46
Work In Progress / Re: Codename: Sherman 2016 - M4 Roadmap to Victory UPDATED! 200518
« on: May 26, 2020, 02:20:53 am »
Nice one RFT!!!
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47
Work In Progress / Re: The Panzer III Digital Library - Mid-War Panzer 200521
« on: May 21, 2020, 02:06:49 am »
WOWZERS!!!
48
Work In Progress / Re: SdKfz 10 - SdKfz 10 TS1 Sprues 200515
« on: May 15, 2020, 03:56:13 pm »
Oh ... my sweet, sweet Sd.Kfz 10 is getting closer to reality!
49
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II A/B 3D Drawings 200427
« on: April 28, 2020, 03:33:04 am »
Do you still need better scans? Mine defaults to 300 dpi and I never think to even look at that to see what my options are. I can check that out to see if I can get a higher resolution ... if you still need them.
But THANK YOU for including the rounded hull. I am so VERY HAPPY that you found a way to make that happen!!!
But THANK YOU for including the rounded hull. I am so VERY HAPPY that you found a way to make that happen!!!
50
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II 3D Prototype 200416
« on: April 26, 2020, 02:47:50 am »
Here is the blueprint for the Pz II Ausf c (lower case). This was the first Pz II to have the five road wheels. They built 74 of these. The Ausf A, B and C which followed took this as the base, and added improvements. Some were internal, and some were small visible changes. I am including it here as a baseline.
Here is the blueprint for the Ausf A. Biggest changes were the peaked driver's visor, and the one-piecve radio operator's hatch. Keen eyed observers will note that the Ausf A had just one fire extinguisher on the left-rear fender. The one that was on the right-front fender has been done away with (you will see it on the Ausf c diagram).
Here is the blueprint for the Ausf B. This one has bullet deflectors around the turret ring, and by the two forward facing visors. Two more subtle changes ... there is now a reinforcing bar across the rear hull, and if you know where to look, there is a scalloped piece of metal welded to the rear engine compartment It was scalloped to make the weld longer. This was used to reinforce the engine compartment because earlier models started cracking right here.
Here is the blueprint for the Ausf C. The visors have changed slightly,
And here is a blueprint showing an Ausf B that has been back-fitted with several authorized upgrades. This one has ALSO been given the "Tropen" upgrade, because it is headed to North Africa. This includes larger louvers on the radio operators hatch, and new louvers on the left-rear engine deck (over the radiator).
There is one more scan I meant to take and upload, showing the differences in the driver's vision port, and the vision ports around the vehicle (but I have not had the time to get to that one yet).
Enjoy
Here is the blueprint for the Ausf A. Biggest changes were the peaked driver's visor, and the one-piecve radio operator's hatch. Keen eyed observers will note that the Ausf A had just one fire extinguisher on the left-rear fender. The one that was on the right-front fender has been done away with (you will see it on the Ausf c diagram).
Here is the blueprint for the Ausf B. This one has bullet deflectors around the turret ring, and by the two forward facing visors. Two more subtle changes ... there is now a reinforcing bar across the rear hull, and if you know where to look, there is a scalloped piece of metal welded to the rear engine compartment It was scalloped to make the weld longer. This was used to reinforce the engine compartment because earlier models started cracking right here.
Here is the blueprint for the Ausf C. The visors have changed slightly,
And here is a blueprint showing an Ausf B that has been back-fitted with several authorized upgrades. This one has ALSO been given the "Tropen" upgrade, because it is headed to North Africa. This includes larger louvers on the radio operators hatch, and new louvers on the left-rear engine deck (over the radiator).
There is one more scan I meant to take and upload, showing the differences in the driver's vision port, and the vision ports around the vehicle (but I have not had the time to get to that one yet).
Enjoy
51
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II 3D Prototype 200416
« on: April 23, 2020, 10:31:23 pm »
I have the drawings from the Panzer Tracts 2-1. I will scan those and post.
It has blueprints of the Ausf c (out of scope for the kit, perhaps, but the first of the 5-road-wheel suspensions), and then an Ausf A, Ausf B and Ausf C ... showing the subtle changes to each. And then finally an Ausf B with back-fitted elements (extra armor, notek headlight, cupola, stowage bin on right fender ... and the "Tropen" mods (larger, and extra, louvers on the engine deck).
It has blueprints of the Ausf c (out of scope for the kit, perhaps, but the first of the 5-road-wheel suspensions), and then an Ausf A, Ausf B and Ausf C ... showing the subtle changes to each. And then finally an Ausf B with back-fitted elements (extra armor, notek headlight, cupola, stowage bin on right fender ... and the "Tropen" mods (larger, and extra, louvers on the engine deck).
