1:16 Pz.Kpfw. II (Sd.Kfz.121) Ausf.B Modified (French Campaign)

Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. B Modified 1:16 - a plastic kit, Gecko Models

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German Pz.Kpfw. II (Sd.Kfz. 121) light tank in the Modified configuration for the French campaign. Gecko Models is a newer brand that has made its name with carefully engraved molds and a high level of detail; this set belongs to its line of large models in 1:16 scale. The package contains movable tracks with movable suspension, a turret interior, photo-etched parts and decals. Watch out for one thing: the Panzer II was a small tank, but in 1:16 it becomes a substantial, heavy model that will certainly not be lost on a shelf.

The real subject

The Panzer II was a light tank with a 20 mm automatic cannon and a machine gun - a weapon that was not enough against armored targets. By 1940 it was technically obsolete, yet it became the most numerous German tank of the French campaign, simply because heavier types were in short supply. Experience in Poland had shown that its armor was thin, so on a large proportion of the vehicles additional 20 mm armor plates were bolted to the front of the hull, the superstructure and the turret before the attack in the west - that is exactly what the Modified designation means. It was therefore an improvised improvement to real combat equipment, not a cosmetic variant.

Building and painting tips

Finish the running gear and the turret interior first, and only then close the turret up - after that you will not get inside. It makes sense to seat the movable suspension level on a flat surface so that the model stands on all its wheels once built. Glue with liquid cement for plastic and spray over a primer with an airbrush. The bolted additional plates deserve attention: bring out the bolt heads and the edges of the plates with a dark wash, because they are the most characteristic places on the whole vehicle. Then pigments go on the fenders and the tracks - the mud and dust of French roads in 1940.

Who the model is for

• Collectors who want a large model but have no room for a giant Tiger
• Anyone interested in the early part of the war and in the campaign of 1940
• Modelers who will appreciate movable tracks and suspension
• More experienced builders - photo-etched parts and assembled tracks are not a beginner's discipline
• Diorama builders where the vehicle is to be the main character of the scene

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.