I have been looking at ways to convert a Pz IV to IR, SLU and came up with these ideas;

Cut the lower airsoft unit off, leaving the upper part of the gun to support the barrel and mantlet and engage the elevation (I did this in the last Panther), this gives enough vertical room for the SLU.

I would have to be happy with just the track recoil, but I can live with that.

Install a flash.

Set the components up as shown in the picture.




Not sure if the emitter would go in the mantlet or if I would use an external, barrel mounted emitter.


I will be working on the Jagdpanther first, this is just some abstract forward thinking for a later project. It would use a tank I already have, it is a good airsoft shooter but there doesn't seem to be much call for airsoft around here, these days.

I would look at a repaint on this one and maybe a few things like turret skirts.


This is what it looks like now, Grossdeutschland colours/markings, Russia, Spring 1942.

I always wonder why I hardly ever see PnzIV's on ANY tank battlefield! Maybe other commanders don't like the suspension, I don't know, I think they do and can look awesome. Glen, your's looks great already

The dimensions being overall similar yet a little bigger than the Panzer III means you'll have a bit more room to work with. I set my P3 up the same way as Hulu and Stince did, with the SLU in the far rear. It might help to cut away the battery box, seal it, and just mount the batteries internally. Depends on how easy you can change them.

Strato50 wrote:

. Glen, your's looks great already

Thanks, I am not 100% sure I'd re-finish, I just like painting them

I chose not to repaint my next project, the Jagdpanther and will just convert it and touch it up a bit. That was because it was an authentic scheme and I was happy with it.

I did this one in GD colours because it was an authentic camo on a machine that did not have skirts; I thought the skirts might be a bit fragile and in the way on a model that was driven a lot.

Strato50 wrote:

.
The dimensions being overall similar yet a little bigger than the Panzer III means you'll have a bit more room to work with. I set my P3 up the same way as Hulu and Stince did, with the SLU in the far rear. It might help to cut away the battery box, seal it, and just mount the batteries internally. Depends on how easy you can change them.

Yeah, that layout I marked up is backwards to the normal installation, I will have to look a bit closer, I have time, this would be a future, winter project.

Basic "worst case" component dimensions are;

SLU 3 5/8" x 2 7/8" x 1"

ESC 3.3" x 2" x 1"

Great timing , I have been working to get a Panther ready for sat but the tank choosen for my second SLU upgrade was my Airsoft PZ IV. Thanks for your insights on how to cram all that stuff into it .

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And here is a shot of my PZ IV ,It a Taigen without the details

knispel wrote:

Great timing , I have been working to get a Panther ready for sat but the tank choosen for my second SLU upgrade was my Airsoft PZ IV. Thanks for your insights on how to cram all that stuff into it .

In my opinion, getting enough depth for the components is key.

I am used to using the existing battery boxes and so I don't take that route.

The Panther seems large but the room inside is wide and long but shallow, that's why I took the different approach of cutting down the airsoft unit, nothing projects below the turret floor, then.





This takes up less room than a recoil unit; I can live with the flash and the track recoil.


In regards to gearing, a wise man (Captain Action) said consider leaving the stock gears in, knowing my liking for 3:1's in the "cats" because the Pz IV would benefit form the speed.

Strato50 wrote:

I always wonder why I hardly ever see PnzIV's on ANY tank battlefield!

I am not sure, but I don't read about many of them, either. IIRC there aren't any IR Pz Iv's at the Can Am.

I confess a liking for the "cats" and my perception is that a Tiger(I or II), Panther or Jagdpanther with 3:1's do better under poorer ground conditions than something smaller (though this may be proven wrong).

I am still thinking of mine for a future project, though.

I like the Taigen, is it all R/Céd up?

Here's a few more of mine;

I believe Tim has a Panzer IV, but I don't know if it's IR. I would like to get one some day and convert it to Jagdpanzer IV.

I did think about Tim's Pz IV but I am not sure if it is IR.

There is a Jagdpanzer IV conversion kit but it is about $175.00 before shipping. http://www.profiline-models.com/Jagdpanzer-IV70-V.html

Or were you thinking of a scratch build conversion?

Pz IV is one of the few tanks I don't have and would like to get, so it's on my shopping list...did I hear somone say the hobby show is coming up. Sounds like a great time to pick up a Pz Iv. (or two)

Stinger

After doing my Bulldog there is no way in hell I'm gonna touch another small tank with an SLU

....yet my dad has a Pz. IV and he wants it IR'd >.<

Tetris, that isn't nearly yellow enough!

Strato50 wrote:

Tetris, that isn't nearly yellow enough!

Yea, that's just looks terrible....he should sell it to me...hehehehe

Stinger

You sure its gotta be more yellow?




And Stinger.... you trying getting a DAK tank away from Erwin Rommel. (yes my grandpa named him that...)

Great pic ! Time to start building a desert cammo set of tanks. That looks great. I'm starting on gathering the pieces I need to make the Bovington Tiger I right now...seems a Pz Iv will need to join it...lol

I have to admit my Taigen Pz IV is so pretty that it will be hard to make the firt cuts for the SLU conversion .

Well, I sold some "curios" (junk) from the basement, today; very pleased with the proceeds

Consequently, I have ordered a Pz IV SLU and will be going ahead with this conversion project.