Cyber-Hobby/Dragon
1/35 Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. C mit Zusatzpanzer
Kit Number: 6432
Reviewed by  Michael Delano, IPMS# 45465

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MSRP: $39.95
Kit Supplied by Dragon Models USA: www.dragonmodelsusa.com

The Panzer II C mit Zusatzpanzer is the most recent incarnation of the Panzer II from Dragon / Cyber-Hobby. This kit is a wonderful representation of the 'uparmored' version of the Panzer II light tank with a revised commander's cupola, accurate leaf suspension, and rolled front glacis.

[review image] This particular kit has quite a few parts for a completed model of its size. Overall, there are 820 parts spread amongst 17 grey sprues, 3 clear sprues, left- and right-hand Magic Track bags (Each containing roughly 100 links), and two photo etched frets. Interestingly enough, this kit is billed as a 'Smart Kit', though with the shear number of parts as mentioned above, the 'Smart Kit' designation seems to be a short sell on such a wonderfully detailed kit.

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[review image] In addition, a very nice sheet of Cartograf decals are included along with painting instructions for 6 different units. It's important to mention that the kit box provides thumbnail diagrams of 7 different units. Possible unit markings are as follows:
  • Pz.Rgt.8, 15.Pz.Div., Libya, 1941 (Turret No. 4).
  • 3./Pz.Abt.z.b.V.40, Norway, 1940 (Turret No. 12).
  • Pz.Rgt.31, 5.Pz.Div., Eastern Front, 1941.
  • Unidentified Unit, Libya, 1941 (Turret No. 14).
  • Unidentified Unit, Caucasus Region, 1941 (Turret No. 121).
  • Pz.Rgt.7, 10.Pz.Div., Tunisia, 1943.
One of the great things about this kit is that it does contain a fairly complete interior (no engine, however). For those who like to display open units, this will definitely not disappoint. For my review, I chose to forgo most of interior detail.

For this particular kit, I decided to go with markings for Turret No. 4 of Pz.Rgt.8 of the 15th Panzer Division.

Construction was separated into 5 major subassemblies:
  • Turret and Main Gun.
  • Upper Hull.
  • Lower Hull.
  • Road Wheels, Sprockets, and Idlers.
  • Left- and Right-Hand Track Runs.
" Another important item to mention in the construction process is that with the main hull assembly, there are three parts whose sprue and part numbers were not labeled on the assembly diagram in step 1, specifically parts A35 (Hull Flanges X2) and Part J36 (Rear light).

For track assembly, I began by temporarily fitting the road wheels, return rollers, sprockets, and idlers to the suspension with Tamiya masking tape. To do this, I cut a small square of masking tape and place it over the peg hole on the inside of the wheels and fit that onto the suspension arms. The tape ensures a sturdy fit. Once fitted, the left and right side track lengths were assembled using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement and left to sit for about 20 minutes. After sitting, the track lengths were wrapped around the running gear with appropriate sag and left to sit over night. Once dry, the track lengths were removed and set aside for later painting.

The remaining four sub assemblies were given a coat of Mr. Surfacer 1200 followed by a coat of Floquil Black. This was followed by the base color using Testors Dunkelgelb. With the base coat applied, these assemblies were set aside for drying.

To complete the track runs, they were first sprayed with a coat of Mr. Surfacer 1200 followed by Testors Non-Buffing Gun Metal Metalizer. Once dry, a generous oil wash consisting of yellow ochre and burnt sienna was applied. The track lengths were set aside to allow the wash to set up and dry.

With the main hull, turret, and running gear assemblies dry, the rubber road wheel tires were painted by attaching each road wheel to the blunt of round toothpicks that had been shortened by about a quarter of an inch. This allows the wheel to be tightly attached and spun around a brush loaded with thinned black paint. Everything was given a coat of Future and decals were applied followed by one more coat of Future to seal them in. The Future coated assemblies were given about a week to completely set up.

With all sub assemblies completed and coated, several light oil washes were applied. This was followed by a round of dry brushing using Testors Dunkelgelb only slightly lightened with flat white to give everything a faded appearance. With all assemblies completed, the running gear was permanently attached and the track wound around that.

Overall, I fully enjoyed this kit. I would venture to say that being labeled a 'Smart Kit' is a bit misleading as the number of parts rivals any of the significantly larger German armor subjects in the DML lineup. I would also like to point out that there are a number of photo etched parts that do not have plastic equivalents, thus forcing you to use the PE part. For that reason, I would suggest that some experience building with photoetch would be needed before tackling this kit. My thanks to Dragon Models USA for the chance to review this kit.

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