Kit, DML/Cyberhobby 6327, Tauchpanzer IV Ausf.D “5-in-1”

DML/ CYBERHOBBY


Product Specifications.

6327, Tauchpanzer IV Ausf.D “5-in-1”. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 808 styrene parts (includes 28 clear), two bags of individual link “Magic Tracks”, one piece of braided wire, one piece of brass tube, two DS-100 parts, four photo-etched brass frets, one turned aluminum and two turned brass parts, 11 formed metal parts, 18 decal marking schemes and 10 pages of instructions in 20 steps.


Introduction.

DML and their subsidiary, Cyberhobby, continue to get the most mileage out of their early Pz.Kpfw.IV series, with this their sixth kitted version of this German workhorse Panzer. This latest Cyberhobby limited-edition kit will allow the modeler to construct the Tauchpanzer IV.


48 Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.Ds (as well as some Ausf.Es and a number of Pz.Kpfw.IIIs) were converted into “Tauchpanzer” (submersible tanks) prior to the aborted invasion of Great Britain, Operation Sea Lion. These Panzer were to be operated under water during a beach assault; in any event, they were finally used during the opening of Operation Barbarossa, notably by the 18.Panzer-Division to cross the Bug River. A few were also issued to 3. and 7.Panzer-Divisionen as well, for use on the Ostfront.


To come up with this particular version, DML has supplied their entire Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.D kit, with all of its options and markings. This is reflected in the “5-in-1” banner on the box as well as two complete sets of instructions; the modeler has a huge variety of types and markings schemes to choose from, all in one kit.


There is also one other major selling point to this kit. There are many parts “blued” on the instructions as “not for use”. With the exception of the upper turret shell and some hull front-end parts, this kit provides almost a complete set of corrected replacement parts for the first DML Ausf.E “3-in-1” kit. So, modelers who have purchased that kit, and have not yet started construction will have nearly every part needed to upgrade it, without taking a single thing “away” from this kit.


Tracks.

The tracks themselves are the early 38cm type with smooth faces and open guide teeth; they are “handed”, so don’t simply open the two bags and throw everything in a pile prior to assembly! Check the instructions carefully. They require no clean-up of attachment points, but they do have very small knock-out pin marks. These can probably be ignored as they are very subtle. There is also a frame to assemble them which is shaped to permit track sag to be depicted over the return rollers. While the links fit together due to friction, when satisfied with their position, the modeler is urged to “nail ‘em down” with cement.


Suspension System.

The suspension system includes fully articulated bogie spring mounts (including variations in some of the fittings), separate fairings for the mounting brackets, separate bump-stops and crisply molded return roller mounts. The road wheels themselves are each multi-part assemblies, featuring a separate wheel rim, hub and tire. The hard styrene tires have a mold seam on their outer edges (which, despite what contest judges think, are correct for a new tire!), and have sprue attachment points inside the rims. This eases clean-up considerably and will still leave the aforementioned tire seam intact. It also makes painting the tires a snap since this can be done before they are mounted onto the wheel rims.


The transmission final drive housings are particularly well-done and feature internal details as do the sections of the hull behind them. There are two styles of armored guards for the final drives. One is in two pieces and features molded-on conical bolts. The other is a single part to which separate, tiny conical bolts are to be added. The drive sprockets are presented in two forms. One is literally broken down completely including separate hubs, spokes and tooth rings as well as separate bolts to mount the tooth rings. The second set is more conventional in its rendering and therefore less fearsome to assemble. Either can be can be used with the narrow 38cm tracks (Friulmodel ATL-02 tracks fit perfectly; I know because I’ve done it…use 100 links per side).


The beautifully-rendered rear idler mounts include separate small details and can be adjusted for track sag. The rear idlers themselves come in two versions. One is a conventional two-piece design to which is added a hub and etched brass details, while the other is molded as one piece from a slide mold (to which the previously-mentioned parts are added).


Hull.

