Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.G Mid/Late

1/35 scale Border Model #BT-001

Yeah, another Panzer IV Ausf.G, boring isn't it ?!
I agree, but ... !

Despite the popularity of this vehicle, I've never built many Panzer IV - maybe 5 but mostly Jagd, Flak .. so it doesn't matter ! - so I wanted to build one for a while, and as I also like to try a new brand, this one come along at just the right time ! (I know it was released in 2019, I'm late ..)

As I said, it is my first kit from Border Model, and it is a pretty good one ! Details are good, you can choose between 2 guns length, 2 armor style, photoetched side skirts are included, Voyager tools clamps too ... (I've seen this kit with metal barrel & metal smoke discharger, but they were not included in mine :( )
They also include some bucket, the most important accessory in a Panzer IV ! And also a few T-34 track links, to make some extra armor as seen in some photos, which is quite nice if you've never built a T-34 previously !
There are 10 differents markings included and a majority provide unit and location, which is quite rare these day, so another good point for Border, who associate with Ammo of Mig and Transform for the color profile and paint reference.
However, there are some negative point on the instruction sheet .. Some parts a mislabelled, some instruction only in Chinese, some angle not clear ... You'd better read the instruction sheet once before assembly, to be sure !

Did I recommend this kit, sure ! It builds as easy as Tamiya, not so much complicated but as there is a ton of new Panzer IV released since, and this one is not the cheapest ...

Let's talk about the construction now : I do my best to stay OOTB as much as possible - but I will maybe replace tracks by some Friul in the future, because I can ! (Maybe only for spare track links)
I only add and remake some weld beads that were missing, and modify the front track rack to replicate a WWII photo.
I also remove the fender side skirt support, as seen in the same image. It is a picture of a destroyed Panzer from the same unit I want to reproduce, the Pz.Rgt.35 - 4.Pz.Div, which is one who is provided in the kit ! - It will be the first time in a while I will use a provided marking and profile from a kit !
I also use the provided photoetched tool clamps to improve plastic parts - I discovered lately they provide both molded clamp and bare tool in the kit - but I only use the U shaped part to improve the molded tool camp, as this is easier and the clamp body is a pain to assemble (It even can be movable, but I run out of swears before completing one so I gave up ..)

As you can see in the last image, sub assemblies are contained in this one ! Only parts which will be impossible to paint with an airbrush are not glued yet.