Tamiya Panzer II Ausf A/B/C (wip update 19.08.12)

[Hinksy]

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.

www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/german/tamiya35292reviewbg_1.html

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:

Dragon Tools and PE Clamps:





Sprue Shots and other Box Contents:







The moulded headlights without lenses (items 11 & 12):



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

[spud]

oh cool, ill be along for the Ride

[deafpanzer]

Holy cow! You are going to do PE clasps! I better watch this... LOL Have same kit in stash and I plan to build it next year.

[TRM]

Count me in on this one Ben!!

[Hinksy]

Jul 28, 2012 20:20:02 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Holy cow! You are going to do PE clasps! I better watch this... LOL Have same kit in stash and I plan to build it next year.

Sweet, all the lads are aboard!

Andy, I really want to try these tool clasps. If I really struggle I'll have to 'bodge' them together with a bit of CA. I seem to recall someone else having to resort to this method a while back (Andy) ;D

I'm probably going to go for the very early war Bworn/Grey cammo scheme. I haven't tried it before and it would have probably been a very common scheme during the Battle of France.

I'm going to make a start now so I'll post an update later.

Cheers lads,

Ben

[deafpanzer]

You can do it! Have you seen my step by step how to assemble clasps? I'd be more than happy to post here for you.

[wbill76]

Look forward to seeing what you do with this one Ben! If you are looking for an easier/simpler method of tool clamps, you might look into getting yourself a set of Griffon PE clamps. They are 2-part assemblies instead of the more complex 3-parts that DML has come up with.

[Hinksy]

Hi Lads,

Andy - Please post your Clasp assembly guide buddy!

I've got the basic assembly well underway as you'll see. I'd rather not use Friuls on this build so next weekend I'll try and get the link & lengths assembled and then once they have set I'll remove them for painting off the vehicle and for fitting later on. The Drive Sprockets and Idlers are all push fit via Poly-caps which should make things easier!







Some filler will be needed here to sort these small gaps between the plates:



If anyone can make a suggestion for the best shade of brown for this cammo scheme (in either Tamiya or Vallejo) then that would be great!

Cheers guys and have a good week!

Ben

[deafpanzer]

Agree with Bill... I like Griffin and RB PE as they come in two pieces instead of three.

Sure here it is... using PE from Aber. I found it a lot easier if you do this. Learned from somebody a while ago but I forgot who. LOL
First step...


Glue the bottom part of clasp to the tool...


Now glue the top part of the clasp...


Finally attach the handle to the clasp. I used to hate that part but once the clasp is firmly secured it is a lot easier to attach the handle now.


Voila! Give it a try... of course use CA and I use CA accelerator to help speed up the drying time.

Hope this helps...

[multicam]

Nice work so far:) Love the Pz II

[bbd468]

Coming along very nicely bro! looks great so far Ben Man, im so jealous you can pull off those tool clamps so well. I just cant seem to get one built. CURSED BIG FINGERS...AAARRRGGG!!!

Gary

[406 Silverado]

Nice work so far on this one. Too bad Tamiya hasn't stepped up with some better kits that include at least partial interior. Their kits cost nearly as much as Dragon kits, with half the parts.
I like the added metal parts, makes the kit better for sure.

[modelfreak72]

Looking good! Nice touch with dragon tools and PE, much better than the kit stuff!

[Hinksy]

Cheers guys,

I have an unopened box of Hetzer Friuls which I'm swapping with a chap at my club who has a new set of unopened Panzer II/Wespe Friuls. I have next Monday off work so I'm hoping to get a fair bit done this weekend and on Monday. I'd like to have the assembly completed - including Friuls!

Ben

[spud]

any that's a bloody neat way of assembling them dirty clamps.

[TRM]

Nice progress on this guy Ben!!

[Hinksy]

Cheers lads [Y]

All your comments and help is very much appreciated!

I've looked into shades of Brown and apart from the various shades that I already have in my rather large collection of Tamiya and Gunze Acrylic colours and apart from a basic Tamiya Flat Brown nothing really takes my fancy.

