I think that would have been just right the way it is. I've seen the same stains on field vehicles after a light rain.

Psstoff- Thanks bro!  Believe it or not I used MIG Pigment 'Fading Panzer Grey' for the five o'clock shadow.  Learned that from one of the masters a while ago... I can't remember who now.

Nice work Andy! I really like that 'infantry' figie with the cap and five o' clock shaddow!

Hey Doog!  Really DO appreciate you taking your time to share tips as I am still learning.  That's what I did when I worked on the eyes.  I am afraid I need a stronger magnifier while I work on the eyes!  LOL  Not just shaving the top and bottom, I also applied dark flesh paint between the dots too.  Apparently I need more practice... eyes looked good on couple of figures while others need more work.   Eye painting is probably the hardest part for me at this moment and I hope to master one day...

Quick question for you... what do you use to shave the black dot?  I used tip of X-acto knife but sometimes it would cause more damage than good. 

Good for you, Andy!

Figures are great to give a "human interest" side to what is just a big cold piece of metal!

They look pretty good--keep working on the eyes though. When you put that dot of black in, try to "shave" it on the top and bottom both with some flesh color, and your figure's eyes will have more of a "squinty" look that's a little more pleasing.

Still, that only improving upon what's already very well done!

Bill- Thanks buddy!  Nice work on your Pz III for BITW GB.  Didn't have chance to check til just now... 200 parts just for the wheels?  

TD- Appreciate you taking your time to stop by. Thanks!  You'd be surprised how good the figures can look if you take your time.  Learned from the masters here in FSM like Indy (Adam), Bodge (Andy) and Ed if you remember who has left a while ago and many others.   

Now I need to work on the base but gonna jump into next build for my Pz III GB. 

I really need to apply more I effort to my figures.I'd love it if they came out half that good!

Nice work on the figs Andy, truly does add some "life" to your builds!

Guys- If you know me, I like to include figures to all of my builds.  It brings life completely and show the true scale of the armors & vehicles.  I have been working on five figures for last 2-3 weeks... 3 for the Panzer IV from Ostfront GB and 2 for my earlier build Marder II from Marder Madness.

The Tank Commander:

The Infantry:

I realize I need to apply little heavily thinned flesh paint to the figure on the right especially around the nose after looking at the pictures closely. 

If you can remember my earlier build Marder II 'Coal Thief'... I finally added two figures to it so it is not vacant anymore.  Here's the Marder crew...

Comments and feedback is always welcome... thanks for looking! 

RBaer- Thanks man!   Appreciate your comment.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have gone for those Fruil tracks... it was one of few things I have learned when I built this.  ModelKasten tracks don't go well on older kits....

Boyd- Thank you my friend... do appreciate your input.   I completely forgot how system works at AMPS.  We only have annual IPMS event here in Indy and I might enter few of my builds for the first time.  But I am afraid I will go crazy because I can be very competitive sometimes. LOL  That's I am just doing it for fun...

Andy, one word: Excellent!

Makes we want to dig up the same kit, add some Friuls and go to town........

Gotta love the old Tamiya kits.

deafpanzer

 Bring it to AMPS East?  You got to be kidding me!  After looking at many pictures posted recently, I said to myself I am so glad that I don't live in your area or I will have to compete with all of you guys!  If I ever come, I will buy all of you a of course! 

Andy,

You are selling yourself short. That build would stand up well to the builds at AMPSEast. You'd do fine (and remember, with the AMPS style judging, you don't compete 'against' anyone... but yourself )

Satch- Yes I do remember Dupes 1000 wheels GB and it was great GBs I have seen so far.  I didn't participate because I was relatively new here but I lurked ALOT!   That's why Kitty GB is perfect to come next... however its too soon for me.  You know I am in middle of hosting my Pz III GB and I have already signed up for Eric's BITW GB ending in March.  If you can push the start date to January that will allow me enough time to finish three builds for two ongoing GBs.  I loved the idea of doing nine month because of nine lives cat have... 

If you can push the start date, I will sign up with a Panther Ausf A or G. 

Boyd- Glad you didn't miss this... better late than never!   I recently bought a new Pz IV Ausf H and Ausf J kits from Dragon but I don't think they will be as special as my old Tamiya. 

Bring it to AMPS East?  You got to be kidding me!  After looking at many pictures posted recently, I said to myself I am so glad that I don't live in your area or I will have to compete with all of you guys!  If I ever come, I will buy all of you a of course! 

Thanks for the compliment... looking forward to see you more in Pz III GB when you are ready. 

Andy

I don't know how I missed this build up. The Tamiya IV H is one of my favorite kits, even with the 'newer' and 'better' offerings out there. I've got one in the "On Deck" circle next to the bench with a whole bunch of extras. I only hope I can do it half the justice that you did to yours. WOW, man. That came out GREAT!

Super, super work Andy!

You need to plan to bring that up to AMPSEast next year!!

DoogsATX

 

deafpanzer:

 

Doogs- It was fun building our Pz IVs for Ostfront GB.  Hope we can do it again.  I have signed up for Blitz in the West GB Eric (Tigerman) is leading.  Will think about entering it at a local contest... normally I just do it for fun.  Thanks again! 

 

 

You know, when Pz.III ends, I think an Official Pz.IV and Variants would be a perfect follow-up... 

Well...it would be if anybody made any Panzer IV kits. You'd think Dragon would at least have a few...

Dupes just did the 1000 road wheels Pz IV GB.  The perfect follow up is the Hello Kitty GB.

Just sayin'....

Thanks SL!   Glad you had the chance to read thru my WIP.

Andy- OUTSTANDING work! It was a pleasure to read through your WIP! 

Doog- Thank you my man!   Really do appreciate you taking your time to post.  Your comment made me look back at my old WIPs last night to see the differences.  Now I don't think I want to share my first few builds with anybody now...

Bet you are starting to love the weather in NC... I liked the fall season best.  Be sure to take a drive to Asheville if you have the chance.   

WOW< that's outstanding, Andy.

There's always the satisfaction of finishing a kit and doing a good job, but there's nothing like taking one of these old buggers and making it into a masterpiece.

You've definitely stepped it up a notch! AN excellent model!!

