The Panzer IV Digital Library - PzIV Ausf H Painted 190816

[Pinky]

Good points, but the Panzer IV is a pretty vital tank, and likely to be popular. 

I'm expecting Rubicon to do at least 2 separate kits - maybe Ausf D/E/F and and Ausf G/H/J (possibly with an optional Wirbelwind turret, given that these later versions weren't hugely different from each other so less parts are needed).  That would be more manageable, and hopefully give them enough space on the sprues for some extras.

[Rubicon Models]

@Pinky, we are indeed looking into two Panzer IV kits.  Will see how the rest of the drawings going along, then decide.  We have decided to omit or simplify some minor features to cut down on part counts.  Some parts are just too difficult to produce and look real.

[ultravanillasmurf]

[edited]

I do not know enough about the Panzer IV to comment on any potential kit count or accuracy of the isometric pictures we have seen (they look nice though).

I do understand the merit of Ripley's comments on orthographic projections, they are easier to compare with other sources' drawings. They do however require the viewer to be able to assemble the drawing as a 3D object in their head,  something that is not required for the perspective modified isometric views.

Some orthographic views would be nice, engine decks and hatches are easier to see with a top view and silhouettes often define people's idea of what a particular vehicle looks like.

[tyroflyer]

My thoughts are an expansion kit with all the bits and pieces for different variants might not be profitable in its own right but would create extra sales of the base kit to make up for that.

[ripley]

The J version alone would require , 2 kinds of exhaust  ( barrel & flame damper ) , 2 idler wheels , ( welded & cast ) , steel  return rollers , . some had the extended hull sides with the tow ring , both full steel and Thoma mesh hull skirts , I don't know if 2 kits will cover the IV

[Rubicon Models]

Ausf J is the most troublesome for us because of multiple production versions; we might end up doing only ONE variant instead.  Will see...

[Pinky]

It isn't necessary to cover all the variations in the Ausf J.  Just pick one if the more common incarnations that doesn't involve too many additional parts. 

[ripley]

All versions of the IV have a few variations depending on where on the production line  was when things were introduced .  The early A-D had different hub caps on the road wheels than the later models . Then there's the different  drive sprockets and idlers , the exhausts , as well as various vision ports  on the turret and hull sides came and went . Just give it your best shot Rubicon . 

[Rubicon Models]

We spend a lot of time trying to find the most common features of each production variant,
then consolidate them into each type.  Since Panzer IVs were being produced by so many
factories, each had their own changes due to availability of components during the war.  We
can only do so much on this front.

Here is an Ausf F1, with something different...



Enjoy!

[tyroflyer]

I like it.

It is relatively small changes like this I think would make an Ausf C from an Ausf D. Then the entire war would be covered.

[H0ffmn]

Wow. I don't believe that I've ever seen a picture of the add-on turret armor like that pictured before. Where did you reference this from??

[ripley]

Called a " Vorpanzer " ( tank with additional armor )

[Pinky]

Interesting.  I would suggest there are better things to put on the sprue though.

[edit - I noticed both Ripley's photos show Ausf Es, not Ausf Fs.]

[Rubicon Models]

Interesting.  I would suggest there are better things to put on the sprue though.

It really depends on how many variants per kit plus how many sprue and sprue space is available.
This is a digital library, and we are trying to put in as many features into the library as possible in
a single go!  These feature might not be able to make it to the product, but might appear as an
expansion in either plastic or resin form... just like what we did with the Sherman project.

[tyroflyer]

I like your thoughts on this Rubicon. I hope you include Ausf C parts! As said before there are lots of bits that could go into an expansion which would encourage extra sales of the base kits.