontinued themselves in favour of the non-spoked type. Both types are provided.
When we move around to the rear wall of the lower hull, which is itself provided as a separate part, the wall is provided as one piece, with Zimmerit detail provided on its lower half beneath the flange, and a separate part being provided to fit onto the upper half, again with zimmerit detail. The only reason for this seems to be the complexity of the detail moulded into its surface. The front wall armour is also detailed with Zimmerit and fits over the part that is moulded integrally with the lower hull.
Each of the suspension bogies are of the 'Smart Series' type, i.e. reduced parts number but the detail is still there, with each of the bogies still able to be articulated slightly for use in diorama's etc. Each of the roadwheels carries the slightly altered 'Continentau' logo that can be altered easily to read 'Continental' if you prefer. The hubcaps that are provided separately are of the later armoured type, with the six bolts around the recessed rim. As mentioned earlier, the tracks included in the kit are of the flexible vinyl type. I actually prefer the individual link type, but at least these vinyl ones can be cemented using normal styrene cement.
The fenders supplied with the kit are detailed with tread pattern on both sides, and have numerous locating holes for the various on-vehicle tools etc., so if you decide to replace all the tool clamps with photo-etched ones (not supplied) then these will have to be filled...a simple job with stretched sprue. Both the front and rear hinged mudflaps are provided as new parts with Zimmerit coating.
The instructions at this point detail the construction of the sidewalls of the fighting compartment if you're intending to fit schurzen, or not to fit the schurzen. These sidewalls are not supplied with Zimmerit coating, and I've not been able to find out definitively whether or not they should have had one? The choice as to whether or not to fit the schurzen has to be made at this point, in order that the correct locating holes can be opened up in each of the walls, for the supporting brackets to be fitted later. There are also slightly different arrangements of stowed equipment dependent on which vehicle from the illustrated schemes you're modelling. For example, Tactical number '837' requires a few locating holes to be filled so that the stowed tow cable brackets can be fitted.
As for internal detail...there's not much, but if you position a crew member or two deliberately in the way, then there's probably enough. We're given a full breech assembly for the main gun, hull machine gun and detail on the internal surfaces of all the hatches of course. There are some puzzling details, like the extractor fan for the inside roof of the turret. It's a beautifully detailed moulding, but there isn't any way anybody is ever going to see it?
There's an MG 34 mount provided for the Commander's cupola, which wasn't found on some late production H's, but your references may indicate it's use so it's nice to have it. The turret schurzen is provided in plastic, including all of its brackets. The two-door gates that this schurzen had for access to the turret hatches are provided as separate gates for modelling opened or, as a one-piece part to model closed. The brackets provided for mounting all the schurzen, including the hull schurzen, are actually moulded quite thinly, and although probably not to scale, it's not that far off, so it's probably a good choice to have these in plastic instead of photo-etch, since I've made these brackets from photo-etch before, and although they can look good, they can be a nightmare once they start breaking, plus they bring with them all sorts of problems in trying to achieve the correct angles.
The hull schurzen is provided as press out individual aluminium sheets. Some late H's had a cut-out on the first small schurzen over the drive sprocket, but this option isn't provided, although it wouldn't be too much trouble to carefully cut a piece out to make your own according to references.
The marking options are as shown below. Seven vehicles are depicted, in a variety of two and three colour camouflage schemes.
