Rye Field Model 5102 – 1/35 Panzer IV Ausf G winterketten tracks

The Rye Field Model 5102 – 1/35 Panzer IV Ausf. G with Workable Winterketten Tracks is a scale plastic kit released in 2023, featuring full winter track sets (“Schneeketten”) that enhance historical realism and poseability for Eastern Front scenes.

Kit Highlights

• Scale & Variant
• A faithful 1/35-scale representation of the mid‑war Panzer IV Ausf. G, complete with welded Schürzen and late-G hull/ turret details. Released as kit RM‑5102 with all-new tooling.
• Winterketten Tracks
• Equipped with worked winterketten track link attachments (“ice cleats”), which mount onto the standard tracks. The kit includes a jig and pins to allow realistic sag and movement. Builders note some patience is needed for the tiny cleat placements—but results are rewarding.
• Quality & Build Experience
• Offers crisp molding, well-engineered parts, and solid fit. Some reviewers mention minor inaccuracies in the glacis plate thickness, but overall mold quality and precision are praised.
• Accessories & Details
• Comes with multiple decal schemes depicting winter operations (e.g., Kharkov 1943, Eastern Front winter campaigns). Includes photo-etched parts, workable torsion-bar suspension, and detailed hull/turret components.
• Packaging & Pricing
• Packaged in a rigid top-open box, with an MSRP around $65, dropping to ~$50 in many stores—good value for the features offered.

Historical Context

The Panzer IV Ausf. G, fielded mid-1942 onward, was the Wehrmacht’s standard medium tank. Winterketten—chains affixed to wheels/tracks—were used during harsh Eastern Front winters to improve traction on ice and snow.

Conclusion

The Rye Field Model 5102 Panzer IV Ausf. G w/ Winterketten offers a captivating and historically authentic build. With its intricate winterketten detailing, quality tooling, and flexible display options, it’s a standout kit for modelers aiming to recreate mid-war Eastern Front scenes. A worthwhile pick for those looking to blend visual impact with build satisfaction.