Panzer IV Ausf E 3D model

The Ausf.E was the first wartime large scale series. Although many studies and reports were published about the lack of penetrating power of the 37 mm (1.46 in) gun of the Panzer III, no gun upgrade was possible for it. In order to find a solution, a single Panzer IV Ausf.D prototype was fitted, for trials, with a derivative of the Pak 38, a medium velocity 50 mm (1.97 in) gun. The initial order for 80 units was dropped after the end of the French campaign. This had shown, definitively, the lack of protection and armor-piercing capabilities of German armor in tank-to-tank combat, notably against the British Matilda and French B1 bis. The Ausf.E kept the short KwK 37 L/24, but the front hull glacis was increased to 50 mm (1.97 in) of armor, with 30 mm (1.18 in) appliqu steel plates as an interim measure. The commander cupola was relocated further forward, and on late production vehicles a kit was provided for a large turret storage basket, in common with the Panzer III. Production reached 280 unit in April 1941, when this model was superseded by the Ausf.F. Model done on MAX 2013, untextured hull and turret, only the tracks, lights, exhausts and some little objects are unwrapped and textured, maps included.