I've looked on a website that I use for my Vallejo Colours and they do a shade called 'Chocolate Brown' that can be found in their Model Colour range so I reckon a bottle of that might be a wise investment - especially seeing that I have another Panzer IA variant in the stash to be built soon.

Not having seen the actual colour in the flesh can anyone say if this would be suitable or do you know of a Tamiya colour that would be an almost perfect match. After weathering this Brown is going to be really toned down anyway so perhaps a Tamiya Flat Brown would be ok? [:S]

Onto the build: The Panzer II/Wespe Friuls that my buddy swapped with me for some Hetzer Friuls arrived yesterday so with the aftermarket Brass RB antennae and the replacement RB 20cm cannon and MG34 barrels we are rocking and all set to go!

It's been one Hell of a busy week at work so I'm using today to just chill and watch some Olympics and You-Tube Tank Footage etc as I want to do some Pz II research for my build. I've got Monday booked off as holiday (YEAH! []) so today the most I'll be doing is assembling some Friul links. Tomorrow I'll completethe hull assembly as there isn't much left to do in regards to the main hulluand on Monday I'll replace the kit barrels with my RB ones and get the hull built up in sub assemblies.

There is, of course and unfortunately, not a hint of any interior detail but the Turret has a bit (gunner seat, gun breech detail and detail inside the turret hatches themselves). I'm planning on posing them open with the pads fitted of the insides of the hatches so they'll be exposed and painted with Vallejo 'Leather Belt' colour. The Turret interior will be painted Off White and the seats again in the correct shade - something I need to look up on the web when I do some research. Padded Leather maybe???

The tools will be left until after the basecoat has been applied. I'd like to show some additional stowage too. There is limited space but the nice flat section on the rear deck ofers some useful opportunity. I recall seeing a Pz II build that was detailed in a magazine recently where the modeller had assembled a small base with low sides in which sat three Jerry cans - he'd used PE or Foil to make a convincing strap to hold them in place. I'll be doing that and will probably also try to find a good spot to stow some spare track links too.

Finally, as for the spare roadwheel that is usually seen on the Glacis I'll make up a small tow-cable to sit there instead as I haven't any spare wheels. Tbh the cable will probably look better anyway.

Wip update and photos to follow!

Cheers guys,

Ben [t$t]

[robbo]

Another little Pz II great I'm in and nice work on the clasps

[Hinksy]

Cheers Robbo,

So far it's been a really enjoyable build.

The clasps you mention were ones assembled by Andy Deafpanzer - I wasn't sure if you thought they were mine?

I'm yet to try PE tool clasps but am looking forward to the challenge!

Cheers buddy,

Ben

[406 Silverado]

Ben, Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown. The Vallejo camo brown is very dark. Most people including myself use the Vallejo for chipping. When doing the brown camo on the PanzerGrau be sure to lighten the brown on the upper areas, kind of like color mod. I use the XF 64 as a base brown then lighten with Tamiya brown and may add a drop of buff for highlights.
Of course filters and washes will do the same and bring the camo to life with dimensional effects. Once you add dust weathering the camo will of course lighten as well.

[tobias5555]

Nice one, I´m building the small brother.

[Hinksy]

Aug 4, 2012 12:14:22 GMT -5 tobias5555 said:

Nice one, I´m building the small brother.

Cheers for that Rob - I've plenty of Tamiya shades so it won't be a problem.

Tobias - I've been looking at your 1/48 build and it's coming along nicely
What scheme are you planning?

Take care guys,

Ben

[Hinksy]

Hello lads,

A quick update:

The entire lower hull is now complete and looking spot-on. What a simple build - after several mind-bending Dragon assemblies this was a nice break!

As I've mentioned before it has no interior but there is a basic interior in the turret and I'd like to leave that visible via open turret top hatches so some off-white will be needed for the turret interior plus the seat will need to be made to look presentable.

My Friuls from my friend are here now and ready to go so next weekend it's Friuls and turret assembly (plus I'll have to lop of the kit gun barrels and put on the RB metal ones.

I've left all the tools for hand painting and fitting after the basecoat is on. The plan is to basecoat and I'm going to try some modulation plus I'll be attempting the grey/brown early war German Panzer scheme. Decals can go on then tools then the usual washes and weathering etc.

