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CYBERHOBBY
6398, Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F1 Vorpanzer Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale injection-molded styrene/multimedia kit. Contains: 571 styrene parts (including 15 clear), two bags of individual-link “Magic Tracks”, two photo-etched brass frets, one piece of braided metal wire, one marking scheme, kit “features” booklet and eight pages of instructions in 20 steps.
Introduction.
DML’s recent new-tool kit of the Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F2/G, with 7.5cm KwK L/43 main gun caused a bit of a commotion when it was released a few months back. DML retained some of the best features of their Ausf.B through Ausf.E kits, while greatly simplifying assembly particularly regarding the suspension system. Now, under the Cyberhobby limited edition program, comes an Ausf.F1 with Vorpanzer (spaced armor) array. Naturally, the kit can also be completed as a standard Ausf.F by the simple deletion of the Vorpanzer feature. It is unknown at this time if a “straight” Ausf.F kit will be released by DML, so for the less patient among us, this release will certainly satisfy that particular need. Frankly, with all of the color schemes available for a standard Ausf.F, that would be my choice as well.
Tracks.
Starting with the tracks, DML provides the earlier type of 40cm track with smooth faces and opened guide teeth, in the so-called “Magic Track” individual-link style. The links need no preparation prior to assembly, if the modeler can ignore the two faint ejector pin marks on their inner faces. The links are “handed”, which means that they have certain details that are seen on each side when they are properly oriented on the suspension system. So, don’t just empty them out of their bags and start throwing them together. DML has also molded them in two different shades of grey to keep the modeler from getting mixed up.
Suspension System.
The road-wheels have separate hub-caps of the type initially introduced with the Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.E. 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. Each wheel/tire assembly is conventionally-molded in one piece per side and includes manufacturer’s 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.
The suspension bogies do not articulate, and are far less complicated to assemble compared to the previous Ausf.B, C, D and E kits. The bogies themselves are in two parts with separate ends for the leaf springs, and a separate hub, which in turn attach to a separate mount.
The final drive housings consist of four parts each, without any of the internal details seen on previous kits. The three-part curved armor plates that protect the front of these housings have the rivet details molded in place, simplifying construction compared to the other DML kits, which had the modeler attach separate rivets. The drive sprockets themselves are presented in a conventional manner in that the hubs are separate and the inner and outer halves of the toothed rings are one piece each.
Separate, two-part bump stops are fitted to five stations on either of the hull sides, as are movable idler wheel axle adjustment housings, something that will be of great help in fitting the tracks. Don’t glue the axle in place until after the tracks have been fitted; this will prevent the dreaded “one-too-few or one-too-many” links phobia. The idler wheels are of the welded-pipe design and are also provided as inner and outer halves with the hub molded in place; there’s nothing “real fancy” here. These assemblies feature excellent weld bead details and, as mentioned above, can be adjusted on their axles in order to depict proper track sag.
Hull.
The hull is a completely new molding and (unlike the Ausf.B, C, D and E kits) has the fairings between the bogie units molded in place, again for simplified assembly. Multi-part slide-molds were used so very little detail has 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. By making these separate, DML can, if they wish, switch the parts to provide for the final style of tow hooks, which were merely holes drilled into extended hull side walls.
Modelers should note that there are three thick “injection stubs” on each upper rim of the hull side walls. These must be removed or the fenders 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. Be advised! 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 is provided to which the front tow shackles are attached, along with their separate pins. 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. There is a variation provided, but it’s marked as not for use. The large exhaust muffler, first introduced with the Ausf.F, is in several parts, some slide-molded; there are two styles of muffler for the turret traverse motor, only one of which is called out for use in this kit. Three variations of tow pintle are given and there are also separate hooks for each hull side wall.
Superstructure.
A new glacis plate (minus the mounting pad for the starboard side fender brace) has separate final drive/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. This entire sub-assembly fits a new plate that has a straight rear edge to accommodate the straight superstructure front plate.
The superstructure front plate is 50mm thick and includes the new ball mount for the MG34 as well as a new driver’s 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 MG34, which includes a pre-bored muzzle. The Vorpanzer array is provided entirely in etched brass and comes in two versions. It is a simple matter to fold the parts and add the small details, so modelers un-used to working with that medium should have an easy time of it.
The superstructure sides represent 30mm armor plates very nicely, to include subtle weld bead details; these also have separate view-port flaps with clear internal parts. The driver and radio operator’s hatch lids are separate and include separate signal pistol port flaps as well as integrally-molded internal latches. A second set, without signal ports are provided, but are not for use with this kit.
The entire superstructure roof plate is new and features three different styles of separate engine deck access hatch lids. One is the so-called “European” style without any vents; then, there are two styles of “Tropen” (tropical) hatch lids, one of which features etched brass parts for the internal baffles. The small box seen over the radiator filler cap is a separate part and is given in two versions; so check the instructions and references to be sure the proper one is used. The side vents on the engine compartment are also new and are provided as multi-part styrene moldings in two different configurations. The flaps for these vents are provided as styrene or etched brass items as well.