52
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II 3D Prototype 200416
« on: April 22, 2020, 12:05:05 am »
I get why this kit could not have the Ausf a, b and c models, as the track design was totally different, and that could become a lot of extra parts that might up the sprue count.
But I think the hull could have been made rounded, with a couple of small flat panels that could be glued over that rounded hull to make it the armor upgrade. And you would need a rear engine deck that had two openings, where you installed the driver hatch and the access hatch for the radiator. A solid hatch over the radiator is for europe. A louvered access hatch is for Africa. We are talking a few extra pieces to allow the kit to serve ANYWHERE at ANY TIME.
Still delighted to have a plastic Pz II. Just saying the kit could have been better designed to accommodate those gamers or model makers who care/want proper kits for Poland, Norway and Africa.
But I think the hull could have been made rounded, with a couple of small flat panels that could be glued over that rounded hull to make it the armor upgrade. And you would need a rear engine deck that had two openings, where you installed the driver hatch and the access hatch for the radiator. A solid hatch over the radiator is for europe. A louvered access hatch is for Africa. We are talking a few extra pieces to allow the kit to serve ANYWHERE at ANY TIME.
Still delighted to have a plastic Pz II. Just saying the kit could have been better designed to accommodate those gamers or model makers who care/want proper kits for Poland, Norway and Africa.
53
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II 3D Prototype 200416
« on: April 21, 2020, 11:38:22 am »
Panzer Tracts 2-1 has PLENTY of GREAT details.
If we remain focused only on the Ausf A, B and C (book 2-1 covers the early models plus those three production models) then we learn that all of them, every A, every B and every C came from the factory with a rounded hull.
We know that "some" Ausf As had bullet splash guards bolted to the top of the superstructure.
We know that most Ausf Bs had bullet splash guards welded to the top of the superstructure.
We know that all Ausf Cs had bullet splash guards welded to the top of the superstructure.
We know that only rounded hull versions of the Pz II served in Poland and Norway. We know that "many" rounded hull models served in France 1940.
There is an entire chapter (just a few pages) dedicated to all of the official orders authorizing back-fitting of improvements.
The order that allowed upgraded armor (to the turret face, the glacis plate, and the rounded-hull front) is dated February 1940. And mention is made that this was under way during February and March of 1940. But there was specific references to certain vehicles in certain Panzer Regiments (5th and 6th of the 3rd Panzer Division), probably in anticipation of France. But not every Ausf c through Ausf C were back-fitted in this way during those two months.
There is specific mention that 4th Panser Division was in the process of getting their Pz IIs upgraded with the additional armor package, but that not all of them were completed when the invasion of France began.
In October 1940 the cupola upgrade was authorized. October 1940 is also when the blackout headlight was mandated.
So the picture as I see it is this:
Poland 1939 - only rounded hull, no additional armor. Ausf A, B and C were all there. We are talking with and without bullet splash shields, and slight differences in vision ports as the main (recognizable) differences.
Norway 1940 - only rounded hull, no additional armor.
Have not sorted out if any Pz IIs that attacked the low countries had the armor-upgrade. The only two Panzer Divisions mentioned invaded France.
France 1940 you should see both rounded-hull and up-armored versions.
After France, just about every Pz II would have the additional armor.
So my "complaint" is that since none of the hulls shown in the kit are rounded, that means that hull has the extra armor. Which means nobody should ever build this kit with the extra armor missing from the superstructure or the turret.
This means ... having kit pieces that lack the armor upgrade on the turret and superstructure are two pieces that should never be used. There should never be a Pz II A, B or C that has the angled front but is MISSING the additional armor on the turret and driver's front plate.
There is also mention that in February 1941, "Tropenfaehig" (tropical) modifications were authorized for any Ausf A thru Ausf C that were shipping to Africa to be part of Panzer Regiments 5 and 8. By 1941 all Pz IIs would have been back-fitted with the additional armor,
Since the rear hull top plate is "fixed" and there is no provision to either install the standard louvers or the tropical louvers, then the kit as shown is european duty only.
So for the purist, the advertising campaign for this kit should not state that it can build any Ausf A, B or C, early to mid war. Not true. It can only build an Ausf A, B or C for europe, starting with France 1940.
And that means they designed a kit and configured the sprues to include pieces that should not be used. Ever.
I know it is true that most won't care. And this kit will certainly see white crosses for Poland and Afrika Korps colors and palm trees. But unlike the Soviet T-26 which really can be made into one of 10 different versions of that tank, this kit is limited. And that is too bad.
