280077 Panzer IV Ausf F/F2/G/H

[Rubicon Models]

Assembly Instruction for Panzer IV Ausf F/F2/G/H

















Last Update: 190703

[Tracks]

Part G16
This part can also be used when assembling the Ausf. G as well (step 5a). In fact, more Ausf Gs had this feature than not. It was not as common on the Ausf F (or F2), so if they were to pick only one step to included it, part G16 should have been in step 5a. Realistically, it can be used for steps 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a. Yes, 6a (Ausf H), but only on early production vehicles in very limited numbers. Of all the steps, it would be the most common for step 5a (Ausf. G). Hence the name of the part, "G" 16. 

Part G10 and G13
Not commonly used, and in fact, its hard to find photographic evidences of its use, so this part is very much optional.

[Rubicon Models]

Part G10 and G13
Not commonly used, and in fact, its hard to find photographic evidences of its use, so this part is very much optional.

This is also why these two parts were placed on the G sprue, together with G16. 

[Tracks]

Simple advice for new modellers., so if you are not new there is no reason to read this:

The new Rubicon Models Panzer IV Ausf F/F2/G/H is a wonderful plastic model kit, but extra modeling skill and/or care is needed when assembling this fantastic kit because a slight misfit - even if only a fraction of a millimeter - could cause issues and gap lines. Because of the fine precision made parts, you have tight and close tolerances to work with. Not a problem what-so-ever for an experienced model maker, but might cause disappointment for someone not used to the fine art of model making. As a result, they might not get the bits to fit perfectly. Also, read the instructions carefully, because sometimes it says assemble part-X to part-X first (the turret note). I can't see why that is, but I followed the instructions for assembling the turret and I got a perfect fit in the end - no gaps or seams. The parts are almost a perfect fit. I say "almost" because a little effort was needed to make the parts fit perfectly.

Also, dry fitting can pay off. For example, when I dry fitted part E15 to parts A05 + B25 I had a small gap at the front. By dry fitting I found out why. I took my hobby knife and shaved off the bottom edge (hidden when assembled) at the front and got a perfect fit with no gap what-so-ever. When you dry fit these parts, you will see what I'm talking about. It didn't take much to get it to fit perfectly, and you could also file the edge. Careful to remove only the bottom edge though.

Overall, this is a great plastic model kit. My fear is that when the molds start to age and show some wear and tear, I think the precision parts are going to have some issues as well as molding flash.