Dragon Panzer IV "Vorpanzer"

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

I mentioned before this is the 1st kit I’ve done in forever (10 years) and I’m actually researching the subject extensivily while building as opposed to my old method of just slapping it together(partially because I love history too!). 3 questions…

  1. I have several great panzer IV books with tons of photos, but I have yet to run across a “vorpanzer” version. I’ve seen Ausf E’s with some frontal aplique armor, but not the full deal like the dragon kit. Any sources you guys can point me to?

  2. What are the 4 chains on the back of the tank for? In a book it shows a nice photo and says to to protect a sensitive area from small arms fire and shrapnel…true?

  3. What was the purpose of the aerial deflector on the turrent. Plenty of mention of them, but I’ve yet to find the purpose.

Thanks…i have read all my books for the answers and searched the internet tons…but you look up vorpanzer and ALL you get is references to the Dragon model!!!

2

Well…I did find ONE pic…

http://tinypic.com/jt6tk7.jpg

3

The aerial deflector on the turret (not turrent) was used so that there wouldn’t be metal to metal contact with the aerial. This would interefere with the reception/transmission capacities of the radio set.

4

The chains (actually 5 of them) belong to the armored smoke candle rack. If hit by small arms or shrapnel the smoke candles could accidentally ignite.

I can’t seem to find any photos of this vehicle, and I have several books on just Panzer IVs.

5

Could you please help me understand what the chains where for Kykeon?
I mean the box was armored to protect the shells, but how could the chains help?

6

Here is a site that details the operation of the smoke candles;

http://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/collectionworkshop_0900.html

7

So the chain was there to arm the flares when the commander decided to launch them.
The flare beeing spring loaded and the chain secured to the box hence pulling out a safety pin as the flare is ejected.
I guess that the firing order was from left to right and that only spent compartments would show the chain hanging down unsecured.
Thanks again Kykeon!