Doogs- Thanks for the push!   I have called a local shop here that sells Fruils for $32.75.  Right now they are out of ATL-19 Winterketten tracks but they have ordered for more and they will arrive in 2-3 weeks so I will stop to buy one to save me $7 in shipping. 

Good luck with the move!

deafpanzer

I am thinking about ordering Winterketten tracks from Fruil this time.

DO IT!

Seriously. I've never had luck with (and have always hated fighting) indy and link-and-length tracks. Friuls are a bit pricier, yes, but IMO far easier to work with, fully workable when assembled, and for any tank with track sag, well, nothing quite gives the impression of weight like weight!

Pacific Coast Models sells friuls for like $32 - cheapest I've seen.

The only things I wouldn't necessarily recommend them for? Shermans and other VVSS and HVSS chassis vehicles. Rubber band are actually very suitable for those since the tracks were under tension all the time, and the friul links (I have some flat block tread I was going to use on the Achilles until they wouldn't fit the sprocket) have a weird and fussy design. 

Ben- Thank you so much mate!  Something special for my next build for Pz III GB?  I sure hope so... I will be building another older kit but not as old as this Tamiya kit.  It will be Dragon Imperial StuG F/8 as it was a gift from a special friend.  I have about three sheets of upgrade PEs and I am thinking about ordering Winterketten tracks from Fruil this time.

It will be fun just like the old days... I never forget Battle of Norway GB. 

Rob- You just gave me a great idea... I should quit my job and go back to school to be a plastic surgeon!  I can make ladies look 35 years younger?  And little bigger at the top...   Thank you so much for the nice words! 

I plan to jump into my own GB this weekend... not tonight!  My wife and boys will be gone for a night...

Will- Thank you so much for the info about Fort Benning!  I definitely have to do a trip down there one day...

My brother says he heard something about the tanks heading down to Benning from Knox, too.

Andy, OUTSTANDING!!  Nicely built and weathered to perfection!  Would never know the age of the kit, fits right in with the current ones out there.

Hey Andy,

SOOOOPERB! Wow, you've really set the bar high with this build! Your Pz III for the GB will have to be something really special to better this one!

This kit is what, 4 years older than me and it looks a lot better than me too so top marks.

The cammo is just perfect, the weathering bang on and the overall quality of work - amazing.

Very well done matey. Now let's see a Panzer III!

All the best,

Ben

Psstoff- If you are going to Fort Benning, can you check if there will be a museum for all of the tanks from Fort Knox?  I am not sure if I am correct but somebody said all tanks were heading there... if so, then I will make a trip to see that place one day!  Have a safe trip and tell your brother we say thanks for his service! 

Gamera-  Thanks!   This is the main reason why I wanted to build this kit because it was a great kit 25 years and I had fun 25 years ago... for now I am taking a break from building old kits after that Italeri Chaffee you saw in Korea War GB and Tamiya Panzer IV.

Hey Andy, fantastic job! Love how she came out. The Tamiya kit is a little old but as you showed here it only takes a little extra elbow grease to turn her into a winner.

And my first 1/35th tank was a Panzer IV though the Italeri kit instead of the Tamiya.

Great work Andy!!

Turned out fantastically. Glad you could fix those weird pigment buildup marks. I'm in Huntersville, NC on my way down to Ft. Benning, GA to see my brother, but as soon as I get back I'm going to start the painting process for my KT camo pattern. You've inspired me to knock it out before first quarter ends for school.

deafpanzer

Mac- Many thanks!  I have been to Buffalo last July to see my parents and family.  I didn't have the chance to visit Ace Hobby in Niagara Falls that I have been hearing about.  Maybe next time!  Which shop do you like to shop in Buffalo other than one I have been to next to Galleria Mall?

 

Not a problem.  I have been wanting to get a Panzer IV for some time.  Seeing your build made me order one.  Thank you. 

I usually go to Ace up in the Falls. Ron keeps an interesting selection available there.   Every now and again I will go to Niagara Hobby by the Galleria Mall.  My kids love all the train stuff they have there.  Plus they have every color paint offered by Model Master and Tamiya.

Mac- Many thanks!  I have been to Buffalo last July to see my parents and family.  I didn't have the chance to visit Ace Hobby in Niagara Falls that I have been hearing about.  Maybe next time!  Which shop do you like to shop in Buffalo other than one I have been to next to Galleria Mall?

Treadwell- I do remember seeing your outstanding work when I joined two years ago.  Am looking forward to the BITW GB but first I need to build my StuG III.  If you want to look at my WIP, you can see them at my photobucket account... plenty of pictures in there.

http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/ww137/aleffler/Panzer%20IV%20Ausf%20H/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ20 

Thanks for taking your time!  And did I ever tell you how much I love your avatar lady...

Anthony- Glad you liked my build!  We have gone long way since my first GB we were in together 8 Wheel if I am correct.

          Cheers Andy,,,  see you in the pz III GB

Fantastic outcome Andy,your work is getting better and better

Hi Andy, I didn't really know you until I met you in our shared GB....to bad for me.. I almost missed this exceptional build !  Excellent results!..., I am going back to page # 1 and read the whole thing.

Super job

tread

Eric Von Manstein- Thank you very much for the compliment!  Getting one from a field marshall is truly a big honor.  Does it means I will get a badge from you finally?   Like I said, I learned great deal from you guys here in FSM after years of lurking.

Bill- I know it is not a 1/48 or 1/72 scale but its as old as many kits in your stash.  Safe to say you will see me more in Pz III GB soon... I still have several figures to finish.  Glad you stopped by! 

KY Colonel- Thanks for dropping by!  It looks like many of us have built this kit years ago.  I did the same when I was maybe 14 or 15 years old... see below.  

It survived the "Massacre of North Tonawanda" when my mother got rid of my built models several years after I moved out.  Few kits were inside unmarked box in the basement... I have it sitting on not far from my work bench as a reminder of my childhood. 

WOW!   Outstanding build!  Weathering looks top notch! 

Doogs- I won't be surprised if there will be another Pz IV GB.  They had one last year... just look out for the 1,000 wheels GB badge some guys are still wearing with pride.  Dupes led that GB... maybe when timing is right he will lead one again.

