Dragon's Panzer IV Ausf. E

[LAH 1 SS]

Originally Posted by Geek44

Finally finished this last night after starting it over a year ago, putting it away to work on another model, then picking it up again about four months ago. To recap a little, this is my first vehicle in quite a few years...maybe even a decade and I've used it to experiment a little. I had intended to try Mig Jimenez' weathering techniques straight from the book but it evolved into something other. It's built straight from the box except for a strip of Coke can to accommodate the jerry cans (not included in the kit oddly), an aerial made from copper wire and filed to a taper, a length of brass chain and of course the Friulmodel tracks. The tracks are a joy to work with and despite multiple recommendations to replace the wire provided to join the links with brass or stainless rod, I STRONGLY recommend that one uses the provided wire. One side has the stainless rod I bought seperately and the other just the stock wire. The stainless side ended up with a pronounced twist in it and it was a devil of a job to straighten enough to use.
I hope to post more pics of it later. I took these pics today and the weather was a bit dull. I don't think these pics show the variation in the base colour to advantage...if I get a clear day, I'll take one or two to show that...I'm pretty happy with it.
I found this kit to be excellent if a little bit of a challenge for me. Many will know I usually build aircraft...damn these tanks are a LOT of work. It won't be my last.
Peace.

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geek 44 i bow before you truely a masterpeice

[Freightshaker]

Nicely done Nick. I remember us talking about this kit awhile ago since we both have it. I doubt I'll tackle it while in the truck but when I do I still plan on making it a wreck.

[Geek44]

Originally Posted by McCoy

Great build Nick!

But it seems like you've forgotten to paint the convoylights n' the taillight on the other side. The leather cushions on the inside of the hatches to the cupola should be in black leather.

I really like how you've done this n' can't wait to see more armour from yer desk, come on n' join the dark side mate...

Funny you say this mate because it touches on something I mentioned a while ago. It helps to know how your subject works...I'm an aircraft guy usually. I looked at those convoy lights...I thought that's what they were but wasn't sure. I thought 'McCoy will know.' Same with the leather pads on the commander's hatch. I'll fix both things.
Eismann, you bet I want to build a big kitty. I'm inspired by Tiger 1s after reading LAHs posts in the 'Land Warfare' section...I have Friuls for a Tiger 1, a Panther and an Elefant too...money is a bit tight so I may have to resort to my stash for now.
Thanks for the kind words guys...it means a lot from such a skilled and knowledgeable crew.
McCoy, I'll be picking your brain later for convoy light colours.
Peace.

[LAH 1 SS]

geek 44 here you go mate you cant get any more accurate than this restored notek light mate hope it helps

[Geek44]

Thanks mate...that's cool. I suspect that's your hand holding it while you took the pic? Mate, I'll just bet you have a late version Tiger 1 in your shed!

[LAH 1 SS]

no that one was from a friend in france i talk with. i would love a tiger one in my shed mate hehehehehe the fun i could have

[Geek44]

Yeah, but with petrol prices as they are...
Mate, I didn't actually edit your post, I hit the 'edit' button by mistake when I was aiming for the 'quote' button. They're very close together . My bad.

[Geek44]

Originally Posted by Freightshaker

Nicely done Nick. I remember us talking about this kit awhile ago since we both have it. I doubt I'll tackle it while in the truck but when I do I still plan on making it a wreck.

Yeah...I wouldn't recommend it for the truck...the box is so big it would take up most of your sleeper. It will make a good kit for a wreck. It already has some interior parts...what's visible through the hatches and they're pretty good assemblies. The machine gun mounts really grabbed me. I've seen other people do this kit and they've spent time detailing the gun breech which makes it look even better. Simple stuff too. Stuff I was largely ignorant of because tanks aren't my usual subject.
I really enjoyed building this kit and I can see why armour modelling is so popular. There's much more scope in armour kits and more variation from vehicle to vehicle. Stowage and tools are another dimension again but I can see these as potential traps also. It's tempting to view stowage, tools and even tracks as afterthoughts. Spending less time on these is a great way to diminish the look of the finished model. I've never spent more time on a single kit either. I can see how some might get 'kit fatigue' and rush to finish so that the next 'fresh' project can be tackled.

[Whiterook]

WOW!!!!! That was well worth the wait mate...superb! Yes, I agree with the previous comment on the fruil tracks.....amazing depth of quality. My only question to you is, how much do you want for the piece?

[Geek44]

It's a good question Em. Considering it took me longer than any kit I've ever built before. Granted I'm a slow builder, but at a decent hourly rate, you'd have to re-mortgage your house! I'm going on the current Aussie 'minimum' wage of $15 and hour too.