This kit seems a bit more detail oriented than the Panzer IV or the StugG that was built. I noticed this from the very get go with the internal axle housings (E1/E8) to the bolts (A26) that needed to be glued on. Why these weren't molded on, no idea. They can't be seen since they sit behind the wheels.
The drive housing (G4/G5, G8/G9) came with two options. The only difference I can see between the two is that 4/5 have an axle mount where 8/9 do not. I ended up breaking out the Achtung Panzer book loaned to be by Eric's friend. Looking at the images, they all have the small support wheel. Since the support wheel has the hole in the back for mounting, this is the reason for selecting G4/G5 for the drive housing.
Also, the direction have part D9 going under the left side fender in the front. However, in the blow up box for the rear, it also has D9 for the rear. Problem: there was only one D9 on the parts tree. Also, it has a nub that sits in a pre-drilled hole, that hole isn't on the rear side. I labeled it as "missing" on the instructions to go back and look at before paint and assembly.
The instructions show an optional piece (G24/G26) that looks like it attaches near the small support wheel. However, in the above images and others, I do not see this piece, so for that reason, I have left it off.
The ventilation grills also offered optional pieces. Again, I turned to the book to see if there was a difference, actually there was. Though both both of the intake fans were identical sets of two, the book shows photos as well as technical drawing showing two different styles. One style on the left and one on the right.
Do to this, i opted to use one of each with the one exhaust with the least amount of fins for the left side and the one with more on the right side.
With all of the wheels together and/or sanded, i attached them to see how it's going to sit. Since the wheels are offset, I also wanted to see how this was going to go together. Once I get to that part in time, I'll use the blue tack to mouth the wheels so the track can be built and adjusted.
Just the above took me a good portion of the day. Mainly due to all of the sanding required where parts were snipped from the trees.