Detailfreak- Always good hearing from you my friend!  Thanks for the nice words.  Can't wait to build your kit next... Imperial StuG III Ausf F/8.  I might name it 'Greg'. 

Bill- Along with many virtual I have sent over, I wouldn't have done better without your help and tips shared by other masters here in FSM.  Here's my another ... hope you are not driving tonight. 

Good job!! I enjoyed going though your build of an "old model". I build that one years ago and mine never came close to how yous came out.

Andy,,,       Fantastic job!  It sure did turn out great...  quite the tribute to the old kit to boot.

Thanks very much for sharing

Some of the best looking armor I've seen in here in a long time...weathering, IMO, is perfect......

I do hope that the tiny base she is sitting on was just a temporary platform for pics...

Outstanding work on this one Andy! No worries on the "owed" count front...that's what the forums are all about.

                          Andy,the old Tamiya H is a testament to your ever improving skills as a modeler.Don't sweat those little things,trying to fix them could go the wrong way. Set her on a shelf and show it off my friend.

                                                      Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

deafpanzer

Doogs- It was fun building our Pz IVs for Ostfront GB.  Hope we can do it again.  I have signed up for Blitz in the West GB Eric (Tigerman) is leading.  Will think about entering it at a local contest... normally I just do it for fun.  Thanks again! 

You know, when Pz.III ends, I think an Official Pz.IV and Variants would be a perfect follow-up... 

Well...it would be if anybody made any Panzer IV kits. You'd think Dragon would at least have a few...

Doogs- It was fun building our Pz IVs for Ostfront GB.  Hope we can do it again.  I have signed up for Blitz in the West GB Eric (Tigerman) is leading.  Will think about entering it at a local contest... normally I just do it for fun.  Thanks again! 

Tigerman- Thank you Eric!  I do recall you are only few years older than this kit.   You might think I am crazy... I have been thinking about doing one of those crazy French camo scheme on my Char B1 for your GB.

DM- Exactly!  Good thing because of the brackets, the skirts were not laying flat as it tilted a bit toward to the bottom part leaving the top part to dry faster.  I think this is what caused this.  Still learning and forums here are still the best place for me... thanks for dropping by!

John- Hey my Hoosier buddy!  Glad you liked it.  I might enter it at the show only if you do the same with your Jagd!   Knowing myself, modeling is a fun hobby not a competition for me but I will think about it.  I forgot what are the prizes if somebody wins at the contests... nice looking ladies in bikinis presenting me an award or something like that?    No, maybe an old overweight man blowing me a kiss instead of ladies?   

TD- Thanks man! Maybe a 3-D computer screen would be next... there are 3-D TVs out there now.   

Looks like that Panzer is ready to trundle right off the screen!Excellant job!

That is definitely going to have to be in the show at Indy next year Andy. You have done a great job on it!

Too bad this didn't happen on the bottom portion of the skirts.

This is what I call a "happy accident". Remember how you did it as it could be a valuable effect for a later project.

You're really doing a fine job on this build Andy.

I'm still older then that kit Andy.

It's been an enjoyable WIP to follow Andy, and the best way to sum up that camo job is to quote Darrell Sheets from Storage Wars, "Now that's the wow factor!"

Super build bud.

Andy - LOVE IT! Dig the entire thing, and know the distance between the old Tamiya kit and the newer Dragons in terms of detail, yours would fool anybody, in my opinion. Enter this sucker in a contest STAT!

Bill- THANK YOU SO MUCH! Yes, damp q-tip did the trick. Whew!  Looks like I owe you another   I hope you remember how many I owe you because I lost count long time ago...

Terry- You are way too nice!   I'd love to build another old kit again... maybe not for a while after doing Italeri M24 and this kit.  Thank you for dropping by!

Guys- I am happy to call this done.  I present you Tamiya Panzer IV Ausf H that was first released 36 years ago back in 1975.  Hope this doesn't make you feel that old, huh?

Closer shots of the skirts...

Inside the skirts...

I sure had too much fun building this old kit except for the tracks like I mentioned earlier.  I find hard to believe I was only five years old when this kit first came out. 

Thank you for your comments and feedback you have shared earlier during my build. 

Hi, Andy looking cool real cool. as an all rounder I think you have surpassed what I believe should be expected from these older kits, I know they were the only game in town for a long time and well you have done a superb job.

Terry.

Top lights are indeed green Andy as your second pic indicates.

The tide marks you have on the top of the schurzen can likely be easily fixed using a dampened wet (water) q-tip to remove and/or blend away the tide marks (assuming you haven't already fixed them in position with thinner that is).

Not sure why exactly you got those tide marks other than probably due to gravity and/or slight "tooth" in those areas that just pulled the pigments in as the water you used dried.

Hi again!  I googled for convoy light and found this picture of actual item... it looks more of black than dark green.  I can get away by applying raw umber instead of painting green.

If the lights were on, it would look like this...

Guys- Again thanks for your comments.  I am almost done with it... I only need to do TWO MORE things then I am going to call this done.  Of course I still have to work on the figures for this. 

I am experiencing brain f@rt right now.  I believe its green for the convoy lights on the left fender.   My reference books didn't say what color and all color pictures in the books were missing this set. 

I applied MIG pigments to the panzer... mixture of Europe dust and rubble.  I wanted lighter tone just like shown in the picture. 

 Everything went good except for the exterior part of skirts and I am now concerned because I am not sure how to fix this.  You can see where MIG pigment dried or didn't blend well at the top of skirts.

I was aiming to have heavier dust and dirt at the bottom of skirts.  I mixed MIG pigment with filtered water and a drop of dish soap.  Maybe I added too much soap causing this?

 I found this strange because I didn't have any issue on the interior side of skirts as you can see below.

How would you have this fixed?  I was thinking about applying very light coat of MIG Thinner or Fixer to make the streaks go away? Or dry brush using MIG Thinner or Fixer?  HELP! 

Thanks again for looking...

Bill- I didn't realize MK doesn't offer Winterketten tracks... maybe I will just grab the Magic Track set from my Pz III Ausf N Dragon kit this time.  Thanks for letting me know.

