PzKpfw IV Ausf H Tank

Was pretty average build, some parts had more flash than I was used to. I just looked at it as more practice to perfect my skills. Decals were too thick, even after several coats of dullcote you could still see the edges of the decal. So I recommend aftermarket decals or if you if you have some left over from another kit. Does not come with a figure like it says in the description. I've been getting better at painting figures and was looking forward to painting it, so was a little disappointed. Overall its an ok kit, but it's has potential.

The plastic is very cheap compared to a Tamiya model. The instructions don't tell you how to paint parts. The pieces don't fit very well. The treads seem to be a little too small and you really really have to stretch them to get them wrapped around the wheels (Yes, I triple checked they were lined up correctly) and one snapped. Thankfully, I was using this tank is going to be used in a diorama where it will be damaged and covered in rubble

I bought this kit years ago and just now got around to building it. Disappointed is an understatement and I definitely got what I paid for it. There is an okay amount of detail, but many parts do not fit correctly or you have to guess their placement. Instructions are about the worst I have ever seen and they give no guidance as to what color some things should be painted, they just darken the item with no direction as to paint color. Do not throw away the box, as you will need it to assist in painting the kit by using the pictures on the box. However, nowhere in the instructions or the box do they indicate what colors to use. I chose the standard Tamiya Dark Yellow, Dark Green, and Red Brown, along with Metallic Grey, Gun Metal, Rubber Black, and Khaki where applicable. Be prepared to dry fit pieces and to carve off some of the pieces to make them fit where they should be fitting. The tracks are okay and aftermarket tracks do not fit the drive wheel. It is like the drive wheel is bigger than it should be. If you are looking for a Panzer IV to fill out a larger diorama, or a Panzer IV to be displayed in a diorama as damaged, then this is the kit for you. If you are looking for a Panzer IV to look good and much more realistic, then plan on opening your wallet. Academy really needs to take a look at this product and potentially updating it. If nothing else, fix some of the fitment on several items and fix the drive wheel so that it is a more realistic size. Their own tracks fit okay if you can get them to stay together. If you want to put more realistic aftermarket tracks on the kit, forget it. I have tried 4 different aftermarket tracks and none will fit, which leads me to believe this is an Academy problem. I would only recommend this product for use as a damaged or destroyed Panzer IV on a battlefield diorama, otherwise Hobbylinc has plenty of other options that will be much more realistic, accurate, and easier to build, you just have to be prepared to pay for them.