Forces of Valor Panzer IV - Ausf F
This is one of my favorite FOV models. The paint job is realy nice with mud splattered where it should be and the rest of the tank seemingly covered in dust. The side hatch with a sitting figure and the short barrel give it a very unique look, and again, the metal feel to it makes you feel you have a real panzer in your hands.
Forces of Valor Panzer IV - Ausf F - Cammo
Here is another variation of the same vehicle. In fact, FOV released this same model in at least one more color scheme with winter cammo paint (or maybe it's just meant to be snow?). Anyhow, the same good things to say about this one as for the previous one, although I do prefer the one above.
21st Century Toys Panzer IV - Ausf D
21C Toys also released their version of the short-barreled Panzer IV. I bought this one second-hand, as they are no longer in production, and I suspect that the previous owner sprayed it with a greenish paint, because the pictures I've seen of the original show it in a 'purer' grey. In terms of detail it is OK, but not as nice as the one from FOV. For instance, the side hatch does not open. BTW, this vehicle was sold as a kit that you could assemble yourself. I guess it was an attempt by 21C Toys to keep costs down (or achieve greater profits) by letting the customer take care of the assembly.
Forces of Valor Panzer IV - Ausf G
This is also a very interesting vehicle. The side and turret skirts give it a very unique look. The side skirts show some nice leve of detail with dents and bends caused by the fighting. FOV advertised this model as the 'Kursk' version. Note that the side hatch is no longer there, which as explained earlier, had to be removed to make room for the recoild of the longer 75mm gun.
Forces of Valor Panzer IV - Ausf G
This is the same vehicle as above in a different color scheme. FOV does this with many vehicles. A good money-making strategy on their part. They sold it as an 'Easter Front' version. I actually felt that the tan color was better suited for the North African desert and remembering that Panzer IVs were part of Rommel's army, I decided to photograph it in such a setting. It was not until I was checking my facts that I realized that Ausf G was relased right about the time that the Afrika Korps was surrendering in May of '43, so I doubt that any such models ever reached them. But if you are willing to overlook that 'Ausf detail' it look just great next to some AK guys doesn't it?
21st Century Toys Panzer IV Conversion into Ammo Loader/Munitionsschlepper
This is a creation by Scott Schleh, a very talented collector who also does conversions commercially. In this case he took the chassis of a 21C Panzer IV and added an open turret area where shells can be transported, and also a crane that rotates to be able to lift them in and out of of vehicle. I looked up pictures of the real Munitionsschlepper and it does look something like that :-) The main difference is that the base of the crane and its mechanisms were more sophisticated. But good enough for my German troops to load ammo onto 'Loki',
Click here to see a post about the Panzer III
Click here to see a post about some other vehicles built on top of the Panzer IV chassis
Click here to see a post about the Tiger I which came after it.
Muy bueno. No conocía el blog. Lo visitaré más a menudo.
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