Conclusion The panzer IV Ausf.H late production kit without Zimmerit was good. Now it's better. The Zimmerit coating is applied in all the right places...with the caveat of the upper hull sides that I mentioned above, and is extremely close to a scale thickness. It's left smooth in all the right places too, for attaching various tools etc. If we had a set of photo-etched mesh schurzen supplied it would be close to perfect. Highly recommended. - Vinnie Branigan Kit, DML 6560, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H Late Production w/Zimmerit DRAGON MODELS LIMITED Product specifications. 6560, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H Late Production w/Zimmerit, Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 740 styrene parts (including 16 clear), two lengths of DS100 tracks, three photo-etched brass frets, one piece of braided metal wire, seven decal/marking schemes (with variations) and ten pages of instructions in 19 steps. Introduction. DML has just released a re-worked Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H with Zimmerit, based almost entirely on the previously issued Ausf.H kit, number 6300. New parts are provided for the various areas of this mittlerer Panzer that received the anti-magnetic mine paste. This feature was seen on a number of German tracked AFV from September 1943 until September 1944, including the Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H. There were variations in the Zimmerits pattern as well as in the areas that received the paste; this kit represents one option straight out of the box and with some work by the modeler, other variations can be depicted relatively easily. Note: almost this entire report is identical to that for the previously-issued Ausf.H kit, since it is basically that release with new tracks, new markings and parts for the panels that had Zimmeret. Some of the latter are taken from the Sturmpanzer IV kit, while others are new for this kit. Tracks. The 40cm tracks included in this release feature a solid guide horn and tiny angled ice grips on the faces of the links. They are made of DS100 flexible styrene (not vinyl) and therefore can be fixed together using standard styrene cement. Detail is as crisp as can be and their inclusion in this kit will considerably ease construction. The only Magic Track links are those provided as spares for the bow and glacis plates. Suspension System. The road-wheels have separate hub-caps of the type initially introduced during production of the Ausf.H. The wheels themselves are the widened type first introduced on the Ausf.F, which along with the 40cm tracks were able to handle the increased ground pressure resulting from the weight of the thickened armor compared to previous models of the standard gun tank. Each wheel/tire assembly is conventionally-molded in one piece per side and includes manufacturers logo and tire size information on the rubber rim. A total of 20 complete road-wheels are given, which leaves four extras for spare stowage. In addition, four more complete road-wheels are included and they are sized to fit in the container that is mounted on the port-side track-guard. The bogies themselves are in multiple parts to include separate ends for the leaf spring bundles, a separate axle hub and a separate mounting bracket. The final drive housings are single-piece moldings; these are the reinforced type first introduced on the Ausf.H. The drive sprockets themselves, also introduced with the new final drive housings, are presented in a conventional manner with inner and outer halves. There are two styles of all-steel return rollers provided, one of which has a reinforcing rib in two places. Separate, two-part bump stops are fitted to five stations on either of the hull sides, as are multi-part idler wheel axle adjustment housings; there are two choices here. There are two idler wheel types provided: welded-tube design and cast design. The former are provided as inner and outer halves with the hub molded in place; the latter are similar, but also have etched brass rings for their inner faces to properly represent the type. These assemblies feature excellent weld bead details or cast texture as appropriate and can be adjusted on their axles in order to depict proper track sag. Hull. The hulls belly plate has the fairings between the bogie units molded in place, again for simplified assembly. A multi-part slide-mold was used to render this part, so details have not been compromised. Rivets, bolts, panels, hatches and weld beads are all crisply-rendered, while there are separate fuel filler caps for the side wall. The final items are the parts for the hull side-wall seen behind the final drive housings. Modelers should note that there are three thick injection stubs on each rim of the hull side walls. These must be removed or the track-guards will not fit. This is not mentioned in the instructions, although the drawing in that particular step shows the items in question as having already been removed. A separate internal bulkhead is fitted between the fighting compartment and engine compartment. It has no detail and apparently only serves a structural purpose. On the bow, a separate plate with Zimmerit is provided to which the front tow points are attached, along with their separate pins and bars to hold spare track links; below this is another