The Last Panzer II - Diorama

A suitable cheap frame was sourced from 'The Range' - a 6x6" deep box frame.

A small ruin was quickly made from off cuts of polystyrene tile, cut to size and covered in a thin layer if instant filler. Some window frames were made from off cuts of basswood.

The main elements are test fitted to make sure they all 'work' together.

Cold weather Germans were added for the human element and to add scale to the tank. The are dressed in greatcoats as this will be a cold weather scene.

The groundwork was added from the same instant filler as the building and coated with fine grit and cat litter for the larger debris.

The tank and the other elements are pushed into the damp mix to obtain the proper 'sit'.

An upper floor was made from some more off-cuts of basswood.

All the building dimensions are just guessed by 'what looks right'

Its all left now to dry out.

Happy modelling!

The Last Panzer ll?

Again I used the old Tamiya Panzer II with the Eduard photo-etch update.

Some of the parts were really tiny and fiddly and time consuming to use - but really add to the detail.

Folding up the jerrycan rack was bit of a pain and I would recommend some sort of folding tool - I didn't but still managed it.

Engine grilles were cut out and replaced with etched items which look much better.

Gun barrels were replaced with RB models items - pricey but well worth the money for the detail.

Moulded on tools were scratch-built from etch and plastic rod and the radio aerial stowage trough was completely replaced with something more accurate.

Tool box lids were also replaced for a sharper finish.

The jack was stripped of moulded detail and replaced with more accurate details.

The fenders were cut off and completely rebuilt from sheet styrene as this was quicker than sanding off all the details to be replaced.