Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. J Sd.Kfz.161/2 w/ Eduard PE parts for Zim Coating - Tamiya's Item 35262 (former 35181) (released in 2003)
The Panzerkampfwagen IV was Germany's most important tank during the second
world war. It remained in mass production throughout the conflict, with more than
8,000 units being produced. This represented more than one-third of Germany's
total wartime tank production. It was the backbone of the Panzer Divisions and it
was often referred to as their "Workhorse". The Panzerkampfwagen IV underwent
constant improvement throughout its long career. As an example, its original
short-barreled 7.5cm main gun was replaced with the long barreled 7.5cm KwK40 L/43
gun beginning with the Ausf.F2 version. The further improved 7.5cm KwK40 L/48 was
added to the Ausf.H onwards. In 1944 however, with the introduction of the new
Panther and Tiger tanks, plus other tactical considerations, the Panzerkampfwagen IV
began to serve mainly in a defensive capacity. A need was required to simplify
construction and increase productivity, plus conserve scarce materials. The last of
the series, the Ausf.J thus had a much simpler construction, and an extra fuel tank
replaced the auxiliary engine/generator. This greatly increased its range from 210km
to 320km and was welcomed by the German troops, as they were having difficulty
with their supply, but it was attained at the expense of electric power for the turret
reversing motor. The thin steel plate known as Schurzen (skirts), first introduced
with the Ausf.G, were sometimes replaced with heavy gauge wire mesh, or not even
used at all.
