DML Brummbar – Mid Production with Zimmerit – want to build as
part of Sturmpanzer Abt. 217, which fought in Normandy in 1944. For this unit, the mid production vehicle should have a
spare track holder from near pistol port to edge of side section. Plan to use shortened spare rear track holders from
Jagdpanzer IV.
DML Flakpanzer IV Ostwind with Zimmerit – It appears that
the OOB version has the following potential issues: (i) prototype was built on
PzIVG chassis with zimmerit - but the prototype turret was soft steel with a
different shape from the production turret; (ii) production vehicles were built
on PzIVJ chassis – w/o zimmerit and with 3 return rollers, vertical exhaust stacks, etc.; (iii) the
production version had a larger (Tiger I size) turret ring; and (iv) the radio
operator’s hatch was moved up to be flush with the driver’s hatch, because of
clearance issues created by the larger turret .
The OOB version would have the production turret (although with only a
PzIV size ring) mounted on a PzIVG chassis.
So, you can modify the turret to build the prototype, or modify the
chassis (and turret ring) to build the production version.
Note: some sources suggest that production Ostwind
were built on refurbished PzIVG chassis, in which case, an OOB build might be
accurate – subject to turret ring and, perhaps, loader hatch issues.
Or . . . thinking that maybe will put a Wirbelwind
turret on the PzIVG chassis – as this appears to have been a common
combination, i.e., Wirbelwind based on refurbished PzIVG chassis with zimmerit
(although some may have had zimmerit over front portion of hull top (i.e., over
drivers and radio operator’s hatches). Initially thought of repairing an old
Tamiya Wirbelwind turret – shape is generally okay; gun base not correct, but
hard to see. But the Ostwind turret (ring
size apart) is quite nice so may get a late DML Wirbelwind (6540) and swap
turrets. The Ostwind would require
making the Wirbelwind chassis a J, rather than H, e.g., using vertical exhaust
stacks and 3 return rollers instead of 4, but lots of spares for that. The radio operator’s hatch also would have to
be moved forward – a more substantial undertaking. Changing the turret ring is probably beyond
the project scope. Have a nice set of 4
flak 38 barrels from Master Model on the way.
Only hesitation is the $47 for the Wirbelwind when I paid just $22 for
the Ostwind.
