Panzer IV Ausf. H Early/Mid (BT - 005)// What's in the Box? - It's a matter of texture

Well as promised here is my review of the Border Modell Panzer IV Ausf. H. And as the title says, it is just a matter of texture..

[@dinkleburgerz]

Great review and it seems like a good quality kit, although I agree I wish it had texture on the armor surface. Figures are somewhat rare with tanks so it’s nice they include them!

[@derekbaker3279]

In defence of the manufacturer, I will say this: Why bother with texture on the turret or hull, when it has to be covered with zimmerit? The only areas where texture would be ideal is the top of the turret & bottom of the hull. Additionally, it must be recognized that the thinner the rolled steel, the less texture it would have (it's easier to roll thin plates of stee than thick ones), which means that the top of the turret & bottom of the hull would be much smoother than the side & front armour plates.

[@dinkleburgerz]

@@derekbaker3279 BIG fax, you explained what i've been thinking! haha

[@parabot2]

The Border Kits are getting better and better , tons of decal and paint options , great figures , PE , Metal barrel . Great review thanx . ( can't wait for border to cover other German armour pieces ) may force other companies to lift their game re all the Extras . But agreed the Texture and Zimmerit needs to be delt with , no excuse these days with todays tech .

[@funguseater40]

I have this kit. I'll be adding texture with Mr surfacer 500 so not a big issue IMO. But you're right, it's weird they have textured some surfaces! Good review, thanks 👍

[@derekbaker3279]

Good review! 👍👍 In defence of the manufacturer, I will say this: Unless one wants to model a Pz. Kpfw. IV H in the early stages of assembly in a factory, the sides, front, and rear of the turret & hull have be covered with zimmerit. So, why bother with adding texture when it will be covered by an application of zimmerit? In fact, if there are aftermarket zimmerit kits available (perhaps DEF Model textured decals, ATAK resin zimmerit, etc.?), a smooth plastic surface may ensure maximum adhesion of the zimmerit sheets. This means that, for all Pz. Kpfw. IV H tanks, the only areas where modelling realistic texture is be necessary is the top of the turret, plus top & bottom of the hull. It appears that Border Model has done this, at least for the top of the hull. In contrast, Pz. Kpfw. IV F-2/early G tanks didn't have zimmerit applied (except for rare cases where it was applied in the field by some tank crews), so texture on all outside surfaces should be expected by modellers. Additionally, it must be recognized that the thinner the rolled steel on a tank, the less texture it would have (it's easier to roll thin plates of steel than thick ones), which means that the top of the turret & bottom of the hull would be much smoother than the side & front armour plates. p.s. I agree 100% regarding the ridiculously excessive faux wood grain on the barrel cleaning poles! Some sand paper definitely will be necessary! lol

[@HollywoodModelling]

You might absolutely be right on the texture. I still feel it's lazy. Because they use the same molds for their other kits. Even the non Zimm variants.

[@derekbaker3279]

@@HollywoodModelling Yes, if the non-zimmerit tanks don't have an authentic rolled-steel texture, then I agree that it's lazy by today's standards.

[@kenjohnston8173]

So maybe zimmerit is why no rough skin?