separate Zimmeritted plate that angles down and aft to meet the belly plate. The brackets for mounting spare track links on the glacis plate are also given as styrene or etched brass parts. On the stern, the hull rear plate is composed of several parts and through the use of a slide-mold, has properly rendered bolt heads where the upper and lower sections were joined together. Again, all of these parts have Zimmerit where appropriate. The large cylindrical exhaust muffler, first introduced with the Ausf.F, is presented in several parts, some slide-molded. The muffler for the turret traverse motor is fitted and there are the two tow pintle variations. The final items back there are the separate tow hooks for each hull side wall. Track-guards and OVM. The track-guards are superbly detailed on both sides and havent a single knock-out pin mark on any surface. They include the L-shaped mounting brackets for the optional Schurzen plates already molded in place. The front and rear mud flaps are separate items and can be positioned up or down. They come from a slide mold so details visible on their sides are in place, and they have Zimmerit where it should be; separate springs are seen at the rear. However, if folded up, each mud-flap has several prominent ejector pin marks that will have to be filled, since those will be readily visible. OVM items mounted on the track-guards include a multi-part slide-molded jack, jack block (with etched brass retaining chain), spade, axe (with optional etched brass mounting bracket) wrenches, pry-bars, starter crank, fire extinguisher, spare antenna case and C-shaped tow hooks (with etched brass or styrene mounting bracket). A beautifully-rendered spare wheel tray, made from a slide-mold is fitted with two spare road-wheels. The flaps that covered the engine air cooling intake louvers can be made from styrene or etched brass parts and they include separate tiny fasteners. A choice of three different convoy distance-keeping lamps and reflectors with etched brass details are provided, as is a multi-part Tarnscheinwerfer-Bosch black-out driving head-lamp. Superstructure. The glacis plate has separate brake access hatch lids, which include the brake air cooling intake cowls as separate parts; if left open some work will need to be done to open the hole on the back of the lid that provided cooling air from the cowls. All of these parts now have Zimmerit. The spare track links and brackets that were a feature of Ausf.Hs are also provided to fit over the transmission access hatch lid; these include etched brass or styrene mounting points. A fender support bracket is provided as a styrene or etched brass assembly. The superstructure front plate is 80mm thick and now has Zimmerit. It includes a separate ball mount for the MG34 as well as a new drivers visor; the latter features a separate cover that must be glued in place in the desired position. Some internal details are given such as a clear view-port block and a fairly complete, multi-part Gen2 MG34, which includes a pre-bored muzzle. The superstructure sides include subtle weld bead details; the openings for the view-port flaps have been deleted. These do not have Zimmerit, which, according to photographs is one variation. Other photos show that these plates did receive Zimmerit, so if the modeler desires this addition, he will have to apply it using his favored method. Separate driver and radio operators hatch lids are given; these retain integrally-molded internal latches. The superstructure roof plate is characterized by square hatch lid splash guards that are in three parts, joined at 90-degree angles. It also features separate engine deck access hatch lids, each with an etched brass or styrene part for the internal baffles. The small box seen over the radiator filler cap is a separate part. The side vents on the engine compartment are provided as multi-part styrene moldings; the flaps for these vents are provided as styrene or etched brass items. Various fittings are separate parts. These include the antenna base seen on the rear corner of the port side, along with its associated rod antenna. A vent cowl, gun cleaning staffs and bore swab completes the fit. The rear superstructure plate features Zimmerit and has crisp details with molded-on filler cap and separate spare track links for stowage. The tow cables are made up of braided metal wire and styrene end-loops with holes already in place due to the use of slide molds; these attach to the upper rear plate using separate L-shaped hooks. Schurzen. A complete set of Schurzen plates and their hangers are included in the box. These begin with styrene mounting brackets and two versions of the styrene hanging rails. The Schurzen plates themselves are provided as etched aluminum parts; they then have styrene parts attached for the mounting points. To ease the process, etched lines are seen on the inner faces of the plates where these are to be fitted. In addition, each plate is sequentially-numbered on the fret for accurate placement. The use of this media combination provides a balance between durability, ease of assembly and scale representation of this feature. Styrene parts are provided for the smaller, sometimes-seen front-most plates, in two versions: solid and notched. These have a choice of etched brass or styrene brackets for attachment to the track-guard