The thing which I really like about this kit is that all of the road wheels, the idlers and drive sprockets are fitted via polycaps so can be popped on and off at any time.

A lovely little kit let down by them solid headlights - I think I'll just put the blackout covers on them!

Here's a few photos - nothing great as they were taken quickly using my phone camera:



PE Muffler Heat cover and Smoke candle rack which will need some chain adding for pulls:



All wheels fit via polycaps - very handy!



Friuls! Yeah!



RB barrels ready to swap for the kit ones (antennae too):



Thanks for looking guys,

I'll be hoping to get the turret completed next weekend and the Friuls assembled too which just leaves the painting and weathering.

All the best folks,

Ben

[wbill76]

The Tamiya kits do build up quickly Ben, looks like you've got this one well in hand so far.

[bbd468]

Its really looking nice Ben. Sweet goodies for ther Pz.II. Keeper comin' man!

Gary

[Hinksy]

Hi guys,

Cheers for the comments. I've been looking at shades of Brown and think that Tamiyas NATO Brown looks perfect? I have about 2 bottles unopened in the paint drawer and it looks ideal.

Any thought chaps?

Anyway, making great progress. I've not had masses of time to expend on this build recently so it's been nice to get this turret out of the way - it was an enjoyable assembly and I'm looking forward to getting some colours on this now.

I had planned to leave the turret hatches open but the interior is so sparse a lot of scratchwork would have been needed and the hatches won't sit properly when in the open position due to the hinge moulding had been done.

As you can see the tools remain unattached as do the two large tool boxes, antennae and antennae trough. I'm going to paint the basic assembly and wheels as you see her now (the antennae can be painted off the tank to be fitted later to prevent damaging the Brass RB antennae getting bent) then I'm going to decal her and handpaint the tools and trough - the trough has a woodgrain effect that might benefit from some tidy brushstokes.

Following the grey and brown scheme I'll put the tools on and weather it as one. There are two large toolboxes that I plan to paint with a bare metal finish to add some visual interest.

Anyway, the replacement barrels look great and dropped straight on - you obviously just need to snip the plastic barrels off and drill a small hole in the gun breeches to drop the new barrels in.

Tomorrow I'm working from home so I'm going to be pressed for time. I plan to fit the two main headlights with the blackout covers on them and also fit the wiring to them and I'll lay down a layer of primer to harden up nicely during theek. After that I'll start on the Friuls - hopefully next weekend the build will be ready for some paint.

Photos:

The RB barrels are a definate improvement:







Looking good I think? The new barrels definately do the trick!

Seeing as all roadwheels, idlers and drives are fitted via polycaps I'll be able to push this around on the floor with working tacks once the Friuls are fitted! ;D

Cheers guys,

Ben

[spud]

looking real good Ben. The Rb stuff make a huge difference i think to any model, as for the Nato brown its the brown i used for my panther camo. and it looks good, but now sure how it will look on a grey brown camo.

[TRM]

Those barrel do make all the difference!!! Very nice!!! Can't wait to see her in paint and some weathering soon!!!

[Hinksy]

Thanks guys,

The RB stuff is so cheap it's a no-brainer if you want this kit to look a little better. The kit barrels are fine and slide moulded so have open barrels but are lacking detail In particular the cannon only has dimples and no holes on the pepperpot muzzle brake. The antennae, of which I have several in 1.4m and 2m lengths are only a pound or so eack. If you are crap at strectching sprue (like me) they are perfect and have the required taper to the tip like these German vehicles would have had.

I'll be working from home this afternoon so will only be starting the Friuls. If it's not busy I cann see a few areas that need a tidy-up and some filler.

I might prime her too but depends on time. I'll post an update later.

Ben

[Hinksy]

Cheers guys,

Can any of you give me a final pointer on the brown to use. I have Flat Brown and NATO Brown (Tamiya) and others which are waaay off.

The was going to try some Vallejo Model Colour 'Chocolate Brown'?

Have a good week guys - I'm now halfway there with the Friuls and painting starts next weekend!

Ben