Panzer IV Ausf J – WWII German Medium Tank

This is a limited-edition series build and will not restock once sold out.

About the Panzer IV Ausf J – WWII German Medium Tank:

December 16, 1944; to the surprise of everyone, Adolf Hitler, the Führer (leader) of Germany, ordered a sudden attack against the Allies. The primarily British and American Forces were struck with surprise and recoiled back as the German Army’s mighty Panzer corps ripped through the Ardennes region, pushing into France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. December in Western Europe is riddled with poor weather. The skies were hazy that Saturday morning, and for many days after. Early in the war, Germany held the advantage in the air, but after months of strategic bombing by the Allies, much of the German industrial prowess was shattered. By waiting to attack, Allied air superiority was rendered moot. The Battle of the Bulge showcased the final gamble of the Third Reich and the grit and determination of the Allies.

At the forefront of the Battle of the Bulge was the German Panzer IV Ausf J. The Panzer IV is easily recognizable. Over 8,500 were built, surpassing that of any other German tank, but pales when compared to the production of American Sherman and Soviet T-34 tanks. Both the short-barreled F1 and later long-barreled models were found in all theaters of operation throughout the entirety of the war. Design and production of the tank began in earnest during the 1930s. Early models were leant to the forces of Franco Spain during the Spanish Civil War. Here, a true test of Blitzkrieg tactics that Germany’s strategic command developed took place. The early model Panzer IV tanks were successful during the initial invasion of Europe, but by 1942 the tank needed an update. While it was successful in infantry support, it proved exemplary as a tank killer. The next generation of Panzer IV tanks upgraded to a powerful long-barreled 75mm gun and improved armor to better fit that role. However, that did not prove to be enough, as the Allies’ manufacturing machine was pushing at break-neck speeds. Another change was needed, and in January 1944, the final version of the Panzer IV was released.

The Ausf J model was built at the Nibelungenwerk (Ni-Werk) factory in Sankt Valentin, Austria and was the final variant produced. As a byproduct of continual engineering changes, the Panzer IV Ausf J hardly looked like the original F1 model that swept across Europe. The modernizations included upgraded armor, a bigger gun, and a more streamlined manufacturing process that was more efficient in its use of raw materials—which were beginning to wane. Like all other Panzer IVs, the J model utilized a crew of five—commander, gunner, loader, driver, and radio operator. Each member communicated via the FuG 2 radio; something that the Allies lacked for much of the war. Another commonality between the J model and its predecessors was the inclusion of the venerable Maybach engine. The engine was a 11.9L V-12 gasoline motor that pushed 265hp and had a trusted track record. The J models were used in the last efforts to achieve victory by the Third Reich. While initially the Germans dug a bulge forty miles deep, the Allies held firm. The heroics displayed in Band of Brothers showcased that resolve. Famous Generals like George S. Patton and units such as the 761st Tank Battalion, known as the Black Panthers, drove day and night to defend the line and push the Germans back. While the Panzer IV Ausf J was the pillar of the German’s Panzer corp, like many things in the Third Reich, there were far too few to fend off the might of the Allied attack.

Additional information about this Brickmania® custom building kit:

This limited-edition kit features 16x new custom created elements and is loaded with custom printing! The new Panzer IV in Battle of the Bulge promises to be one of the most premium Panzers ever released by Brickmania! Play features include 1x exclusive Panzer Commander custom minifig, BrickArms, opening hatches, rotating turret, posable main gun, and smooth rolling V3 Track Links™.

Model Statistics:

Designed by Daniel Siskind
534 elements
1x custom minifig
Custom printed elements
Full-color printed building instructions
1/35th scale to match other Brickmania kits
Advanced Skill Level (6-8 years building experience recommended)