I agree now. Dragon kits have excellent detail but they often have unclear or incomplete instructions. And now they've gotten unreasonably expensive for >15-year old kits. RFM kits are even better in terms of flawless fit and detail, the instructions are perfectly clear, and they're reasonably priced.
Very good! You have sparked my interested in a Rye Field Panzer IV, luckily i have their H variant in my stash haha :) I like the little modifications you did, especially the battered side skirt rails on the hull. Very convincing.
Thank you for presenting the kit. I am very impressed by the RFM Panzer IV! I'm looking forward to the sequel and a possible diorama! Best greetings, John
A+ This is your very best video todate! Informative, interesting & concise! Keep up the good work. RFM seems to consistently have outstanding engineered kits unlike the competition. Looking forward to your next upload.
The thing I enjoy about Rye field model kits is that there just as good as Dragon if not better and they are cheaper and available I'm like Dragon kits I can't seem to find them other than on eBay. Rye field is my favorite model company I think they are the best model company on the market right now. Great work cousin Panzer Meister 36
I built the RFM Pz IV J and really liked it. Another nice thing about RFM is the optional detail packages with 3D printed parts and additional PE available for many of their kits. The kits are fantastic for the price and they compare well to Dragon models. My only complaint with RFM is no zimmerit either molded on or included for the models that should have it.
Yes, I do have some of their 3D printed upgrades that I will review soon. Excellent quality kits for sure. Zimmerit is tricky to mold onto kits, but Takom and Dragon have done it decently in the past so it's clearly possible.
Their newest tiger One release a late model has a molded on zimmerit parts so it'll be interesting to see what it's like when I get mine this one is a full interior I imagine they'll release a non-interior version of that kit
@@rickmoreno6858 I'll look forward to the non-interior version. I'm building the Das Werk Tiger I now and I've had a lot of issues with it so an RFM TIger I with zimmerit will be welcome.
Wow where have you been? Everything OK? Fantastic review it's awesome how many manufacturers of armor models today. When I started for armor there was 4. Really like how you make your builds look beat up too. Hoping you're gonna turn that Looking kit so far into a Viginette? Definitely looking forward to your next update. Painting and weathering I hope? God bless.
Just busy with work and travel, but I appreciate you checking in. I don't think I'll do a vignette on this one, since I'm already doing one with the Jagdpanzer IV buddy build with Hamilkar Barkas. But I will do the full painting and weathering video on this one for sure :)
I really am taken with RFM kits I think the quality is excellent. I have used certain soft steel fishing trace for pike fishing on 100 meter spools I think 30 pound is a bout right for tow cable.Looking in a fishing tackle shop should find it.
Hi Never built a Panzer IV certainly not RFM but agree they are better in detail and a lot cheaper than Dragon which I always loved once but changed to Miniart but saying that I do have a Dragon Panzer IV Ausf. C in my stash which I must have started it but now I want to finish it and thank you for the link to the other channel you mentioned I will have a look thanks for the post review on this RFM kit like what you have done in changing it.
@@Panzermeister36 thank you for the comments having re looked at it its not too bad had actually built most of it but have since pulled it apart and re worked some of it and yes you are quite right, too over engineered and typically confusing instructions and too many spare parts for other Panzer 4 kits but overall a good choice still have plenty of other dragon kits to get through but still prefer Miniart and also RFM. look forward to seeing your build of the Panzer IV Ausf. C.
Fabulous review. I'm a HUGE fan of RFM - they are the best! I've finished their StuG III and have their PZ III and PZ IV to build and they love k epic in the box. I think the miniart PZ IVs are way overengineered and the plastic is thin and kind of soft.
I have not yet tried a Miniart Pz IV or one of their new StuGs either, but I have built their stuff in the past and I did notice the soft plastic. It didn't feel like the best quality.
@@Panzermeister36 that's what I thought. Soft plastic, thinly moulded pieces - did not feel sturdy. Overengineered - 10 pieces where as 2 or 3 pieces would do. Not for me! Not pleasurable. I have 3 or 4 mini art kits but they scare me! LOL.
Excellent overview Evan (as always!). I have this kit in my stash, so I am thrilled that you have given the kit a thumbs-up! BTW, I am hearing high praise from people who have built MiniArt's Pz. IV kits, so perhaps you could build one at some point, and do a comparison?
