Monogram Panzer IV

Okay guys, Al has drug me kicking and screaming over to the dark side.  In the next day or so I will be starting this kit.



Remember, this is the first armored model I have built since I was 13 years old ------ 61 years ago.  I'm hoping for criticism, but please be gentle; after all I am an old man with a bad heart.

Seriously, please make comments, suggestions and constructive criticism.  I kid about the dark side, but I am really looking forward to building this.  I'll appreciate any assistance in making this a reasonable model.  Thanks.

I knew you would come over one day!!!

You'll love the weathering side. Any questions ..... just ask. Here or on Skype!

I don't care much for the side armour but that's a personal thing and besides, you can leave if off if you want to.

From what I read about this kit, it's not the most detailed, nor the most accurate but does build up very nicely.



I read one review that said it was the perfect start for a junior modeller..... so it should suit you down to the ground young fella!!

Paint it black and white, John - then it won't seem alien to you.

Skid wrote:

I don't care much for the side armour

now ive always liked schurzen armour on a panzer, makes it look interesting, like Zimmerit does

look forward to seeing what you make of this, john

Zimmerit looks good Paul but to me aprons just look ugly and cumbersome, even if they are effective.

It's a good kit in general, some bits are a little in need of a light persuasion to make them line up/fit but it's all minor stuff.
Because it's so basic there's loads of opportunity for extra detailing.

Looking forward to the start.

There's a few armour builders to ask advice from on here if you need bailing out lol.

One of the best things about doing anything military, (tanks planes, etc.) is weathering. Washes of dark color to highlight molded-on features and panel lines apply to weathered "civilian" vehicles too. Working with matte/flat paint can be interesting too. Good luck, check some military model sites and Y.T. for how they do tanks. Ideas abound in camo and battle damage.

I am liking the Black and White idea

PAINT IT PINK JOHN !!!

Sam wrote:PAINT IT PINK JOHN !!!

Yeah, but a nice baby pink, don't want to make it too ostentatious

Made some progress on the Panzer over the last couple of days.  This Dark Side has some things going for it!  I have been surprised at the enjoyment I'm having.







As this is the first armor I have built in many, many years I have decided to stick pretty much to the instructions.  I have also decided that the paint scheme will be of the Panzer in Normandy in 1944.  The model will rest on a base that will represent a cobble stone street.  With that said, lets see just how close I can come to my fantasy.

Looking good John.

Keep after if John. I am sure you will get to where you want to go with it.

This Dark Side has some things going for it! I have been surprised at the enjoyment I'm having. wrote:

I shouldn't say this realy but just can't resist it. I TOLD YOU SO!!!

Now you've got the REALLY fun bit to come.... painting and weathering!!

Hi John,

Looking very good so far Sir, but, please come back to the light side soon...

Andy...

Got the base coats on today.





I'll get going on the camouflage tomorrow.

Here's today's progress report.











I'm pretty happy with the way things are going seeing as it has been many years since I last build a piece of armor.  Things will slow down for now though.  I have a grandson getting married this coming Saturday and SWMBO has many, many errands for me to run the rest of the week.

Looks good John. Nice blending on the camo.

I am surprised at how many spare track shoes are stowed on the outside. They must have seen issues with them. I don't remember having anything close to that on the Bradley!

Nice work for a "new frontier" in military building. Thanx.

Nice progress, John. It's really looking good.

Hi John,

It looks great Sir, factory fresh...

pete s wrote:I am surprised at how many spare track shoes are stowed on the outside. They must have seen issues with them. I don't remember having anything close to that on the Bradley!

I guess track technology would have come a fair way between the development between two vehicles...

Andy...

that was quick..............but now the weathering fun begins lol

That's looking good John. The darkside is taking hold of you!! LOL

Did you do the tracks the way I told you or did you 'stretch' them?

Oi...... No giving him tips Al, he needs to learn the hard way lol.