Crossing the tank ditch

Scale: 1/72 | Models used: Revell – Panzer IV (Nr. 03184), Academy – Kübelwagen and Kettenkrad (AC1310), Orion – German WW2 Panzer Soldiers (72047)

about this diorama

A Panzer IV from the 20th Pz.Div. drives over a bridge made by the engineers. It’s the first time that a tank makes use of this bridge, so the bystanders look closely if the construction will hold the weight. 

Tank ditches were utilised on a large scale during World War II, especially on the Eastern Front. Without assistance from engineers these ditches couldn’t be crossed, the tanks would simply get stuck. By constructing make-shift bridges these obstacles could be overcome.

regarding the build

The Panzer IV from Revell is a nice kit. A nice option is to keep the hatches open, which allowed me to fill them with tank crew. From the perspective of the driver (and the crew) it also makes sense, you would want to have a clear view while traversing over the wooden bridge. I love the ‘Schürzen’ – the side armour panels – they make the tank seem even more impressive. Placing them in the correct position was a little bit of a challenge, but I got there in the end.

The Kübelwagen and Kettenkrad from Academy were built up pretty quickly. They are lovely additions to any diorama. The terrain with the ditch was carved from a piece of foam. Then Earth Texture was added and the vegetation. The wooden bridge was made by cutting pieces of balsa wood to the desired lengths and placing them in a position where they would support each other. By making cross sections I tried to replicate the constructions that in theory could hold a heavy tank.

The figures from Orion have useful poses for the scene, some having tools in their hands, some in a supervising pose. They add that story element to the diorama in my opinion.

I’ve sold this diorama in 2025.