Psstoff- I have to say that I learned a great deal this time using the brown wash.  In the future I would make sure that dunky and dark green are lighter since they will go dark after the washing job.  Don't forget to allow the washes dry for at least 15-30 minutes then use a thinner and big flat brush to make streaks.  Again thanks for stopping by!

Marc- Great to have you back!  Wondered about you recently.  Congrats abt your Marder in recent FSM issue!  Now I want to watch Wayne's World with my boys... I don't think they have seen it.   Thanks for the comment!

Doog- You are way too nice!  I showed my wife what you said... she have seen your articles and work in FSM.  She gave me a kiss... I was hoping for more!  Maybe next time? 

If I had to do it again, I would have ordered the spockets and idlers upgrade set from MK or something like that.  But I was trying to cut down on the spending $$$ part.  Thanks again for taking your time. 

Kenny- I think I am a big fan of Pz IVs now... you can always read more of my work in Ostfront GB.  Thanks for dropping by!

Excellent.  I'm building the Acedamy/Tamiya and I hope it turns out as good as yours ( I doubt it )...cheers....Kenny

A tremendous tribute to an OLD kit, and a testament to your skill as a modeler---it looks excellent, really!

I really like the light rust and metallic look to the muffler. The camo is gorgeous, and I really can't see anything to criticize!?

BTW< I had some problems with the Modelkasten tracks too, on my M48. They're delicate buggers. You really have to be careful with them!

For Pz IV's, I would just appropriate a Dragon/DML Pz IV indy plastic links set. You might have to do a little work to the idlers though? I think that at least one company also makes a suspension set with idlers and drive sprockets?

ANyhoo--it looks great!

Had some catchin' up to do on this thread.  You are headed for a double SCHWING on this one Andy.

Thanks Andy! That's something I've been thinking of how to accomplish. I've never really done, IMO, a good wash that creates nice streaking and effect. Just darkens my model.

Progress is slowing down on my Tiger now that school's started and I'm filling out college apps, but hopefully I'll get the pattern done as soon as this hurricane passes... early next week.

Andy,

So far as I know, MK doesn't offer a set of Winterketten tracks but Fruil does.

Bill- I am so glad we are still friends! LOL  I still have so much to learn about those AM tracks.  You will probably hear from me again about which MK tracks I should buy for my future builds.   I am assuming that MK Winterketten set should work well for an old Imperial StuG kit because it is a Dragon.  That's my next build...

Tony-  Great having you here!  I hope to finish it this weekend... not much left to do, MIG pigments and final paint job on the wood handles, etc. 

Hercmech- Thanks for dropping by!  Loved your wall of fame... all of those badges.

deafpanzer

Eric (Tigerman)- You have been a great help at Ostfront GB... am really looking forward to your BITW GB.  I will probably use same technique on my Char B1 but maybe less dirty because the Invasion of France was over in few days or weeks.

5, but may as well been 2.

Man this build just gets better every time I look in here.

Hey Andy you've crossed the line with this one.

That bad boy is really coming along guy.

Keeping an eye on you bud.

Tony lee

Eric (Jester)- I am glad you stopped by.   I am glad you liked the weathering and streaking as I wasn't too sure if I have gone overboard this time.  Thanks!

Eric (Tigerman)- You have been a great help at Ostfront GB... am really looking forward to your BITW GB.  I will probably use same technique on my Char B1 but maybe less dirty because the Invasion of France was over in few days or weeks.

Kdawg- Thank you so much for dropping by! For some reason I got bitten by old kits bug... my last build was an Italeri Chaffee kit and my next build will be an Imperial StuG kit from Dragon.

No worries about offending me Andy when it comes to the MK tracks! Sorry you had a struggle to get them on...some of the older kits fight harder than the newer ones depending.

Kudos on the finish you've got going so far, very nice work on the schurzen and streaking.

I agree with Tigerman! I really dig the camo as well!... GREAT job updating this old kit! Well worth it i'd say!

Love, love, love the camo. It's really coming all along so nicely. 

Sure turned out to be an awesome looking build Andy!! Love the camo and I think the weathering is just right for it too!! The streaking on the schurzen looks really good.

Thanks Psstoff for stopping by!  It is good to see you around more now.  I have been following your Tiger build... looking real good.  One thing I have learned from this... go easy with washes and do few tries.  I didn't when I worked on the turret and it came out much darker so I had to fix it with alot of thinner at end.  Good luck!

Nice work Andy!

Looks like everything came out really well. I like how those washes turned out, good streaking.  The tank is weathered perfectly IMO. I hope my Tiger will turn out half as well.

deafpanzer

Manny-  The old Tamiya kit decals came with numbers with black or white with red outlines which didn't work out for me.  I should have taken the picture... I can do that tonight. 

Thanks again! 

Manny-  The old Tamiya kit decals came with numbers with black or white with red outlines which didn't work out for me.  I should have taken the picture... I can do that tonight. 

Thanks again! 

deafpanzer

Manny- Thanks for the nice words!   Yes, I agree about the size of numbers as I gave a lot of thoughts about this before I placed the order.  Archer Dry Transfers didn't have the right size after talking with a very nice lady at Archer... either they were too large or too small so I went for it. 

I sure do remember Biffa and his work! I haven't seen him for a while and I do miss his WIPs.  Always good hearing from you. Thanks again!

Like I wrote before, I thought those numbers came in the box---or were you just trying to stick with dry-tranfers? 

Manny- Thanks for the nice words!   Yes, I agree about the size of numbers as I gave a lot of thoughts about this before I placed the order.  Archer Dry Transfers didn't have the right size after talking with a very nice lady at Archer... either they were too large or too small so I went for it. 

I sure do remember Biffa and his work! I haven't seen him for a while and I do miss his WIPs.  Always good hearing from you. Thanks again!

This is some fine armor work...reminds me of Biffa's builds.  The turret numbers are too large for the ref you are using but I wouldn't sweat it...I thought that the kit actually came with some waterslide numbers for that scheme???  Comparing your work to Biffa's is about the best compliment I can give out... 

Modelers #1- I didn't those transfer earlier but I do now... my dry transfers arrived last week.  This one was little bigger than I wanted but it didn't stop me from using those.  Loved those and I will definitely use them again! 

