This book features the monstrous Ausf H variant of the Panzerkampfwagen IV, designated the SD.KFZ 161. This variant saw the integrity of the glacis armour improved by manufacturing it as a single 80-millimetre (3.15 in) plate. To prevent adhesion of magnetic anti-tank mines, which the Germans feared would be used in large numbers by the Allies, Zimmerit paste was added to all the vertical surfaces of the tank's armour. The vehicle's side and turret were further protected by the addition of 5-millimetre (0.20 in) side-skirts and 8-millimetre (0.31 in) turret skirts. These modifications meant its weight shot up, making it a far slower adversary, but a less precarious one.

The Ausf J variant, the final production version of the Panzer IV-the Ausf. J-was considered a retrograde from the Ausf. H. Born of German necessity to replace heavy losses, it was greatly simplified to speed production. By late 1944, Zimmerit was no longer being applied to German armoured vehicles, and the Ausf. J's side-skirts had been replaced by wire mesh, while to further speed production the number of return rollers was reduced from four to three.

About the series
This series of highly illustrated books present detailed scale drawings of aircraft and vehicles, with supporting colour profile artwork. With detailed captions on the history, combat action and development of each machine, each volume is an exceptional reference tool for modellers, with extras such as free decals, masking foil and photo-etched brass.