Panzer Kampfwagen II Ausf. F/G

Historical Context and Development

In the morning of September 1, 1939, German forces invaded Poland, initiating the 2nd World War. The coordinated offensive by air and mechanized ground forces, known as "Blitzkrieg", saw the Panzerkampfwagen II (Pzkpfw II) play a key role. This offensive led to the breakthrough of the Maginot Line and the surrender of France.

Due to delays in the production of the Pzkpfw III and IV, the Ordnance Department commissioned a new tank in 1934. Specifications included a weight under 10 tons, armed with a 2 cm gun and a 7.92 mm machine gun. The Mann company's design was selected, leading to the development of the 'a1' type by Mann in cooperation with Daimler-Benz in 1935. After 25 units, the tank was officially named "Panzer Kampfwagen II". Subsequent production included 'a2' and 'a3' types, equipped with a 6-cylinder, 130 HP Maybach HL37 engine, achieving a maximum speed of 40 km/h. An improved 140 HP Maybach HL-62 engine was later introduced, along with reinforced frontal armor, leading to the 'b' type. Further improvements resulted in the 'c' type, featuring a suspension system with large road wheels suspended by leaf springs, which became standard for all Pzkpfw II models. The front hull was reshaped, and from 1937 to early 1940, mass production types A, B, and C were manufactured. Frontal armor was replaced with an angular single-piece plate to increase productivity.

At the start of the Blitzkrieg, Germany fielded 2580 tanks, with Pzkpfw IIs comprising nearly half (955 units). In 1940, mass production of the 'F' type began. The 'F' type featured reinforced frontal armor (35 mm) and side armor (20 mm), increasing its weight to 9.5 tons. The main armament was a 20 mm KwK 30 machine gun (adapted from an anti-air MG). The upper hull's frontal armor was a single-piece plate, and false lookout windows were added for the driver. The final mass-production type, 'G', used more powerful KWK 38 MGs and had a sundries box at the rear of the gun turret. These were key distinguishing features of the 'G' type.

Subsequent variants up to the 'L' type were produced in smaller numbers. While modern standards might deem the Pzkpfw II inferior in firepower and defense, it was considered superior to contemporary tanks from other nations. Its nimble mobility was crucial to the German application and contributed to spectacular victories in the initial period of World War II.

Essential Specifications of a Pzkpfw II (F Type)

• Overall length: 4.81 m
• Overall width: 2.28 m
• Overall height: 2.02 m
• Weight: 9.5 tons
• Armaments: 20mm KWK 30 (or KWK38) machine gun and 7.92 mm machine gun (MG 34), one each.
• Engine: Maybach HL-62 water-cooled, 6-cylinder, 6191 cc engine with an output of up to 140 bhp at 2600 rpm.
• Maximum speed: 40 km/h
• Cruising distance: 125 km
• Number of crew: 5

North African Campaign

From March 1941 to May 1943, Axis forces (German and Italian) clashed with Allied forces (British and U.S.) in the North African desert. Tanks played a pivotal role in this conflict.

German Tank Divisions in North Africa

The German 5th Light Division landed at Tripoli in March 1941, comprising one tank regiment, the 5th Tank Battalion. Its organization included:

• 1st Battalion: Composed of 4 companies (one lacking).
• 2nd Battalion: Composed of 4 companies (one lacking).

On August 1, 1941, the division was reinforced with a mechanized infantry battalion and two Pzkpfw II companies, becoming the 21st Tank Division.

The 15th Tank Division landed at Tripoli in May 1941, with the 8th Tank Battalion. In September 1941, it was reinforced with two Pzkpfw II companies (Type F to G), totaling 8 companies.

The 10th Tank Division landed at Tunis in December 1942, with the 7th Tank Battalion.

Diagram Description: A timeline graphic shows the deployment of the 5th Light Division (Mar 1941), the 21st Tank Division (Aug 1941), and the 15th Tank Division (May 1941), with the 10th Tank Division appearing in Dec 1942. It also illustrates the organizational structure of the 8th Tank Regiment, showing companies and platoons, with specific markings indicating Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, and Pzkpfw IV tanks.

The Battle of North Africa

During the winter of 1940-1941, Italian forces invading Egypt suffered heavy losses from British attacks led by General Wavell. The ensuing North African "Battle" lasted three years between British troops and the German Afrika Korps, dispatched to aid the Italians. General Erwin Rommel commanded the Afrika Korps.

Rommel believed securing the Suez Canal and Middle Eastern oil was key to victory. However, Hitler saw little strategic value in Africa, allocating minimal forces. Rommel initially commanded only the 5th Light Division and the 15th Mechanized Division. In March 1941, with half of the 5th Light Division and remaining Italian forces, Rommel defeated British troops and occupied Cyrenaica. In summer 1942, he secured Tobruk. His forces advanced to El Alamein, a strategic point near Alexandria.

However, Rommel's advance stalled due to increasing British resistance and stretched supply lines for ammunition and fuel. Rommel's request for more supplies was denied by Hitler. While Rommel was in Germany, General Montgomery took command of British forces and launched a counterattack with substantial material support. Rommel, returning with limited forces, fought effectively but was eventually forced to retreat to Tunisia. His suggestion to abandon Africa led to his replacement in March 1943. The remaining Afrika Korps surrendered on May 12, 1943.

