1/35 Tamiya DAK Pz IV
Got a great deal on a Tamiya 1970's panzer IV. I built it mostly stock except for the tracks because they were very brittle and broke as soon as I put any tension on them. I had a set of Academy single link tracks which I used. I scratch built the 2 fueling caps because they were not included until later molds. I added blocks in the commander's copula vision slots, sand bag armor, smoke discharger chains, 2 DAK crew from the Tamiya Pz IV F kit, an air recognition flag (resin tarp from the spares box) and some stowage items. Original decals were ruined so I used some from Star. Damage to fenders, exhaust and turret bin was done by sanding then heating and bending, drilling and hairspray chipping. Next project is an early war 232 6 Rad. Thanks for looking, all comments and critiques are welcomed.
Nice work. The stowage is very realistic. I actually still have one of those that I built in 1981 or 82. I still love those old Tamiya tank kits. They’re a good change of pace from airplanes and don’t have 1000 + parts for the running gear. Well done.
I like the older kits too. Especially for the parts count vs detail. I enjoy the finishing more than the assembly.
Looks great, might have to try my hand at one of these kits in the near future. I'm normally an aircraft guy but seeing your work makes me think I'd like to try this one out. Excellent work all around.
If you normally do planes you will find that WW2 armor’s fit and finishing was less precise than WW2 aircraft. So assembly and painting should be a breeze for you. I think the challenge is keeping weathering and environmental effects in scale. If you look at dirt or damage to military vehicles in photos and then translate it using a 1/35 scale figure you realize how small dents, scratches and dirt thickness would be in 1/35.
Great job and really fine result, John!
Thanks. For the price it was a good platform to play with some layered weathering and desert dust effects from heavy low on the vehicle and gradually lessening up to the turret (especially on the sand bags). Unfortunately my efforts don’t show up very well on my crummy phone photos
Some great result on this Panzer, John @atjoe
Lots of details and nice weathering.
Looking forward to your next project.
Going to try the dark grey / dark brown early war camo on it.
Great detailing and finish. Very realistic
Thanks. I used AK products for the filters and dust effects.