GPM Panzer IV

[KCStephens]

It's been a while since I've done a proper build thread here on the forum. After finishing the Chaffee I took a short beak to spend the Holidays with family and focus on other real life obligations. Now, moving forward into the new year, I decided that it's time to build a new model, one that I have wanted to build for many years. I've had this kit in my stash for a long time, in fact it was one of the first commercial kits that I purchased back when I first started building paper models. So without any more rambling on lets get this thing started!
Here is GPM kit #237 PzKpfw IV Ausf. H

If you are not familiar with this kit, it is not lacking in detail. Like most other paper AFV kits it's published in the common 1:25 scale. The four color printing is well done with subtle weathering effects. Provided with the kit is an optional parts sheet that is printed on a heavily embossed stock that replicates the texture of Zimmerit. For a paper model it looks pretty convincing. This model also sports a fully detailed interior. With that in mind, all hatches will open and close and the turret will be removable to allow a peek at the details hidden inside the hull.

Like other tank builds, construction begins with the assembly of the hull.
The thing that makes this kit a little different is that due to the interior details, there are no extra internal frame work supports. The hull becomes stronger as the interior details are added.

So far I have the hull glued up and covered with the interior and exterior skins. Next I will begin to add some exterior details before moving back inside.

Wish me luck and enjoy the process as I do.

Happy New Year!

[Erik Zwaan]

Ah, very interesting project! There you go, I wish you luck (and a lot of fun) .

Erik

[Don Boose]

Great news on this auspicious day!

It's great to see that you have a new paper model tank under construction. I have a fondness for this particular tank since about 70 years ago, when I was in the hospital having my appendix removed, my parents gave me a 1/108 Authenticast PzKw IV, which I still have.

This build will be a great treat, and I hope that I will see it in person, either when you and I finally get to meet again at the Cafe Bruges or at one of the paper modelers' events.

Best wishes on this build!

Don

[rockpaperscissor]

I am very much looking forward to looking over your shoulder as you tackle this one Kevin. I know I will learn a lot.

[Jim Nunn]

If you don't mind I'll pull up a chair and look over your shoulder.

There is a error in the kit. The parts are correct but the assembly instructions are incorrect. The exhaust system should be rotated 180 degrees on the mufflers axis, the two pipes are the input to the muffler and the output is only one pipe. I don't remember any other issues with the model and GPM may have corrected this error in the later printings of the model.

Jim Nunn

[KCStephens]

Originally Posted by Jim Nunn

If you don't mind I'll pull up a chair and look over your shoulder.

There is a error in the kit. The parts are correct but the assembly instructions are incorrect. The exhaust system should be rotated 180 degrees on the mufflers axis, the two pipes are the input to the muffler and the output is only one pipe. I don't remember any other issues with the model and GPM may have corrected this error in the later printings of the model.

Jim Nunn

Thanks for the heads up Jim. I see what you are talking about. The two intake pipes will need to be relocated on my copy as well. (minor surgery)

[KCStephens]

Quick update:
The details have been added to the bottom of the hull. So far everything fits perfectly. Next I'll add some pieces to the sides of the hull then move to the interior. Stay tuned.

[RafaelDias]

Originally Posted by KCStephens

Quick update:
The details have been added to the bottom of the hull. So far everything fits perfectly. Next I'll add some pieces to the sides of the hull then move to the interior. Stay tuned.

Nice and clean work. Here in Brazil is almost impossible to find those kits

[KCStephens]

First of all thanks to Don, Diego & Rafael for stopping by to check things out.

Beginning of the hull interior.

Before the fun part starts I had to clean up one loose end with this kit. When GMP released it, for some reason they did not provide a part to cover the inside back panel of the engine compartment. Instead, the outside part was marked with the "paintbrush symbol" which translates to "paint the reverse side" or something like that. I have no idea why the part was not included, perhaps there was not enough space left in the book or more than likely it was just an oversight. Anyway I did my best to produce a part by scanning another existing part, enlarging it and cropping out a portion that closely matched the grimy texture of the engine bay. Since my color printer is currently out of ink its basically nothing more than a boat anchor. So, not having a choice, I had to use my laser printer but in the end I think it turned out OK, especially after adding a bit of pastel colors from a Tamiya weathering kit. Once glued in place, and covered with the engine, exhaust manifolds and other components I don't think it will be all that noticeable. So now that that's done I can move onto the more exciting stuff.

Stay tuned.

[Jim Nunn]

Outstanding color match on the paper edges.

Jim Nunn