Bill- You are not going to believe this.  Had to add one more link making total of 103 links and it was little tight.  It is obvious that this O-L-D Tamiya isn't accurate or it wouldn't required that many links.

Guys-  Update on my Panzer IV... camping was a total bust because of the heat wave on first day and rain the following day so we all agreed to check out a day earlier. 

DECALS: Used Archer Dry Transfers for the first time and I was pleased with the results even on the Zimm.  Next time I should have marked lines using a pencil to ensure that the numbers are in right positions. 

That was the easy part... insignia symbol and fire extinguisher.  No silvering especially when you are dealing with the Zimmerit. 

Rubbing transfers without breaking the fragile skirts was not that easy... that's why not all of transfer appeared but I wasn't concerned because they will be painted. The numbers seen in the actual #505 pictures were solid so they were painted on at end.

WASHES: I am afraid I went overboard with the washes this time.  I used MIG Brown Wash designed for German armor with Dunky for the first time as it has been sitting on my shelves for more than a year.  Turret has been washed (still wet when picture was taken )while hull hasn't been. 

After allowing the washes to dry for 15-30 minutes, I used MIG Thinner as instructed to tone down and make streaks using right brush.  I liked the results!  My Panzer is in middle of Russia where it was very dusty and it rained recently.  Often I would see streaks on my car as a friendly reminder to take it for a car wash.

TRACKS-  I am afraid our friend Bill isn't going to like this part.  I had issues adding ModelKasten tracks to the old kit. Keep in mind I didn't have issues in the past with my Dragon kits.  So I'd think twice before I order MK tracks for kits other than Dragons.  The tracks broke apart few times and it drove me nuts but after two hours I was able to get them on. 

I applied heavily thinned W&N oil paint Raw Umber on the details last night.  My favorite part as it helps bring out the details.  Will take more pictures when I have the chance...

Comments and feedback are always welcome.  Thanks for looking!

Can't speak to the replacment track set having never used it myself. Not sure how many links come in the set. I would personally just go with the extra Magic tracks you've got (I keep all my sets for similar uses when I replace with MKs) and leave it at that.

deafpanzer

Guys- Once again I need your help... remember I am going for this look.  It has white turret numbers and yellow unit insignia symbol as shown below...

I was able to locate the yellow insignia decal from Archer Transfer... that was the easy part! 

Now I have been having difficulty locating a good match for the white numbers.  The shape of numbers is unique especially the number five.  The only thing I could find couple of potential decals from Archer Transfer...

I am leaning to this second set but its an outlined so I can always paint white to fill in the hollow space.  The number '5' looks like a good match. 

Do you have a better suggestion? 

do you have the decals with you because their specifed hight is tiny! (7.11 mm)

Psstoff- I agree... I rather to use the b/w photo as my primary source of information.  I learned my lesson not to rely on the color plate too much.  But it gives us a better idea what colors were used for the numbers and insignias. 

Now I am leaning toward to the hollow 5 so it means I will need to paint white covering the hollow space.  Have anybody painted over the decals without an issue?  I use MM enamel...

The hollow 5 looks a lot closer to the black and white pic., the 5s on the color guide look a little different to me.

Guys- Once again I need your help... remember I am going for this look.  It has white turret numbers and yellow unit insignia symbol as shown below...

I was able to locate the yellow insignia decal from Archer Transfer... that was the easy part! 

Now I have been having difficulty locating a good match for the white numbers.  The shape of numbers is unique especially the number five.  The only thing I could find couple of potential decals from Archer Transfer...

I am leaning to this second set but its an outlined so I can always paint white to fill in the hollow space.  The number '5' looks like a good match. 

Do you have a better suggestion? 

This is the place my dad and I have been going to for a while now, I used to live a little closer to it, but hey. The owner's a nice guy.

http://www.piperhobby.com/

Don't know of any closer ones, might be a good drive.

Psstoff- NO KIDDING!!!  My brother teaches American Sign Language full time at NVCC in Fairfax.   Small world, huh?  Is there a good hobby shop you can recommend for me to visit next time I visit my brother?

Bill- Yeah, I agree with your comment about the size inaccuracy.   What did we expect from 35 years old kit? LOL  I checked www.rzm.com website last night to see if they sell spare links and they do!  But they were asking for $15 per set and it comes with racks.  I am not sure if it is worth the money... it didn't say how many extra links.  Have you brought one of those spare tracks sets?

Greg- Of course you will be first to know when we are coming!

deafpanzer

Psstoff- Thanks for dropping by!  Bet your day was exciting because of the earthquake today.  My brother lives in Fairfax, VA and it was his first...

I'm also in Fairfax! Pretty exciting, but I hope they don't start becoming more frequent/powerful, I don't want my models to fall off the walls next! 

Glad your track issue got worked out Andy! The Tamiya hull must not be the correct length if it required that many links to get the tracks fitted. "Normal" Pz IV track runs are usually 98-100 links and the MK track sets always include extras for breakage but not always enough for the spare runs too if you break too many.

                         Just keep me updated. Glad to have jogged your memory on the track issue.

                                                           Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

Psstoff- Thanks for dropping by!  Bet your day was exciting because of the earthquake today.  My brother lives in Fairfax, VA and it was his first...

Greg- I am so glad you brought up the subject Magic Tracks!!!  I didn't think of those earlier...   I went thru my stash and found a perfect match... coming from Hummel kit.

Problem solved... thanks to you my friend Greg!

I learned few days ago that I may take my family to Minneapolis next summer for my son's performance at Danish Culture Center.  I am going to buy you couple of if you can meet me there!

                    Hey buddy,would a small quantity of leftover magic tracks doya,and if so solid or open guide horns,and late cleated type or not.Let me know I already have your 1020.

                                                  Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

That's very odd (as far as I know) and unfortunately I have no tracks to give you.

However, the tank is looking very nice...  Maybe the crew had the same problem with cutting their tracks off the sprue as well and that's why they only had a couple left...

Guys- Small update on my Panzer IV... detail painting in process and attached the wheels to the hull. 

 I ran into tracks issue and I hope you guys can help me out here. 

