START HERE, BASIC building for beginners: Tamiya 1/35 Panzer II, Part 1 - Basic Armour Modelling

#scalemodelling #kitreview #basicarmourmodelling #tamiya
Help support the channel:
www.paypal.me/...
/ championscalemodelling
Email me: [e-mail]
Part 1 of the build series from Basic Armour Modelling for the Tamiya 1/35 Panzer 2 F, this tank is an older model from Tamiya, dating from 1970 but still holds up well with good fit and a good basic level of detail.
In this part we complete the build and painting leaving the model ready for weathering (in part 2), this includes dealing with vinyl tracks, seam lines, adding basic details, correcting a couple of inaccuracies, selecting paint and honing some basic skills and principles which will be very useful in the coming builds.

[@johnlockhart1574]

I became acquainted with a man in a hobby shop . This was an older man and he was a former member of the Afrika Korps and since I was building a German Mk III for Africa, I ask which color was right he showed me the color Mustard and said this is the color we used. This was in the 1970’s so I know he knew what he was talking about.

[@mr.unoriginal5674]

My grandfather was part of the 7th panzer division he was in the invasion of France and then fought with the afrika korps not sure what all his stories were all I remember is that he wasn't open about his job..

[@MothaLuva]

The Afrika Korps used a wide variety of vehicles, up to the point that they even had more captured British vehicles than German the longer the campaign lasted. Paint supplies in Northern Africa was basically „use what’s available“, so consequently German vehicles could have been patched up or modified also with British as well as Italian colours. The colour shade on Pz IIs would be more probably much closer to XF 60 than XF 59. Check out reports on Tiger „131“ captured in Tunisia (and now in running condition in England) in what colour scheme it was found, and how it was restored. Though, the Tigers were generally painted in a slightly different colour (for the African campaign) than the other German vehicles.

[@Kojak0]

@@MothaLuva Also to be noted: most vehicles that did arrive in Africa were still panzer grey, and some even didn't even get that first repaint with desert yellow - I read that one tank (possibly a Pz III) spent the entire desert war panzer grey even. That said, an unpainted vehicle was less of a problem really since the dust and the sun faded and made he tanks blend into the environment veryquickly anyway.

[@Anymouse6980]

You provide good, direct explanations of tricks, tips, techniques, and materials, making an expanded knowledge quite accessible. It comes through to another person you are making modeling available to all who are interested. Very nice.

[@257squadron]

One of the cheapest 1/35 scale tanks on the market. I have one in my stash . Could be my next build!

[@statoilbensin2190]

Stug IV by Tamiya is also cheap since its an older kit from 1975/76.

[@justinhealey2408]

I was lookin at it today...$15 wanted to do some research before i bought it..im goin back tmrw it should still b there...everyone seems to like it and they come out nice for a 45 yr old kit

[@smellypixles7687]

Very inspiring...I’ve been away from modeling for at least 8 years but your you tube channel made me go and break out my old unbuilt model collection...thank you!!

[@jamesrice6096]

Best beginner model for adult modelers! A friend introduced me to it and had one that I bought. Lot of fun. Not a snap-tite like when I was a kid. Just too bad I'm not really into the German stuff. Can't get past a lot of the men in my ancestry fighting against them. I'm biased, and I admit it. Free country.... Double entendre intended.

[@Kojak0]

Good video, with one caveat: if this was intended for new modellers, be aware that most newbies don't have an airbrush and might even be hesitant to use rattle cans. For a tutorial video, I would have recommended painting everything with a brush just like our ancestors did.

[@701duran]

I just started modeling a few weeks ago after watching you guys and other channels for a few years now I bought this kit, some Tamiya thin glue, and a 6 dollar modelers tool kit from amazon and I enjoyed the heck out of it, this simple model really gives you confidence and wanting to build more models. cheers

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

My first ever build. It was so bad I went out and bought another one and had another go. Great video which will be a lot of help for many

[@gleggett3817]

One of my first 1/35th scale/Tamiya builds. As I recall in my kit the commander had malformed leg part (looked like a double amputee)

[@slipknotfan2217]

most important thing is that you had fun (hopefully) while building it, the model's looks come in second

[@andrewreegs6319]

@@gleggett3817 Im pretty sure the commander is meant to have no lower legs, as you wont see them when hes in the hatch.

[@gleggett3817]

@@andrewreegs6319 That seems very possible. I'll resist temptation to google for images of the sprue.

