German Panzer IV Ausf. H Ver. Late 1:35 Academy 13528

Plastic model kit: German Panzer IV Ausf. H Ver. Late 1:35 Academy 13528

We present a plastic model kit of the German medium tank Panzer IV Ausf. H in 1:35 scale, produced by the renowned company Academy. This model is an excellent choice for enthusiasts of World War II history and modeling enthusiasts who wish to recreate one of the most iconic armored vehicles of that period.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 13528

History and significance of the Panzer IV:

Panzerkampfwagen IV, commonly known as the Panzer IV, is a German medium tank that was developed in the late 1930s and was widely used during World War II. It was the most produced German tank and the second most produced German armored vehicle with full tracked drive during the war. A total of 8,553 Panzer IV units were produced in all versions, second only to the assault gun StuG III, of which 10,086 units were made.

The Panzer IV was used on all fronts where Germany fought and was the only German tank that remained in continuous production throughout the war. Initially designed to support infantry, it gradually took on the role of engaging other armored vehicles, replacing the Panzer III in this role. As the conflict progressed, the Panzer IV underwent numerous upgrades aimed at increasing its combat effectiveness and adapting to new threats on the battlefield.

Specifications of the Ausf. H version:

The Ausf. H version, which began production in June 1943, was designated Sd. Kfz. 161/2. In this version, the integrity of the front armor was improved by making it a single plate with a thickness of 80 mm. A reinforced final drive with higher gear ratios was introduced. To prevent the attachment of magnetic anti-tank mines, which the Germans feared would be used by the Allies, Zimmerit paste was applied to all vertical surfaces of the tank's armor.

The turret roof was reinforced, and the sides of the hull and turret were additionally protected by adding skirts of 5 mm and 8 mm thickness. During the production of the Ausf. H version, rubber return rollers were replaced with steel ones, and the front drive wheel and rear idler wheel were gradually replaced with lighter castings. The weight of the tank increased to 25 tons, which affected its maximum speed, which dropped to 16 km/h off-road.

Usage and export:

The Panzer IV was the most frequently exported tank in German service, sold to countries such as Finland, Romania, Spain, and Bulgaria. After the war, Syria purchased Panzer IVs from France and Czechoslovakia, which participated in the fighting during the Six-Day War in 1967.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.