I have the interior pz iv ausf j about halfway into the hull interior and have completed the sherman with interior by them. Overall their molding is some of the sharpest and nicest in the hobby and their engineering is also really good in my experience. Parts are hard to misplace even with interior where there's so much going on. I got their leopard 2a6 with interior as well and can't wait to start it, apart from a few unfortunate ejection pin locations it looks absolutely amazing. The one thing I'm disappointed on for that leo is the markings provided and actual lack of options, as it only comes with the mg3 top mounted MG for example and two german examples only, no FN MAG, finnish, swedish, dutch or any other decals. luckily somone 3d prints fn mags specifically for leos and its a drop-in replacement on the RFM kit. All in a all if an armored subject has multiple vendor offerings I'll usually lean RFM.
I agree completely. RFM is a go-to for me now. Top quality and very reasonable prices. We are lucky to have so much aftermarket now too for these small corrections 😊
Yes I had a busy time recently with work and travel. And many of my modelling projects were stuck waiting for aftermarket accessories to finish them. But I have more videos to release soon! Cheers
I am working on Dragon's 6300 Panzer IV. I have the lower hull done and painted. I also have an old set of Masterclub resin tracks ( I think they only make white metal ones now) which I purchased years ago but were a pain to assemble. After one run I broke out the aftermarket RFM set and will use a run from that boxing for the other side. Question. Would you recommend I weather the lower hull and tracks first before moving onto attaching the fenders then moving on to the superstructure?
Yes.. I like the RFM KVs . I ordered the G as my first RFM German kit and am looking fwd to building it. Not an Expert on PZ IV. .. so question. I thought the H had a slightly longer gun? OH... I loved you video on the King Tiger with zimmerit. It inspired me to build one. Like to see you do a Maus. Thanks for the review.
Thank you for the comment! The earlier Pz IV G did indeed have a gun 43 calibres long, but this was changed to a gun 48 calibres long during the middle of Ausfürung G production. This kit I used builds a very very late G that has most of the upgrades that are standard on an Ausfürung H (side skirts, turret traverse motor, longer gun, deleted turret side viewports, etc.) the only major differences between such a late G and an early H is the final drive cover armour, the drive sprockets, and the front armour being solid 80mm vs 50+30mm bolted/welded. To be honest, a Maus has been tempting me. My buddy Tankbrusher has made a 3D printed resin upgrade set that would be excellent to try out. That may be a project for me in a few months.
Thanks for the review! I haven't yet built an rfm model, but would like to. Maybe a T34 if they do one. I really like the panzer IV though, & if you like it better than the dragon offerings, then I'll give it a go! But the T34 is first.
I'm excited by the RFM T-34 kits too. But, I'm not a fan of the 85mm one; I much prefer the look for the 76mm versions. Hopefully they will do those too someday.
Thank you for the review, great job. You do great work. I would not know a Panzer 4G from a Panzer 4H, if they were both parked outside my house. I am about to finish a Rye Field T-55A, it is better in detail then a Takom kit and fewer parts then a Miniart kit. Question though, did your kit come with black rubber parts other then the wheel caps. T 55 had black parts that rejected every glue I could think of. Any info would be great. Keep up the good work.
A NBC warfare cover / hood for the driver's hatch, that was supposed to glue to a clear styrene lens and frame. I tried 2 part epoxy, rubber shoe repair glue, Tamiya extra thin, and others, the black parts just laughed at the glues. @@Panzermeister36
BTW.....I love the Academy PZ III i and StuG IV very much (the buildability is like Tamiya) but the RFM are better! Especially for the same money. The RFM PZ IV was £36 and the RFM PZ III was £30! Thrifty modelling! 😆
I would personally say yes, though RFM has a lot more parts. Not an insane level of parts, but more than Tamiya. So if you are looking for an easy weekend build, Tamiya would be a better choice.
I'm quite fond of RFM generally. Rivals Dragon for accuracy but less expensive. Thanks for the review, keep up the good work.
I agree now. Dragon kits have excellent detail but they often have unclear or incomplete instructions. And now they've gotten unreasonably expensive for >15-year old kits. RFM kits are even better in terms of flawless fit and detail, the instructions are perfectly clear, and they're reasonably priced.