[@bobz1736]

Great job and excellent hints and tips. You've inspired me to restart this hobby after a 40 year break 😉

[@richardklug822]

I made this one when it first appeared in the early 70's. As you've demonstrated, it's a clean, fast build if one doesn't get hung up with scale accuracy issues. May pick this one up again as a relaxing break from the current "mega-kits" and just have some fun!

[@user-vx4rq5jv5y]

No way, I just recently bought it from a hobby store, is it really that old?

[@steffenrosmus9177]

@@user-vx4rq5jv5y yep, released in Nov 1970, gosh I am old😉

[@BlaBla-su2yh]

Just bought it, too. Did the kit already have rubber tracks in the 70s? I always thought that's a recent invention and they used to come in single links back in the day

[@hlfordiii]

I made this in the early 70's as well. Probably 1972 as a 12 year old. Also built a Kubelwagon around the same time. I thought they were part of the same kit, but I really can't remember. Fifty years ago, damn!

[@connorstone]

@@BlaBla-su2yh I prefer plastic tracks to rubber ones

[@JimmySaulGoodmanMcGill1960]

My first 1/35 model, I was very pleased with the quality of the plastic and decals. I'd recommend it to any kind of modeller - it's quite cheap and is very fast and easy to assemble

[@ThereWillBeCake]

Same here. Just applied the gloss. Such a great series.

[@robbo1068]

Thanks, Jason. Even as a more experienced modeller it was good watching this episode as it reminded me of some more basic techniques that I once used but have forgotten. Great video so will check out episode 2.

[@nissafors]

A classic model, and one that I remember I once, ages ago, enjoyed building.

[@popmon6446]

Me, too. Ages and ages ago.

[@harriettubmangaming9792]

I remember getting this exact set as a youth in the local hobby shop. It's such a great box for beginners to model kits as it's usually quite cheap and comes with some figures too. Great Memories,.

[@the-primered-thumb]

It's nice to see different approaches to painting the running gear 😁👍

[@thejamppa]

I like this kit. Its really nice and cheap. Even its old and lack details this is fun to build. Test paints schemes and weathering.

[@Why97532]

that kit was my first tank model, and I loved so I bought more tanks. great video.

[@philipgriffiths3106]

Just found this channel. How ironic that I bought this exact kit to re-imerse myself into making military kits after 40 years! Even down to choosing to paint it in desert theater camouflage. Luckily I've already bought a lot of the tools over the last few years so I was pretty much set up. Only difference is beng I have bought Vallejo paint. I also have dug out a crusader kit from the 80/81 era that I never built. I believe Tamiya is now marketing it under their name. These videos will be a great guide to my starting again. I couldn't have asked for better.

[@syang1116]

this nostalgic kit happened to be my first model back to 1975.

[@outlet6989]

Noticed that after you had assembled part of the kit you washed the model in soapy water. I was taught to do this before I began to start building the kit. This is because a mold release agent is put in the mold. This makes sure that the plastic will "pop out" of the mold after the plastic is injected. I also put on a pair of thin mil gloves when I begin assembly. This keeps my body oil off the plastic. The gloves also help me to hold the kit parts during assembly. Noticed that you use an eyedropper to put the thinner in the sprayer bowl. I also use the dropper to add the paint. That way I find out how much paint to use. I then use this formula for later painting.

[@ctscalemodellinguk]

Loved building this little kit from Tamiya (except the figures). Very versatile kit aswell ie desert or Russian etc.👍

[@TacoTeaser]

Nice video! I happened to have this kit back in the day when the kit came motorized. I really miss the days when Tamya motorized their kits.

[@AndyK-qh4gs]

Waiting for this kit to arrive as my first Armour build and will follow this excellent guide step by step.

[@marblehead_1629]

This cheap old kits have real potential. I made my with metal barrel and PE set and aftermarket tow lines, it's really nice kit. Tamiya made also Marder II based on some parts of this kit and their PAK 4, which is also good kit for beginners but from unknown reason twice more expensive.

[@jaymorris3468]

Much better explanation than the instructions,, especially the paints, takes me an age trying to work out the paints as some of my models dont even have colour numbers by the same maufacturer and there is really no excuse to leave them out, so frustrating, thank you for doing this. Much appreciated.

[@csb9992]

I have a nephew , 9 years old, wants to do model kits. I will have him watch this. And i got the Pz II kit too. You explain it better then i would. I will be overseeing him, and nearby to answer his question. (Subscribed)

[@FourThousandAndFive]

I hope he does well!

