Rye Field Models RM-5033 1/35 2 in 1 Panzer IV Ausf J (Ausf J History and what variants can the kit build)

A little bit of Ausf J history

The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausführung J (Sd.Kfz. 161/2) is the ninth and the last variant of the Panzerkampfwagen IV medium tank family. This variant was distinguished by numerous simplifications made to prior variants to accelerate production and conserve valuable materials. This last variant included replacing the single-speed turret traverse electric power drive with a two-gear manual traverse, in favour of extra space used for fuel storage. This was a last-ditch effort to increase Panzer IV production rate and compensate for tank losses. 

 

Although both Nibelungenwerk (N-Werk from now on 😁) built 2980 units, and Vomag 180 Ausf J's, Vomag did build some of the very first vehicles. Due to the production run timescale the Vomag vehicle chassis numbers (Fahrgestellnummers) 86394 to 86573 would all have had both zimmerit (anti magnetic paste), the original muffler type exhaust and fittings for either type 1 or type 2 steel schurzen (spaced armour). So, due to some other prominent features this kit only represents N-Werk built vehicle variants. N-Werk built vehicles all had a unique application of three spare tracks fittings on the port side of the rear of the Aufbau (upper hull) up until around August 1944 but then switched to a six spare links arrangement on the starboard side. Only Drathgeflechtschurzen (wire mesh spaced armour) is offered in the kit so that would also mean both variants in the kit could only accurately represent builds produced from Sept 1944 if you decide to add them. Pz.Beob.Wg.IV Ausf.J (artillery observation tank) production started in April 1944 and although the kit instructs to add the Flammentor (Flame suppressing) twin vertical exhausts (fitted from August 1944), the option to backdate both variants with the older horizontal muffler is possible. The parts are available in the kit but will require additional work, as the location holes on the rear plate are only present for placement of the Flammentor type.

 

Options on the sprues to backdate both variants.

Options are limited, but as the kit shares sprues from their earlier released Ausf H kit there are a few parts which, although only called out in the instructions to be fitted to the Pz.Beob.Wg variant, could well still be relevant for a late 1944 built N-Werk built gun tank. For the turret, that includes the front plate (part E9) with the vision port still present. This change to delete it was not fully implemented out by wars end. As for Wanne (hull tub) production, the earlier tow coupling (parts K32, K33 & K92) and the later produced Ausf H front sidewall extensions (Parts K56 & K60) without towing eyes, along with rear tow hooks (parts K40 & K41) would have been relevant to all earlier production Ausf J's too.

 

The Ausf J used a 10./B.W Wanne and RFM offer this in a flat pack engineered design. A nice feature is the ability to open up different holes in the side plates to accept either four return rollers or the last production, bearing material saving three. These were introduced from December 1944. The gun tank option builds up with the last production Wanne feature of front and rear extended sidewalls with towing eyes (from Oct 44). Other late production Ausf J features were the introduction of simple single handles (from Feb 45) These replaced the original cast air intakes on each brake inspection hatch.  In December 1944 welded U brackets on the front of the Aufbau started to replace the bolted on lifting hooks. Both options are on the sprues.