Two things people might want to know about the new Panzer IVD. People are saying that the detail is beautiful. Some things to consider though:
At over $40, it’s very expensive.
The tracks are individual links, rather than link and length. And since the Tristar people have a lot of overlap with the modelkasten people, the tracks are supposed to be very similar to modelkasten.
I don’t know HOW similar the kits tracks are to MK, but it’s keeping me from building buying the kit, as I really dislike building the MK tracks, and I don’t want to spend more money on AM tracks on an already-expensive kit. I may wind up getting the upcoming early Pz IV from Dragon and add the WWII Productions tracks, as the Dragon kits are fairly cheap.
How is it overall? Considering most Model Kasten track sets retail for over $25, the price doesn’t seem too bad. I mean most hard core German armor modelers automatically toss kit tracks into the parts box and buy Fruil or MK tracks, regardless of how good the tracks are. Including tracks that some would actually buy saves those folks money in the long run. A kit of this price is most likely aimed at that target market.
I have this kit, its a beauty, I got it for €40 a few weeks ago. The only thing I did not like I found out while reading an issue of AFV modeller, You have add your own welds between hull plates as all the upper is separate plates, other than that , cool!
Regards,
Terry.
ummm the cool thing about the Magic tracks with the Panzer IV E (if that’s what you refer to as the Panzer IV early) is that the guide teeth are hollowed out and you get a really long jig to encourage the tracks into a proper sag!!! I was going to buy the tracks from Fruil, but no need now that you get this! Yeah they take work, isn’t that what modelling is though?
The PzIV D kit does not include workable ModelKasten tracks ala the Pz I’s. The kit includes individual link tracks in the same vein as MK’s non workable’s.
The kit is excellent and has a lot of potential, but it is not without its problems. Definately worth the price tag. But no where near Dragon’s Panzer IV E when it comes to engineering and extras.
Moses, do you have either of the kits? I am a semi-fan of early German armor and like the basic look of the early panzer IVs. The old Tamiya kit is getting long in the tooth and the major manufacturers have ignored these early medium tanks until now.
I have the Tristar Panzer 1a and the MK tracks are fairly nice.
I have both kits Rob. The Tristar kit is very nice, but has some flash issues and fit problems, especially the construction on the 4 piece chasis. The Dragon kit gives you the option of 2 chasis already molded with extra armor plating etc. I have built half of the Tristar kit, but have shelved it to regain some sanity after constructing the the roadwheels and suspension. Ironically, Dragon’s Panzer IV E has almost the identical articulating suspension as Tristar. It is like Dragon took Tristars mold and used it for themselves. Pretty amzing if you asked me. I would expect Dragon will be releasing a full range of Panzer IV including the D in the near future. They would be crazy not to, since all they would need to do is add 1 or 2 extra sprues.