IBG Panzer II Ausf.a2 -- Already Outdated -- Post-Build Review -- IBG Models 35076 & 35083L

Today we will look at the brand-new Pz II Ausf.a2 from IBG Models. This kit models one of the interesting prototype series of the venerable German Panzer II.
This kit is far from perfect. The plastic is soft and flashy. One sprue was greasy. Slide molded details are avoided. Some welds are soft. The superstructure plate design leaves large gaps. The tracks are the wrong type for this vehicle. The suspension is incredibly fragile. Basically, the kit feels like it's already 15 years old. It doesn't hold up to other 2022 kits.
But, it's not terrible, and it's the only option today to model this vehicle. I hope this video helps you out if you plan to build it.
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DISCLAIMER: I am not paid to promote any specific products or brands; I just use the products I find work best for me through my experiences. There is no reason for me to promote a bad product, as then I would not enjoy using it, not like the result on my model, and not be proud of publicizing it in a video. There's also no point in me doing this to keep up relations with a company if the only benefit would be getting more of the same products that I didn't like. I have not used every product out there, but from what I have used, I keep using the products I like, and that's why I use them in my videos. You can use whatever other products you would like to and you can feel that they are better - that is your opinion, and is perfectly fine by me, thus I hope that feeling is reciprocated.

[@plasticmodelmojo]

Nice job... A couple of comments regarding my kit which arrived from Poland on Jan. 19th versus your slightly earlier boxing. 1) Watching your video, I noticed that the fold lines in the PE part for the suspension beam run the full length of the part. However, on my copy of the kit, they do not. They stop short of the ends, at a point just shy of the centers of the end holes in the beam. Hopefully that will not cause forming issues when folding them to final shape 2) My kit also has a supplementary sheet in it which offers rudimentary instructions for installing the Master-Model barrels found in the "Limited Edition" kit on one side, and a full page rendition of the MiniArt assembly and painting guide for the crew figures on the reverse. Thanks for the timely build review. Much appreciated over the "105 mostly flash free, highly detailed parts on 10 sprue" in-box review. One final comment... the architecture of the superstructure could certainly have been executed with more finesse to avoid the part seam/weld detail conflict that you highlight. It is interesting that Tamiya also broke up the upper hull armor in an almost identical manner. I would be curious to see the two side by side. I do not have the Tamiya kit in hand, but wonder if they created a mitered joint to align the seam with the weld edge as you suggested in your sketch.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you for your input Mike. It's strange that within a week or two what's in the box seems to have changed slightly. I'm sure you'll have a fun puzzle yourself in fixing up this kit.

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

Its awesome to see it already built and hearing your thoughts about the kit! IBG kits sometimes feel like they tried more than they are capable of, but i appreciate the topics they pick. We have been waiting for those pre-series Panzer IIs for a long time and finally they are available! Your video will be very handy for everyone who wants to build this, me included. Thank you :) Glad it worked out well and you received the kit fast and for lower shipping costs.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you so much for your help in shipping it. Saved me at least 35 Euros plus $25 in shipping duties. I hope you get your kit eventually 😅

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

@@Panzermeister36 My pleasure! It will get here one day, maybe... :)

[@ho-2036]

These post build reviews are among my favorite KZbin videos. Thank you!

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you! I'm glad you like them

[@johnathan133]

Geez grease on the sprues? The 1960's called and they want their kit back. Excellent review as always.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thanks Johnathan. It does really feel like a much older kit than 30 days old 😛 maybe 30 years instead...

[@guyk2260]

@@Panzermeister36 And yet ...having built their 1/35 Scammell , it was a ready good kit with great engineering . Maybe they sub the moulding out .

[@Panzermeister36]

I built the IBG KTO Rosomak a few years ago and it was amazing. This Pz II just feels like the B-team made it. Bizarre.

[@grungy_lad]

Looking Great!! I love these unique german prototypes that most modeling companies over look. Can't wait to see the final product!!

[@johnboy384]

That MG barrel, muzzle and jacket is a thing of miniature beauty.

[@Panzermeister36]

Agreed! But, you should be able to purchase them separately from the kit. They are by Master Model.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

This is why in-box reviews are virtually useless. I've seen lengthy in-box reviews lasting 20 mins that, in the end, give you no appreciation for how the kit goes together 🤦🏻‍♂️ A build review gives us a true appreciation of the quality of a kit and I love that you do these post-build reviews! Thanks for taking the time to do these videos! 👍

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you Jerry! I do hope that these videos help people either on their decision to buy a kit or help them with the issues if they decide to build it ☺️

[@executivedirector7467]

I wouldn't say they're useless - within their limitations they are helpful. They give you a good sense of what's in the box. of course a full build review is vastly better.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

@@executivedirector7467 Yes, my point is that most are poorly done and/or too long. You ever check out Fine Scale Modelers' reviews? They are a couple of minutes each and go over parts detail, instructions and decal/painting options. Quick and painless, the way it should be 👍

[@jerryvolpini7987]

@@Panzermeister36 Yes, an important part of these is to help resolve any issues!

