TankCraft 43

PANZER IV

MEDIUM TANK

GERMAN ARMY & WAFFEN-SS

LAST BATTLES IN THE WEST, 1945

Originally developed to support the infantry formations of Germany's armoured divisions, the Pzkpfw IV medium tank was increasingly pressed into service as a tank killer as stronger and more well-armoured enemy vehicles were encountered. By the end of 1943, despite the appearance of the Tiger and Panther, it could be said that the Pzkpfw IV was the most important tank, at least numerically, in the Wehrmacht's arsenal. Mechanically reliable and relatively cheap to produce the tank's large wheel base and turret circumference meant that it could be up-gunned with minimal disruption to production and adapted to a number of different roles including self-propelled anti-tank gun, anti-aircraft tank, bridgelayer, and armoured recovery vehicle. Although assembly of the Pzkpfw IV was officially terminated in late 1944, as the tank had fallen out of favour with Hitler, production was soon resumed and continued until the final days of the conflict. In Dennis Oliver's latest volume in the TankCraft series he uses archive photos and extensively researched colour illustrations to examine the later models of the Pzkpfw IV tank and the units that operated this deservedly famous armoured vehicle during the savage defensive battles on the Western Front in the last months of the war. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined, providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic tanks.

11.5" X 8.25"

Contents

Introduction 1

The Western Front, 1945 2

The Pzkpfw IV Units 3

Camouflage & Markings 17

Model Showcase 29

Modelling Products 42

Technical Details and Modifications 49

The Kriegsstärkenweissungen 60

Product Contact Details 64