Panzerkampfwagen IV-Medium Tank

[cyberia]

Panzer IV either Ausf, H or J (can anyone spot it) of the 2nd Panzer Div.

[cyberia]

A view of Panzer IVs on the Eastern Front from another Panzer IV

[Hagen]

Originally Posted by cyberia

A view of Panzer IVs on the Eastern Front from another Panzer IV

Nice pictures Cyberia, keep em coming if you can.

[cyberia]

Keep 'em comin' I shall, Hagen.

[Pirate-Drakk]

Originally Posted by cyberia

A view of Panzer IVs on the Eastern Front from another Panzer IV

This is a shot from another tank in the platoon! Not a propaganda photo I bet but could be training.

Looks like an early model muzzle brake in the foreground but with late model Panzer IV's in front.

Good stuff Paul!

[cyberia]

[PanzerBob]

Originally Posted by cyberia

Panzer IV either Ausf, H or J (can anyone spot it) of the 2nd Panzer Div.

From this angle many of the noticeable recce features are not visible. However, it is at the very lest an Ausf H of maybe a H/J model which seems to be common label for a lot of Panzer IV around this time frame.

IMHO this Panzer IV is by definition an H. The shot hails form Normandy and despite a lot of pictures of Normandy Panzer IV's saying they are J's many are clearly not. I believe most are mislabelled.

By definition Ausf J's started production in June of 44 and from what I've seen Sept 44 seems to be when any numbers started reaching units. As well Ausf J's have only three return wheels and two upright exhausts replacing the "muffler" type. The hull side plates were extended, and the towing hooks were formed from these plates instead of being welded to the tank, leaving a hull front with no U bolts on it.

It's easy to see were the confusion lies, these features are not always readily apparent. The Shutzen configurations muddy the waters even more.

Again IMHO this interesting shot is a Panzer IV Ausf H by virtue of having it’s U Bolts and no extended hull plates with holes for towing plus the likely timeframe of the Photo.

Bob Out

[cyberia]

Very cool Bob, thanks. And welcome back!!!

[cyberia]

A column of Panzer IV Js, I'm thinking, on the move in Russia, date unknown

[Hagen]

Originally Posted by PanzerBob

As well Ausf J's have only three return wheels and two upright exhausts replacing the "muffler" type. The hull side plates were extended, and the towing hooks were formed from these plates instead of being welded to the tank, leaving a hull front with no U bolts on it.

Hello PanzerBob

I have to differ with you on a few points here, the "J" model started production with four return rollers and an exhaust the same as the H and previous models. About the only external difference between the H and early J model was the deletion of the turret traverse motor, in it's place was put a larger fuel tank. The "J" model you're referring to is is considered a late "J" just as Tigers are considered early, mid, and late, the Panzer IV J is considered in terms of early and late. You can go to Achtung Panzer ! and if you read up on the "J" you'll find the three return rollers and twin exhausts came later in the production run. If you want to compare model kits check out Tamiya's Panzer IV J then compare that kit to Dragons Panzer IV J Late. Your definition is right on the mark for a late J though.