Kit: No. 6264
Manufacturer: Dragon, from Dragon Models USA, 626-968-0322, www.dragonmodelsusa.com
Scale: 1/35
Price: $37.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 1,125 parts (178 photoetched, 18 formed metal), decals
Pros: Three versions, turned-metal parts, extensive photoetched parts, high degree of detail, officer figure
Cons: Minor errors on instructions, dissimilar detail level on part versions, gaps at hull seams

The Panzer IV E with the KwK 37- 75mm gun, benefitted from lessons learned on the battlefield. It had thicker armor than earlier versions, a redesigned commander’s cupola, a simplified main drive sprocket, and glacis hatches recessed into the armored superstructure.

Dragon’s Panzer IV Ausf E “3 in 1” kit is packed full of gray styrene and photoetched and turned-metal parts. Early, late, and Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) versions can be built with the parts included. The moldings are crisp with little flash and only light mold-parting lines. Most parts are molded with detail on both sides and some have beveled edges for a more scale-like appearance.

In addition to the three version choices, extras include turned-brass shells, a basic turret interior, open or closed vision slits, a turned-aluminum barrel, standing German officer figure, and even plastic prickly pear cacti to add to your North Africa diorama!

There’s lots of detail in this kit, including scale rivets, bolts, and weld seams, along with the distinctive screw-head pattern on the turret roof. The styrene barrel also includes rifling, although it’s missing from the aluminum version.

The individual tracks have the correct right-left detail and the went together with ease. Also included is a handy track assembly jig with the sprocket radius and correct idler sag molded in.

The two-page, 18-step instructions are clearly illustrated using part numbers for locations and inset illustrations for version details. Painting and marking diagrams are also included. Markings for 10 units are provided, the majority for Eastern-front units, with three for DAK units. The decals are thin, in register, and colors appear accurate. An extra set is included with additional vehicle markings and data.

Construction was straightforward but slow because of the number of parts and time needed to establish which parts were to be used on my particular version. I noticed the inset drawing for the fuel covers in step two had the hull part numbers reversed. Parts B18 should mount to hull X1, and B1 should mount to hull X2.

In step 13 the turret-mounting hole is located slightly off center. The locking tabs on part F8 had to be removed for the turret tub to seat correctly. Joining the upper and lower hull halves produced a gap in the forward glacis, requiring a .010″ styrene strip to fill it.

Also in step 18, the triple spare roadwheel rack doesn’t fit with the side-step assembly already in place. The side step is mounted in step 10, so you’ll have to decide then whether you want the step or the road-wheel rack.

I painted the kit using Vallejo Air Color green brown (No. 30), followed by Polly Scale clear gloss on the areas to receive decals. The unit markings lay down nicely with the help of Micro-Sol. I finished up with a pin wash to bring out the details.

I spent 60 hours building and painting my Panzer IV. The kit looks accurate compared with photos in Walter Spielberger’s Panzer IV and its Variants. It was fun to build and fit pretty well, but with so many parts, it’s not for the beginner.

– Phil Kirchmeier