Very good! You have sparked my interested in a Rye Field Panzer IV, luckily i have their H variant in my stash haha :) I like the little modifications you did, especially the battered side skirt rails on the hull. Very convincing.
I guess the tracks will take a while :D
Thank you Michael! Yes, this vehicle caught my eye as it is quite beat up. It was an excellent kit. I will have to build their Pz III some day.
Thank you for presenting the kit. I am very impressed by the RFM Panzer IV! I'm looking forward to the sequel and a possible diorama! Best greetings, John
Thank you John!
Great video.Can’t wait for your late war stug 3 painting video too.
Thanks Timothy. That video is very nearly done. I will try to finish it over the holidays.
I'm planning to get one myself, your review was a perfect timing. Thank you...:)
Glad to help!
Picked up one at a show a couple of months ago for 35 euro , delighted now with review. Thank You
I got this kit for a good price too. Very much worth it!
A+ This is your very best video todate! Informative, interesting & concise! Keep up the good work. RFM seems to consistently have outstanding engineered kits unlike the competition. Looking forward to your next upload.
I have to say ryefield has become my favorite model company
The thing I enjoy about Rye field model kits is that there just as good as Dragon if not better and they are cheaper and available I'm like Dragon kits I can't seem to find them other than on eBay. Rye field is my favorite model company I think they are the best model company on the market right now. Great work cousin Panzer Meister 36
Thanks for the video, always enjoy your reviews. They are very well done. Hope you have a great Christmas mate. Kind Regards from New Zealand
Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season as well. Cheers from snowy Canada 😊
Watching your channel is always informative !.👍
Thank you! I appreciate it
I built the RFM Pz IV J and really liked it. Another nice thing about RFM is the optional detail packages with 3D printed parts and additional PE available for many of their kits. The kits are fantastic for the price and they compare well to Dragon models. My only complaint with RFM is no zimmerit either molded on or included for the models that should have it.
Yes, I do have some of their 3D printed upgrades that I will review soon.
Excellent quality kits for sure. Zimmerit is tricky to mold onto kits, but Takom and Dragon have done it decently in the past so it's clearly possible.
Their newest tiger One release a late model has a molded on zimmerit parts so it'll be interesting to see what it's like when I get mine this one is a full interior I imagine they'll release a non-interior version of that kit
@@rickmoreno6858 I'll look forward to the non-interior version. I'm building the Das Werk Tiger I now and I've had a lot of issues with it so an RFM TIger I with zimmerit will be welcome.
Rick, you're right. I had forgotten about that recent announcement.
Very good review, looking forward to seeing the finished model.
Thank you!
Ah nothing like a Panzermeister video to enjoy when I'm meant to be working lol
Me too! LOL.
Glad to see you have your priorities straight, Shane 😉
@@Panzermeister36 the meister comes first haha 😄
Wow where have you been? Everything OK? Fantastic review it's awesome how many manufacturers of armor models today. When I started for armor there was 4. Really like how you make your builds look beat up too. Hoping you're gonna turn that Looking kit so far into a Viginette? Definitely looking forward to your next update. Painting and weathering I hope? God bless.
Just busy with work and travel, but I appreciate you checking in. I don't think I'll do a vignette on this one, since I'm already doing one with the Jagdpanzer IV buddy build with Hamilkar Barkas. But I will do the full painting and weathering video on this one for sure :)
I really am taken with RFM kits I think the quality is excellent. I have used certain soft steel fishing trace for pike fishing on 100 meter spools I think 30 pound is a bout right for tow cable.Looking in a fishing tackle shop should find it.
A excellent build and review !!! ... thanks for sharing :-) ... a big hug, cheers Markus
Thank you Markus!
Hi Never built a Panzer IV certainly not RFM but agree they are better in detail and a lot cheaper than Dragon which I always loved once but changed to Miniart but saying that I do have a Dragon Panzer IV Ausf. C in my stash which I must have started it but now I want to finish it and thank you for the link to the other channel you mentioned I will have a look thanks for the post review on this RFM kit like what you have done in changing it.
Thank you for your comment Paul! I also have a Dragon Pz IV C that I will be building this year. It's certainly a complicated kit from Dragon!
