The Commander Series Forum

finally got my hands on a box of the latest Armourfast release. They definitely represent Gs and build really well plus they are quite true to 1/72. There are just 2 things that could have been done better by HäT - the auxiliary engine exhaust is missing completely on the rear plate plus the suspension bogeys are missing, too.
Otherwise it's a nice quick-built kit, for 7,50 GBP quite a bargain, although the 1/72 Plastic Soldier Pz IV have got some more detail for a slightly higher price.

P.S.: The models look really nice once you add some extra equipment like the stuff SHQ is making (extra treads, jerrycans etc.). I'll take some pictures once I've finished adding some minor details.

Cheers
Thore

Thought that Armourfast were going it alone now and not marketing via HaT anymore.

Right, it's on their latest news section.

Anyhow, on with the photos:

First one is the two tanks next to each other. Proportions seem ok to me.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...

Some added stowage (by SHQ). In their forum, Armourfast have annouced they are working on their own detail sets.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...

Front view. The hoods of the brakes are a bit small. Corrected that with some Green Stuff (2nd photo)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...

I added some plastic piece to represent the auxiliary engine exhaust. The small pipe piece on top of the main exhaust muffler was also added, using a piece of the sprues.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...

I'm missing a bit detail of the suspension bogeys. Hopefully the addition of some mud and dirt will make it less obvious.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...

Last shot with a Pz III in comparison,. I think the Pz III is a bit too large when compared to the IVs. The Italeri quick-build looks admittedly better, both dimensionally and detail-wise. For only 1 € more you'll get definitely a bettar value for your money with the Italeri kit.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/Balthus7...

Conclusion: In my opinion, the AF Pz IV is not that bad, especially if you want a really quick built. I haven't checked out on the Plastic Soldier Pz IVs, but from what I found on the Internet they seem to be really better detailed and not much more expensive than the AF ones. One big advantage of the AF kits over Pz IV kits like those by Airfix or Revell is their definite sturdiness. I'm really curious to have a look at the PS kits.

Just saw the pictures git mixed up - sorry for that!

Cheers
Thore

Got a box of the Plastic Soldier German Panzer IV.
Box includes 3 vehicles. You can build the versions F1, F2, G and H.
There are shirts and a seperate exhaust for the H version and two different tankcommanders.

Where did you get them, Kalle? I was at Modellbau König the other day and they didn't stock them, just the 15mm version.

Bought them at an ebay-shop:

http://cgi.ebay.de/1-72-Plastic-Soldier-WKII-De...

Thanks for the link. Once I've finished the Armourfast models, I'll try the Plastic Soldier kits and take some photos for comparison. Will take a while, though.

Cheers
Thore

I am looking forward to getting the Plastic Soldier 15mm Panzer IVs, I reckon they will be the best value around - 5 tanks in one box for less than £20. I heard they are going to do the SdKfz 251 half-track next. The detail on these and the Armorfast kits may be a bit lacking, but for wargaming models they are excellent value and certainly look the part.

Here a few pitures of the PanzerIV F1 and the T-34/76 both only base painted:

http://kalleswarmaster.pbworks.com/w/page/42425...

They certainly do look the part! I'd only use a different MG barrel on the T-34.

As with 15mm, if I hadn't already started 1/72, I'd definitely go 15mm with more and more of those inexpensive models around. But somehow I'm not willing to start 15th light Panzer again.