Panzer 2

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

Panzerkampfwagen PZ II Aus F, 1/35 scale by Tamiya.

The PZ II was designed in the late 30s to succeed the earlier PZ 1. It was more heavily armed than its predecessor though still very light. Armour was minimal and they were built to act as training vehicles until the heavier PZ III and PZ IV, came on line. However Hitler, after the peaceful occupations of Austria and Czechoslovakia decided to try his luck with Poland......and all hell broke loose! The PZ II went to war and soon found itself outgunned and obsolete, however by restricting them to the light reccon roles they continued in service through the BEF battles in Northern France and across to Dunkirk and then right up until the Battle of El Alamein. They were only half the size of vehicles such as the Sherman and the Churchill but nevertheless fought valiantly. 

This model came with 3 infantry troops but I elected not to use them as they were in desert warfare dress and I wanted to portray the vehicle as it would have appeared during the battle for Dunkirk. Most German armour of the time was finished in Dunkelgrau (Dark Grey) and any camoflage was applied randomly by troops in the field depending on local environment. Anyway, this is the Panzer II....

 

 

 

 

thanks for viewing, comments welcome.

 

[brett 2,315]

Nice looking piece Alan   Light armour or not, it still look like it could do some damage during it's prime.

 

[rosariomanzo 545]

Great work Al. What's the green for on the top of the turret?

[allardjd 1,853]

Is that the interior color, seen through the prisms?

John

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

Thanks guys, The green blocks are indeed the viewing prisms as you surmised John. Most were either blue or green tinted depending on the sort of glass used. Generally the interior of the German tanks were painted cream. To get this effect I first painted the blocks with matt white, then used 2 coats of tamiya clear gloss green to give the glass effect. I was pleased to see that it worked.

[rosariomanzo 545]

A nice effect indeed, thanks!

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Superb model Alan!

[flybytes 34]

Nicely detailed model Alan.

 

Wonder if you ever visited the Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset? I drove past it many times on my way to repair the Warrior platoon simulator at Lulworth Camp, but never had time to pop in and take a look.

 

Cheers,

Ray.

 

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

Nicely detailed model Alan.

 

Wonder if you ever visited the Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset? I drove past it many times on my way to repair the Warrior platoon simulator at Lulworth Camp, but never had time to pop in and take a look.

 

Cheers,

Ray.

Been there dozens of times, It's a fabulous place and one of the best museums in the country. The live tank action days are fantastic, there is a great restaurant and a well stocked shop. It really is worth a visit.

 

http://www.tankmuseum.org/home