Tamiya Panzer II Ausf A/B/C - a new wip starting 29.07.12

*Post 1 of 2 - photos on second post below*:

Hi chaps,

As you probably know I've been working on and off on my Tamiya Jeep and I had to pop up the LHS yesterday to buy some 1/35 German and US Jerry Cans. Foolishly I took my wallet instead of a ten pound note so when I saw them re-stocking the shelves with a new delivery from Tamiya I saw they had in stock the newer Tamiya Panzer II depicting the early A/B/C versions I had to buy it. I say I foolishly took my wallet as I know every time I go there for paint or scalpel blades etc I usually end up buying a kit! This has been one I've been looking at for a while now and will be a perfect cabinet addition to sit between my Dragon Panzer IA and Tamiya Marder II. I'll be looking at the late version Dragon Panzer II as a future purchase too.

So, The Jeep is on hold again as I really wanted to build a German Kit. I've got Tigerman's much anticipated 'Steel Cats' GB starting in September for which I'll be building Dragons Late Version Tiger I with Zim. This Panzer II will make for a great little project to fill the time between now and early September when the GB starts. I could finish the Jeep but like I say I'm really looking forward to building another early War Panzer. The Jeep can wait a bit although I did once say I wouldn't ever be one oth those modellers who has several builds on the go at any one time!

The build: It's Tamiya's 2008 release of the Panzer II which depicts the A/B/C version. The kit looks really well laid out - no nasty ejector marks that are very visible but I'm sure I'll come across a few during assembly. PE is supplied for the Muffler heat guard which is a nice touch - Tamiya are obviously learning as their solid muffler actally has a hole in the end and won't need a pin vise taking to it. The barrel is okay and slide moulded so it's a one piece tube with a visible bore and the MG34 looks fine too but both are bog standard all the same. I've replaced these with RB offerings which are very cheap and a real no-brainer when attempting to improve the looks of your kit so I'll be lopping off the plastic barrels, sticking the metal RB barrels on the plastic breeches as there is plenty to see and a seat for the gunner so the main hatch will be open exposing the turret detail contained withing. I'll be using the kit Link & Length tracks as they look fine and well detailed.

Apart from the new barrels I'll be adding an RB brass Antennae and will be doing away with the bulk of the kit tools and instead using Dragon tools from the spares tub and Dragon PE clamps - it will make a big difference. The kit tools aren't great, just 'suitable' and the Dragon tools are required to really improve the look! Overall, a lovely looking kit that is only let down by solid moulded headlights and not hollow headlight cases that can be painted silver inside and then clear lenses just dropped on top. I'll probably cover them up with tissue paper soaked in PVA & water to make it appear as if the crew have attempted to cover them with rags up in an attempt to black them out? Any suggestions chaps?

I'll be starting the build tomorrow - in the meantime here are some sprue shots etc showing this lovely little kit in greater detail:

See second post below for the photos:

Edited By Ben Hinks on 28/07/2012 20:54:07

Post 2 of 2:

Dragon Tools and PE Clamps:

Sprue shots and other box contents:

Hull Tub and PE Fret/Decals:

Kit weaponry for the turret:

RB upgrades (20mm Pz II barrel, MG34 Barrel and Brass Antennae) - what is the little PE Fret with the 20mm cannon for?:

Turret guide on the instructions - a bit of extra detailing and painting will allow the main hatch to be left opened showing off the seat and gun breeches (I'm not sure about using the figure yet):

I'll be building this version (there are 4 choices). This is the box art version that depicts 6th Panzer Division, France, 1940 - this version also allows for use of the rear smoke candle rack:

Finally, I got several items through the post the other day and am really looking forward to trying this AK stuff out instead of Hairspray which it is intended to replace:

I hope you'll follow along on this one guys.

It certainly looks like an enjoyable build!

Thanks for looking - I'll provide a proper wip update tomorrow as I just haven't had time to get this build started properly today!

Take care,

Ben

I'll tag along for the ride too.

Cheers

John

Hi Ben, look forward to watching this. My next build was going to be either this or the Tamiya( CMK) Pz.Kpfw 35(t) so I`ll hold fire and follow your build before I decide,

cheers, Pete.

Cheers guys,

I felt like a good old Tamiya build - this newer Panzer II is a stonking kit only let down by them darn moulded headlights? I can't understand why they would do that - especially when they chuck some PE items in the box!

I'll cross that bridge when I come to it but it's nice to see a bit of slide moulding when making the barrels instead of having to drill the ends out. The exhaust even has a hole too!

I'm hoping to assemble the tracks on the vehicle then remove them for painting off the vehicle.

Being a 1940 tank at the start of the war I'm not going to beat it up as it probably wouldn't be battered to pieces with chipping and missing parts so I'll be keeping weathering light - no chipping as such and instead just grime and dust.

I'll be making a start tomorrow,

Ben

looks very interesting Ben

In for the ride

bob

Hello Ben,

I'll be following along too - seem to have picked up a liking for these early war panzers!

Cheers

Gary

Hi lads,

I love these early war Panzer - they are full of personality and don't eat up acres of cabinet space!

I've also got Dragons Premium Edition Flakpanzer IA in the stash - to be assembled soon.

Regards the paint scheme a thought that crossed my mind yesterday - early war Panzers in France? Grey and Brown was the common scheme and I decided I'd go with the scheme as it was a scheme that I'm still to try despite my love of the little early war Panzers and adds a bit more interest.

I understand that the scheme is about 1/3rds Chocolate Brown and 2/3rds Panzer Grey. From what I've seen the Brown is quite faint and pokes through the Grey like a strong pre-shade?

I'm going to paint my Pz II like this as it's a scheme I haven't tried yet and would look right at home amongst my other early war Panzers.

Perhaps someone can provide a decent layout of the scheme for me to follow and also a recommendation for the corret shade of Brown paint i.e. Tamiya (XF-?) or a Vallejo shade would be extremely helpful.

I'm going to start a bit of work now so will put up a few pictures later.

Cheers fellas,

Ben

Ben

Best of luck with the build. The sprues certainly look lovely and clean. Strange indeed about the headlights, and no idea what to suggest.

Cheers

Tim