1:35 Panzerkampfwagen VK 3002 (DB)

Panzerkampfwagen VK 3002 (DB) in 1:35 scale from Amusing Hobby

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German VK 30.02 (DB) medium tank in 1:35 scale, manufacturer's part number 35A002. Beside the plastic sprues the package holds one sprue of clear plastic, a photo-etched fret and a decal sheet with several marking options; one of them belongs to a machine of the 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking, another is hypothetical. It is injection-molded plastic, so a kit for modelers with basic experience.

The real subject

In the spring of 1942 two designs for a thirty-ton medium tank were in competition: one from Daimler-Benz, the other from MAN. The Daimler-Benz vehicle had steeply sloped armor, a turret set well back and a look that recalled the Soviet T-34, which was the model for the whole program. A diesel engine and leaf-spring suspension were planned for it. Hitler favored it at first and an order for a first series was even placed, but in the end the MAN design won and the Panther came out of it. The Daimler-Benz machine stayed a design and never entered service.

Building and painting tips

Join the plastic parts with a thin cement for plastic, which is drawn into the joint by capillary action. Glue the photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue, and with them a primer before painting is a must. The large sloped surfaces come out when you lighten the base shade toward the top edge and run a dark wash into the recesses; finish the dust and mud effects with pigments on the running gear. Because the vehicle never stood in service, you can choose the color scheme as you see fit.

Who the model is for

• collectors of unbuilt German projects
• builders of German Second World War vehicles in 1:35
• anyone interested in a comparison with the Panther and the Soviet T-34
• modelers with experience of photo-etched parts

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