[@theblytonian3906]

Tamiya early kits FTW. Perfect introduction kit into 1/35 armour and figurine plastic modelling, subject interest notwithstanding. I always the latter as important. As a German--Russian AFV-o-phile, this kit would be a fit for me were I a newb.

[@georgeh.7238]

Yes this Kit is an older one just like me. I built this Kit back in 1976 when I was 10 years old. In fact, I was able take it to school and build it.

[@Obelisk57]

For road wheels, I shoot the whole thing black, and use a circular cut out to shoot the center wheel body colour.

[@mikebehm2359]

Nice tamiya early kit. I've built this model a couple of times. Thank you, for your video and for your time. Godspeed. Mike 😎.

[@daastronaut]

the first tank I built was a Tamiya r35 French tank, great for beginners since its cheap and doesn't gave too much complicated parts, but the tracks were literal hell

[@clouddog2393]

Another good starter kit is Tamiya,s 1/35 Panther Aust A which also appeared in the early 70,s and can still be picked up cheaply . l,ve been modelling for years and still enjoy the uncomplicated , straight forward builds as opposed to these days of photo etch , several parts where a couple will do and the obsession with accuracy .

[@davidmason6424]

Built this kit yesterday and following this video very happy with the way it went my first build in well over 40yrs... I bought a cheap air brush set and a thing I was apprehensive about doing.. I found a half made kit in charity shop and have been spraying that this morning and I’m well impressed how good they are, my finish might not be to high standard but it’s great practicing and getting used to it.... can’t paint the tank as haven’t got the right colours but waiting for them to arrive. Thanks to Jason and these videos I wouldn’t have tried.

[@Trevor_Austin]

That was really good and you have inspired me to finish some of the unfinished models that have been taking a holiday on my bench. Thank you. ps. Ausf is short for Ausfuhrung which means model or design number. The British equivalent at the time would be Mark (derived in the past Fremont the French word Marque which means make is in manufacturer eg. Renault). Knowing this doesn’t make your modelling any better, is puts it into context.

[@PeteCourtier]

Great stuff. Liked the thinned paint tip for the tyres and the track sag. Thanks for the time to make these videos👍🍺

[@flyboy2610]

I have this kit downstairs in the stack waiting to be built. Along with 4 other tanks, a Revell '63 Corvette, and about 2 dozen railroad cars for my model railroad!

[@PeteCourtier]

I sorted the turret with plasticard. I’m dead chuffed and thanks again for the time to do this.

[@foreverplastickits138]

*A good old Tamiya kit, i'll go straight ahead viewing your video of part 2! 👍*

[@DansModelBench]

One tip is some of the newer reissues of the older kits with rubber tracks, now glue together with liquid cement like Tamiya's Extra Thin or a thin super glue. I have their old Sherman kit and that glued fine.

[@bobsmith3790]

That was an excellent video. I’m new at a great deal of this, and I learned a lot thanks to you. I’ll definitely keep watching!

[@smellypixles7687]

I just finished a very complicated Dragon Panzer III, but this build seems like a good relief from the difficult PZ III , thanks!!!

[@danmeehan1390]

I have built models off and on for almost 50 years. I have started up again using acrylics and can use some pointers on how to seal base coats before weathering

[@Dyer404]

Varnishes, satin or gloss, for better flow of the washes. For example, I use green AK Gauzy, or if I go for not-so-shiny end, MicroFlat-MicroGloss from Microscale (although these can be problematic a bit in regards of thinning for airbrush, for brush use they are pretty good).

[@riptidegaming8876]

got this coming in the mail with a jagdpanther cant wait to build it

[@coling3957]

This was first 1/35 kit i built - it looked huge next to the 1/76 kits if already made .. that was around 1977. I made another one of these when I started making kits again about ten years back .. very easy to build and paint and can be picked up for a tenner. Coming with figures this is great kit for younger modeller starting out . I think 99% of ppl build the "R" Afrika Korps version. **I staple these tracks together. Less fiddly then heat sealing and you can't see staple when fitted, painted etc

[@pineapplesand556ers]

That’s turning out quite well. Eagerly awaiting part two.

[@wendyhickson5284]

Kit on order. Looking forward to following along.

[@Sarge-1972]

Nice, I picked up a Tamiya Walker Bulldog mojo needs to return I also skip around in the build process

[@sirridesalot6652]

A nice video for a beginner until you get to using an airbrush to paint with. A LOT of beginner model builders don't have an airbrush. Also, regarding the turret turning issue. All I do to improve that is lightly file the tops of the locating tabs so that they are thinner and it then doesn't require as much pressure to rotate the turret.

