The only real problems with the earlier Italeri PzKpfw IV series concerned the vinyl tracks and the misshapen rear wall of the turret, which prevented the Rommelkiste from fitting properly. The newer tooled kits have plastic length and link tracks that are far easier and more realistic. The shape of the turret has been corrected also. Most of the newer tooled kits come with PE as well.

DML/Dragon kits are weird.  All build into excellent models but they vary considerably in parts counts, track types, and PE.  For example, I have several of their M4 Sherman series.  One of the kits has a parts count of 960, another is less than 300. Most of the differences involve individual track links versus DS tracks.  Their Smart Kits show you what you are buying through detailed photographs on the box.

My problem is that I like them all!

Bill

With the Dragon kits it depends on the age of the kit, you can get Magic tracks,DS tracks,or those Neo tracks.Need to read the descriptions 

Sounds like I may eventually have to get them all... quick question... the Italeri and hobbyboss kits... are you talking specifically about the new retooled versions, originals, or both? Also, sadly, a while back I already made that Tamiya Pz IV D mistake... Definitely not their finest product. Their Panther D from that time period isn't so hot either. Same question for those recommending Dragon kits.. Are we talking the standard variants or the neo type kits?

Please pardon me but I forgot to mention the newer kits by Border Models.  I have seen one built on www.AndysHobbyHeadquarters.com, but have never seen one in person. The kits look great!

Bill

I have heard that Tristar kits are overcomplicated also,never tried one.

But I have to say that I have never been thwarted by a Dragon kit and have been happy,and I'm no expert

I have all of the Dragon/DML PzKpfw IV kits, and they are extremely nice. I also have the Tamiya H and J kits and will buy the new F1 when it comes out in December.  I also have the Italeri F1, F2, and G kits which are just as nice.  The TriStar PzKpfw D is an excellent kit, albeit a little too complex. Finally, I have the Academy H kit, the only problem with it is that the sponson floors are missing but it is otherwise an excellent kit.  

Whichever way you go, I don't believe you can go wrong unless you buy the original Tamiya PzKpfw IV D.  You can do better than this . . .

Bill

Just for snits and giggles I pulled out one of my Panzer IV kits by Dragon. Nice kit but as Real G, Bill, and Bish already stated the Academy, Italeri, and Tristar/Hobbyboss kits might be less work. It really depends on you though.

I thought I'd go ahead and post some photos of what you get in the box:

Box stuffed with parts:

Nice selection of 'goodies':

 

Kinda complex instructions:

As usual with a Dragon/DML kit about a third are 'not for use':

To be fair, often times, reputations are also unearned.  Italeri has done much to bring themselves up to modern standards, even including length and length tracks and photoetch parts.  Granted, their Panther A and D need to be revised but their Panther G will stand the best scrutiny.  Their PzKpfw's have been brought up to date and standard.

Bill

I will definitely check out those recommendations. I am glad to see some less traditional selections. Granted, reputations are often earned, but I never write off a company based solely on their perceived quality. Generally speaking, i feel that a highly detailed model, properly finished, will hold it's own against kits with a myriad of pieces and aftermarket additions... at least to the average viewer. That's not to say both don't have their merit, only I enjoy them for different reasons.

Bish,

That's great information!  Thanks!

Bill

warshipguy

I also have to recommend that you look at the Academy 1/35 PzKpfw IV(H). It is a beautiful kit, builds well, and comes with a set of Zimmerit.  There is also a much maligned PzKpfw IV (F1, F2, and G) by Italeri that also builds into a nice model.  We often ignore these "non-standard" brands but there are real gems to be found there.  Tamiya is also coming out with a new PzKpfw IV(F1) in December.

Finally, TriStar has an excellent series of Panzer IVs, if you can find them.

Bill

 

Now sold under the Hobby Boss label and very easy to find.

Dragon King Tigers are very good builds.If you can get hold of 6232 I reccomend it highly,also 6303 with the zimm molded on.Just beware of 6840,reviews say it has some problems.

I built Dragon's Vorpanzer, A nice kit but a bit over engineered.I can say that their Jagdpanzer IV kits are real nice

I also have to recommend that you look at the Academy 1/35 PzKpfw IV(H). It is a beautiful kit, builds well, and comes with a set of Zimmerit.  There is also a much maligned PzKpfw IV (F1, F2, and G) by Italeri that also builds into a nice model.  We often ignore these "non-standard" brands but there are real gems to be found there.  Tamiya is also coming out with a new PzKpfw IV(F1) in December.

Finally, TriStar has an excellent series of Panzer IVs, if you can find them.

Bill

I have built Tamiya and DML/Dragon Tiger II and late model PzKpfw IV (H and J), and have enjoyed both.  I also have the Takom Henschel Tiger IIturreted kit with interior, although I haven't started it yet.  It doesn't seem overly difficult and the instructions are quite clear.  All are under the $100.00 limit you stated.  For me, it depends on how much time that you want to invest.  There is a nice thread on Armorama (old) of the Takom Tiger II that you might want to check out.

Bill

As for skill level, any difficulty... I am reasonably competent and have no problem with PE or similar parts nor is the number of parts an issue. I've put together plenty of Tamiya and Dragon models with no concern. Every manufacturer has its gems and lemons... I'm looking to glean what others have enjoyed and found success with. A satisfying and enjoyable, accurate build is the goal. I am not looking to create my own parts, nor do I want to remold the model with putty and filler because the fit is so bad. As for price... let's say around 100 US dollars or less for the base kit... unless I can be convinced to spend more. Lets not factor in the cost of Extras such as metal tracks and PE parts. I will get those as needed.

The kits depend on your skill level.  Tamiya is the easiest with Dragon and the others harder depending on the type of armor.  More parts may not make it a hard kit.  Cheap kits may not be easy to build.  Some of the hardest kits to build were due to their cheapness.

As for reasonable cost that depends on how much you want to pay for that model.  You will have to decide that. 

I have kit of various skill levels and part counts.  Tired of armor I will build a ship.  Last year I built armor this year I been focus on ships.  

I find watching kit reviews and listing to feedback from other modelers is the best way for me to determine if the kit is for me.  

Marcus 

 

 

The DML Tiger II is pretty good.  I feel it strikes a balance between detail and buildability.  There are boxings with and without zimmerit, so take your pick.  The tracks are indy link and there are a gazillion road wheels, but that’s German heavy tanks for you.  The DML kits provide at least the PE engine deck screens, which some manufacturers offer as a separate accessory.

Personally I prefer metal tracks above all for the saggy dry pin types, but your mileage may vary.

The DML Panzer IVs are very detailed, but that may be due to the more complex shapes compared to the Tiger II.  Some kits come with the DS Styrene belt tracks, which might eventually disintegrate.

There are newer kits out there, but others will need to chime in as I don’t have any of them.