@@Panzermeister36 thank you for the comments having re looked at it its not too bad had actually built most of it but have since pulled it apart and re worked some of it and yes you are quite right, too over engineered and typically confusing instructions and too many spare parts for other Panzer 4 kits but overall a good choice still have plenty of other dragon kits to get through but still prefer Miniart and also RFM. look forward to seeing your build of the Panzer IV Ausf. C.
wow its a very high detailet Model, Rye Field Modells one of the best. Youre Panzer IV looks very great!!
Thank you!
Nice video Evan, looking really good. 👍🙂
Thank you Tim 😊
@@Panzermeister36 Anytime my friend.
Fabulous review. I'm a HUGE fan of RFM - they are the best! I've finished their StuG III and have their PZ III and PZ IV to build and they love k epic in the box. I think the miniart PZ IVs are way overengineered and the plastic is thin and kind of soft.
I have not yet tried a Miniart Pz IV or one of their new StuGs either, but I have built their stuff in the past and I did notice the soft plastic. It didn't feel like the best quality.
@@Panzermeister36 that's what I thought. Soft plastic, thinly moulded pieces - did not feel sturdy. Overengineered - 10 pieces where as 2 or 3 pieces would do. Not for me! Not pleasurable. I have 3 or 4 mini art kits but they scare me! LOL.
Excellent overview Evan (as always!). I have this kit in my stash, so I am thrilled that you have given the kit a thumbs-up! BTW, I am hearing high praise from people who have built MiniArt's Pz. IV kits, so perhaps you could build one at some point, and do a comparison?
Thank you Derek! I want to do a Pz IV J at some point, so I may get the Miniart kit for that vehicle. It looks like a great kit.
I have the interior pz iv ausf j about halfway into the hull interior and have completed the sherman with interior by them. Overall their molding is some of the sharpest and nicest in the hobby and their engineering is also really good in my experience. Parts are hard to misplace even with interior where there's so much going on. I got their leopard 2a6 with interior as well and can't wait to start it, apart from a few unfortunate ejection pin locations it looks absolutely amazing. The one thing I'm disappointed on for that leo is the markings provided and actual lack of options, as it only comes with the mg3 top mounted MG for example and two german examples only, no FN MAG, finnish, swedish, dutch or any other decals. luckily somone 3d prints fn mags specifically for leos and its a drop-in replacement on the RFM kit.
All in a all if an armored subject has multiple vendor offerings I'll usually lean RFM.
I agree completely. RFM is a go-to for me now. Top quality and very reasonable prices. We are lucky to have so much aftermarket now too for these small corrections 😊
Excellent build as always. You seem to be busy at work. Please take care and I always hope you are successful at work.
Have a nice week end. NOB
Yes I had a busy time recently with work and travel. And many of my modelling projects were stuck waiting for aftermarket accessories to finish them. But I have more videos to release soon! Cheers
thanks for the review, nice work dude!
Thank you!
I like the RFM kits , very nice quality indeed .
Agreed!
I'm wondering if dipping the tow cable thread in lacquer would help the look.
I am working on Dragon's 6300 Panzer IV. I have the lower hull done and painted. I also have an old set of Masterclub resin tracks ( I think they only make white metal ones now) which I purchased years ago but were a pain to assemble. After one run I broke out the aftermarket RFM set and will use a run from that boxing for the other side. Question. Would you recommend I weather the lower hull and tracks first before moving onto attaching the fenders then moving on to the superstructure?
Yes.. I like the RFM KVs . I ordered the G as my first RFM German kit and am looking fwd to building it. Not an Expert on PZ IV. .. so question. I thought the H had a slightly longer gun? OH... I loved you video on the King Tiger with zimmerit. It inspired me to build one. Like to see you do a Maus. Thanks for the review.
Thank you for the comment! The earlier Pz IV G did indeed have a gun 43 calibres long, but this was changed to a gun 48 calibres long during the middle of Ausfürung G production. This kit I used builds a very very late G that has most of the upgrades that are standard on an Ausfürung H (side skirts, turret traverse motor, longer gun, deleted turret side viewports, etc.) the only major differences between such a late G and an early H is the final drive cover armour, the drive sprockets, and the front armour being solid 80mm vs 50+30mm bolted/welded.
To be honest, a Maus has been tempting me. My buddy Tankbrusher has made a 3D printed resin upgrade set that would be excellent to try out. That may be a project for me in a few months.
