[TAKOM 8019] 1/35 Panzer IV Ausf. H Early Production — Out-of-Box Build Review
[TAKOM 8019] 1/35 Panzer IV Ausf. H Early Production — Out-of-Box Build Review
Today we're reviewing the very popular TAKOM Panzer IV Ausf. H Early Production. As usual, the finished build photo goes first.
The chassis of this Panzer IV is molded as a single piece, and the suspension swing arms are also molded as one part each, abandoning the complex multi-part assembly design. This makes assembly simpler while still maintaining detail. The swing arms have locating holes where they attach to the chassis, so once installed they sit essentially in a straight line, saving the effort of leveling them.
The rear armor plate of the chassis has quite a few parts, and the detail is good too. The exhaust muffler assembly needs seam filling, and the author added surface texture to achieve a seamless finish. The rear tow hook is movable, and the pin can also be inserted and removed.
Wheels and track running gear:
The drive sprocket is provided in two forms, either of which can be used. The tracks are semi-link-and-length, greatly simplifying the assembly process, and the upper track sag is pre-molded, making the assembly experience very pleasant.
The front hull armor can be built in two configurations, and the spare track mounting bars are optional. Here the author chose the installed state.
Upper hull assembly.
This section is a multi-part molded structure with good fit, and the weld seams are very realistically done. The driver's vision port on the front hull can be built open or closed. There are no clear parts here — the entire kit contains no clear parts. For the tow cable winding posts at the rear, the author used 0.5mm copper wire instead for strength.
Fender assembly:
The detail is quite good; the tool clasps are hollowed out but somewhat thick. The headlights have the wiring molded on. The fit is very good, and they attach firmly to the hull.
Hull assembly:
The fit is quite good. The author first used high-strength Sili glue to bond the front, while the rear needs to be pressed and bonded to ensure strength. This Sili high-flowability slow-drying glue takes about ten-plus seconds to dry, allowing plenty of time to adjust the position, and the result is very solid.
Turret assembly:
For the turret, the kit provides a metal barrel and two types of muzzle, and the turret side hatch cannot be opened. The coaxial machine gun is also provided in two forms: one with the gun and one without. The add-on armor mounting bars have locating tabs for gluing; just make sure to install them symmetrically left and right.
The commander's cupola is very finely molded, with each vision block molded separately — a shame they aren't clear parts.
Add-on armor installation: The armor blocks have locating points for gluing. The author first glued the rear curved armor, then worked forward to the front add-on armor, and they line up almost perfectly. The fit using these locating points is very good. However, the middle section armor cannot be opened.
Completed out-of-box build photos:
High-definition detail shots:
Brief review:
This is TAKOM's first newly tooled Panzer IV, positioned as a "Lightning Quick Build" product. This kit perfectly combines the quick-build design of modular molding, overall detail, and excellent fit. I'd call it a well-rounded "hexagon warrior" with balanced performance, and at a price of just over 100 (RMB), the value is maxed out. I believe more variants will be released along this Panzer IV line in the future, which is worth looking forward to.
A few shortcomings: no clear parts, the orientation of the hull gunner's and driver's hatch locking blocks is incorrect, and the position of the front headlight wiring doesn't feel quite right — on the real vehicle it should extend from the edge of the weld seam into the hull interior. Of course, this can be replaced with copper wire yourself.
TAKOM 8019 1/35 Ausf. H Early Sd.kfz.161/2 Tank Model Kit – ModelHives