Four versions can be built:
1. Tauchpanzer - without rubber covering on main gun, mantlet and hull MG
2. Tauchpanzer prepared for submersing - with deflated rubber covering on main gun, mantlet and hull MG
3. Tauchpanzer ready for submersing - with inflated rubber covering on main gun, mantlet and hull MG
4. Standard Ausf D
Here are some close up shots of the Tauchpanzer parts
Mantlet and gun rubber cover. Part I-5 for option 2 and I-4 for option 3.
Front turret plate with frame (for option 2 and 3)
Frame only (for option 1)
Hull MG covers. Top left is for option 1, bottom left option 2 and bottom right option 3.
Driver's and radio operator's hull front. The Tauchpanzer part is on top and the standard ausf D on the bottom. The main differences are (1) the raised frame around the hull MG with bolt holes and (2) the lip on top of the driver's visor.
Inflatable piping that hugs the bottom edge of the turret. Very finely reproduced. Parts I-31 on the left edge are the locks for the brake access hatch. These are unique to the Tauchpanzer.
Close up
Engine cooling vent covers with details of the ribs
One-way exhaust valves. Two for the main exhaust (parts I-22) and one for the turre auxilliary motor (part I-25). Part I-18 was mentioned in Craig Ellis thread on ML and is very nicely done in this kit.
Rear fenders for the Tauchpanzer. It does not have the rubber stops found on the standard Ausf D.
The standard Ausf D rear fenders are also included.
The tauchpanzers depicted in this kit carried a wooden bean on the right side. These are the wooden beam supports. The intial plan was to include a wooden beam in the kit but this idea was scrapped due to the stringent import regulations for wooden products in some countries.
For a fully buttoned up Tauchpanzer, Tristar provides a cover for the driver's visor.
The kit comes with two upper hulls - one for a standard ausf D and one for the tauchpanzer. I will post some detail shots of the differences tomorrow.
Lawrence
Tristar Tauchpanzer Pz IV Ausf D
Linear Mode