I used ModelKasten tracks (SK-17) and the instruction said to use 97 tracks on each side.  So I did 98 tracks during the assembly to start with.  BUT it wasn't long enough!  I had to add four more making it 102 tracks to fit each side.  Unfortunately I broke couple of links during 'cutting off the sprue' stage.  Now I am left with only four links to be used as spare tracks in the front...

It doesn't look that good and I'd hate to spend another $30 for more tracks from MK.  I was wondering if any of you have few tracks to spare... like 5 or 6 links?  Or is there a smaller set I can order?

HELP PLEASE!

Eric- Thanks!  Sorry about the slow response...

Hercmech- I am so glad you liked the subtle fade... thanks for dropping by!

Bill- Thanks buddy!  I am working on that part... detail painting.  I think I am going to need your help... look out for my next post in few minutes.

John- Brown County State Park was beautiful... enjoyed my stay there.  Hope they will have the conference there again next year...

Looks like you nailed it Andy! The camo looks great!

Yep, Brown County State Park isn't too far away. It's really beautiful there in the fall when the leaves on the trees start changing colors.

It all tied together very nicely Andy, now on to the detail stage to bring it to life!

Very nice. Love the subtle fade. Looking forward to seeing it all wrapped up.

I think it looks great Andy. I love the overhead view. All you need now is a really good weathering job to bring this boy home.

Bill- I am glad you liked the second attempt better.  I went for tan over spray this time... thanks for letting me know not to use green.  The camo will probably be toned down after I apply washes and MIG pigments too.

John- Always great hearing from you my Hoosier friend... guess where I am going for next three days?  Brown county state park where a conference will be held.  Not too far from you I bet...

Rob- Happy to have you back! Glad you liked the camo job... more to come! 

Guys- Here's update on my Panzer IV Ausf H... airbrushed the camo freehanded on the rest of the tank. Did touch up couple of times before I over sprayed heavily thinned tan paint all over to bring the camo together.  It really helped... thank you guys!

This is my favorite shot.... bird view of the panzer as you can see how camo scheme is breaking up its shape.  No way those wingy b@stards will be able to find me and my panzer! 

It is ready to do the next stage... detail painting and decals!   Thanks for looking and comments are always welcome...

WOW!  Have not been in the armor side in a while and this is what I've been missing!  Looks AWESOME, that is right on!!  Do more

Much better Andy! Can't wait to see it finished up!

Definitely an improvement Andy and much closer to the photo! I will echo the recommendation on a light dusting of the DY vs the Green...you don't want a green "mist" over the yellow as that will likely produce an unwanted contrast vs. actually blending the colors together. The DY mist will do double duty of creating a foundation of dirt/dust for later filters/washes as well and would be the way to go IMHO. Looking forward to the next evolution on this old girl!

Doog- Glad you liked... will do that next but first I need to paint the rest of the panzer.  Stay posted...  oh, did you finally try one of those Carolina BBQ if you can give up being a vegetarian just for a day?

Anthony- Thanks for stopping by... zimm part was fun which surprised me.  See you in Pz III GB soon?

Disastermaster- Only one smiley face?  I was expecting few.  Only kidding... again thanks for the compliment!  And I hope you are going to build something soon...

Manny- Nailed?  Thanks for making me feel better now.  I wasn't too sure earlier but know it will look better after filtering and weathering. 

Modeler #1- Same book... Vietnam Experience next to my iPad?  It was one of best Christmas gift from my parents.  WWII was only my interest when I was very young but later I studied Vietnam War history when I was in high school back in the 80's.  And I have huge respect for our Vietnam veterans...

Hercmech- Agree with you... I am thinking about doing hard edged camo using same method on one of my future builds but it has to be a late variant or something like that.  Maybe a Panther?   Thanks for stopping by!

Psstoff- Thank you for the comment.   More to come...

SPOT ON!

Love love the pattern

The camo came out much better the second time. Even for scale, the first attempt looked a little hard edged.

I think when the weathering and filters are done it will soften up your free hand even more and make it look spot on (no pun intended)

Looking awesome so far.

I have that same book deafpanzer

deafpanzer

Ernest- Yep, I thought I'd keep our friends here in Armor updated what I have been doing.  I am glad I did because I received a great deal of information such as incorrect camo scheme I picked... now I am feeling better so I can go back to our GB and finish my Panzer IV.

Bill-Yeah, lesson learned at my end and I will make sure to check with other references if available.  Safe to say that I am happy with my second attempt on the camo scheme.  As usual thank you so much for dropping by!

Guys- Like I said earlier I wasn't too happy with the result and somebody sent me the actual picture of the Panzer IV #505 in other forum.  Jeez, the artist's drawing wasn't even that close and I liked the real scheme. 

 

It showed how soft the camo edges were so I decided to follow this actual scheme.  Since the picture of #505 panzer showed that it has more dark green, I repainted the base coat using MM Dark Green after pre-shading job. 

 

With help of my new best friend... iPad sitting next to the airbrush booth I did my best to copy the scheme. 

 

Then I freehandedly airbrushed the Dunky spots...

 

 

 

 

 

This time I am pleased with the result but it is not over yet.  I will do a touch up job on the dark green area.   Then I am thinking about doing an over spray of heavily thinned dark green to make the camo blend better.  Or should I use Dunky instead?  

What do you think?  Thanks again for the comments and looking...

NAILED IT!

Whoa Andy, you're gettin' good at this.......

really nice job on the zimm,camo looks good also

Looks good with the came, although I would overspray with a very light DY--almost like "dust". That would be a better reflection of the natural weathering already evident in the photo.

You could also do a light gray filter. That would actually look pretty cool.

I'd overspray it with dunkelgelb, since that was the base coat at the time. Or you could go with washes.

Ernest- Yep, I thought I'd keep our friends here in Armor updated what I have been doing.  I am glad I did because I received a great deal of information such as incorrect camo scheme I picked... now I am feeling better so I can go back to our GB and finish my Panzer IV.

Bill-Yeah, lesson learned at my end and I will make sure to check with other references if available.  Safe to say that I am happy with my second attempt on the camo scheme.  As usual thank you so much for dropping by!

Guys- Like I said earlier I wasn't too happy with the result and somebody sent me the actual picture of the Panzer IV #505 in other forum.  Jeez, the artist's drawing wasn't even that close and I liked the real scheme. 