Despite the defeat, the Afrika Korps inflicted heavy losses on the British. General Rommel, known as the "Desert Fox," was widely acclaimed as a great commander of World War II.

Diagram Description: A map of North Africa illustrates key locations and dates: Tripoli (landing points for German divisions), Tobruk, Benghazi, Agedabia, El Alamein, and Alexandria. Arrows indicate the progression of battles and movements, with dates like March 24, 1941, January 21, 1942, and May 26, 1942, marking significant events.

Afrika Korps Uniforms and Insignia

Details on the uniforms, armbands, and insignia of the German Afrika Korps.

Tropical Uniforms

Before 1941, no specific tropical combat uniforms were issued. From 1941 to 1943, various uniforms were used, typically in light olive green or khaki. Shirts were khaki, stockings light brown, boot uppers khaki canvas, trousers and breeches khaki, helmets sand-colored, and belts light brown.

Armbands

Description: Illustrations show different types of armbands:

• (A) Armband for the Afrika Korps (general).
• (B) An armband attached to the right arm, 15 cm above the end.
• (C) Armband.

Details on Armbands:

• The first unofficial armband, possibly produced in France or immediately after landing in Tripoli, was worn for a short period.
• The first official armband, adopted July 18, 1941, featured light brown outer lines, silver letters/lines, and a green ground.
• The last official armband, adopted January 15, 1943, had a khaki ground cloth (33 mm width), with coconut tree designs, letters, and stripes in silver. This armband was awarded to those who met specific qualifications: participation for six months, three months with invaliding due to tropical disease, or receipt of a service medal.

Collar Badges

Description: Illustrations display various collar badges for different ranks:

• Officers: Collar badge for officer.
• Men: Collar badge for men (front and rear views of trousers).
• Rank examples: Private, Private 1st class, Lance-corporal, Corporal (Silver); Staff sergeant, Sergeant major, 2nd lieutenant (Silver); Sergeant, 1st lieutenant (Dark brown/Silver); Technical sergeant, Captain (White); Sergeant 1st class, Major (White).

Painting Guide

For constructing model dummies, painting is crucial. Recommended tools and paints include:

• Tools: Thin brush, tweezers.
• Paints: Matte or bright paints for plastics, including white, flesh tint, yellow, reddish light brown, green, blue, black, and silver.

Model Kit Assembly Instructions

These instructions guide the assembly of the Tamiya 1/35 scale Panzer Kampfwagen II Ausf. F/G model kit.

General Preparation

Note: Read instructions before starting each construction step in numerical order. Gather tools: knife, driver (screwdriver), nippers, file. Carefully cut parts from runners using nippers or a knife; do not pull by hand.

Painting Instructions: Painting of the model kit should be done after full construction.

Step 1: Construction of Lower Hull

Description: This step involves attaching parts 14, 5, and 20 to the lower hull from the inside. Part 14 is attached first, followed by parts 5 and 20 onto part 14.

Step 2: Construction and Fixing of Wheels

Description: This step details the assembly of the road wheels, idler wheels, and drive sprockets. It emphasizes care to avoid smearing adhesives on plastic parts. Poly Parts (short) are used for some wheels, while Poly Parts (long) are not needed here. The diagram shows the arrangement of road wheels, idler wheels, and drive sprockets on the hull.

Good Way to Fasten Caterpillars:

• Flattening of Connecting Pin Head by Heating: Use splitable chopsticks with a nail (approx. 2.5 cm long) or a screwdriver with a thin end.
• Fix one end of a caterpillar to a desk with tape. Insert a pin through the hole at the other end of the caterpillar to be fastened.
• Lightly warm the protruding pin head with a heated nail head or screwdriver tip.
• Immediately flatten the pin head with a finger to securely connect the two caterpillar sections.
• If the connection breaks or is too loose, reinforce it with black thread or a Hotchkiss paper fastener.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the process of heating and flattening the pin head to join caterpillar sections, showing the use of tape and a heated tool. Also shows a reinforcement method with thread.

Step 3: Construction of Gun Turret

Description: The gun turret assembly can be done in two ways: Type G involves gluing parts 16 and 17, while Type F uses part 27 instead. The diagram shows the turret components, including the main gun, machine guns, and hatches. It notes that part 2 should be in an open state if a tank-man dummy is placed inside. Parts 16 and 17 should only be glued for Type G construction.

Step 4: Construction of Upper Hull

Description: This step covers the assembly of the upper hull, including the engine deck, hatches, and various smaller components. The diagram shows parts 21, 22, 23, 29, 31, 32, 48, and others being attached to the main upper hull piece.

Step 5: Connection of Caterpillars and Completion of Hull

Description: This final assembly step involves connecting the completed upper hull to the lower hull with the caterpillars attached. The diagram shows how to hook the front part of the upper hull into part 40 of the lower hull and then fix the hinge at the rear of the upper hull into the rear panel (part 14) of the lower hull while pushing the upper hull forward. It also shows the caterpillar connection method again for clarity.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the final assembly of the tank, showing the upper hull being attached to the lower hull and the completed caterpillar tracks. It also includes a visual reference of the parts used in the assembly process.

Diagram Description: A photograph shows several assembled model kits of the Panzer Kampfwagen II Ausf. F/G, demonstrating the finished product.