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Click Photo For Enlargement (359 Kb)
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Front view of the Panzer IV with a complete drive system and some of the
hull and turret detailing done. Extra plate armor will be added, along
with machine guns and various handrails. The asymmetric, multi-faceted
turret wasn't the simplest to build, but it gives the tank lots of
character.
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Side view of the hull, turret and tracks. The small bogey wheels allow lots
of suspension details to be easily seen and the 1/4" thick treads look
just about right for the scale of the other track system parts.
The stubby barrel gives this tank a unique look and makes it easier
to move it on and off of the field.
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Click Photo For Enlargement (372 Kb)
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Click Photo For Enlargement (101 Kb)
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The completed turret rotates on a 4x4" lazy-susan ball-bearing mounted
inside of a wooden ring. A 1.5" PVC pipe connected to the turret base goes
through the center of the lazy-susan and is used to drive the turret and
pass control and power wires between the hull and the turret systems.
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The outer barrel is made from balsa-wood blocks and a cardboard tube that
just happens to fit the paintball gun barrel. Everything is sealed with
epoxy and securely attached to the gun mantle, which pivots on two bolts
that can be easily removed for gun maintenance.
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The Mark IV hull complete with extra armor (as was carried by the Ausf
E version), front and rear fenders, machine gun, armored viewing port
and tow rings.
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Click Photo For Enlargement (748 Kb)
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Click Photo For Enlargement (151 Kb)
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The Panzer IV prepares for another round of field trials intended
to prepare tank and operator for the grueling battles ahead. The
only thing that remains to be done is the application of camo paint.
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The drive and track system provides the power needed to clear battlefield
obstacles without fear.
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Click Photo For Enlargement (366 Kb)
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October 14, 2003 - After the last battle, it was determined that
the KCMs originally used in the Panzer IV were insufficient for driving
through rough terrain. Therefore, a pair of EV Warriors were purchased
and installed. A 9:1 reduction was achieved using two sets of #35 chain
sprockets and the bicycle chain tracks were re-worked to reduce problems
with popped rivets and alignment.
Field tests of the new drive system yielded excellent results, as can be
seen and heard in this
MPEG Video Clip (1:00 min, 1.3Mb).
In fact, the Panzer IV was able to hunt down a rare and elusive
prey, as can be seen in this
MPEG Video Clip (1:04 min, 1.4Mb).
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Click Photo For Enlargement (88 Kb)
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October 22, 2003 - Panzer IV has a fresh coat of camo in
preparation for the upcoming battle against the Evil Tyng Regime.
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October 25, 2003:
The Panzer IV is dug into a defensive position near the Red Team home base.
From that position, John was able to lay down some mean long-range cover fire
that kept the Blue Team wary at all times.
See Battle In The Badlands for more details.
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Click Photo For Enlargement (113 Kb)
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