PZ IV Ausf G late
Sd.Kfz 161/2
4°PZ division, Kursk 1943
Kursk is often mentioned as the most important tank battle of the Second World War, which is now questioned by some historians. Anyway, during the two months of the battle (July/August 1943) a significant number of tanks were engaged by both sides, and many were lost. The photos that inspired the construction of this PZ IV would have been taken by the Russians at the end of the battle, and show a PZ IV Ausf G, Division, abandoned on the ground by the 4° PZ DIvision
This PZ IV is interesting because it had to be produced at the time of the change between the Model Ausf G and Ausf H. the study of the photos, taken in the autumn of 1943 shows that they are undeniably a G, of which it possesses the essential characteristics (old model transmission, bolted aditional armour introduced on all production from April 1943, among others). Therefore it was likely produced in May, as it shows several of the improvments implemented with the introduction of the Ausf H wich production started in May : Air filter on the right Mudguard, antenna moved to the left rear. The Shurzen (Lateral additional armour) are not introduced with th Ausf H, as it was set up on ausf G since March 1943, and very often retrofited on Ausf G produced before
The Gun is likely the 7.5 cm KwK 40 L48, which the cannon that has been mounted in the PZ IV ausf G since April 1943. The shurzen, whose support is clearly visible in the previous photo on the left side, were torn off during the fighting. This happened very frequently, and the visible attachment model on this tank (the plates are bolted on the rail) will be replaced a few months later (Oct. 1943) by a model on which the plates are simply placed on the rail thanks to triangular-shaped teeth. If the plate is stuck by an obstacle, it slides out of its housing, thus avoiding tearing off all the sisteme of hanging. The air filter, introduced in May 1943 is visible on the picture.
The case of the PZ IV Hasegawa will be used when modified. Indeed, the revell kit cannot be used because it represents a case model (dead case and straight rear panel) which will not be introduced until January 1944, shortly before the introduction of ausf J. The 30mm bolted over-armour is added in plastic card, the bolts are stretched sprue. An EP set from the Part brand is used to detail the Hasegawa kit. The raild is Shurzen on the left side, is made in aluminum foil (Snatched on the right side). To match the diorma scenario (a crew evacuating its tank under the fire of the enemi, the left-sided lateral turret hatch is hollowed out. The inside of the armoured doors, which will be opened, are detailed
The fenders of the hasegawa set, which do not correspond to a G and are devoid of anti-slip, are replaced by the Part set. The revell turret is used with some modification. It is perfect for an ausf G, as it corresponds to an early ausf H model. The Pilzens (anchor of a small crane) that appear with the Ausf J in February 1944 will have to be removed.
