Just to see what people think - is it worth all the hassle to update this kit or buy a state of the art version!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRf0eulUKgA/VlyMGkrr6TI/AAAAAAAADWo/7GUQnzSp8rM/s1600/20151130_174239.jpg

http://militaryvehiclemodels.blogspot.co.uk/

Thanks for sharing Simon -- nice what you have done for this old kit! In my case I would have taken the bin off the left side fender as it was not supposed to be there. Overall, it's a great upgrade nontheless! Cheers, Tat

Interesting. The restored vehicle at Bovington Tank Museum has one on it.

If I remember the story correctly, when the museum started restoring the Pz II it was missing its left rear fender. The restorers used a front right fender from another Pz II to make the fix. I don't remember seeing any wartime photos of Pz II with the storage box on the left fender but I could be wrong. When I build the kit I removed the storage box and placed a jerry can rack there to cover the hole.

Also, there has been a lot of discussion on whether the storage box on the turret rear was ever a standard feature.

Regardless, you've done an excellent job on the update. I'm looking forward to seeing it painted.

excellent work!! looks great

That is really fine work on that old kit!! I have 4 of these in the stash and your example gives me inspiration to do a scene I've wanted to do for years. Thanks for sharing!!

I left my turret bin off, but was not aware of the left fender bin controversy. I will definitely remember that if I do a DAK version.

Darn it should have come here before doing all the work - thanks guys. The Bovington story sounds plausible as the bins are identical. I also haven't seen any wartime photos of them on the left fender. As all the hard work is done I'm going to leave it on this time as it looks asthetically pleasing and gives the fenders a balanced look - rather than everything piled onto the right side. I have 6 of these blighters built (7 now - this one being the most comprehensive update) - 5 DAK and 1 winter scheme!!

I hope you don't mind if I chime in on this. I have the Alan kit and was wondering how it compares to the old Tamiya kit or how accurate/inaccurate it is. I built the Tamiya kit decades ago and I was not aware about the extra bin not supposed to be there. Amazing what you pick up here.

Cheers

The other story I read was that when it was captured the left side was a mess, so they had to mend it with what was available before it was shipped out. Whatever the case, having the bin on the left side was not standard feature.

No need to sweat it Simon, like what I wrote earlier, it's great work you've done here! Like you I have a surplus of these Tamiya kits which I plan for various configurations -- cheap and quick builds!

The turret bin is another story. I've only seen a couple of pics of Pz II Ausf F having such -- IIRC in the African theater.

Cheers,

Tat

On Pz II F turret bins:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1428502883

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1231547138

Cheers,

Tat

Ok people colour coat has been started

http://militaryvehiclemodels.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-painting-begins.html

After sometime adjusting paint!!



http://militaryvehiclemodels.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/as-i-wasnt-happy-with-first-coats-of.html

Cool -- looking forward to its weathering treatment.

Paint's looking good, Simon. As for the bins, I wouldn't worry a bit about them. Plenty of things were changed and added on once those things hit the field. If the Bovington crew repaired theirs like that, who's to say some German crew didn't come up with the same solution.

It is great what you did with this old kit that has to be at least 40 years old.

Looks good in its coat of paint.

very nice...That little kit is all "ace now".

Thanks guys - weathering is in progress - quick question periscope colours?

Nice job on an oldie Simon, the paintjob looks great. Looking forward to seeing it fully weathered. Best regards....Dale

I usually do my periscopes in a "gun metal", or blued, finish. That seems to fit most of the pictures I've seen.

On this left rear fender issue - I don't think I buy the theory that this was added at Bovington when it was restored. The photos below show what I believe is the same tank as the Bovington example, but to me it looks like this is the original condition as it was captured, in its 10th Panzer Division markings, and not restored in any way. Note the gun has been removed, but that bin on the left rear fender is certainly there, and is indeed identical to the one on the other side. Additional storage was a popular modification, I recall the photo of the Panzer III with two turret bins for example, one strapped on to the rear deck.

These photos were published in the Sunday Art Publications German Tanks of the Second World War, Tokyo 1978, and are included here for discussion purposes only.




Simon, the model looks excellent, you did a load of great work on it. I have to say I also don't buy the theory that a load of good quality work done to an old kit like could ever be a waste of time. These old kits shouldn't just be binned or ignored, but brought back to life with love and care... there's just as much enjoyment to be had, if not more, as they can be so rewarding as well as having a bit of nostalgia value.

Someone asked about the Alan kit.....this is a fabulous little kit, ovrlooked by everyone. Its an easy build , has indi track linos, and looks great built up. Only thing is I would replace the tools 8f you have spare Dragon ones, but not strictly needed.