[@executivedirector7467]

@@jerryvolpini7987 With regard to FSM reviews, I fully agree - they are pretty useless. But I think what we are both really saying is that quality matters. It's possible to do a good, useful in-box review that shows what is in the box and perhaps measures major components so we have some sense of whether the kit is any good. And honestly these days, major dimensional errors and molding flaws are far less of a problem than in the old days. It is also possible to completely waste bandwdith on nonsense reviews, whether they are in-box or full build. My personal preference is to see both. I like to know what's in the box relatively quickly, and then I love seeing a skilled modeler build the kit.

[@mikehufnagl8696]

Thanks Evan, I appreciate your info. 👍

[@Panzermeister36]

My pleasure Mike!

[@nadrazakcz7858]

Thanks a lot Evan for this great video - came really handy, as I actually have this one on my desk, building it for article in local modeling magazine. I really can confirm your points here; I used Aber's set with KwK 30 and MG-34 as I have standard edition of kit...and also ordered Pz.I tracks from QuickWheels...I checked PanzerTracts as a reference and I am still a bit curious about those roller wheels (seem also more like those for Ausf. b to me)... Please keep this on, I really would like to see next part with painting and weathering - thanks again for inspiration mate 👍

[@panzer-meister]

Excellent video my friend. A lot of modelers will be interested in this IBG new Panzer II, of course me too. Especially, 3D printed flash hider is extremely realistic. I', looking forward to your art painting. Thank you for sharing. Have a nice week end and stay safe carefully. Best wishes, NOB

[@Panzermeister36]

You and me both! It's a very cool vehicle. The extra barrels are well worth the upgrade in price to the "limited edition". I just wished that the rest of the kit felt as advanced.

[@pauljamesbrown7252]

very enjoyable, as always, thanx

[@od1452]

Reminds me of old plastic and resin conversion kits. I built them because it was that or scratch build. We are getting spoiled by kit makers as they now release kits we only dreamed of years ago. Yep.. the real test of any kit is in the building. LOL ..I don't want to build this tank or kit but found your review interesting. I thought IBG only offered 1/72 scale. Thanks.

[@Ryker06]

Good review! Thanks.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@joesanchez979]

Great video 👍

[@Gcscalemodels]

the view ports seem like a nice option despite their fiddlyness and the softer plastic. gotta love a good chain on a model, nice job.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@happy_trigger]

Thank you very much for such a deteiled video!

[@Panzermeister36]

Glad it was helpful!

[@antoniosordo7585]

Buen tutorial,un saludo

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Very cool.... 👍👍

[@Ironraven593]

I must admit - a great model came out. Thanks for the "review" Panzermeister36.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@paulhumphriesz4557]

thanks for the post review of this kit, disappointed with the thought of replacing the tracks whether you buy either version but to include metal barrels and resin parts is a good start. But would I buy this kit not so sure. I'm sure someone else will be doing the same kit but for a lot more bucks soon. 😎

[@joesanchez979]

Thanks!

[@peterfield2229]

I've just built this, got it painted/weathered and just waiting for a figure to arrive to pop in the turret. I really didn't like it once built, there's good and bad about this kit, just doesn't feel like a modern kit by IBG. I only got the basic kit, it's fine now painted but I wouldn't do another

[@norbertogonzalez9738]

Super 😊

[@georgewilson5303]

I just received the panzer kampfwagen 2 ausFrom tamiya. tamiya. Liked your vido on an older model kit. Looking forward to building it.

[@brucethemodelnoob]

Shallow pins, wobbly wheels, and fragile suspensions seem to be an IBG trademark. Certainly an issue with some of their other kits I’ve built. I had high hopes for this kit because it’s such an interesting subject, and I’m quite disappointed. Great review, and thanks for saving me some money.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thanks Bruce! I agree completely. I probably should have been more negative with this kit as it's unacceptable in a few regards for a modern kit, but the fact this subject is now available makes me give them some leniency...

[@shlamushaaretz5357]

You’re a professional modeler, with a super eye for detail and historical accuracy, but for an amateur modeller who follows the instructions as is and assembles the kit only with the parts provided, it may not be as fiddley and frustrating? Do you plan on doing a painting and weathering clip of this model? Also, Why do you not do figures?

[@Panzermeister36]

Well, the amateur will still have many issues with the fragile suspension and wonky wheels, for example. I will probably do videos on painting and weathering, but first I have to complete my modifications for a vehicle in Russia 1941. I don't do many figures as I am not very skilled at painting them.