@@Panzermeister36 Thanks for the reply.
Hope you show us the painting process...
I will! I've already started filming it
I dip the thread in watered down PVA glue, leave for 30 mins hanging with a weight attached, then position on the model before it sets hard 👍
Thank you for the advice!
Thanks for the review! I haven't yet built an rfm model, but would like to. Maybe a T34 if they do one. I really like the panzer IV though, & if you like it better than the dragon offerings, then I'll give it a go! But the T34 is first.
I'm excited by the RFM T-34 kits too. But, I'm not a fan of the 85mm one; I much prefer the look for the 76mm versions. Hopefully they will do those too someday.
Thank you for the review, great job. You do great work. I would not know a Panzer 4G from a Panzer 4H, if they were both parked outside my house. I am about to finish a Rye Field T-55A, it is better in detail then a Takom kit and fewer parts then a Miniart kit. Question though, did your kit come with black rubber parts other then the wheel caps. T 55 had black parts that rejected every glue I could think of. Any info would be great. Keep up the good work.
I didn't notice any other rubber parts besides the poly caps. What type of part gave you issues on the T-55?
A NBC warfare cover / hood for the driver's hatch, that was supposed to glue to a clear styrene lens and frame. I tried 2 part epoxy, rubber shoe repair glue, Tamiya extra thin, and others, the black parts just laughed at the glues. @@Panzermeister36
Big fan of RFM kits. Have most of the Tigers they do. Do still enjoy Dragon Tiger kits from time to time but the prices are mad high.
I agree completely. RFM is excellent and Dragon prices have gone up way too much for 15-year-old kits with a new box cover.
So would you consider this the “new” standard for a well detailed Pz IV kit compared to the Dragon, or does the Dragon still hold the crown?
I would say Rye Field Model has improved over Dragon for sure. But they don't yet make all the versions like Dragon did.
Did you add the dent on the muffler and ‘bang-up’ the side skirt rails? Also, it would be nice to see your reference photo. Great review!
Hello Wayne. Yes I did that damage to model a specific vehicle. I will include the reference photos in the painting and weathering video. Thank you!
Keep up the great work .Will you be doing a review of the Luchs?
No, I don't have that kit
@@Panzermeister36 thanks for the reply
Do they make a Luchs? I thought that was Border Models.
@@Panzermeister36 you know what your right it's Border Models kit lol Duh.
Star decals c1261 has the markings for your build
Thank you! What I did at the time was pay MiniArt for a replacement sheet from their set released around March last year.
BTW.....I love the Academy PZ III i and StuG IV very much (the buildability is like Tamiya) but the RFM are better! Especially for the same money. The RFM PZ IV was £36 and the RFM PZ III was £30! Thrifty modelling! 😆
I also got this RFM Pz IV for a really good price. Brand new retail price was cheaper than equivalent Dragon kits. Can't say no to that!
@@Panzermeister36 there's a new sheriff in town! 😆
sideskirts and interleaved road wheels are the worst about late german armor yeah?
Well, they can be interesting features of the vehicle, but they're very irritating to paint and weather as they have to be handled individually.
The jagdpanther g2 by rfi is currently beating me. I guess im over my head😢
You failed to use the Viagra that they included in the kit for the gun to "keep it up"
Lol, I knew someone would make this joke, didn't expect it to be you 😛
Where can you buy Ryefield models in Canada?
I bought this kit at Wheels and Wings Hobbies in Toronto about one year ago for a good price. My local shop in Ottawa also carries RFM kits.
I would like to see a early PZ IV say a D or E . Like PZ meister I want some early PZ III.
I will be doing a Pz IV C in January :)
@@Panzermeister36 what make?
@@Panzermeister36 Tristar/Bronco?
Dragon Super Kit
Hay friend. Reyfield is better than Tamiya??
I would personally say yes, though RFM has a lot more parts. Not an insane level of parts, but more than Tamiya. So if you are looking for an easy weekend build, Tamiya would be a better choice.
@@Panzermeister36 thank you, im looking for best details
Then go with RFM for sure
Wow
My grandad told me that sprinking a ground up viagra in your paint will help with floppy gun syndrome 😊
Stop pretending you're busy..post more. thanks.
Lol
😂😂
promo sm ✨