Introduction
The following introduction is taken from Gecko Models:
The Pz.Kphw II Ausf. F was the final model of the Pz, Kpfw. II family. The type belong to light reconnaissance tank. It was to have been in production by mid of 1940. But delays in design set production back until March 1941. The Pz. Kpfw II Ausf. F was manufactured by Ursus and FAMO, total 524 produced from March 1941 to December 1942. The tank has three crew. The engine used the Maybach HL62TR. The standards armament are one 2cm KwK30 L/55 and one coaxial 7.92 MG34. Top speed approximate 40 Km per hour. One of the FuG5 radio was equipped. Total weight 9.5 tons. Armour 20-35mm. The Pz.Kpfw II Ausf. F was widely used in North Africa, Italy and the Russian front.
Review
This offering from Gecko Models arrives in a substantial flip top cardboard box, with an additional card lid with the artwork on it. The contents of the box are individually bagged in most cases as regards sprues, unless duplicated. The packing has some room for movement, and items that have several sprues of the same thing are packaged together.
The lower hull of this release is a multi part assembly, and so a little forward planning should be considered to ensure that all parts are secured in the correct orientation and everything closes up as it should. While not clearly indicated, the suspension arms can I believe remain workable and so aiding the modeller who wishes to display his finished work on an uneven surface. The wheels are a little unusual, in that two flats are cemented together encapsulating a free plastic plug that secures to the suspension unit and enabling the wheels to rotate after being added to the model. All of this movement ability is provides the modeller with the best canvas for the use of the individual workable track links, which are secured in the same way as the real thing - a pin through the tracks. I also appreciate that Gecko Models has taken the time to show where to apply glue to the pin, that will allow the track to move and the pin remain in place. The result of all this, is a very attractive lower hull with a very good level of detail that can be accurately displayed on any surface. The track guards have good surface detail, but due to the limitations of plastic - maybe a little over scale.
The upper hull of the model, again features a multi part assembly that has enabled very good replication of surface detail that is crisp, instead of necessarily soft in order to get it out of the mould. The vision ports have been produced in a way that allows them to function, and the guards that protect the turret ring are well reproduced. The engine deck has individual hatch doors that could be left open or closed if you have an interior. An aspect that I was unaware of, is that a Notec light is fitted in addition to two shielded lights. The tools that mount to the body work, have separate clamp detail in most cases. The antenna is provided as a moulded piece, and can be shown in the stowed or erect position. A very nice jack for the model is provided in a number of parts, and that could I believe be shown as in use on the vehicle. Stowage boxes are provided with separate access doors, but if left open something will need to be put in there to hide the base. You have a number of options on the rear deck - ranging from the addition of tools, stowage boxes or jerry cans stowage. These options do give the modeller who wishes to build more than one, the ability to have very different looking finishes. The heat shield over the exhaust has been nicely replicated via a photo etched part.
The turret of the model has a very good representation of the cannon and machine gun, but drilling the muzzle out a little further will enhance the appearance. The sighting device has a very nice level of detail provided, and is topped off with the ability to show the armoured covers either open or closed - both on the turret and protecting the sights. The Commander’s seat has been replicated in this release. Clear plastic has been used for the periscope parts, and the Commander’s hatch has good detail inside and out should you wish to have it open. The bin at the back of the turret, again provides the modeller with the option of an open or closed lid.
Gecko Models have provided 4 finishing options for this release, and these are:
8. Co, 11, Pz. Rgt, 6Pz Div, Kursk, July 1943
116th Pz Abt, 16 Infantry Div, Southern Russia, Summer 1942
90. 1e. Div, Tunisia, North Africa, February 1943
Panzer Abt 103, 3 Infantry Div, (mot), Southern Russia, Summer 1942
Conclusion
This release from Gecko Models of a Panzer 2 makes for quite a large model of a little vehicle. The level of detail on the exterior should result in a very pleasing finish. The one thing I would say, is that the finishing of the model as regards painting and weathering is very important in this scale in order to obtain a model that look realistic, rather than toy like.