WWII German Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.J Basic (for Dragon)

[Mike]

WWII German Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.J Basic (for Dragon)

1:35 ET Model

ET Model are a new name in update sets to me, and are based in China, producing Photo-Etch and resin sets for AFV modellers in 1:35 scale, with a leaning toward WWII German subjects.

The Panzer IV was the workhorse of the German tank divisions throughout WWII, filling the gaps left by the lack of Panzer V or Tiger production until the end of the war. The J variant, (Ausf J), was produced in large numbers from 1944 onwards, with estimates of over 3,500 made. It was a simplified variant, designed for quick production to replace heavy losses in the battles for France and Germany, as well as on the Eastern Front.

This set is described by ET Model as “basic”, which is far from the truth. It is actually a rather comprehensive set, and arrives in a well presented package, in a thick close fitting wrapper. The three PE frets are taped securely to the thick black backing card, and a folded 2 x A4 instruction sheet is set behind the card, printed on a calming shade of green paper. Presentation is excellent, and the instructions easy to follow, with explanatory markings for which parts are appropriate at what point of production, described as early, mid and late. Clearly, a lot of research has been done to get this information.

The large fret is 9.5cm square, the smaller 9.5cm x 4cm, and the smallest 5cm x 2.5cm, and pretty much all of this area is used up with parts for your Dragon kit. Some short lengths of styrene or brass rod will be needed here and there, with 1.3mm, 1.2mm, 0.8mm, 0.5mm, and 0.4mm diameters used, so be prepared to have some in stock.

A set of pioneer tool tie-downs is first off the blocks, with a believable locking mechanism that allows the modeller to pose it open or closed, at their whim. A large “basket” for stowage of spare roadwheels is fabricated from PE and rod, with additional tools attached to the shirt sides, and field modification in the shape of a bar across the front lower hull can be used to store additional track links, either for use, or as additional frontal armour. Further track stowage tie-downs are also provided to avoid that “plonked on” look that is so often evident when modellers add additional tracks to their models.

Spare wheel racks, upgrades to the running lights and further tool clamps, as well as the fire extinguisher and wooden blocks carried as chocks are provided next, which are shown installed on the hull in the following diagram. Additional bullet splash guards are also included, replacing parts of those moulded into the hull. Various latches and locks are also added at this stage, and yet more tool tie-downs follow. On the following page, the exhausts are adapted to have PE shrouds, with three fins holding the exhaust pipe central in the shroud, as well as a strut holding the exhausts and shrouds steady against the hull, and the jack gets a comprehensive upgrade. Another rack is installed on the starboard side of the hull, and brackets for the aerial are also provided.

Moving on to the turret, all of the crew access doors are given new detailed internal latches, and stop strips running down the meeting point of the double doors. The turret bustle stowage bin is overhauled with brackets, a new top and lid, plus a pretty detailed lock. A pair of drip-rails used in early and mid variants can be installed over the crew side-hatches, and an outer ring with a needle-sight attached is added around the commander’s cupola – that’ll be fun to roll to the correct shape! Different latches and hinges are then provided for the early/mid and late variants of the hatch, and a rather complex machine-gun mount is built up for the front of the raised commander’s cupola.

The pictures below include the fender set that is also available from ET Model (EA35-069), so ignore the fenders for our purposes:

Conclusion

Phew! So much for basic… it’s a great set for updating your Dragon Ausf.J, and will give it a lot of visual interest, as well as individualising your chosen subject and adding a lot of authentic fine detail. As mentioned earlier, presentation is excellent, and the instructions clear and concise. The nature of the small parts will exclude the novice modeller, but anyone with experience of working with PE shouldn’t struggle unduly working with this set.

Highly recommended to those comfortable working with PE.

ET Model products are available from the UK via Cove Models

Review Sample courtesy of