1:35 Tamiya PzKpfw II F rebuild {ST}

[SimonT]

Not done a lot of anything recently but did finally do a little bit more on this one today

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sorted out the turret stowage bin - sanded off all kit detail and thinned down the lid then sanded all faces of the bin to remove the general sinkage

added back the pressing detail and some etch hinges and clasps

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rebuilt the side stowage box and added a back to it - this was previously hacked off the side and suffered some damage in the process

Kit details were sanded off and the lids sawn around with the razor saw

Etch hinges and clasps added from the Eduard set


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started assembling some jerrycans for the stowage

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cleaned up a few more of the track links - very soft alloy and easily distorted

On the left done, on the right quite a few still to do

[Guest]

Nice i have recently picked this kit up again and bought some aftermarket stuff for it, was wondering where you bought the track links from and how much for Simon?

[SimonT]

Morning Denise - are you going to go for the full rebuild as well?

the easy links are from Historex Agents £26.75, so not much different to Friuls

Thought I would give them a try

The alloy appears much softer than Friuls though and easily distorted while cleaning them up

I'm not too sure about the easy fixing method - you have to bend a tab over the adjacent link but given how soft they are I am not sure how well this will work.

I would also say that the quality of the castings is not quite up to the standard of Friuls

[papa 695]

Rather you than me, with those tracks Simon. looking good though.

[Guest]

Hi Simon yea i think i will do the full build, i have the same kit that i did quite a few years ago and tbh i'm a little embarressed by it now but i would be a good before and after scenario Not sure i want to spend that much on the tracks tho.

[Si Benson]

Morning Simon,
Some great modifications and extras:thumb2:

I’ve built two off these over the years as quick, no fuss builds and really enjoyed them....seeing you work your magic makes me want to make that 3:smiling5:
Si

[Jim R]

Hi Simon
Track links sound rather less than fun! Good work on the bin.
Jim

[rtfoe]

Oh No...I have to cut my Panzer II in two...nope, I'm gonna leave that to you Simon. :smiling2: Sure looks good. How many mm was taken off for each half? I don't think I have the patience for the tracks...even Fruil scares me :tears-of-joy: but one day I shall try.
Added details nicely done ala 1/72 finesse onto a 1/35 scaled kit. I marvel at you Simon. Now I have to hide my Panzer II in some bushes.

Cheers,
Richard

[Steve Jones]

Nice update Mr T. I like the weld seams and the stowage bins work well. My track links were very fragile and easily bent so good luck with the rest of them. Will you have to rivet each link pin end??:crying:

Steve

[SimonT]

Ian - the links are certainly taking some time!
Denise - as with most aftermarket tracks they are rather costly, especially when the Panzer II itself only sells for about £9
Si - basic thing is cheap as chips, go on get one
Jim - links are still ongoing
Richard - not as bad as some of the Tamiya kits so only removed 1.5mm
Steve - they have moulded pins so I think I will leave them and hope they look ok. Links will get a bath in AK track stuff to rust them

Not done a lot

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added the staples to go with the etch hasps - thin wire bent into U shape

Locking bar added from brass wire with a scratched padlock on the end

Only other thing I managed was to clean up a few more track links

[Tim Marlow]

Great detail work as always.....must seem huge after Braille scale though LOL
Tim

[SimonT]

Thanks Tim - still seems just as fiddly. As the scale increases I just end up making the small bits that I couldn't do at 1/72 :smiling:

Little bit more done

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opened up the second of the solid rear idler wheels

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made up a jerrycan rack - this started out as the Eduard etch one.
It is meant to hold four cans but they didn't make it large enough - more like 3.75

I started by sticking four Italeri cans together (without handles or caps)

I opened out the grooves with an Olfa P cutter then inserted thin wire to replicate the seam on each can

I sliced the end panels off the etch rack and CA'd the remaining front, back, base to the cans

The end etch panels were then CA'd to the end cans leaving gaps on each corner - handles and caps were added

I then made up new corner pieces from pewter and stuck them over the gaps - since the racks would likely be local fabrications I don't think the slight wonkiness is too much of a problem

I made a locking bar from brass rod and fed it through the holes in the etch end pieces and all the handles then added a padlock and CA'd the whole thing to the track guard - hopefully it will look ok under paint

[rtfoe]

Simon...great rack. :thumb2: The wonkiness can be attributed to wear and tear.

Cheers,
Richard

[Steve Jones]

Mr T

Luv the homemade padlocks. I will try this my self (If you dont mind) as they are better than the 2D PE ones.

Steve

[Si Benson]

Hi Simon,

Good to see some progress.....Nice touch adding the seams to the jerry cans, I’ll have to try to remember that:thumb2:.
Did you use Italeri cans for any reason....are they the more accurate of the kit makers?

Excellent updates.....inspiring as ever :smiling4:
Si