"Sunday of the dead", Pz IV Ausf D

Historical background

Represented is a scene on 23th of Nov 1941, "Sunday of the dead" in the vicinity of Sidi Rezegh, North Africa. The German 15th Armoured division (PzDiv) was acompanied by the 21. PzDiv with their PzRgt 8 under the overall lead of the CO/DAK, General of the armored troops Ludwig Cruewell in the area near Sidi Rezegh in order to encircle the Brit XXX. corps. After first successes against Brit. rear sections which were struck by surprise in the morning of 23 Nov., Gen. Cruewell however did´t want to pursue them. Thus to achieve coordination with the Italian PzDiv Ariete for the ordered northward bound attack.But not sooner than at afternoon the PzDiv´s advanced to the north and met prepared Englishmen. To that persistent resistance of the English anti tank gun frontiers many German tanks fell to victim. Approx. 70 tanks of 170 were lost. Altogether the British losses were higher, however they could more easily be replaced due to the better supply situation, than Rommel losses. This Phyrrus like victory was the start of the later defeat, which led to the fall of the Cyrenaica.

Used models

Panzer IV Ausf D (modified) - the front part is a self-constructiong from plastic sheets and spare parts. On the "in being - photo" that fact can be seen clearly. I simply didn´t want to completely cut down a new model for this. Additionally sections of the Pz of IV accessory kit of Tamyia were used. The "comrades" on top of the radio operator hatch come from "Jaguar" (No.: JA63019, Bail out!" #2 Africa corps tanker[2] models from Peter Morton) the driver is "Verlinden" - a figure (No.: 1495, "Tank Officer Jumping from tank")

Materials:

Panzer IV: Plastic sheet, wire, metal plates, aluminum and lead foil, sections from the spare parts box, casted sections, stretched sprues, PE parts (securing chain at the towing hook), Pz IV detail set from Tamyia, self poured anti-skating profile on the fenders, plastic- and metal profiles, ship accessories (shot-up chain), grass: human hair, bushes: railway accessories, diorama base: sand, spice, pebbles, food soda, white glue.

Dimensions, working time and costs

The Vigniette is approximately 15 cm long and 10 cm broad. I needed approx. 45-50 working hours and the costs for the production amounted without the expendables material were approx.. USD 55.- (figure costs and wood base)