The Panzerkampfwagen IV medium tank was the only German tank to earn the distinction of fighting from the beginning to the end of World War II. The mechanically reliable tank was the backbone of the German war machine throughout the war, despite the heavy Panther and Tiger tanks often getting all the glory. The Ausf B and C variants saw alterations to the hull, armour and turret cupola but were not produced in large numbers. The Ausf D version of the Pz.Kfw IV was the first real production model, with over 200 being built between 1939 and 1941. Remaining in service until 1944, the Ausf D featured new front hull plate design to accommodate the hull-mounted machine gun and a new external gun mantlet along with up to 25% extra armour thickness. These early versions of the Panzer IV saw action in the invasions of Poland, France and the Low Countries as well as on the Eastern Front and in North Africa. This plastic kit can be assembled as an Ausf. B, C or D variant. In games of Bolt Action the Panzer IV B/C/D is a medium tank armed with a light howitzer that can be included in armoured platoons.
