After my little Luchs disaster I decided to move on and build something new. I’m thinking of getting back to the Luchs after this project.
My next subject is a Dragon Pz. Kpfw. IV Ausf. C, while studying the instructions I fell in love with the version painted in 2-tone hardedge camouflage. Many thanks to you guys here at this forum that helped me with some reference questions.
According to my references it’s not clear that the tank painted with this camo was an Ausf. C, maybe it was an Ausf. B- but as I have the Dragon model already on my workbench I will go for the C version. According to Achtung Panzer No. 3, 6 short barrel model belong to the 8 kompanie panzer regiment 22 according to a document dated 1st June 1944. At least one was painted in the 2-tone way.
The c version was produced from1938 to 1939, so my tank will be a real veteran, fighting on battlefields for at least five years. That’s why I gave this project the working title “battle veteran”.
I will build the Dragon model basically out of the box, I will also represent some of the modifications done during the life of this vehicle. Tristars Pz. IV wheel set for some late wheel hubs, and maybe a rommelkiste from Dragons Pz. IV D kit (not yet decided- I’m still researching on this topic). Please tell me if you have any ideas or information on improvements and modification on a vehicle with such a long life span. Till now I didn’t have the chance to see a photo of an Ausf. C painted in 2-tone yellow green camouflage.
Last weekend I started with the kit. Till now everything fits great:
I have not much reference material. The Spielberger and Achtung Panzer Book on the Pz. IV family and the internet. According to Achtung Panzer I deleted the bolts on the drive gear housing:
On this vision port visor Dragon has forget to add two bolts, I will add them later:
I carefully opened the radio operators visor:
This is the only problem I realized so far: the damper is very close to the suspension; it’s almost impossible to move the suspension. Did I do something wrong? Does someone of you had similar problems? I checked the instructions but could not find a failure…
If you have any information on this vehicle or can point out mistakes I make feel free to contact me. Your help is highly appreciated.
Thanks for your support.
Manuel
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