If the hull were rounded, and there was a two piece plate that could be glued over it to form the angled front, this kit would open up to greater possibilities. And having the rear engine deck have a couple of different panels to show european and african louvers, this kit would be amazing in its versatility.
If we remain focused only on the Ausf A, B and C (book 2-1 covers the early models plus those three production models) then we learn that all of them, every A, every B and every C came from the factory with a rounded hull.
We know that "some" Ausf As had bullet splash guards bolted to the top of the superstructure.
We know that most Ausf Bs had bullet splash guards welded to the top of the superstructure.
We know that all Ausf Cs had bullet splash guards welded to the top of the superstructure.
We know that only rounded hull versions of the Pz II served in Poland and Norway. We know that "many" rounded hull models served in France 1940.
There is an entire chapter (just a few pages) dedicated to all of the official orders authorizing back-fitting of improvements.
The order that allowed upgraded armor (to the turret face, the glacis plate, and the rounded-hull front) is dated February 1940. And mention is made that this was under way during February and March of 1940. But there was specific references to certain vehicles in certain Panzer Regiments (5th and 6th of the 3rd Panzer Division), probably in anticipation of France. But not every Ausf c through Ausf C were back-fitted in this way during those two months.
There is specific mention that 4th Panser Division was in the process of getting their Pz IIs upgraded with the additional armor package, but that not all of them were completed when the invasion of France began.
In October 1940 the cupola upgrade was authorized. October 1940 is also when the blackout headlight was mandated.
So the picture as I see it is this:
Poland 1939 - only rounded hull, no additional armor. Ausf A, B and C were all there. We are talking with and without bullet splash shields, and slight differences in vision ports as the main (recognizable) differences.
Norway 1940 - only rounded hull, no additional armor.
Have not sorted out if any Pz IIs that attacked the low countries had the armor-upgrade. The only two Panzer Divisions mentioned invaded France.
France 1940 you should see both rounded-hull and up-armored versions.
After France, just about every Pz II would have the additional armor.
So my "complaint" is that since none of the hulls shown in the kit are rounded, that means that hull has the extra armor. Which means nobody should ever build this kit with the extra armor missing from the superstructure or the turret.
This means ... having kit pieces that lack the armor upgrade on the turret and superstructure are two pieces that should never be used. There should never be a Pz II A, B or C that has the angled front but is MISSING the additional armor on the turret and driver's front plate.
There is also mention that in February 1941, "Tropenfaehig" (tropical) modifications were authorized for any Ausf A thru Ausf C that were shipping to Africa to be part of Panzer Regiments 5 and 8. By 1941 all Pz IIs would have been back-fitted with the additional armor,
Since the rear hull top plate is "fixed" and there is no provision to either install the standard louvers or the tropical louvers, then the kit as shown is european duty only.
So for the purist, the advertising campaign for this kit should not state that it can build any Ausf A, B or C, early to mid war. Not true. It can only build an Ausf A, B or C for europe, starting with France 1940.
And that means they designed a kit and configured the sprues to include pieces that should not be used. Ever.
I know it is true that most won't care. And this kit will certainly see white crosses for Poland and Afrika Korps colors and palm trees. But unlike the Soviet T-26 which really can be made into one of 10 different versions of that tank, this kit is limited. And that is too bad.
If the hull were rounded, and there was a two piece plate that could be glued over it to form the angled front, this kit would open up to greater possibilities. And having the rear engine deck have a couple of different panels to show european and african louvers, this kit would be amazing in its versatility.
54
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II 3D Prototype 200416
« on: April 20, 2020, 11:44:54 am »
Well, they built 74 Ausf c (note lower case). This was the first version to have a revamped suspension with 5 road wheels. The driver's visor was a flat rectangle, and the radio operator's hatch had vents that ran parallel to the tracks (as opposed to perpendicular). It also had two fire extinguishers (reduced to one by the time the Ausf A came along). But otherwise, it can easily be confused with an Ausf A.
I mention this because the Ausf c and Ausf A look very similar. If not for the new driver's visor being a raised triangle (instead of flat), and having only one fire extinguisher, and different angle to the radio hatch vents ... the two were very close. During production of the Ausf A, bullet deflectors were bolted in various spots around the turret ring, but not all Ausf A got those.
As far as I can find out, the Ausf c was not retrofitted with bullet deflectors. I have seen photos of Ausf c that were backfitted with more armor on the turret front, glacis plate, and front hull, and a cupola. But I have yet to find a single photo of an Ausf c that had bullet deflectors.
So it seems to me that all Pz II Ausf c had no bullet deflectors, and some of the Ausf As also had no bullet deflectors. By the Ausf B they were part of standard production.
