PANZER IV PLANS

Graham Ord · Post by **Graham Ord** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:51 pm

I am endeavouring to make the above model from the official constructors manual, has anyone else done this and do they have any tips?

Tim Bowman · Post by **Tim Bowman** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:50 am

Hi Graham,

I bought the constructors manual as well when the PIV was available..sadly, I didn't buy the kit itself. Over the last few years I talked to some friends who run machine shops about building one or two for myself. It just wasn't cost effective. I've regreted not getting the kit ever since.

I didn't hesitate when the Panther came out

If you have any success in the project, it'd be great to hear about it.

Good Luck

Tim

Graham Ord · Post by **Graham Ord** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:19 am

Hi Tim
I realize its a big and long project to do but as I am retired I have all the time in the world. For me getting hold of the small quantities of material is a problem. I have put all the drawing part numbers and made from raw material into a program I downloaded from DBA Manufacturing and it grossed all the requirements up so I new what to get. Made so far CD0107,0121,0131,0317,0318,0321,0325,0326,0417,0421,0422, from material left over from making a 1.5" scale Allchin traction engine.

Tim Bowman · Post by **Tim Bowman** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:06 pm

Excellent Graham! It sounds like you are well on your way. Good luck with project. It would be great to see some photos of progress as you go. Might be just the sort of inspiration I, or others, need to rethink building one.

I look forward to seeing yours.

Tim

Graham Ord · Post by **Graham Ord** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:04 am

Tim
Not a very good photographer but will try, you may be surprised at my small workshop and lack of modern equipment. No CNC machines here only a very old Colchester Student lathe.

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:25 am

Graham,

Nothing wrong with Colcester lathes, many an apprentice started on these lathes.

A couple of years ago Armortek did announcethat they would be re-launching an improved version of the P IV and were taking orders. It may be worth asking what their intention is before going to the trouble of a self build. Also Spearhead through Armorpax make a very detailed P IV. I've never seen it run but it certainly looks good. It depends on what you want to achieve

Graham Ord · Post by **Graham Ord** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:33 pm

Allan
Thanks for the info, but I like the challenge. Motors and electronics for controlling the Tank are my grey area. I will need a list of parts in about 3/5 years for that!

Fabrice Le Roux · Post by **Fabrice Le Roux** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:58 am

Hi Graham,

Just wanted to echo Allen on how good the Colchester Student is. My model engineering soc has one, and I find it perfect for the type and scale of work for 1/6th models. Good range of speeds and bed ridgidity, plus that very handy powered cross-feed. I now only do the small fine turning on my Warco BV-20.
If you are going to scratchbuild, or reverse-engineer the old PzIV, you might consider entering the sheet components dimensions into a 2D CAD programe and getting them lazer cut and spotted. However just check with Mark that this would not infringe design copyright
Good Luck!

cheers, Fabrice

Mike Mobbs · Post by **Mike Mobbs** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 11:50 am

Hi Graham,

I cut my engineering teeth on a Colchester Student lathe at Marconi's in Chelmsford way back (1960s), and I really wish I had access to one these days. I reckon it was the best lathe I've ever used, and I still use the tools that I made on it then, at least the training exercises back then resulted in useful items. Whatever happened to proper apprenticeships eh?

Mike M

Kent Wiik · Post by **Kent Wiik** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:59 pm

Hi Graham,

You have a guy here in Sweden who is building a Panzer IV from Armortek drawings and manual.
His name is BjÃ¶rn and here is his website:

http://www.laban.nu/

Choose "Panzer IV-project"

Cheers
Kent

Graham Ord · Post by **Graham Ord** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 8:51 am

I have actually got the metal for that item and want to try and make them myself so thanks but no thanks.

Graham Ord · Post by **Graham Ord** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 8:56 am

Thanks very much for the website. It made very interesting reading.

Bjorn Wallentinus · Post by **Bjorn Wallentinus** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:38 am

Hello,

now I have enabled my account here as well

Really nice website.

My Panzer project is currently at a standstill since I have a 6 months old daughter which steals alot of panzertime. The time I have left over goes to my cnc mill project, I do have 2 axis running and hopefully the third done soon. Once I got all of that sorted out I can get the panzer factory up and running again

For anyone interrested it's a BF 20 L from Optimum maschinen in Germany with ballscrews. Works really good so far, it's just me that hasn't got the hang of it just yet.

regards
BjÃ¶rn

Kent Wiik · Post by **Kent Wiik** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 1:43 pm

Hi BjÃ¶rn,

Good to hear from you again and to have you here - far too few Swedes in this hobby

Nice to see you have made a little helper, good to have I know I have 2.

Will have the 2nd 1/6th PzIV project in our country later this year as I has a kit from the other A-company ordered - maybe my will be finished before yours

Cheers
/ Kent

Bjorn Wallentinus · Post by **Bjorn Wallentinus** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 1:49 pm

Hehe, with my building speed i wouldn't be surpriced.

Which version are you planning to build. Mine will be a very late J, wiremesh schurzen, cooler returnrollers, round muzzle brake, etc.