Bergepanzer IV A simple 1/72nd scale conversion using an Esci Wirblewind and bit of plasticard and rod

A simple real-life conversion built by the Germans in 1943/44 to recover broken down or battle damaged tanks and other heavy vehicles

About 12 of these ARVs were built, and served most probably on the Eastern front. The turrets were simply removed and wooden planks used to board over the hole left on top.On the starboard (right) side a large wooden beam for unditching was fitted in a metal cradle. A large pulley wheel for indirect hauling with another vehicle was fitted on the hull roof, and the poles for a two tonne light crane were stowed on the port (left) side.

There were plans to fit power take off to a new gearbox, a ground anchor and a winch to make a smaller version of the Bergepanther - but this never progressed beyond the blueprint stage.

I used Evergreen V grooved planking for the top of the hull - this already has the plank shape required. A circle was was cut with an Olfa circle cutter and glued in place. A hatch was scribed on the right hand side, and holes were drilled to accept Grandt Line bolts for the crane mounting points.

My spares box had two road wheels that could be converted for use as the pulley wheels - one on the hull roof and the other on the right rear superstructure. A selection of Plastruct rods and strip were asembled to make the mounting and dis-assembled crane. My local model shop also does different kinds of balsa wood, so I was able to get a 4mm length of Obechi - a light hard wood often used for flying scale models. This was the right cross section for the unditching beam, which was detailed with more strip and more Grandt Line bolts.

Front view of the finished model.

The first coat of Tamiya sand acrylic has been over sprayed with Future/Kleer/Klir (according to the country you are in :-) and allowed to dry thoroughly over two days. Next a really thin wash of acrylic panzer grey diluted about 20:1 with distilled water was put on with a Revell 5/0 brush (yes that's a 00000 size brush) letting it flow into the crevices and around the hull hatches. This brings out the details more which is really needed in this tiny scale.

Another coat of klear seals it all in and then begins the stages of dry brushing. I use black, grey, silver and rust tones using Humbrol enamels usually as I've never got on with drybrushing acrylic paints.

A view from above

Showing the unditching beam (balsa wood) the pulley (a modified road wheel) and the dismounted Fries jib crane which is made from lengths of plastic rod.

The left side view from above

Spot the incorrect right front mudguard ! It should not have the upright piece which is part of the hinged section, and would just fall off if the other piece is missing...

One day I will get around to correcting this - I realised long after the kit was finished and had won a third place in a model competition that it was wrong.

Wonder what might have happened if I'd got it right first time..?