There are two hulls supplied in the box. One is the standard type, while the other has the bolted-on “Zusatzpanzer” (appliqué armor). As far as I know the latter was not used to create Tauchpanzer; it can be used to model other Ausf.Ds, or can be consigned to the spares box. There are separate fuel filler caps for the port side of the hull that include some internal detail, which will come in handy if the modeler wishes to depict them opened up. Also molded-on are the mounts for the return rollers.


The belly plate features excellent bolt, panel and drain plate details. There are separate fairings that are fitted in front of, behind, and in-between each suspension bogie unit mount. I have always presumed they are there to prevent the mounts from snagging on any terrain feature as the Panzer passed over them. The lower bow plate along with part of the front hull is a separate part, to which the multi-part etched brass and styrene tow hook mounts are attached. There are optional spare track hanging strips for that area as well.


The hull rear plate features a separate access plate, multi-part etched brass and styrene tow pintle and new delicately-molded “non-return” exhaust stubs. There are three of the latter; two are for the main engine, the other for the auxiliary turret traverse motor. These are of the type fitted to the Tauchpanzer; the standard configuration is supplied as well, as part of the kit’s “5-in-1” options. Tow hooks and their reinforcement brackets finish the area.


Superstructure.

The superstructure will require care in the cleaning of its component parts as everything is separate, but the fit is very-good-to-excellent. The basic armor panels depict the relative thinness of the actual plates quite well, while another option (if not building the Tauchpanzer) is to fit the Zusatzpanzer (applique armor) and Vorpanzer (spaced armor) to the sides and front plates. The side plates have separate antenna and base, antenna storage trough and mounting brackets, jack block, crew boarding step and vent cover. All view-port flaps can be shown opened or closed and each includes clear styrene parts to represent the glass blocks, as well as internal detail. For the Tauchpanzer version, there are new doors to enclose the engine cooling air intakes, as well as some etched brass and styrene fittings scattered about. The rear plate has a separate filler port as well as styrene or pre-shaped metal rods for stowage of the tow cables.


The front superstructure plate has several options related to the Tauchpanzer modifications. It can be depicted in the fully-submersible mode with fully-sealed MG34 mount as well as cover for the driver’s view port (including a clear styrene window), or in the “post-submersible” mode with only the coaming fitted around the MG34 mount. The glacis plate features separate transmission and brake access hatch lids, which will come in handy if interior bits are being added. The only other interior details consist of a very nicely-rendered radio operator’s MG34 for his hull station, which is complete with inner mounting plate, sight, head-pad and grips.


The undersides of both sets of fenders are completely detailed with framing, bolt heads and the “reverse side” of the non-skid pattern seen on the top surfaces. One set of fenders has holes for mounting the tools with molded-on brackets and clamps; the other is without them in order to mount the complete set of bare tools (also included) and the supplied etched-brass clamps and brackets. This is an excellent feature. Separate multi-part front and rear mud-flaps are given, which can be depicted raised, lowered or left off completely.


The vehicle jack can be depicted in use since its “foot” can be extended. The tow cables are braided wire that comes pre-weathered and fits into pre-bored styrene end loops. Various head- and tail-lamps are given (including the specially-encased types for the Tauchpanzer), some of which include clear styrene lens elements; the Notek black-out lamp is also supplied and should be fitted to all vehicles seen in service after 1940. Three multi-part styrene and etched brass early-pattern jerry cans are provided, along with mounting frame. Spare road wheels are also given and they include pre-formed metal wire holders. Last, but not least, the engine deck hatch lids as well as those for the driver and radio operator are separate parts with the former having optional “Tropen” (tropical) lids, and the latter having separate flare pistol flaps.


Turret.

The turret interior is nearly all there, except for the small storage boxes, some fittings and power conduits, etc. The gun breech for the 7.5cm KwK is very nicely done and is not simply “blocks and tubes”. It boasts a separate sliding breech block, telescopic sight, co-axial MG34 with mount, recoil guard and internal mounts. To this can be mounted either a plastic gun tube (with rifling at the bore) or a turned aluminum gun tube. All of the view-ports can be shown opened or closed and have clear styrene inserts to depict the glass blocks, as well as hinge details. There is a multi-part turret traverse mechanism (with gear-box and hand-wheels) for the gunner, as well as seats for all three turret crew members. Finally, the circular floor plate is attached with various frames and has a non-skid pattern.