It showed how soft the camo edges were so I decided to follow this actual scheme.  Since the picture of #505 panzer showed that it has more dark green, I repainted the base coat using MM Dark Green after pre-shading job. 

With help of my new best friend... iPad sitting next to the airbrush booth I did my best to copy the scheme. 

Then I freehandedly airbrushed the Dunky spots...

This time I am pleased with the result but it is not over yet.  I will do a touch up job on the dark green area.   Then I am thinking about doing an over spray of heavily thinned dark green to make the camo blend better.  Or should I use Dunky instead?  

What do you think?  Thanks again for the comments and looking...

Andy, I just posted a comment in the Ostfront GB not realizing you had a thread going on over here!  Man, I can see why you want to redo the camo!  The actual camo shown in the photo IS quite different than the color plate!  Its a much softer camo pattern that looks more like yellow over a green base!  Even the number on the turret schurzen is a different size!!  I'm sure you're camo correction will be spot on!

So long as you're happy with the end result, that's what matters most Andy! I liked the way you approached the scheme with the template cut-outs using index cards in the first pass but can also see why you might want to re-paint from an accuracy standpoint. Color plates can often be subjective depending on the artist and what their source material was at the time they were created.

Eric- Thanks for the compliment.  I took another good look at my camo work and I have decided I will re-do.  You will understand why...

A guy in other forum posted this actual picture of Pz IV #505...

The actual camo scheme is not even close to the drawing by the artist.  Lesson learned not to rely on drawings. Anyway I really like the actual camo scheme shown in picture so I will give it another stab.  This time I will apply dark green as base coat on the skirts and airbrush Dunky spots.  It should be alot easier that way...

Clever way to attack the complex camo. I think it came out looking quite good. I think with some fading and weathering it will be great.

BaBill- Thanks for the compliment!  Hope you get to play better tomorrow... we can split $$$ if you win. 

Guys- Earlier Pat (shoot&scoot) noticed that the muzzle brake was cocked.  I am so glad he did because the brake would have fell off by itself.  When I was about to have it fixed, it just fell off. 

Now it has been fixed with CA... I have to spray Dunky over the muzzle brake again when I have the chance. 

I have decided to give my second top choice of camo scheme a go.  The edge was not hard or too soft...

Using this poster putty to hold the templates...it allows little space between the skirts and templates for softer edges.

It took a while to cut all templates... i used my boys index cards since they are much thicker and stronger.

Here's the result... you will notice the spots where putty were to hold the templates.

Tomorrow I will touch up the Dunky to hide putty spots and see how it looks.  What do you think?  I only want honest answers...   I am not too sure if I like this. 

Maybe I should re-do and cut templates using straighter lines instead of doing curvy templates? 

Hi Andy,,,  thanks for the movie review,,, sounds good,,  Also, the Pz IV also looks good / great...  Thanks for sharing,,  excellent work!

PS,,,,  my partner and I are doing terrible in the tourney...   we both played good yesterday. Today (3 sets of nine),, we did ok in the first 9,,,  a little worse in the second 9,, and totally sukked in the last 9. Dayum !,,,, in the last 7 years we've won our flight (a few times), sweeps, ringer, and in 2008 won the whole damnnn thing (most points).       Since then,, we've been stinking it up pretty bad. If we win both matches tomorrow we may have a chance to come into the money, (so to speak).

I'll hit you up later this week on the GB we discussed..........

Have a good weekend!!!

Gamera- I have to agree with you... Panthers has always been my favorite but now I am leaning toward to Panzer IVs.  Thanks for the compliment!

Hercmech- Thought you guys could enjoy going down the memory lane when I posted pictures of my old build.  Wondering how our builds will look like 20 years later...

Bill- Glad you liked my work so far.  Gave you the credit for the Dunky formula I used...

Actually I am doing it for Ostfront GB and not everybody goes there so I posted my latest work here yesterday for you Armor guys to share comments & feedback.  I am so glad I did because I had the wrong camo scheme planned until Manny's input so I am in a hunt for different scheme or going for the second choice.  Looks like I owe Manny one of my girlfriends now...

Stay posted guys...

Andy, don't know how this one slipped by me but really like what you've done with it zim and all!

As for the zim question on the DML J kit, it represents an Aug-Sept '44 production vehicle which is right when they stopped applying zim so you could go either way on it IMHO and be accurate.

Manstein's revenge

This is my old Tamiya J done in a Normandy scheme as part of Panzer Lehr---a well documented vehicle...

Needs more rust..........

That being said, nice little dio Herr Field Marshall.

Andy,

Looking great, I love the Zimm you put on. I also like the old kit you showed and the way it compares with your new work. I found a stash of built kits I did back when I was in my young teens and I thought they looked great then, but compared to now there really is no comparison and my "now" skills are not even in the same legue as yours. Funn to see how we improve.

Again thanks for showing this kit and the tips on the Zimm!

Hey Andy, great job so far! Always kinda liked the looks of the IV I think it had more 'character' than the Tigers. Love the pre-shading and the zimmerit and skirts look great. Have to say though the idea of sanding down the drive sprockets to fit the aftermarket threads would give me the willies though.

Kenny- THANK YOU for the great link... I see couple of camo schemes I really like.  I will look thru it again later tonight.  I am glad you shared because I found Pz III site from there that we can share for my ongoing Panzer III GB. 

Anthony- I am sure you know why I am anxious to have it finished... so I can join you guys at Pz III GB!  Thanks for stopping by.

Manny- Love your Ausf J!  I want to take it out for one night stand... hope you don't mind?  Nice work on the Zimm part too.   Bet there is a topless lady hiding behind the destroyed building...

Doog- Thanks for dropping by!  Bet you love the heat and humidity in NC... I had to put up with it for 8 years before returning to Indiana.   Sometimes it can be fun building older kits.  I had to give this kit a chance after building my Chaffee recently.  I am planning to build an Imperial Dragon kit next...

I am glad you liked... more to come! 

Rbaer- Glad you liked the Zimm... actually I was planning to try Milliput for my future build but now I am not too sure.    Agree with you about re-visiting... I built this tank when I was maybe 14 or 15 years old back in the 80's. 