So I may have misspoken when I said that by Poland, all A, B and C models had splash guards. Certainly all B and C, and most A's did. I am searching for the reference where I thought I read that Ausf As were backfitted with bullet splash guards. So until I can confirm, I will go with "some" Ausf As had it, and some did not, for Poland.
I think when looking at photos of Pz IIs in Poland, lots of them are side shots, and thus it makes it hard to know if it is an Ausf c (lower case), or one of the A, B or C models. Perhaps a fire extinguisher on the front, right fender is the give-away that it is an Ausf c.
I mention this because the Ausf c and Ausf A look very similar. If not for the new driver's visor being a raised triangle (instead of flat), and having only one fire extinguisher, and different angle to the radio hatch vents ... the two were very close. During production of the Ausf A, bullet deflectors were bolted in various spots around the turret ring, but not all Ausf A got those.
As far as I can find out, the Ausf c was not retrofitted with bullet deflectors. I have seen photos of Ausf c that were backfitted with more armor on the turret front, glacis plate, and front hull, and a cupola. But I have yet to find a single photo of an Ausf c that had bullet deflectors.
So it seems to me that all Pz II Ausf c had no bullet deflectors, and some of the Ausf As also had no bullet deflectors. By the Ausf B they were part of standard production.
So I may have misspoken when I said that by Poland, all A, B and C models had splash guards. Certainly all B and C, and most A's did. I am searching for the reference where I thought I read that Ausf As were backfitted with bullet splash guards. So until I can confirm, I will go with "some" Ausf As had it, and some did not, for Poland.
I think when looking at photos of Pz IIs in Poland, lots of them are side shots, and thus it makes it hard to know if it is an Ausf c (lower case), or one of the A, B or C models. Perhaps a fire extinguisher on the front, right fender is the give-away that it is an Ausf c.
55
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II 3D Prototype 200416
« on: April 18, 2020, 05:44:52 pm »
Well, I received my copy of Panzer Tracts 2-1 and after a thorough study, I am forced to say that while initially tickled pink to get a true early war vehicle, I am now disappointed in the Rubicon offering.
The A, B and C versions all had a rounded front hull. The armor upgrade that gave it the angular look was authorized in February 1940. It included the extra armor on the turret and the glacis plate, as well as the two plates that formed the angular front that covered the rounded hull.
Which means, none of the vehicles shown by Rubicon could have served in Poland. And likely not Norway either. Many armor upgrades were done in time for France 1940, but many round-hull tanks served there too.
So Poland is excluded (again).
There is no point in having the angular front without also having the added armor. There were no angle-fronted Pz II that didn't also have the added armor. And by Poland, all Ausf A, B and C had bullet splash guards added to the superstructure top around the turret ring. So not sure there is any point in a superstructure that doesn't have that splash guard.
So the Ausf A and Ausf B should have bullet splash guards (and it is not there). The Ausf B was the transition model from the vision ports as shown - (with two bolts above and one bolt below the slot) to the improved vision ports (that had two bolts on the vision port itself, and two more bolts above and below for a total of 6). So the Ausf B is fine as shown (other than the rounded hull).
The Ausf C had all improved vision ports (the 6-bolt pattern). But of course, the rounded front hull.
So we have valid Pz IIs for France 1940 onward that can serve in Europe. But none of these can serve in Africa, because all Pz II's sent to Africa were first given a hot climate make-over, and that means the louvers on the radio hatch were enlarged, and also added to the area on the left rear (where there is currently a hatch). In fact, the Ausf F shown has louvers there, but the wrong louvers for the radio hatch.
As I said, now I am a bit disappointed. Nothing for Poland, and nothing for Africa. These are all February 1940 onward.
The Cupola became a back-fit authorized in October 1940 (along with the addition of the Notek blackout light). So at least these can serve in Barbarossa and elsewhere.
I think if the kit had a rounded front hull and no extra armor, and an angular front hull with extra armor, and a rear deck for europe and a rear deck for Africa, this would have been a much more usable kit. Could have served in any campaign from September 1939 onward.
BTW - There were 250 Ausf a, b and c built, 210 Ausf As built, 384 Ausf Bs built, and 364 Ausf Cs built for a total of 1208. Heer records indicate there were 1223 available as of Sep 1st 1939 so somewhere along the line another 15 were manufactured.
All that said, I am still happy to see a plastic Pz II, and I will get me some. And I know, I know, most folks will not know that when I paint them up to serve in Poland, that the angled front is wrong. But ... I will know.
