DML 1/35 Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.C w/Mine Roller - Smart Kit First Look

By Cookie Sewell

First Look

During WWI mines were not a particularly big threat, mostly due to the static type of warfare being conducted. Barbed wire entanglements covered by machine guns were sufficient to stop any enemy infantry push. But between the wars mines were adopted in large numbers to halt infantry, mostly in ground which could not be adequately covered.

While it took a while to create dedicated antitank mines, even the antipersonnel mines of the day could cripple the fragile tracks of the early war tanks. As a result, all of the major players started working on mine clearing equipment relatively soon after combat operations began. The design of choice of all nations was initially a simple roller device, designed to detonate the mine and bounce up in the air, relying on sturdy construction and heavy weight to save it for reuse.

As the Panzer II was quickly shown to be of little use in combat other than infantry support and scouting, it was one of the first chassis to be used for other purposes such as self-propelled guns and antitank weapons. This kit presents an African version of the up-armored Ausf. C with a mine roller fitted.

The Panzer II Ausf. C is the same as the “Zusatzpanzer” kit from 2008 (DML No. 6432). The only change from the earlier kit are the decals and dropping the “jerry” cans which came with that kit.

As I noted in that kit’s review, it comes with a new hull with “rolled” lower glacis plate and new springs which more accurately represent the lighter tank ones and not the reinforced self-propelled gun springs which came with the Ausf. F. But this kit is literally designed to only built an up-armored – “Zusatspanzer” – version with the retrofitted commander’s cupola. The “Zusatzpanzer” upgrades are integral in the new casemate and frontal parts so this is the only version which can be built, and the new commander’s cupola comes with its base as part of the turret. The detailing is nicely done with weld beads or rivets where needed to match.

As noted this this kit comes with a full interior. Again it comes with a number of J sprues, with most of the interior parts. Bins and hatches all have separate lids so the interiors can be displayed, but no tools, rations or internal “chaff” is provided for the stowage bins.

As noted the running gear here does differ from the Marder II, and provides both new springs and mounts as well as new idlers. The kit again uses the “Magic Track” single link type, which may be the one area where the Tamiya kit – with its already ballyhooed link-and-length tracks, may have the advantage on it. But so far other than tedium I have not heard too many complaints about the “Magic Tracks” other than figuring out which run is left and which is right!

(Hint: left side on the header card – left, right side – right.)

The turret is packed to the gills with parts, which is surprising when one considers how small it really is. The 2 cm is complete and the model uses a complete MG-34 from the generic German weapons sets. This comes with the ground mount for the bipod and ground sights, which no longer appear to have to be removed prior to installation as it has a slightly different assembly so that they can be installed as is (flaps vice through the aperture installation).

The mine roller will cause some dissolution as the entire bar and brace parts of the device are formed by bending etched brass. For brass fans this is bupkus as the parts are large and easily bent with a “Hold’n’Fold” or similar device, but for others it will entail some work. The roller assemblies are styrene and fit to brass frames, with styrene spring units in brass mounts. The roller frames consist of two folded beams connected by two folded L-girders which fit to a styrene bracket and mount on the front of the hull.

Technical assistance on this project was provided by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.

A single finishing option is provided: Unidentified unit, 1942 (sand overall with black “R” markings on the turret). A tiny sheet of Cartograf decals covers these targeted markings.

Overall this is another low volume production vehicle from cyber-hobby.com, this time featuring a unique version of the Pzkw. II family.

Thanks to DML for the review sample.

Sprue Layout:

• A 57 Pzkw. II Ausf. F - upper hull and details
• B 49 Pzkw. II Ausf. F - turret and armament
• C 113 Marder II - interior parts and engine
• D 14x2 Pzkw II - road wheels and springs
• E 9x2 Pzkw II - drivers/idlers
• F 14x2 Pzkw II - road wheel backing and details
• G 20 Pzkw II - final drives, bolt head details
• H 5x2 Pzkw II - bump stops
• J 41 Generic German tools and lights
• J 38 Pzkw. II - interior parts
• J 11 Clear styrene
• K 5 Roller vehicle mounts
• L 10/15 Pzkw. II Ausf. B/C springs and idler wheels
• N 41 Pzkw. II Ausf. B/C upper hull and turret shell
• P 100 “Magic Track” links - left
• R 6x4 Roller assemblies
• Q 100 “Magic Track” links - right
• W 12 Clear styrene
• X 22 Clear styrene
• Z 1 hull
• MA 80 Etched brass
• MB 21 Etched brass
• MC 1 Pre-formed etched brass
• MC 3 Pre-bent steel wire
• RD 14 German Radio Generic - radio sets
• WC 4 MG-34