Various tools and other fittings are separate parts. These include the antenna, antenna storage trough, vent cowl, jack block, various tools, gun cleaning staffs and bore swab. The fenders are superbly detailed on both sides and haven’t a single knock-out pin mark on any surface. The front and rear mud flaps are also separate items and can be positioned “up” or “down”. They come from a slide mold so details visible on their sides are in place. However, if folded up, they each have several prominent ejector pin marks that will have to be filled, since they will be readily visible.
Other items such as the Notek black-out driving lamp are fitted, along with various convoy distance lamps and reflectors (some with etched brass parts). More tools, fender support brackets (with etched brass options), spare tracks and a multi-part vehicle jack dress up the remainder of the fenders.
The rear superstructure plate features crisp details with molded-on filler cap and a multi-part smoke candle dispenser box. A second plate is provided, with an empty mount for the dispenser box. The tow cables are made up of braided copper 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.
Turret.
The turret features two view ports on the front plate, with the later style plate consisting of one port provided, but marked as not for use. Separate port flaps and hinges as well as clear parts for the glass blocks are provided. The turret side view ports are treated in a similar manner. The split turret side doors are separate parts and include separate internal coamings, hinges and clear vision blocks. Above these are grab handles and rain guards.
The rear of the turret face includes separate pistol port covers as well as separate mounts for the Gepakkasten (bustle storage locker). This item 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 kit’s consultation team, who has assured me the DML part is dimensionally correct. The Gepakkasten comes from a slide mold and incorporates fine rivet detail, wooden strips and separate lid.
The turret roof has some very well-done recessed screw heads and weld bead details; it captures some very subtle aspects quite nicely. A separate vent cover, smoke pistol flap and commander’s blade sight (styrene or etched brass) is also included. The cupola features the split hatch lid design and also has internal detail to include clear vision blocks. The view ports are also separate and all can be configured opened, closed or in any combination thereof.
The Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F was armed with the 7.5cm KwK L/24, which is well represented using slide molds and multiple parts, all of which are entirely new. Internal details for the gun include a fairly complete breech assembly. The gun can also be displayed with the outer armored sleeve removed, for which there are internal details provided. The internal part of the roof-mounted exhaust fan is given as is a commander’s seat. Unlike the Ausf.B through E kits, no turret traverse gear housing or co-axial MG34 are provided. The mantlet includes a slide-molded MG34 muzzle and armored sleeve, or a sleeve without the gun in place.
The Vorpanzer array comes direct from the previous DML kit. It is based on styrene parts with a few etched brass detail parts. When fitted, this Panzer certainly will have a distinct appearance.
Molding, Fit and Engineering.
Molding overall is excellent, while fit is rated as outstanding. There are a few ejector pin marks that may need attention (not counting the tracks, of course) and the turret interior has several pins that will need to be cut off. Flash is non-existent, while mold part seams are subtle and easily dealt with.
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” and in a few places (as always) may leave the modeler scratching his head; proceed with caution!
Decals and Markings Information.
Water-slide decals for one Panzer is provided by Cartograf of Italy. They are in perfect register, have crisp, sharp edges and excellent color saturation. It is plainly marked with white-outline Balkenkreuze and the name “Hansi”, in white, on the bow plate. The scheme is verified by contemporary photographs.
The only small fly in the ointment is the use of current hobby paint manufacturer’s product names for certain WW2 German colors, particularly when it comes to the color “Field Grey”; the modeler will need to do a bit more research to get them right.
Conclusion.
Like its predecessor, this is a fantastic kit, easily on par with any of DMLs highly-regarded StuG.III/Pz.Kpfw.III/Pz.Kpfw.IV “Smart Kits”. Modelers wanting this particular version of the Ausf.F should act immediately; those who can’t wait for a normal Ausf.F release, may also wish to consider this offering.
Highly recommended.
Frank V. “Curly Stooge” De Sisto
References consulted for this review included (but were not limited to) the following books:
1. “Panzerkampfwagen IV”, Achtung Panzer No.3.
2. “Pz.Kpfw.IV”, Sturm & Drang No.4.
3. “Panzerkampfwagen IV, Grosstrktor to Panzerbefehlswagen IV”, Panzer Tracts No.4, by T.Jentz & H. Doyle.
4. “Panzer IV and its Variants”, Spielberger Series Vol. IV, by W.J. Spielberger.
5. “Pz.Kpfw.IV in Action”, Squadron Armor No.12, by B. Culver & D. Greer.
6. “Panzer IV”, Squadron 6081, by K. Hjermstad, D. Greer & E. Cumpain.
7. “Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G, H and J 1942-45”, Osprey New Vanguard 39, by T.Jentz, H. Doyle & T.Bryan.
8. “Sd.Kfz.161 Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F/F2/G”, J.J. Federowicz, by W. Trojca, Z. Kolocha & “J23”.
Reviewer’s note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to 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 exclusively from their web site at: www.cyber-hobby.com.
