The German PzKpfw IV Ausf H was one of the most widely used of the numerous German tanks, serving on all fronts until the end of the war. Academy’s kit is labeled “German Panzer IV Ausf H ‘ver. MID.’”
Many of the 471 parts in the kit are meant for different versions, so be careful and study the options in the instructions. There are 45 Zimmerit decals; they should be attached to the specific parts before assembly because of the locating holes that need to be opened by drilling or punching. I found that the Zimmerit decals needed a small amount of white glue to keep the edges down.
With the help of the 22-page instruction manual, the build went along with no problems. All the parts fit well with no filler needed. The only exception was the turret-to-hull fit, which was tight enough to prevent the turret from turning. Just trim the opening.
The one-piece vinyl tracks were well done and went together with no hint of the connection area. Even the acrylic paint adhered well.
I deviated from the camo paint scheme of the box art and color prints in the instructions to present something different, painting a tricolor scheme with Testors panzer dunkelgelb and Tamiya olive green and hull red. An over-coat of Pledge Floor Gloss was applied before decals so they would settle into the Zimmerit. I finished with dry-brushing, a wash, and a final coat of Testors Dullcote. I attached the tracks and other different hand-painted parts (tools, guns, muffler etc.) last.
Academy did a nice job on this kit — it’s a good, solidly detailed model that doesn’t need aftermarket photo-etch. I spent 35 relaxing hours building and painting, and I would recommend Academy’s PzKpfw IV to anyone who has a couple kits under their belt and can follow instructions.
Note: A version of this review appeared in the October 2018 issue.