Here it is, the Panzer IV at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.
Panzer IV Update:
EXCUSES
The Panzer IV build has been on hiatus for the better part of the past year. This important and often overwhelming undertaking has been neglected. The reason for this is unforeseen career and family obligations. I'm sure many of you can relate to these situations. It just seems that there are not enough hours in the day. I can only hope that a renewed dedication to the White Whale will begin to move things along again.
GOOD NEWS
There is good news however, things have improved recently. Panzerwerks now has a 27 foot long trailer. It's relatively light duty, but should be able to move the bare hull or any other sub structure for final welding, or off-site storage.
CURRENT DIRECTION
We are working on templates for the turret, and a jig to hold them for tack-welding. For me, next to the drive sprockets, the turret is the most complex sub-structure. I'm having difficulty reconciling published angles, and measured dimensions. I keep looking at the Panther turret drawings I made at Fort Knox, and think to myself, we could knock this out in a weekend.
Panzer IV Project Update No. 1 - June 2010
The next phase of the project will be broken down into three related tasks. First will be a full scale, two dimensional profile of the lower hull and suspension. We plan to take the recorded measurements and physically lay them out in full scale. This is an important spacial exercise when reverse engineering. I'm not an engineer, so going from scale drawings to steel plate is something I'm not comfortable with. Hopefully, this extra step helps ensure that everything fits and functions properly. Besides, even the Germans made full scale wood mock-ups before production. Once the measurements are checked in full scale, accurate drawings can be made. Full scale PDF drawings will be made available as we move through this process. There may need to be some compromises, many of the manufacturing processes needed are beyond my means, so we'll see how that goes as we move along. Lastly, and parallel to all of that, will be my need to find space for construction of the Panzer IV. The whole idea behind this project is to make an "affordable" accurate Panzer available for the average Joe. This will still end up costing more than the average new car, I'm just not sure what brand yet. The Panzer IV is a modular build. The suspension, track tensioner, and return rollers all bolt on to the lower hull. The entire upper hull is also a bolt on affair, etc. The Panzer IV may not be your favorite German tank, but it is the most buildable. So here we go . . . |
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And here's the JagdPanzer IV, if we decide to go that route.
Example of a typical field made sketch, from one of the many Aberdeen visits.
Eventually, all of the sketchs will be made into full scale, downloadable drawings.
Whenever possible, full size templates or tracings were made on site,
from the original vehicle. In this case the bump-stop is being traced so it can be reproduced accurately.
First full-scale mock-up of one of the suspension Swing-Arms, and mounting points.
These are used for checking clearances and manufacturing feasibility.
This swing-arm, in this case a mock-up, holds the "spring pack" making it the "Male" of the pair.
Complete (less travel-stops), full-scale mock-up of the Panzer IV suspension assembley,
setting in front of a full size sedan for perspective of scale. There are four of these assembles per side.
Same mock-up Suspension assemble now on the hood of a sedan.
This lower angle photo shows more of the bottom of the swing arms and how the spring is fitted.
Email Randy with any questions about the Panzer IV Project.
Download this PDF for the Panzer IV Front Plate Blueprint drawing.