International Scale Modeller

***EDIT*** THIS THREAD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE GB

Which kit to build for a Tamiya-only GB was a much harder decision than I originally thought. I had ideas of grand models like the Jadgtiger or even doing the new F-14A when it finally comes out. I decided that there will be many grandiose builds so I'll do something a bit more tame...just model the crap out of it. I'm doing the Panzer II French Campaign Ausf C, 35th Panzer Regiment, 4th Division, 1940. I have a Panzer IV finished and a Panzer V (Panther) in the stash (both DML versions). This will add to my Panzer collection...







I've been studying Michael Rinaldi's book TankArt 2 (the allied version) and have been mesmerized by many of his techniques and thought processes. This build will be an exercise to see if I've learned anything...not too big a build but one that I can really sink my teeth into weathering-wise. My goal isn't a completely ratted tank, but I do want to emphasize that it's been used...and I want it to look as natural as possible.

This is my main reference photo...



...although mine might show a bit more use than this one. For that I will use many online reference photos depending on the area I'm working on.

I have to say I'm intrigued by Tamiya's "realistic sag" tracks. Instead of the typical rubber tracks, they have included sectioned tracks that mimic the typical track sag seen on most German AFV's. I'm looking forward to seeing how well this system works...



After having built a couple of very-involved Dragon kits with lots of parts and assembly time, this project is going to be a lot of fun. Since Tamiya kits are so user-friendly with solid basics, and this GB does not allow aftermarket or scratch-building, I will be able to concentrate more on the weathering and less on the build-time.

I'd be interested to see how this one goes as I'd like to do a pz II, er, too.

A little background on the Panzer II. Officially called the Panzerkampfwagen II, it was designed to fill a gap between the Panzer I and the anticipated development of a more capable tank. Since these more capable machines were not yet numerous, the II played an important role in the Polish and French campaigns early in WWII. By the end of 1942, it had been mostly replaced by the Panzer III and IV and become more of a training machine. Over 1800 were produced between 1935 and 1943. It remained in service till the end of the war in a limited fashion.

Weighing in at just shy of 9 tons, it had a crew of 3 and a modest 20mm main gun. It's armor was between 5 and 14mm thick and its engine, a Maybach 6-cylinder model, produced 138hp.

30 minutes into the build and I had the wheels assembled and sanded! It doesn't hurt that the Panzer II has very few wheels...



Another hour and the chassis is almost complete...



kr



I can't reiterate enough how refreshing a Tamiya kit is! Dragon kits have a lot of detail but they also have a ton of parts that take a ton of time to put together. I'm not a guy who likes to fiddle with the build itself. Don't get me wrong...I like assembling them...just not intensely. I really enjoy the weather part of it much more. This will be the perfect build for that. Plus Tamiya's details are still top notch.

Looks like a fun one, looking forward to the reveal!

I like this one.

...and just like that, the little tank that could is assembled...



I've decided to leave off the tools and the muffler shield until after painting. Just easier for me to do it in this order.

Next up will be some small seam filling (almost non-existent) and then on to priming!

Here's a quick video showing the assembly process so far. Yes, I stopped after every step and took a picture. Someone had to do it!...

[youtube]Kt617xALekU[/youtube]

Bad news on this one mates. I just wrecked the molded tracks on one side trying to get them assembled for painting. It's nearly impossible to assemble the pre-molded tracks on this one after the top of the tank has been put on. At this point, it makes sense to replace them with aftermarket tracks as that appears to be the best option to assembling something after the top has been glued down.

So...I will be withdrawing this thread from the group build and picking another Tamiya one. No biggy! I have a Jagdtiger in the stash!

Navcom wrote:Bad news on this one mates. I just wrecked the molded tracks on one side trying to get them assembled for painting. It's nearly impossible to assemble the pre-molded tracks on this one after the top of the tank has been put on. At this point, it makes sense to replace them with aftermarket tracks as that appears to be the best option to assembling something after the top has been glued down.

So...I will be withdrawing this thread from the group build and picking another Tamiya one. No biggy! I have a Jagdtiger in the stash!

Oh bad luck mate and it was going so well. What happened?

It comes with pre-formed, sectioned tracks versus individual links. First, I totally destroyed the top section trying to remove it from the sprue....then two other sections as well. They are very thin. Then when trying to fix them, I mucked them up even more. To top it off, I realized it's nearly impossible to get them installed once the tank top has been assembled. Since I always do tracks last, I didn't realize this.

Even though the wheels can come off, you need to form the track while the wheels are on so they fit proper. It would actually have been easier with individual links...I could've strung them while the glue was drying. With pre-formed sections, this task becomes extremely hard with the top on.

Looking at my pathetic excuse for destroyed track sections and that task, I opted to just order a Friulmodel set and be done with it to save my sanity. Besides, I'm now going with the Tamiya Jagdtiger for the GB...which looks to be an awesome kit! And it comes with two track options...vinyl or individual links. I'll probably do the vinyl...more of a weathering challenge and I'd rather do weathering than building.