German Jagdpanzer IV/70(V)Lang

I remember when the only German AFV’s based on the PzIV series chassis were 1/32 scale and made by Monogram that were nowhere near as detailed as Tamiya and other manufacturers make today. Tamiya contributes to the PzJgr IV (70) model with a much more detailed model that is well-molded, with easy instructions and a superb painting sheet that shows actual paint and commo schemes used by the Germans to paint these vehicles. One of my favorite kits!

Perhaps my favorite armored vehicle of WWII. This high caliber, high velocity, substantially armored tank destroyer is a no-nonsense, utilitarian vehicle with a streamlined silhouette. It's a beautiful menace. Who could do it better than Tamiya. One of my favorite vehicles and one of my favorite all time kits.

The Tamiya Jagdpanzer IV/70(V) Lang in 1/35, kit No. 35340 is a 2014 released kit with great easy to follow instructions, in a booklet format. As an added bonus, the kit includes a fold out glossy paper background information/paint and marking pamphlet. This document includes color images of the actual vehicle and a painting guide to show the builder how to paint the water camouflage pattern on the uniforms of the commander and loader figures provided in the kit. The painting and marking guide provides the builder with three different tri tonal paint schemes. Vehicle numbers provided are 322, 313 and 103. Colors called for are for Tamiya's red brown xf-64, dark green xf-61 and dark yellow xf-60. The tracks are highly detailed one piece vinyl parts that can be assembled using plastic cement. The sprocket wheels and suspension parts have excellent bolt detail. Pioneer tools look correct for scale, however the tool clamps do not have hollow latch buckles. The decals are thick, but they are all in register. The kit's decal set even includes the label for the fire extinguisher, a detail often overlooked by other brands. The crew figures are excellent with no fit issues. Although the kit has periscope blocks, they are not molded in clear plastic. The barrel included in the kit is slide molded, which negates the need to purchase Tamiya's Metal Gun Barrel Set (Item 12660) for this kit. I compared this kit to the Dragon version of this tank destroyer and the price point difference was substantial enough for me to go with the Tamiya version. Although the parts fit of this model is excellent and the build is trouble free, I would recommend this kit for the intermediate to advanced builder due to the tri-tonal camouflage pattern that is best applied by an airbrush to obtain a feathered, blended appearance. With careful attention to building, painting and weathering, this kit can be made into an accurate, detailed replica of this historically significant armored fighting vehicle.