Following up its Jagdpanzer IV/70(V) (No. 35340) from several years ago, Tamiya has released its cousin, the Panzer IV/70(A). Germany hastily designed this vehicle to increase the production of tank destroyers that used the Panther’s 75mm gun by simply placing a boxy structure on a standard Panzer IV chassis. The A designation means it was built by Alket as opposed to V for Vomag.
Tamiya has improved this kit over the earlier release with link-and-length tracks and photo-etched metal (PE) parts to recreate the mesh skirts. In addition, the main portion of the barrel is molded as a single piece with the muzzle added to the end.
Assembly proceeds quickly with hardly any cleanup. The lower hull builds the same as the earlier version, with the exception of the tracks. The track segments are keyed on the first return roller, so the assembly is very straightforward.
I normally deviate from the instruction sequence by building the main superstructure first, minimizing the chance of breaking off small pieces. This worked well for me except for Step 13, which builds the rear deck. There are three small hooks for the spare track links (parts E39), and two sets of rods for the spare wheels (parts C65 and C65), that must be built in the order presented. I didn’t, so I had to gingerly break apart the main pieces to add them.
Also, I did not glue the superstructure on until the very end, including the fenders. This made painting and weathering the running gear much easier. When it came to adding the top, it just snapped into place and required no glue.
The commander’s hatch was the only place that gave me any trouble. I ended up breaking it several times during the assembly and eventually just glued it in the open position. Be warned: It’s a fragile component.
Tamiya provides a separate set of color instructions for the painting guide, and it also contains a brief history and photos of the lone remaining vehicle in Saumur, France. After priming the kit with gray primer, I airbrushed the specified Tamiya colors for the camouflage. I used Vallejo paints for any detailed brush painting because I find them easier to control on tiny parts.
The kit provides markings for two versions: one on the Western Front in 1944, and one on the Eastern Front in 1945. They went down well over Tamiya Clear (No. X-22) and were sealed with a coat of Tamiya Semigloss Clear (No. X-35). One of the decals is partially behind the cleaning rod assembly on the right side of the vehicle (Part C4). I recommend leaving that part off until you’ve finished putting the decal on that side.
Note that Tamiya has also released a separate detail set (No. 12660) that includes a replacement metal barrel and additional plastic parts for a detailed gun breech. However, since there is no other interior provided, and little can be seen from the two hatches, I don’t think it would add much value.
Overall, the Tamiya 1/35 scale Panzer IV/70(A) plastic model kit was a joy to build. Everything just fell into place, and I only spent about 10 hours building it, with another 12 hours for painting and weathering. It would be great for a beginner with a few kits under their belt, especially as an introduction to assembling PE. Experienced modelers could use it as a therapeutic break from more complex kits. I know I did, and I am happy with the result.