Bolt Action Panzer IV Ausf. B/C/D

It has been a while since the last world war tank reviews, especially in plastic, and today we cover the Panzer IV Ausf. B/C/D by Warlord Games in 28mm / 1:56 scale. This one is released about 8 years after the Panzer IV Ausf. F1/G/H plastic kit.

This kit marks the middle between the Panzer III and later variants of the Panzer IV. To be honest, I am a bit surprised, that we actually saw this one, especially with the inclusion of the Ausf. B and C, as they saw minor alterations to the hull, but were not produced in larger numbers and don't have any different rules than the Ausf. D, and even of that one only about 250 units were produced between 1939 and 1941. To put this into perspective, the Panzer IV was built 8,500 times in total, which is still far less than the 34,000 units of T34/76 or 50,000 units of M4 Shermans built in the same period.

The Panzerkampfwagen IV (or short PzKpfw IV or simply Panzer IV), was a medium German tank, and along with the Panzer III one of the work-horses of the German war machine. While the Panzer III was meant to be the main battle tank, the Panzer IV would have a supporting role - initially. Once mounted with the long barrel (the 7,5 cm KwK 40) the purpose switched entirely. While often the Panther and Tiger tanks often received all the glory and attention, the Panzer IV was the most important tank in the second half of the war. It was produced in different Ausführungen / variants, saw action in almost every theatre of war and its chassis was used for a lot of different derivates, like the StuG IV or Hummel. Yet, today's review covers the early production models, who remained in service until 1944, with the Ausf. D still covering the short 7,5-cm-KwK 37, but up armoured with thicker armour plates. The Ausf. B to D were used in campaigns like the invasion of Poland, France, Netherlands and Belgium, as well as on the Eastern Front and North Africa.

The Panzer IV was supplied to the allied nations of the Axis as well, Hungary received 32 early models, Bulgaria received 88 units, even Romania received tanks, who were used after them switching sides against the German army. Some nations like Spain or Finland bought tanks as well, and used these into the 1950 and 1960s, while Syria and Jordan bought various Panzer IV Ausf. G, J and H after the second world war and used them in the Six-Day-War, where they were either destroyed or captured. As for captured vehicles, just like the Panzer III, seven captured Panzer IV were used by the Red Army, under the denomination T-4 and were used between 1942 and 1943 as regular battle tanks. A year later, when the Soviets captured a total of eleven units of Panzer IV, were used for scout missions with German insignia to deceive German forces (similar to Brandenburgers).

But let us return to the model kit. This set includes one plastic Panzer IV spread across three sprues, a single Bolt Action stat cards, full-colour waterslide decal sheet, assembly & painting leaflet, and vehicle damage markers along with an order dice. The retail price is 24 GBP / 29 EUR.

Similar to the late variants kit of the Panzer IV, this one is an "inhouse" production by Warlord Games and not a cooperation with Italeri. The sprues are put to good use, but there would have been room for some stowage or additional content, like jerry cans, a flag or spare tracks. Yet a major problem from my point of view is the lack of numbering near the bits. As the instructions make use of them, it would be helpful to not have to browse to the first page for an image but actually have the numbers next to the bits on the sprue. Casting is clean and crip, with minor mould lines.

As usual we start from the bottom up, beginning with the tracks. The hull itself is empty and with tanks I recommend adding lead to the lower hull to give the vehicle a bit more grip. I use wheel weights, as they come with adhesive strip on the back.

Up until step G, the build is for all variants the same. You build a low bed of the Panzer IV chassis.

As we want to build Ausf. D, we have to jump to step U and build a turret with a different mount, as well as a different upper hull topper. The Ausf. D upper front comes with a step, while Ausf. B and C have a flat upper front.

Yet in this step, a few problems occur. Two different (!) pieces are designated the same number. As one is longer than the other, you can't mix them, but it is irritating at this step.

We fixed that issue, used the correct part and continued the build, adding hatches (which can optionally be opened or closed). The model comes with an optional tank commander, who can be painted in regular black tank uniform or yellow drab for North Africa.

Yet in Step Z for Ausf. D, you would have to jump back to Step N, to add the details like tools and lamps. This is not clear in the instructions; you will just wonder where the parts come from in the next picture. For itself, this wouldn't be a big problem, but with the missing numbers on the sprue, the wrong nomination of parts and having to browse through the instructions on top of that, to double check if you didn't miss anything it creates a rather annoying build experience.

For comparison, the Panzer IV Ausf. D by Warlord Games, in the middle, next to a Rubicon kit of the Ausf. F2/G/H (left) and the Ausf. F1/G/H by Warlord Games on the right.

And the tank from different angles.

Conclusion

While it is neat, that this kit covers three variants, it lacks excitement. I am even surprised, that we see this kit at all. For one, the early variants of this kit are incredibly rare, the rules in Bolt Action are the same for the Ausf. B to F, where the earlier 2015 kit already covers three different guns for the two different profiles the Panzer IV has in-game. And with the costs that a kit like this binds for a company, I am surprised they didn't invest it in something different, or at least in something with a bit more bang.

In direct comparison with Rubicon's Panzer IV Ausf. D/E, this one has less detailed tracks, no spare parts / stowage of any kind, and costs more. My only explanation is, that this is the first / a base kit of a newly cut Panzer IV model (with the low chassis), where we might see further variants made in plastic by replacing the upper hull / adding sprues, to recreate various derivates of the Panzer IV in plastic, like the Wirbelwind or Sturmgeschütz.

In combination with the mistakes in the instructions this wasn't the most pleasant experience with a kit and left me rather irritated what to make of it. Yet, fit was no problem and the clean-up of the few mould lines wasn't a big issue. If you're specifically looking for the early variants of B/C, this is probably the way to go. But beyond that, I'd suggest spending your money on the later variant by Warlord Games or go with the Rubicon kit.

Bolt Action is a brand of Warlord Games.

The reviewed product item was provided by the manufacturer.