Panzer IV F2 or G

[Fritz]

Hi all:

Can anyone make out whether this tank is an F2 or G variant?

Thanks!

[29THPZG]

Hard to say, but I'm going to say a fairly early G model....a side view would make it much easier to identify.

[Fritz]

Hi,
sorry, no shot from the side. It seems that the gun is the main difference between F2 and G, unfortunately the view on the gun isn't the best and in addition the muzzle brake is covered.

Thanks!

[Captain Black]

Are they attachments on the sides of the turret for the skirtings? Also looks like extra armour on the front, did the f2's have that?

Cheers Brad

[Fritz]

Are they attachments on the sides of the turret for the skirtings? Also looks like extra armour on the front, did the f2's have that?

Cheers Brad

Great observation: I haven't noticed the mountings on the turret.

As for that extra armor, yes, I think t least some F2s had that.

Cheers

[hchris]

Judging from the (covered) muzzle break I would suggest it is a G (7,5cm KwK L/48), what do you think? But this is not a definitive proof.

[jerryrehr]

I think it is the earlier model based on the picture is from a training unit. imo
Jerry

[Fritz]

Judging from the (covered) muzzle break I would suggest it is a G (7,5cm KwK L/48), what do you think? But this is not a definitive proof.

The gun and muzzle brake would be the best indicators but as you say it is hard to tell, a picture taken of the vehicles side or a clearly visible muzzle brake would make things easier.

[Fritz]

I think it is the earlier model based on the picture is from a training unit. imo
Jerry

The photo was taken in the soviet union in 1942.

Cheers

[recceboy]

Early Ausf. G by the looks of it .

Anton

[Eddy.S]

Great observation: I haven't noticed the mountings on the turret.

As for that extra armor, yes, I think t least some F2s had that.

Cheers

The mountins on both side of the turrets aren´t for the Sideskirts but to hold the opened Turretdoors.

[Eddy.S]

As far as i know the Ausf F had an short Barrel. As improvement the Ausf F got an 7,5cm Kw.K L/43 which was named Ausf F2 which also got titled Ausf G.

So if i see the Picture which shows an long barrel i guess it is an Ausf G and Ausf F2 ;-)

The Later Ausf G got the Bosch Headlights on the left and right and mostly also the Sideskirts.

what you think!?

[hdoy]

Hello Fritz

This is a Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G.

On the 1st July 1942 Wa Pruef 6 made the final decision that all Pz.Kpfw.IV (7/BW or 8/BW) armed with the Kw.K 40 were to be designation Ausf.G. The designation Ausf.F2 had first been used on the 22 May 1942 to describe Ausf.F (7/BW) that had the new Kw.K. 40 fitted instead of the Kw.K. L/24.

From what I can see on this is a photo of a Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.G. that was probably assembled during July 1942. Starting in May 1942 a proportion of Ausf.G appeared with the nose armour of 50mm increased with this type of extra 30mm welded in place. The Aufbau 50mm has an extra 30mm welded in place, but cut to permit the use of the KFF2 over the driver visor. Visor on right side of turret was eliminated during April 42.

The detailed history of the changes to the designations and the fittings on Pz.Kpfw.IV can be found in three publications that I wrote with Tom Jentz and or Walter Spielberger:

Panzer Tracts No.4 Panzerkampfwagen IV
Panzerkampfwagen IV und seine Abarten, Motorbuch Verlag (German) or Schiffer Publication (English)
Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G, H and J 1942–45, Osprey
Fritz, if you would like to contact me through Private Messages I may be able to provide you with more precise information.

Hilary Louis Doyle

[29THPZG]

Also, a large percentage of F2 had the early globe shaped muzzle brake....although you cannot see the brake, it does not look globular under the cover. Also, can't tell if it is an L43 or L48 piece...

[Fritz]

Thank you all who have contributed to this thread!


hdoy: PM sent.

Thanks!!