Ok I have the 1/35 Tamiya Panzer II Ausf.F/G and want to build it as the Kwk.38 armed Ausf.G. I have all the aftermarket parts I need for it. Friul tracks the Kwk 38 barrel from Lionroar and and Eduard PE set for the Ausf.F and Ausf.G.
So do I just glue the barrel to the front of the mantlet or do I drill out the mantlet and widen out the rear to install it in the back?
OK…I am correct…just loosing my mind. [D)] There are some discrepancies between Spielberger’s Panzer I and II and it’s Variants and The Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WWII. However, my statement still stands:
Tamiya chumped this one, and Eduard copied the error. Tamiya thought the only difference between a Panzer II Ausf F and G was the turret-mounted storage bin. In reality, the Ausf F and Ausf G, (more properly known as G1, G3, and G4, (no G2?) and were built as prototypes only) are completely different vehicles, with very little in common. The Ausf G’s more closely resemble the Ausf L than the Ausf F. You can not build an Ausf G from this kit. Build it as a Ausf F, use the PE, but not the KwK 38.
The Encyclopedia… shows a photo on page 35, plate 92, listed as a Panzer II Ausf G or VK 901. Spielberger on page 106 of Panzer I and II… briefly talks about the VK 901, but does not identify the same photo as being the Ausf G, merely as the “Neue Ausfuhrung” (“New Model”). Spielberger also states that 75 the “O” series of VK 901 were delivered, an awfully large number for a prototype series. I wonder if this number is in error, as the Encyclopedia lists only 12 as being built, as well as stating that there is no evidence that these were ever issued to front line troops.
Usually these types of barrels require modification of the kit part in terms of removing part of the original barrel and/or drilling out a small hole for the mount pin at the base to insert into. You will have to check the dimensions of the replacement barrel (or follow instructions if provided, sometimes yes, sometimes no) to determine where the surgery/drilling needs to occur.
I’m with Kykeon on this one, I don’t think you can build a true G using the old Tamiya kit at least not if you want an accurate one.
I was just going thru a bunch of barrels and stuff I bought awhile back for several different kits, and found out that the 20mm barrels were the wrong ones for the “F” model. I dug out this one book I often use as a reference on German equipment, and they had a picture of the “G” as well as a couple of the “L” model. The book says that the suspension of the “G” and the “L” are the same, and the hull as well as the upper part of the hull are much different than an “F” with heavier armor. But the photos were not good enough to tell if the hulls were completely identical. Also the turret on the “G” and “L” appear to be the same, but are much different than an “F”. From what I could gather the “G” looks like a simplified version of the “L”. Perhaps I’m wrong? And while on the subject of the “L”; that book says they did make a handfull of the “L’s” with the same 50mm gun turret used on the Puma.
In the end I have three 20mm barrels that I have no idea what they’re for, and looks like I need to order three of the correct barrels (I also have two Tasca “L” kits). Story of my life!
