I recieved an RC 1/18 scale Panzer IV Ausf J for Christmas. While the RC part is a little on the suspect side, it’s not a bad looking base model, and I’m sure with a little tinkering the RC part could be smoothed out. I have mostly modeled in 1/35 scale, and welcome detailing a larger model.
Since this scale is much larger, I am thinking of making a lot of things actually work on the model, such as working hinged turret skirt doors, hinged mudflaps, etc. Any suggestions on the materials I might use to make working hinges? Maybe even a tip about scale bolts and nuts?
This project just might get more involved than I originally thought. It might not be an Ausf J model, but rather an Ausf H with the three Pilz sockets on the turret roof. It is also missing the auxiliary generator muffler on the rear of the hull. The cover for the fume exractor on the turret roof is of the smaller pre 1943 variety and the commanders cupola will either need to be completely replaced or the armored covers cut into the exsisting one.
The profile of the turret skirts are much like the Tamiya 1/35 scale model in that they are thin on the edges and thicker in the center. The skirt mounting brackets are oversized with very oversized and extended pockets on the skirts to sit them into. As with any toy, much of the inacurate/oversized nature of the model stems from the durability and safety issues involved in the targeted age group. All of the hatches on the hull were glued shut, but with a little scoring and prying, all came loose withaout any severe damage. This made no sense to me until I realized that it was most likely done to keep dust and dirt out of the RC equipment inside.
As for the running gear, much fudging was done to facilitate a durable RC toy. The relief of the final drives for the sprocket are shallow, as are the individual bogeys. Interestingly, the idler mount looks to be somewhat believable, as are the support rollers. In any case I might just try my hand at scratchbuilding replacements for the sprocket and bogeys, but at a much later date! The track is rubber and consists of two sections that have been rivited together. It seems to be quite strong and is, for the most part, accurate. No hollow center guides, though.
RC control? Well, let’s just say that it could use some improvements. One would be to make the speed control variable. With fresh batteries, the thing is like a race car that steers with brakes. The two stick control is quite fun once the batteries loose some juice, though! It climbs stuff pretty well, too. Anyone know if the real Panzer IVs’ were capable of neutral steering? This thing doesn’t like neutral steering very much!
All in all not bad for a surprise gift! Can’t wait to take it outside in the future!