John's Panzer IV no. 004

[John Fitzsimons]

Well I have started looking at the Kit parts and working out what I want to do. Thanks to everybody who already posted their builds and inspired me to make a start. I will not start the hull for a while as I want to resolve some of my space problems first. So just working on some of the small items for now.

Started on The sprocket wheels. My Panzzer IV will be one of the late models as I want to add shurzen .

The kit hubcaps have the raised bump on the cap so first thing was to file flat. I have started to make up supplies if castellated nuts in various sizes.









Gunther sent me one of his very nicely made filler caps to enable a mould to be made for white metal versions. Very nice work Gunther.

[Nick Farrugia]

HI JOHN
The differance in build quality are already apparent ,Nice job on those sprockets and caps looking forward to seeing this build take shape . ALL THE BEST ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,NICK

[Steve Lewington]

Hi John

I can see this is going to be one of those griping builds where one goes on the forum every night to see the next instalment.
All the best bud.

Steve

[John Fitzsimons]

Nick I will have my work cut out keeping up with your build. You did an amazing Job. That shurzen kit is a work of art.
Nice to speak with you tonight Steve. Thanks for the items you made for me. So generous. Chat again soon.

[John Fitzsimons]

Here is the start on the gear case. Still lots to do on it.

[John Fitzsimons]

Some work on the idelers.



Building backwards has it's drawbacks. Maybe someone can advise re ckearance between rear of ideler and hull. I would like to add the castellated nots at the rear. Will there be enough clearance?

[Nick Farrugia]

HI John
looking very nice indeed if you mean the bolts around the hub of the rear idler like you have around the front on the hub ,then no you carnt the adjustable spindle has a large flange on it and the wheel sits up against it .great work so far ,all the best ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nick

[John Fitzsimons]

Thanks Nick, thought that might be the case but great to get confirmation. That will be it for a while. Away from home till 26th.

[John Fitzsimons]

Started some work on the boggies. Adding lots of cast letters.

[Nick Farrugia]

Hi John
Good to see more progress on the pz1V ,its looking very good too hope this means you got more time to spend on it .
all the best ,,,,,,,,,,nick

[John Fitzsimons]

Juggling with space at the moment. My workshop plans keep getting shot down. I need to make some disks for the boggies to which I can add the nut and bolt detail then cast and duplicate. I have assembled the lower Hull but did'nt bother posting any details as this was already covered well by you and Ray. Hope to get more done soon. Trying to work on a second Tiger also. To make life more challenging I have mixed up the parts from the Tiger and Panzer IV in one storage area. Luckily I think I could assemble a Tiger in my sleep now.

[John Fitzsimons]

Just a comment on the kit quality. I have started to assemble the hull plates and must say they go together very well. Nothing needed filing until I tried to fit the rear vents and boggie protectors. These are steel. Needed a bit of work. Aliminium parts all perfect.

I will add some photos of progress soon.

[John Fitzsimons]

I started assembly of the hull. I will not go into too much detail with this build as Nick has covered this model thoroughly.

[Steve Lewington]

Hi John
Shes looking very good mate .
Have a great new year.

All the best

Steve

[Nick Farrugia]

Hi john
Looking very good , i like all the extra details you have done so far keep the great pics coming it looking very good.
Wishing you a happy new year allthe best',,,,,,,,,, nick