The A, B and C versions all had a rounded front hull. The armor upgrade that gave it the angular look was authorized in February 1940. It included the extra armor on the turret and the glacis plate, as well as the two plates that formed the angular front that covered the rounded hull.
Which means, none of the vehicles shown by Rubicon could have served in Poland. And likely not Norway either. Many armor upgrades were done in time for France 1940, but many round-hull tanks served there too.
So Poland is excluded (again).
There is no point in having the angular front without also having the added armor. There were no angle-fronted Pz II that didn't also have the added armor. And by Poland, all Ausf A, B and C had bullet splash guards added to the superstructure top around the turret ring. So not sure there is any point in a superstructure that doesn't have that splash guard.
So the Ausf A and Ausf B should have bullet splash guards (and it is not there). The Ausf B was the transition model from the vision ports as shown - (with two bolts above and one bolt below the slot) to the improved vision ports (that had two bolts on the vision port itself, and two more bolts above and below for a total of 6). So the Ausf B is fine as shown (other than the rounded hull).
The Ausf C had all improved vision ports (the 6-bolt pattern). But of course, the rounded front hull.
So we have valid Pz IIs for France 1940 onward that can serve in Europe. But none of these can serve in Africa, because all Pz II's sent to Africa were first given a hot climate make-over, and that means the louvers on the radio hatch were enlarged, and also added to the area on the left rear (where there is currently a hatch). In fact, the Ausf F shown has louvers there, but the wrong louvers for the radio hatch.
As I said, now I am a bit disappointed. Nothing for Poland, and nothing for Africa. These are all February 1940 onward.
The Cupola became a back-fit authorized in October 1940 (along with the addition of the Notek blackout light). So at least these can serve in Barbarossa and elsewhere.
I think if the kit had a rounded front hull and no extra armor, and an angular front hull with extra armor, and a rear deck for europe and a rear deck for Africa, this would have been a much more usable kit. Could have served in any campaign from September 1939 onward.
BTW - There were 250 Ausf a, b and c built, 210 Ausf As built, 384 Ausf Bs built, and 364 Ausf Cs built for a total of 1208. Heer records indicate there were 1223 available as of Sep 1st 1939 so somewhere along the line another 15 were manufactured.
All that said, I am still happy to see a plastic Pz II, and I will get me some. And I know, I know, most folks will not know that when I paint them up to serve in Poland, that the angled front is wrong. But ... I will know.
56
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II 3D Prototype 200416
« on: April 17, 2020, 05:41:34 am »
It won't be on the final model either. Something as an aide for the prototype tooling is my guess.
57
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Panzer II Ausf F 3D Drawings 200407
« on: April 10, 2020, 04:27:52 am »
I ordered the Panzer Tracts 2-1 on the early Px IIs, and will report back what that has to tell us (when it arrives). Of course, if anyone else has it, they can report in now and save me the trouble.
I strongly suspect (as ripley stated) that early versions had full non-slip, and that later versions had only partial. The thing is, I would bet that the Ausf covered by this kit (the A, B and C) probably all had full non-slip ... because the bulk of them were built prior to full-on war, and the need to conserve materials. I would guess that after seeing combat in Poland, and after full war was declared, they may have at that time decided to save on materials. But I doubt that any of the A, B and C models that rolled off assembly lines, had only partial.
That is just me, guessing.
As I said, when I get the book, I will research what is there, and check out any photos or text on the matter, and report back.
I strongly suspect (as ripley stated) that early versions had full non-slip, and that later versions had only partial. The thing is, I would bet that the Ausf covered by this kit (the A, B and C) probably all had full non-slip ... because the bulk of them were built prior to full-on war, and the need to conserve materials. I would guess that after seeing combat in Poland, and after full war was declared, they may have at that time decided to save on materials. But I doubt that any of the A, B and C models that rolled off assembly lines, had only partial.
That is just me, guessing.
As I said, when I get the book, I will research what is there, and check out any photos or text on the matter, and report back.
58
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - April 2020 - Panzer II 3D Drawings 200403
« on: April 07, 2020, 12:02:56 am »
I believe only the Ausf A had the split top hatch, and that Ausf B and Ausf C had the cupola.
59
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - April 2020 - Panzer II 3D Drawings 200403
« on: April 03, 2020, 11:34:58 pm »
Super news! An early war plastic tank! Delighted to see this is coming!
60
General Discussions / Re: Using your Rubicon Models
« on: April 01, 2020, 10:25:07 am »
Assembled and painted?
I just push the box around the tabletop in solo games of Bolt Action.
Tell me more about this "assemble" thingy
I just push the box around the tabletop in solo games of Bolt Action.
Tell me more about this "assemble" thingy