Late production Panzer IV J

 So my frankenstein Panzer IVJ which now has parts from two manufacturers and 5 different kits.

I want to make up three, 2 mid production which will be easy as that is just the exhaust system and simplified construction and 1 late production version which I am considering making into the OP variant.  That will have the StuG cupola and artillery periscope added.  It might not quite be practical as a gaming model but we will see.

I Started with the revised rear plate and tracks from the BF Jagdpanzer IV kit

With the idea of using a standard Panzer IV Turret with the PSC Turret armour applied

And the additional 80mm Bow armour

Pistol ports removed

Then I changed my mind and went with a set of Panzer IV J tracks. And removed the old style antenna mount

Late style cupola

Starting to come together

Also removed all the vision ports from the turret

And also removed the left hand port from the turret face.

Found a decent mantlet (the one on the right)

All mated together

Additional detail on the turret roof

Added the reinforced ring around the base of the cupola, new shovel and track sets

A bit more consolidation

Front detail added.  I want to go back and add the front tow hooks.

An now starting on the tubular schurzen rails.  

Still need to do the front brackets and then fit the bar before making the mesh side skirts

Greenstuff

 As I can't find anyone with figures in smocks, I have been trying my hand at greenstuff.

Sdkfz 234/2 90% done

90% complete. I need to go and look at the exhaust colour on this otherwise it is done.  Kept this one a lot simpler and only went with the Reseda Opt B over the DGIII basecoat. Tan Filter and a brown pin wash.

Sdkfz 251/3 Finished

for now anyway.  I don't want to spend much more time on this which will only appear in a couple of games.

Sdkfz 251/3 ausf D update

update. took a couple of photos through the optivisor lenses. result :)

Panzer IV J

The Wacht Am Rhein book has the need for a pair of Panzer IV J.  I don't know enough about the variant and all its differences so this is my approximation.

Bit of styrene strip and new cuploas added (from the PSC Panther kit) for a one piece look.  Apart from that nothing else

Pre shading

DGI 1944 Base coat

With Reseda Green and the Rotbraun from MiG

Sat waiting to move up the pile