Panzer IV Ausf. D

Manufacturer: CommandersSeries Models (Kit No. 3019)

Although marketed as acomplete kit, there are, in fact, several smaller details notincluded, such as headlights, pioneer tools, etc. This isessentially a modified ESCI Panzer IV kit. Most of theappropriate changes and modifications for the Ausf. D have beenmade. The front hull shape has been changed, and spaced armor hasbeen added. The engine deck has been altered, but the filling ofthe engine grates was not completely smooth, and will need to betouched up. The engine exhaust pipes have been alteredaccordingly. Unfortunately, the only detail that was overlookedwas the early style sprocket and idler wheels. The wheels in theESCI kit (and hence, this one) are appropriate only for latermodel Panzer IV's. Unless some early wheels can be foundsomewhere else, it will be very difficult to scratch-build yourown. The gun barrel will need to be lengthened a bit, as theexample in my kit has been short-shot. The ends of the fendershave also suffered from air bubbles in the mold, and need to befixed. Many of the smaller details needed to be added to this kitcan be obtained from the Hasegawa Panzer IV Ausf. F1.

Aside from the incorrectwheels, this resin kit is very good, and should build into anexcellent Panzer IV D. Unfortunately, Commander Series has leftthe small scale armor market, so this kit is now out ofproduction.