rims. Turret. The turret has been re-worked to delete both of the side-wall mounted view-port flaps and also features the front plate that had only one view-port flap. A new front plate, with Zimmerit is now included. Other major changes are the up-armored rear section of the roof plate and the enlarged armored guard for the vent fan cover. A blanking plate for a not-fitted close-in defense weapon is also provided. A splash guard and a new commanders cupola finish off the roof. The cupola has a single-piece hatch lid and is the up-armored type with 90mm armor basis. The hatch lid comes in two forms, one of which has separate handles. Use that one if the lid is opened and use the other if it is closed. Optional etched brass or styrene commanders blade sights are provided. The cupolas view-port flaps can be shown opened or closed and each has a separate handle; there are clear styrene parts for the vision blocks. Finally, an anti-aircraft mount including a Gen2 MG34 completes the scene. A separate view-port flap (also Zimmerit-coated) with hinges and clear parts for the glass blocks is provided for the turrets front plate. The split turret side doors are separate parts and include separate internal frames, hinges and clear vision blocks. Above these are grab handles and rain guards. Beautifully-rendered weld bead and screw head detail abounds, particularly on the roof plate. The rear of the turret face includes mounts for the Gepakkasten (baggage bin) and separate MP-Stopfen (pistol ports). The Gepakkasten is correctly-sized and therefore does not match the drawings in Panzer Tracts No.4; on this point I corresponded with a member of the kits consultation team, who has assured me that the DML part is dimensionally correct. The Gepakkasten comes from a slide-mold and incorporates fine rivet detail and separate lid; it is optimized for the fitting of turret Schurzen plates. The Ausf.H was armed with the lengthened 7.5cm KwK40 L/48, which is well represented using slide molds and multiple parts. There is no less than four muzzle brake variations provided in the box. The external sleeve for the KwK40 apparently came in a couple of variations, both of which are provided. Internal details for the gun include a fairly complete breech assembly with two-position wedge for the breech. The internal part of the roof-mounted exhaust fan is given as is a commanders seat. The mantlet and the armor that surrounded the gun tube now has Zimmerit, with slide-molds used where fitting. This assembly also includes a slide-molded MG34 muzzle and armored sleeve, or a sleeve without the gun in place. The latter part will be of use if fitting the MG34 on the anti-aircraft mount. Pz.Kpfw.IVs only carried two MG34s; the co-axial weapon was removed and mounted in the AA position when deemed necessary. The mounting brackets for Schurzen are all well-rendered and appear to be very thin, especially when viewed edge-on. The plates themselves come in several sections and include the option to open the sides or keep them closed. Again, no Zimmerit has been molded on, although photos indicate that sometimes this was done; but (apparently) most often not. If the modeler wishes to add it, again his preferred method will have to suffice. Molding, Fit and Engineering. Molding overall is excellent, while fit for such a relatively complex kit is rated as outstanding. The Zimmerit is relatively subtle and is quite convincingly done. There are a few ejector pin marks that may need attention and the turret interior has several pins that will need to be cut off. Flash and shrinkage is non-existent, while mold part seams are subtle and easily dealt with. Weld bead and recessed screw head detail is especially noteworthy, as is the use of slide-molds for enhanced detail or ease of construction. Accuracy. As far as accuracy is concerned, the kit matches drawings in Panzer Tracts No.4 to well within acceptable limits. It should be mentioned here that certain details seen on the kit are not shown in the cited drawings, but are seen in contemporary photos, and that some items simply do not match (size-wise), such as the Gepakkasten. Instructions. The instructions are well-drawn but as always for DML, they are very busy; proceed with caution! The only glitch I noted was mentioned above, regarding the sprue gates seen on the hull part. Decals and Markings Information. Water-slide decals for seven different mittlerer Panzer, plus two variations, are provided by Cartograf of Italy. They are in perfect register, have crisp, sharp edges and excellent color saturation. They depict the following: White
outline 802, 2.Panzer-Division, Normandy 1944. All of these are finished with a base color of Dunkelgelb, with Rotbraun and/or Olivgrun used for the disruptive camouflage pattern. Where photos could be found, they substantiate most of these schemes as being accurate. Conclusion. If you passed on the original DML Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H because it did not have Zimmerit (which all Ausf.Hs produced from September 1943 to September 1944 should have, then your time has come. And, I believe the wait will prove to have been worth it. - Frank V. De Sisto DML 6560
Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H Late Production w/ Zimmerit
- Neville Lord Copyright 1998-2010 Dragon Models Limited. All Rights Reserved |