 Black tracks, pinkish tan, and figures without eyes?  Jeez, let's hope I am doing better this time...

Pat- Crap!  I think you are correct about the cocked muzzle brake.  I had it fixed earlier and now it is cocked again.  I am afraid it got loosened again so I will look into it when I have the chance.  Thanks for the catch!

Great build and fantastic result for the zim!  Only thing I noticed and maybe it's just the camera angle, but the muzzle brake looks like it's cocked a little bit.  Maybe it's just my eyes going bad.  Otherwise, great work all around.

                                                                                                      Pat.

Andy, zim looks great! I'm pretty sure I'll try something else next time I do zim, rather than the Milliput I used last time. It was a bear to get thin enough, and I can still see thick spots......

I have to say, the fun of building an old kit is there for me too, whether it be from re-visiting something I did in high school (age!) or something I wasn't interested in back then. I see it as a real modeling challenge, and it can be cost effective too, especially when you look at the cost of an old diamond-in-the-rough vs. a new kit, even adding in a few AM parts.

Andy,

I read where someone said that you coulda just got the DML PzIV w/zimm, but I'm riding co-pilot with your thinking on this project. I woulda done the same thing! I know what it's like to enjoy the challenge and to revel in a project that you have created out of personal initiative rather than pre-formed plastic--not that there's anything wrong with that in the end!

In other words, carry on; great job here!

I built this same model over a decade ago, and did the same thing with the zimm, but used Squadron White putty with the same Tamiya applicators. I think they work great. Mine looks a lot like yours.

Andy,

I read where someone said that you coulda just got the DML PzIV w/zimm, but I'm riding co-pilot with your thinking on this project. I woulda done the same thing! I know what it's like to enjoy the challenge and to revel in a project that you have created out of personal initiative rather than pre-formed plastic--not that there's anything wrong with that in the end!

In other words, carry on; great job here!

I built this same model over a decade ago, and did the same thing with the zimm, but used Squadron White putty with the same Tamiya applicators. I think they work great. Mine looks a lot like yours.

This is my old Tamiya J done in a Normandy scheme as part of Panzer Lehr---a well documented vehicle...

that is really coming along great Andy,looking foward to the rest.

http://panzerivtheworkhorse.devhub.com/.

I'm building the Academy version and whilst I don't have much in the way of reference other than the box art, I am looking at the above site for help.

Very good for cammo'.

I hope mine turns out as good as yours, great build!!!...cheers....Kenny

Manny- Boy, you are correct.  I checked my reference book again where I found the drawing of camo scheme.  It was used in 1945 on an Ausf H and it was not even used in the Eastern Front but in Germany.  Here's more information...

I will use this camo scheme on my Ausf J in the future.  So I guess I will go with the second choice.  I checked again to make sure and it was used by 12th Panzer Division deployed to the Eastern Front in 1943. 

Thank you Manny for the catch! 

That scheme you picked sepicts a late war J and doesn't have zimm----maybe something to think about...the scheme is definately late-war...

BaBill- Captain America was AWESOME!  One of best Marvel movies so far... maybe I am little biased because it happened during WWII.  My boys liked it better than Spider-man which surprised me. 

Guys- Here's more pictures of my Panzer IV.  I am going for this camo scheme... it was an unanimous vote in the GB as they liked this scheme too.  I don't think I have seen anybody do this scheme here before?

Below was my second choice... maybe next time... maybe for my Ausf J. 

Pre-shading and rubber on wheels job...

It looks like I owe wBill another because I used his Dunky formula once again 50/50 MM Dunky and MM Light Grey... I still use Model Master enamel paint for armors only. 

Love those circle templates... painting wheels aren't that bad unless they don't fit the template fully.  This time it was a perfect fit!  

That's all folks... thanks again for looking!

I just saw a new trailer for the movie.....  let me / us know what you think

Have fun

Psstoff- Thanks!  I was like that but after few attempts it wasn't that hard and fun afterward.  You might want to try that on an old kit like mine. LOL

Eric #1- Thanks for dropping by! 

Eric #2- Passion for wheels?  Nah, just another good deal because it comes with four extra wheels.   Yes I used water to clean but it wasn't helpful.  At the end I used lacquer thinner to clean my tools real good. 

Babill- Great picture!!!

John- Just come over with a case of and I will show you how to do it.  You are only an hour and half away...  

Taking my boys to see the movie Captain America now... open captioned movie! 

Dang it Andy! Now you got me wanting to try to do some zimm! You sure did a great job on it and I can't wait to see the paint work.

Thanks Andy,,   will do..........

Nice score on the Pz IV J. You must have a passion for road-wheels. haha

What did the putty clean up with? Water?

Nice!!

Nice work! Can't wait to see her with a nice coat of camo paint.

Good looking zimm too, that's one thing I'll never attempt!

LOL!  Thanks Eric!  Yeah, I have to agree... I think the barrel was $16, skirts were $20 and MK tracks were $35.  What the heck... I am having fun with this old kit. 

I went ahead and brought this kit for only $25 thru Dragon Facebook promotion.  I am sure this kit doesn't require any of AM except for Zimm.  I believe this variant still requires Zimm...

I am not sure if I want to use 3M White putty again... its drying time was too short within a minute or so unlike those 3M Blue putty I have been hearing about its longer drying period.  I haven't tried Milliput so I have to try it next time.  For sure it is still better than Squardon or Tamiya putty...

Gee Andy, after you added all that AM, you might as well just bought yourself the Dragon H with zimmerit. LOL

Seriously, that is some very sweet work on the zimmerit.

I like the idea of just one putty, not something you have to mix.

Manny-  Take my girl out for a date?  Yes, only if you send me one of your beautiful female figures... thanks for the comment. 

BaBill- Thanks for the compliment... more to come! Enjoy the golf tourney... FORE!

Andy,,  absolutely AWESOME

Thanks for sharing!

Superb work...the zimm looks especially nice...Mk IV's had very shallow zimm and you really did it nicely...

I love your Tamiya Mk IV H w/ aluminum barrel, PE sideskirts, MK tracks and zimm and want to take it out on a date...