Tamiya 35292 - 1:35 Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. A/B/C

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the German Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf.A/B/C (Sd.Kfz.121)

Tamiya 35292 reproduces the German light tank Pz.Kpfw. II in the Ausf.A/B/C variants, in its French campaign 1940 version. In the early phase of WWII, when sufficient numbers of the heavier Panzer III were not yet available, it was the compact Panzer II that formed one of the main elements of German armoured forces and took an active part in Blitzkrieg operations.

The model is made from new tooling, with details characteristic of the early variants. The kit includes armour panels specific to each variant as well as additional armour plates, which are fitted in a way that mirrors the construction of the real vehicle. The turret interior details are reproduced as well.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and fittings
• 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 cannon and interior details (breech, machine-gun mount, gun sight)
• Armour panels specific to each variant
• Additional armour plates fitted as on the real vehicle
• Photo-etched parts for the muffler cover
• Individual link tracks
• Separately moulded hull and turret hatches
• Commander figure
• Decal sheet for four marking options (French campaign 1940)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35292
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 138 mm, width approx. 64 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (individual link tracks, small parts)

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Despite its small size, the model contains plenty of small parts, including individual link tracks that require patience. The part fit typical of Tamiya nonetheless keeps assembly running smoothly. The photo-etched muffler cover is best attached with cyanoacrylate glue.

For painting, a uniform German grey (Panzergrau) is recommended, matching all the French campaign options. Military vehicles are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the detail and recesses benefit from a wash and dry-brushing.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash and, optionally, pigments for a dust effect

About the vehicle – Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf.A/B/C:

The Panzerkampfwagen II was developed in the 1930s to give the German army a more capable combat tank than the earlier Panzer I. The vehicle was armed with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 automatic cannon and a coaxial machine gun. Successive improvements, including suspension modifications, led to the Ausf.C, the most numerous of the early series.

Despite its thin armour and small-calibre cannon, the Panzer II played an important role during the invasions of Poland and France, where it supported Blitzkrieg assaults. For the French campaign, many vehicles were fitted with additional bolt-on armour plates on the hull and turret, improving their protection.

As heavier and better-armed tanks appeared, the Panzer II was gradually withdrawn from the front-line role and reassigned to reconnaissance duties, in which it served in various forms almost until the end of the war.

Original specifications (Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf.A/B/C):

• Length: approx. 4.81 m
• Width: approx. 2.22 m
• Height: approx. 1.99 m
• Combat weight: approx. 8.9 t
• Crew: 3
• Main armament: 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 automatic cannon
• Secondary armament: 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun
• Powerplant: Maybach HL 62 TR petrol engine, approx. 140 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 40 km/h
• Range: approx. 200 km
• Armour: 5–14.5 mm (up to approx. 30 mm with appliqué)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. Since 1960, when it introduced its first plastic kit, the brand has steadily built a reputation based on exceptionally precise injection moulds and excellent part fit. As a result, its kits are favoured by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this model belongs, comprises hundreds of items and is considered one of the most comprehensive 1:35 catalogues of military vehicles in the world. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, glues, tools and brushes.