The upper turret shell features the original Pz.Kpfw.IV design with a separate bulge for the commander’s cupola on the rear plate; to accommodate it, a new lower turret part has also been included. The cupola features an extraordinary level of detail including optional-position view shutters and clear styrene for the glass vision blocks. The turret also has other small details including side hatch lid bump stops, roof vent flap and two styles of signal port flap. The Gepäckkasten (baggage bin) seen on the turret rear wall is supplied and includes separate access lid with etched brass stiffeners. Its exterior comes with molded-on clasp details, which can be replaced with etched brass parts. Styrene and etched brass locks can be fitted for that final detail.


The cupola can be replaced with a DS-100 part (I presume that’s what this already-primed item is composed of), that represents the cover used as part of the Tauchpanzer modifications. This is accompanied by a brass tube mounted to a styrene base to represent a snorkel, as well as another pre-primed DS-100 item to represent the main gun and mantlet sealed for submersion. The latter part is very nicely detailed to include the tiny bracket that held the antenna deflector frame; it is in fact quite similar to how a resin part would be cast and detailed. It can be deleted and the frame for it (in styrene) can be fitted to show a Panzer with the cover removed. The final item is a new frame for the lower edge of the turret, which was used to seal it for submerged operations.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

I my previous reviews of other kits in this series, I test-fitted the major components, beginning with the lower hull along with the front and rear panels. With basic cleaning techniques they fit together perfectly. The superstructure is rather more complex since the roof, side, front and rear panels are all separate parts. Again, with care and using basic techniques, there were no fit problems. The turret bottom and front panel fit to the main shell with no problems. In other areas, the hatches and ports fitted neatly into position after proper clean-up. The suspension bogies were a bit tricky, especially when it came to putting the cap over the articulating arms. But, after so many of these kits, I have gotten the hang of it. If this is your first time, go slow and you’ll be fine.


Accuracy and Details.

The main components match very well with drawings seen in reference number 4, below. The very few available photographs of the Tauchpanzer IV indicate that the major fittings for that variation are properly represented, at least visually.


Instructions.

As mentioned in the beginning of this review, there are two sets of instructions; one is from the original DML-issued Ausf.D, the other is dedicated to this Cyberhobby release. They are (typically) very, very busy, with the major steps including quite a few sub-steps. The complexity of these instructions has drawn some negative comments from visitors to this site. Since DML/Cyberhobby’s Pz.Kpfw.IV kits average over 1,000 parts, I would suppose complex instructions ought to be expected.


Decals and Markings Information.

There are a total of 18 marking options specifically called out between both sets of instructions; where I have references, they check out fine. The decals by Cartograf are in register, have sharp details and excellent color saturation. According to both sets of instructions, decals provide markings for the following specific tanks:


• Yellow 301, Pz.Rgt.31, 5.Pz.Div. Balkans 1941.
• White 4, Pz.Rgt.7, 10.Pz.Div. France 1940.
• No Tac number, Pz.Rgt.3, 2.Pz.Div. France 1940.
• No Tac number, Pz.Rgt.11, 6.Pz.Div. France 1940.
• Red/white 411, Pz.Rgt.25, 7.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.
• Black/white 812, Pz.Rgt.5, 21.Pz.Div. Libya 1941.
• Black/white 413, Pz.Rgt.5, 21.Pz.Div. Libya 1941.
• White outline 813, Pz.Rgt.5, 5.Le.Div. Libya 1941.
• White outline 811, Pz.Rgt.5, 5.Le.Div. Libya 1941.
• Black/white 401, Pz.Rgt.5, 21.Pz.Div. Libya 1941.
• Black/white 4, Pz.Rgt.8, 15.Pz.Div. Libya 1941.
• White outline 1233, Pz.Rgt.25, 7.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.
• White outline 1242, Pz.Rgt.25, 7.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.
• White 213, Pz.Rgt.18, 18.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.
• White 222, Pz.Rgt.18, 18.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.
• White 331, Pz.Rgt.18, 18.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.
• White 334, Pz.Rgt.18, 18.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.
• White 923, Pz.Rgt.18, 18.Pz.Div. Russia 1941.


