Panzer II Ausf. F
Matchbox 1:76 Scale Vehicle Review
The Matchbox 1:76 scale Panzer II Ausf. F is somewhat more difficult to build than comparable models from this manufacturer due to its many small parts. Five Panzer II Ausf. F models form a reconnaissance platoons.
Contents
- Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. F
- Afrika Korps Infantryman, throwing Stick Grenade 24
- Afrika Korps Infantryman with MP 40
- Diorama Base: ruined House
- Decals
- 3. Kp., 7. Pz.Reg., 10. Pz.Div., 14. Pz.Korps, Eastern Front 1941
- Pz.Bef.Wg 8. Kp., 8. Pz.Reg., 15. Pz.Div., Afrika Korps 1942
Evaluation
Scale model with much raised detail and some external stowage.
Good choice of subject, a very important and versatile model.
Choice of open or closed turret hatches.
Compatible with Airfix, Fujimi, Nitto, and VAC-U-CAST.
Many small parts make this a more difficult vehicle to build. Road wheels need to dry at least 24 hours before the tracks are fitted. It is best to skip step 3 of the assembly process initially and return to it after the vehicle is finished.
The 2 cm gun (part #14) does not have a peg which fits into the mantlet, it must be trimmed to the right length and then carved to a point which will fit into the hole.
The body assembly proved more difficult than expected. The upper deck did not fit well onto the lower hull and track assembly, large cracks appeared. Clothes-pins had to be applied to hold the deck firmly in place while it dried.
Vehicle commander not included. The tank may be modelled with an open turret hatch, it would have been nice to mount a figure in it.
Approximately 5 % smaller than the 1:72 scale figure standard. Not a problem in this case, the vehicle is the only one on the market and it may be deployed in formation alongside Pz.Kpfw. I and Pz.Kpfw. III produced by Fujimi and Matchbox.
Historical Employment
- Aufklärungszug (Reconnaissance Platoon) of five Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. F
- Panzerkompanie, 1940–1942
- Panzerbataillon, 1940–1943
- Panzerregiment, 1940–1943
Decals and camouflage schemes for the following units are included:
- X. Panzer Division, 14. Panzer Korps, Eastern Front, Summer 1941
- XV. Panzer Division, Afrika Korps, April 1942
The Pz.Kpfw. II is an important vehicle which saw much more combat than expected. The vehicle had an interesting and varied career, which began as a main battle tank during the 1939 invasion of Poland. Less than a year later, Pz.Kpfw. II were relegated to reconnaissance duties in Panzer formations now operating the mass produced Pz.Kpfw. III.F as their new main battle tank. Flamethrower, reconnaissance and tank-hunter conversions extended the service life of the vehicle until the end of the war. Compared to other Matchbox kits, this particular vehicle is relatively difficult to build and it requires carful attention and patience from the hobbyist. Since many Pz.Kpfw. II and Marder II conversion will be required for wargaming purposes, we recommend that entire platoons of them are produced in assembly-line fashion. Given some experience with the kit, the model builder will achieve more consistent results in less time per vehicle.