First tank?

[Avgas]

I've never built a tank before and know very little about them. I fancy loosing my tank virginity on the Heinz Sig build next year so does anyone have any recs for an easy kit, I think it's a panzer IV that has to be built. I'm a 1/48 man so would like to stay in quarter inch if poss although would be willing to try another scale if there's nothing in quarter.


I'm not interested in clever kits or aftermarket for my first build, just something that goes together easily for a numpty.

[GangsterNo1]

Tamiya have some Pz IVs in their 1/48 range. I have one of their 1/48 Tigers which seems nice in the box with the diecast metal hull. Not built it yet though.

https://www.emodels.co.uk/model-kits/mi ... &scale=375

[CharleyGnarlyP290]

+1 on the Tamiya stuff.
My son built the Sherman Firefly in 1/48 and it is a very nice kit, with very nice detail, but not hard to build. It was his first armor kit, as a matter of fact. And it turned out great.

[Avgas]

Thanks guys.

[Paddy]

You cannot go wrong with the Tamiya 1/48 kits. Mainly use link and length tracks which are moulded very well. Just a little warning though, their 1/48 range can be very addictive!

[Avgas]

Thanks Paddy, looks like being this one then http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/1-48-ge ... 32518.html. What does all the lettering mean after Panzer IV, and if it's a mark four did they do a 1,2 and 3?

[wookiee76]

Ausf ( whichever letter follows) is the version of it, an abbreviation of aufsklarung ( or something like that) and i believe sd kfz ( insert number) refers to almost a model number, i may be wrong and probably am!

[Sepple]

The "Sd.Kfz" means "Sonderkraftfahrzeug", in english something like "special ordonance vehicle".
"Ausf" is "Ausfuehrung", which stands for the "execution" of the vehicle.

Regarding to the above link
http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/1-48-ge ... 32518.html

Sd.Kfz. 161 stands for Panzer IV
Ausf. J describes which gun and other characteristics this executions had.
all described in detail here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_IV

and the 32518 is just the ordering number

[Avgas]

Thanks All.

[Paddy]

I know this will sound wrong but the Panzer IV is second only to the T34/85 in pure sexiness....... yep, just read that back to myself and it does sound wrong.... hope you know what I mean.

[Avgas]

I've seen a few tanks while I was looking for the Tamiya one (on order as I write along with my first ever sub) and I quite like the look of those Tiger tanks. Also the American Pershing looks very much like I would draw a tank if asked. I don't think any of them could be described as sexy though, not exactly P51s are they. More what you would describe as 'functional' I think...

Now modern subs can look very sleek indeed.

[Paddy]

Lol, I was a tad worried that it was only me that sees them as 'sexy'.... looks like I was right to worry

[Joesdad]

Thanks Paddy, looks like being this one then http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/1-48-ge ... 32518.html. What does all the lettering mean after Panzer IV, and if it's a mark four did they do a 1,2 and 3?

Yeah looks a cracking kit Dave, maybe I ought have a dabble, I've got plenty of time to make my mind up after all...
http://www.super-hobby.co.uk/products/G ... 161-2.html