I have a PzIIF and seen the pictures of the PzIIA or B in one of the squadron publications. It seems that the major difference is that the Pz IIF has a flat front hull where the driver seats while in the PzIIA or B that part of the right front upper hull is cut back in something like a 45 degree angle (I am referring to the hull part that usually has the Hull MG). Other than that, from the pictures it seems the turret and lower hull are the same. Is there a PzII expert out there that can tell me if there are more details that need to be changed which I may not be able to see from the pictures? Has anyone seen blueprint type drawings of the PzIIA or B hulls in the internet? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated
Thanks,
Enrique
Other than the superstructure changes, the Ausf F had a new conical design of the idler wheel. By May 1940, additional 20mm armor plates had been rivetted to the front of the turret, superstructure and hull front of approximately 70% of Panzer II Ausfs c, A, B and C. The remainder had been increased before the invasion of Russia. The armor on the early models is thinner than the Ausf F and in the same shape, but the rivets would be seen. The eight periscope commander’s cupola was installed starting in October 1940. Prior to that, the squared, split-type commander’s hatch, bullet splash guard and dummy commander’s periscope were all features of models preceding the Ausf C. Tool storage, storage bins, jack placement and other small fittings on the fenders are also different. I’ll have to check and see if I have any blue prints.
Off the top of my head, another difference was the muffler. I think you are talking about quite a conversion if your plan is to use the Tamiya Pz II. good luck
-edog
Alan makes a very nice PzKpfw II Ausf. C. I bought mine on sale at a LHS for $9.99, only marginally more than the ancient Tamiya PzKpfw II F/G and the tracks are much better. Don’t get me wrong, the Tamiya kit is nice (my daughter built it) but it suffers from age and Tamiya’s motorization syndrome.
The Alan kit is #004 and includes single link track (Tamiya’s kit doesn’t have detail on the inner surface) and a photoetch muffler guard. Real nice touch.
Edit: Alan also does a PzKpfw II Ausf. D and a Flammpanzer based on the Ausf. D. It has a different suspension than the Ausf. C though. They also make an Ausf. J that has an even different suspension. I checked Squadron.com and they run about $20 a piece. You may be able to find it cheaper at a local hobby shop or somewhere else online.