[@drey8]

yep, I made models as a kid, want to get back into it again. I think airbrush technique looks amazing but quite honestly I can't be bothered with them, just going to stick with brushes.

[@wumao6797]

I built this kit when I was 18yo and I am 55yo now. I had to replace those rubber band tracks as they cracked and fell apart. I had to replace the decals with after market ones as most of them fell off years back.

[@Bulbagaba992]

My first Tamiya model. 1991

[@bobhastings3056]

Great video! Always good to encourage beginners to get into the hobby. Full of good info for those just starting out. Enjoying the series thus far. Cheers from Canada Bob

[@PeteCourtier]

I built models until I was 15. I’m now 47 and started up again a couple of years ago. This video is a godsend. I tend to be over confident and usually make extra work for myself so this is a “reset”. I’m definitely going back to baby steps and keep it simple until I learn a bit more. Cheers from Cornwall UK🍺👍

[@PeteCourtier]

PS. Your name and country jogged my memory. I’ve just read Sicily 43 about operation Torch. The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment kicked arse👍 Known as the Hasty Pees😀

[@andrewm3934]

This is really good series. Thank you 😊

[@manofaction1807]

I'm doing one of these, myself... Great model with a lot going on.

[@jamesbednar8625]

Good video. Have built this kit numerous times.

[@MarkSmith-bx3yp]

I've just completed this model following your videos. Thank you. I enjoyed it and am happy with the result. Only difference is that I used vallejo paints and washes. The Stug IV is next.

[@ericb.davenport9762]

Nice job. I liked this very much. Thanks.

[@blackshark3]

Thank you very much for the nice video, I enjoyed it very much and can’t wait to go out and buy the same kit to try tomorrow. If it is not too much to ask, could you make a build video of the Tamiya Flak 36/37 (the original one, not the reboxed Africa Korps one)? I admit as a shopping fanatic for the past 40 years and once owned over a thousand model kits, I actually could only muster the courage to build no more than a handful of my kits, and those I started I would just glue them and brush painted them, finally they ended up in the bins because they all looked bad. I did purchased airbrushes before but again no courage to use them. More than a decade ago there was a flood in my storage that damaged part of my collection, and most painful to me was the bulk of my vintage Protar Provini motorbike kits, over a hundred boxes, were damaged. The lost was so painful that I sold the bulk of my surviving collection and quit altogether. Only recently, having watched several KZbin model build videos, I decided to return to the hobby, and vouched to not just buy kits but really build them. The first kit I bought was the old Tamiya Flak 36/37, because that was the first substantial kit that I put together by myself over 4 decades ago. I am now slowly putting the Tamiya Flak together, but it would be wonderful if you could share how you would build this model. Thank you again

[@duncancameron5468]

It's also a good kit to try your hand at PE conversions. Turns out very nice.

[@huwtindall7096]

Such a great fun kit for getting in to the hobby. Was the first 1/35 I made after building a bunch of 1/72 adn 1/48 after a long career of painting fantasy and sci-fi figures. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the tank kit but the figures in this box were atrocious. Poor levels of detail and heaps of injection marks and mould lines. The later tamiya figures are much better. Still, at like £9 for the kit you can't complain! Great vid.

[@IanPotts-lv6os]

I built this kit in the late seventies happy days

[@foetaltreborus2017]

Thanx for a really helpful vid for a returning modeller , using a spray gun for the first time (mines a Crusader AA for my project )

[@redwaterfilmworks7210]

Amazing job. Just got this kit

[@MrYorkiepudd]

Thank you for these videos .. you have inspired me to start modelling and with this series it doesn't seem as daunting ... waiting for this kit to arrive today and will be making a start on it ..

[@robholton8153]

New Tamiya XF 92 and XF93 are worth serious consideration for DAK . thank you for your build review.

[@saint_ruth1691]

This is great. I'm a beginner with a Tamiya Panzer II on the shelf so this is perfect. Cheers

[@dimplereyes3867]

Hello mr brian kelly are u the guy on fb? On the group called military toys from our childhood?

[@APocketOfCalm]

Discovered and subscribed a couple of weeks ago. I've always built planes but you've got me interested in armour now. Great channel and really like the way you describe things. 👍 Waiting for part2

[@chickenwing3961]

Nice video mate, i suggest you make another armour modelling video/ Build for the German Panther Tank.