[@shlamushaaretz5357]

@@Panzermeister36 have you checked out SprusNBrews KZbin channel, he’s excellent at figure painting..I’ve learnt a lot from him and he explains well.

[@chrisdoppler]

"Photoetch chains look like flat crap" - classic!

[@lmmodellismomilitare]

Nice and good sharing! Thank you for review. What do you think about this kit and Dragon? The best is? Thi ibg seems nice good and quite simple to doo!

[@SLICK-GLN]

I wondered about this model

[@willthorson4543]

Modelers think IBG is some type of big company. It's not. Slide molding is expensive and some smaller companies can't do that way of making kit sprues. As to this kit? I built it for a buddy and I had almost no issues with it. It's what I expect from IBG. I'm not a fan of early armor and these "toy" tanks. And i wouldn't have built this for myself. So overall? Enjoyable . Definitely not for the beginner. But buildable.

[@hanshansenhanst]

Amazing build with very handy hints, Thanks for that! One question (I might have overheard this in your video): Had the Ausf. b (not B) also Pz. I tracks?

[@Panzermeister36]

Hello Hans. No, standard Pz II tracks should be OK for the Ausfürung b. The Pz I tracks correspond with the early drive sprocket which you can see on the Ausfürung a kit here, but the b uses the stand Pz II sprockets.

[@hanshansenhanst]

Thanks a lot for clarifying this for me!

[@thatonelithuanian]

Hey I have a question for you. Since I know you are very obsessed with being as accurate as possible like me. I wanted to ask you that, do you think your mix is the most accurate out there for panzer gray? If so what do you think comes the closest to it just strait out without mixing? I personally think maybe mrp-034 , have you maybe tested it?

[@babylonsburning1]

It's a shame that, for the cost of a modern kit, the manufacturer can't get the details right. Wrong tracks, poor weld seams. Can be corrected but should be covered by the kit price.

[@Panzermeister36]

It is a shame. Luckily, it's not a super expensive kit.

[@joesanchez979]

Did you have problems with the tracks

[@jackwardrop4994]

I just attempted to finish an IBG 1/35 Panzerkampfwagen. It was quite literally the worst kit I have ever attempted. Tracks were a joke. When I’m making a kit I always say, “did anyone who designed the kit ever actually put it together?” I’m sure my case no one ever has before. IBG pieces don’t fit together well. Plates are fragile. My kit was a horror. Glad you put this vid up. Don’t buy IBG.

[@mr9263]

I built ibg a couple of times, they always seemed alright to me

[@Danfunnyman1234]

I've built a couple IBG kits now. The older ones are all right and the newer ones have always been pretty good for me

[@Panzermeister36]

I built the IBG KTO Rosomak a few years ago and it was an excellent kit. Their recent models are a step back for sure.

[@scoobsm6994]

At 18:34 the brand is "Detail Associates" not Diesel Details as you keep incorrectly calling it. For those that want to search for them. A-Line also do nice fine chain as well.

[@Panzermeister36]

Whoops, you're correct. I never noticed that.

[@Importman2009]

I know some of the more experienced modelers are going to laugh at me for this but this is why I mostly stick to Tamiya with after-market parts for my builds.

[@fabianhohenberger9376]

where to get this orange tool clamp? 🤩

[@attilioledonne2758]

Nice video. What company makes the chains??

[@Panzermeister36]

Diesel Details 😊

[@richardcraig5608]

Thanks for the review ... I guess I'll save my money for something else .. Too bad, I was really looking forward to these early Panzer IIs.

[@Panzermeister36]

I was really looking forward to them too. Well, at least I got it built but it was a struggle!

[@HenryHein-tu8xy]

Which Panzer I tracks are correct for this kit?

[@Panzermeister36]

Standard early type without cleats

[@danreed7889]

Where does one find the 1/1 tool clamp?

[@Panzermeister36]

It's a 3D printed file you have to print yourself. But I can try to get you the link if you want.

[@danreed7889]

I never thanked you for the info. @@Panzermeister36

[@chuckfinley6747]

On the gaps with the super structure, could you have sanded or cut the panels at an angle so the sides could have butted together and eliminated the gap?

[@Panzermeister36]

Not really, I don't think. There is still a gap in the flat surface of the plate about half a millimeter from the actual edge of the weld.

[@scaleartsg]

shame, it is a pretty looking vehicle! I wonder if you could use the running gear and fit it on a tamiya kit

[@Panzermeister36]

You may be able to do that. Suspension, engine deck, and the viewports are the only major differences in these prototypes.

[@AinKrab]

Maaan what a shame.... IBG what's going on?

[@niewolos2135]

We are still waiting for your Stug Book!