My First Serious Tank Build: Dragon 1/72 Panzer IV Ausf D

[Texan76 926]

Other than an Abrams I built for a friend, and wargame tanks, this is my first serious effort at an armor build. I heard good things abound the new tool Dragon Pz IV Ausf D, so I decided to give it a try. Plus, I'm interested in the Afrika Korps, so I found a decal sheet on eBay for DAK vehicles. 

 

This kit is superb. Perfect fit and a minimal part count. The detail is very nice for the scale. The only issue I came across was when it came to decal time, I found that the decal reference subject differed in some ways than the kit, even though the subject of the decals was also a Ausf D. The most noticeable difference is in the absence of the box on the back of the turret. I was too far into it at that point to stop, so I just slapped on the decals and went. I'm not a Panzer expert, so I don't know which is wrong, the decal reference or  the kit. So, there's a possibility that this is not 100% historically accurate.

 

Despite that, I enjoyed the build. I used Ammo Mig washable Sand over a Panzer Grey primer to achieve the worn paint look. I weathered with enamels, oils, and pigments. Any constructive criticism is welcome. I'm new to the armor category and am eager to learn.

 

[Arachnid 219]

Nice 1/72nd model,thought it was 1/35th well executed

[celt 1,424]

Well tidy.

[Gerrardandrews 495]

Very honest looking armour model 😎

[3DStewart 391]

Always good to see 1:72 armour and yours is a good build.

 

Can I suggest that the spare track on the front is either rusted up or painted desert yellow like the rest of the tank. If it's not painted, it's going to rust.

[Texan76 926]

On 5/8/2017 at 1:39 PM, 3DStewart said:

Always good to see 1:72 armour and yours is a good build.

 

Can I suggest that the spare track on the front is either rusted up or painted desert yellow like the rest of the tank. If it's not painted, it's going to rust.

 

Thanks for the tip. I used a dust wash to weather the spare track, as I figured that it shouldn't rust in a very dry climate such as the desert. At least that was my thought.

[Kris B 2,233]

Good job with this little tank. 

[3DStewart 391]

11 hours ago, Texan76 said:

 

Thanks for the tip. I used a dust wash to weather the spare track, as I figured that it shouldn't rust in a very dry climate such as the desert. At least that was my thought.

 

Dry during the day, but there can be dew at night and even in the desert it can rain, especially along the coastal strip.  Also steel tracks are cast or forged, so when new will have the blue back patina of hot working and quickly acquire rust marks, unless painted.

[Badder 8,681]

15 hours ago, Texan76 said:

 

Thanks for the tip. I used a dust wash to weather the spare track, as I figured that it shouldn't rust in a very dry climate such as the desert. At least that was my thought.

A tidy little job.

I wouldn't worry about the 'rust, no rust' dilemma. It's possible that the spare tracks are new replacements following a recent track repair, or that they are older but wind-blown sand scoured the surfaces clean.

 

Rearguards,

Badder