Panzer Iv Ausf E German Medium Tank - 1/72 Scale

Model Description:
This download contains a highly detailed model of an early version of the Panzer IV, the Panzer IV AusF E, featuring among other characteristic features, the short-barreled 7,5cm cannon and an up-armored hull with the stepped design, which was later replaced by the better-known single plate design. Documentation and references for the real vehicle were rigorously studied to make the model as geometrically accurate as possible, except in the cases where printability would have to be sacrificed (such as the fender thickness).

Historical Description:
The Panzer IV was originally designed as an infantry-support vehicle, meant to engage fortifications and other softer targets with high-explosive ammunition. The vehicle was rapidly up-gunned and up-armored to be used as a battle tank, a role originally filled by the Panzer III. The earlier models (A-F1) featured the 7,5cm KwK 37 L/24 howitzer. As time went on the vehicle was progressively upgraded with increased armoring and long barreled 7,5cm cannons.
 
The Panzer IV AusF E had only minor upgrades over the AusF D version and was produced in relatively small numbers, with only 200 being manufactured between late 1940 and early 1941, before being replaced by the AusF F. The primary change intended to set the E apart from the D, was the increase of the frontal armor from 30mm to 50mm, though this did not occur. Several other changes did go through however, such as some minor changes to the hatches and cupola, as well as the addition of a fume ventilator on the turret. The vehicles also mounted the iconic storage bin on the rear of the turret, not found on earlier versions.
 
To offset the fact that the Panzer IV AusF E entered production prior to the introduction of the thicker frontal plating, the vehicle was equipped with additional 30mm thick applique armor plates, bringing the frontal protection in-line with the desired specifications while production processes were put in place to bring later variants up to the 50mm armor standard originally intended for the E. Some examples of the Panzer IV Ausf E also received additional turret armoring to help increase survivability.

In Armored Advance:
In armored advance the Panzer IV AusF E provides a slight upgrade over the D in terms of survivability, while retaining the mobility and firepower from its predecessor. The frontal armor is effectively doubled from 30mm to 60mm, making it resistant to smaller cannons, particularly at range. The gun is insufficient for dealing with enemy units with any real armor, due to being a howitzer, however when it does penetrate, it does serious damage. Furthermore, the vehicle has excellent anti-infantry capabilities, firing high explosive rounds from the main gun instead of using a machinegun. The unit is best suited for defense, having the ability to peel infantry off objectives effectively, while also having sufficient armor to survive, particularly at range. In offensive roles the vehicle will struggle however, as it will not be able to do much damage to other armored units. Furthermore, the protection is localized to the frontal arc of the vehicle, so upon being flanked the Panzer IV E is likely to die quickly.

Contact Information:
If you face any problems with this vehicle, whether they be related to printability, integrity, or historical accuracy of the model, please contact us at .2022@. We will do what we can to rectify any issues and improve the quality of the product for everyone.