Product Description

The Panzerkampfwagen IV has often been referred to as the workhorse of the German Army in World War II. This important weapon went through several upgrades and improvements during its lifetime and is the only German tank to have been produced continuously throughout the entire war.

In his previous title, Modelling the Early Panzerkampfwagen IV, Tom Cockle covered the early production Panzer IV. This book will cover the later versions of the tank, from those that were initially equipped with the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 to versions which were mounted with the L/48 gun.

Step-by-step photographs show how to model this tank across various scales and at various skill levels, making this book ideal for both beginners as well as advanced modellers interested in minuscule detail, scratch built extras and rare tank markings.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #434705 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-18
• Released on: 2007-09-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 80 pages

Review
"Osprey's Modelling series shows how advanced modelers use their knowledge, skills and expertise to create incredibly and correctly detailed models of all sorts... Each book discusses how a variety of model kits are used to make authentic looking WWII vehicles... If you are looking for books that provide the high detailing to take your miniatures to the next level, you should check these books out." -Michael Koznarsky, Historical Miniature Gamer (Issue 11)

"Typical of these manuals, the works are absolutely beautiful. These builds contain lots of brand name extras but also contain large quantities of sheet and shaped styrene and home made resin parts as well. Both authors/builders tell a concise and detailed building sequence with well detailed photographs to accompany the write ups. For those of you that love the Panzer IV, this is another MUST HAVE book." -Mark Aldrich, International Plastic Modelers' Society (December 2007)

"All of the articles are superbly done with nice color photos showing how the builder went from base kit and a pile of aftermarket to the end product. It is full of informative hints and tips and how-to pieces that can be used by modelers of just about any genre in addition to armor builders... Overall, it is another fine addition to the Osprey Modelling series and is something that modelers of all interest levels will find useful." -Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (October 2007)

"All of the segments are (of course) complimented by excellent photographs, each of which is accompanied by very informative captions... If modeling a Pz.Kpfw.IV "Lang" is in your future, this book belongs on the work bench right next to your kit and tools. Highly recommended." -Frank V. De Sisto, missing-lynx.com (September 2007)

"It's becoming a litany, but I genuinely feel that ALL modelers, no matter what their level of experience, could get something out of this book. That could be something as simple as painting tracks or the use of different materials or simply just a different approach to a particular problem. In that respect along with the very inspirational nature of the builds, I have no doubts in recommending this book..." -Jim Rae, Aeroscale (September 2007)

About the Author
Tom Cockle was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1949. He has been modeling for 25 years and has won several awards at US and Canadian model shows. His articles have been published in several magazines, including Military Modeler, Military in Scale, Military Modelcraft International, FineScale Modeler, and AFV Modeller. The author lives in Alberta, Canada.

Customer Reviews

good book but not for the beginner
Good book, very well illustrated, a bit outdated (given the new releases by model manufacturer).
In any case a good guide to the modeller considering also the fact that model instruction tend to be of not much help when it comes to detailing or optional parts.
However it is not a 'how to' book, but, given the general directions, lets the user guess how exactly obtain the desired results: thus I would not recomend it to the beginner.

Modeling the Late Panzerkampfwagen IV
Books as gifts for Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays cannot be beat! I recently obtained a copy of Osprey's Modeling the Late Panzerfampfwagen IV, by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmondson. German World War II armor has a great fascination for many modelers. I believe the many variations, camouflage and versions of the vehicles are the primary reasons for this appeal, at least for me it is. I have several modeling manuals and publications in my reference library, and my goal is to improve my building, painting and weathering techniques.

Often the publications feature articles for the master or advanced builder, and although some of the efforts shown are beyond the ability or desire of most builders, the information contained therein can be valuable and useful to many modelers. The publication date for this book is 2007, and therefore is quite recent. This is important to me: this hobby is dynamic and ever-changing. New materials and methods are constantly coming to the forefront, and I like the challenge of something new.

Contents

This book is full of excellent, close up and detailed images of models during the various construction and painting phases. The captions add clarity to the images.

The Introduction offers some information on the vehicles.

The next section reviews tools and materials normally used by modelers. Many are "required" for the more advanced work address in the advanced or master builds featured in the book.

Each build chapter identifies the subject, builder, skill level, basic kit(s) used, tracks used, photo etched parts, gun barrel and accessories used. Here, too, I like to see the accessories being identified and how they are used in the build. This gives me some idea for possible purchases and uses in future builds.

The first build is noted as an "intermediate level effort and addresses an Afrika Korps Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf F2, using parts from the then DML test shots for their IVF2(G) kit number 6360 and Italeri IVF1/G kit number 217. The builder uses Modelkasten tracks to replace the kit parts. A detailed account of the build is included. Mixing formulas for RAL 8020 Braun and RAL 7027 Grau using Tamiya acrylics is included.

The second build is a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf H "Fruhe" version. The work uses the Tamiya Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf H, kit number 35209, and the Dragon Models kit number 6264. This is an "advanced build" with many parts being scratch built or replaced with cast resin replacements. Here, too, the kit tracks were replaced with WW II Production resin parts. Detailed explanations for the side skirts and Zimmerit are covered.

The third build is a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf J, also and advanced level effort. The Dragon kit number 6360 and Tamiya 35181 kits are used. Photos of the completed models before painting reveal the many replacement components used in the build. A striped painting scheme is also shown.

The fourth build is also a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf J, and is a "Master" level. One of the major parts of this build article is the soldering effort used on the photo etched parts. This lesson can prove to be useful information for those willing to go the "extra mile" in their modeling.

The last chapter addresses a gallery of Panzerkampfwagen IV models with abbreviated build descriptions.

A list of museums and collections, further reading and web sites, and available kits and accessories. A detailed list of accessories is also included and will be helpful to those willing to spend the extra money to raise the fun level bar a few notches.

Special Features

The last page is a color plate of the various RAL paint colors used on the Panzerkampfwagen IV. The flip side of the color plate identifies the model paints or mixing formulae required to achieve the color. Either my color perception is off, or there is an error in the printing but the RAL 7027 Grau and the 7028 Dunklegelb look identical. The RAL 2027 does looks just a bit lighter when held under a bright light.

Conclusion.

I am very pleased to have this book in my reference library, and will use it often as a resource. The articles include techniques and methods that are bound to help improve my modeling. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in German WW II armor. I obtained this book from Amazon, and with a total purchase of more than $25.00 I save the postage and handling.