The color call-outs in the original Ausf.D instructions (keyed to Gunze and Testors paints) are suspect, as they call for either “Field Grey” or “Sandy Yellow”. This information is somewhat debatable since “sandy yellow” (do they mean Dunkelgelb RAL 7028 or one of the Tropen scheme colors?) should not have been in use until early 1943, and “field grey” (in reality a grey-green) should probably be Dunkelgrau RAL 7021. Furthermore, the various Panzer from the French Campaign should be painted 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. In short, modelers: do your research!


The new markings for the Tauchpanzer include red disks for the turret Gepäckkasten on the 18.Pz.Div. Panzer, as well as the unit insignia for Pz.Rgt.18., a skull on a shield with small white waves. The skull is represented without any eye, nose or mouth details, so the modeler will need to add them. The shields have either a red or a white corner, presumably a company identifier. The 7.Pz.Div. Panzer have red rhomboids for the front and rear superstructure plates, along with the official division insignia. References are limited when it comes to photos of these Panzer, so I could not confirm any of the markings.


Conclusion.

The Tauchpanzer IV was a rare variation of a relatively lesser-produced (232 manufactured) version of the Pz.Kpfw.IV and so is probably best served by a limited-run kit, which is the purpose of Cyberhobby. It is a well thought-out kit with a superb amount of options as well as some extremely useful “extra” parts. As always, if these types of kits tickle your fancy, get ‘em while you can!


Highly recommended.


Frank V. De Sisto


It should be noted that the following reference books have few, if any photographs of Tauchpanzer IVs; many are repeated from book-to-book. All are included for basic reference on the Ausf.D as well as some unit information; those that contain a photograph of a Tauchpanzer are marked with an asterisk (*).

1. “Panzertruppen 1”, Schiffer, by T. Jentz. (*)
2. “Panzerkampfwagen IV”, Achtung Panzer 3, author unknown.
3. “Pz.Kpfw.IV”, Sturm & Drang 4, author unknown. (*)
4. “Panzerkampfwagen IV, Grosstrktor to Panzerbefehlswagen IV”, Panzer Tracts 4, by T.Jentz & H. Doyle. (*)
5. “Panzer IV and its Variants”, Schiffer, by W. Spielberger. (*)
6. “Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Revised Edition”, by P. Chamberlain, H. Doyle & T. Jentz. (*)
7. “The Eastern Front, Armor Camouflage and Markings 1941-45”, Squadron 6102, by S. Zaloga & J. Grandsen.
8. “Panzer IV, the Panzerkampfwagen IV Medium Tank, 1939-1945’, Squadron 6081, by K. Hjermstad.
9. “Pz.Kpfw.IV in Action”, Squadron Armor 12, by B. Culver.
10. “Armor Battles on the Eastern Front (1), the German High Tide 1941-1942”, Concord 7019, by R. Michulec. (*)
11. “Panzers in the East (1), the Years of Aggression 1941-1943”, Concord 7015, by R. Michulec. (*)
12. “Panzerwaffe at War (1), Nuremburg to Moscow”, Concord 7013, by R. Michulec & T. Anderson. (*)
13. “Panzerkampfwagen IV”, AFV Weapons Profile 43, by W. Spielberger.
14. “Panzerkampfwagen IV, Workhorse of the German Panzertruppe”, Aero Publishers, by W. Spielberger & U. Feist. (*)



Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to DML and Cyberhobby. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.


Cyberhobby kits are available from retail and mail order shops. For details see their web site at: www.cyber-hobby.com.


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