Tristar 1/35 scale PzKpfw IV Ausf D

Kit: No. 35015
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Tristar, from VLS, 636- 356-4888, www.modelmecca.com. Future Tristar kits will be imported by Model Rectifier Corp., 732-225-2100, www.modelrectifier.com
Price: $49.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 969 parts (24 photoetched, wire), decals
Pros: Accurate outline, finely detailed parts, mounting tabs for small parts, separate tires for road wheels
Cons: Poor fit of the hull bottom to sides, poor fit of the cupola armor, some flash, main-gun bore too small

Hong Kong's Tristar is a new face in the modeling crowd, and if you like detail, you'll like Tristar's Panzer IV D. Details include individual-link track (without ejector-pin marks), partial turret interior, articulated suspension, photoetched metal details, and correctly patterned sprockets, road wheels, and idlers. My review sample also included later-pattern wheels and idlers, a hint of other versions to come.

Tristar molded handles on some of the tiny parts. The instructions show placing the parts on the model with the handles, then cutting the handles away. That eases assembly, but cut off the handles carefully or you could damage the model.

Markings are for four armored divisions from the French campaign. The decals are thin without excessive film.

Building the multi-step suspension and wheels proved challenging; each road wheel comprises six parts, each suspension arm seven. I found the numbers for the left and right suspension arms on the plans were opposite of those on the sprues, and flanges s1-24 and s1-25 have tabs that need to be removed. The inside rims of the road wheels (w2) had to be sanded a bit to allow the tires to fit over them.

The front and back ends of the hull's floor pan did not fit well into the locators on the hull sides. I noticed the floor pan had molding ripples, and this could have caused the mismatch. I fixed the problem by clamping the parts while the glue set.

The gun assembly's barrel (B13) was mislabeled E13. The muzzle (B1) had four notches that had to be filled, and the bore needed enlarging. The instructions show the lower front triangular turret plates molded on, but they are separate parts (B46 right, B45 left). Gaps between the sections of the cupola armor don't match the solid ring in reference photos.

I painted my model with Tamiya German gray (TS-4). I chose the markings for the Seventh Panzer Division, 25th Panzer Regiment. I found a picture of the vehicle I modeled in Kenneth Macksey's Panzer Division - The Mailed Fist. The model measures correctly based on dimensions in David Doyle's German Vehicles.

It took 35 hours to build this kit. Considering the large number of small parts and the fit problems, this kit is best suited to advanced modelers.

- Tom Foti