[@kellyrobinson8157]

My second armour kit great memories

[@EMTBonsai]

I done mine Gelbbraun for the Africa korps RAL colour but put down a panzer grey first, haha now I'm doing it! I mean dunkelgrau! No such thing as panzer grey modern paints but lightened it with a sea grey and then varnished it, i love AKs worn effects but if you don't have any you can use a very fine spray of hairspray then paint over it with the Gelbbraun and use a slightly dry brush with a tad of thinner to get the worn paint look more than a chipping effect it comes out beautiful with the Dark grey starting to come through the thinned top coat of the African korps colour as they didn't prime the tank again they just painted right over the (panzer grey) so wore off very easily

[@raytheron]

Good job, Jason! Ideal for beginner armour builders.

[@GUNPLA_BUILD2024]

Cool amazing nice 👌 👍 😎 👏

[@Anlushac11]

Pz.IIF was the last major production version with conventional suspension. The G used the overlapping roadwheels with schactellaufwerk. Only 10 were built and they served as prototypes for the 100 Pz.II Luchs.

[@neilrobinson1956]

Videos are a great tutorial, and plenty of excellent tips on how to improve your modelling skills 👍 PS: Must invest in an airbrush, if the boss will let me😉

[@rasmuswittsell10]

My first 1/35 kit was this pzII with DAK infantry. It was in the mid 1970s.

[@warc8us]

You can find this model online for less than $20 US. Definitely a good choice for a first time builder who doesn't want to spend $50 on a 1/35 tank they might screw up!

[@carlrudd1858]

Marvelous! (since brilliant actually means bright, not excellent) haha.... thanks!

[@AdamMann3D]

well filmed and edited my dude.

[@ChampionScaleModelling]

Thanks! May need your input when we get to the Tiger....😉

[@thomasenright5282]

The hardest part as far as I can remember what was getting the tracks to stick together without them failing of when I used to play with them

[@Juan_Mattos]

Starting this series with the intention to follow and build along, but I do wish to ask a couple questions: Most of my painting is done with Spray (Which with the exception of Vallejo cans are mostly Lacker based), and paint brushes, so the first question is how are the acrylics meant to react over it?…. The other question is about Gloss Clear coat spray, wouldn’t it be safer to use matt to preserve the coming layering coats?. Apologies for the newbie questions 😬 and thank you for uploading such great instruction 😊

[@davidatovar]

Man that's A old model ! I built mine in the seventies wow I'm old too.

[@thearmoredgeorgian2736]

I also feel giving a coat of dry brush of the same exact color also helps with touching up. I’ve only tried this on smaller parts, and I’m not sure if it would work on larger areas.

[@markcollins9903]

Thanks mate

[@andrewallen446]

As a beginner, the job you've done here and some of the techniques applied look beyond me. Mine wouldn't look like this 😂. Can I use a traditional brush and do a decent job? I didn't want to invest in an airbrush until I was sure the hobby is something I want to pursue long-term...

[@110percentcanadian6]

One other great value kit I have in my stash is the trumpeter sturer Emil moulded in 2013 I got mine for 35$cad 🇨🇦 including shipping

[@danmeehan1390]

I built this kit years ago and still have it, Canadian here as well brother

[@ShadowGaming0943]

Hello, I just purchased this kit but I don't know which tamiya spray paint I should use since when I google tamiya XF-63 spray paint nothing shows up. Please can you respond to this and recommend to me which one of the spray paints i should use. Also love your content man!

[@Ingsoc75]

Anyone remember when the Squadron Signal books were the only reference for doing this stuff?

[@superfelek5541]

36:55 while building my first tank, I made big mistake by making wheels first, and then put on tracks, and later trying to glue them tohether, and i couldnt glue. Thanks for advise, next tim e I will use hot piece of metal for tracka and bqck wheels later. PS: i build only 1 tank and im going to buy another, thanks for advice.

[@jimpike3489]

Hi, I'm Jim, I am new to modelling and recently bought the Airfix tank bundle but have realised these tanks are for more experienced modellers. I will pick this kit up and give it a go, really enjoyed your video and have subscribed. What airbrush are you using? Thanks for sharing.

[@eggsacutem4526]

Can someone help me out please 🙏 I’m trying to find the Tamiya spray can equivalent to XF -59 and the nato black can some one help me 🙏

[@user-ci2kx6xe6q]

This is my first

[@Wondering_Ghoul]

Oh man. I really don't have the patience for this. I'm 7 minutes into the video and I would have already thrown the damn thing through the wall. lol

[@hofmanish]

I've bought this one last week and when i unpacked it and looked at the painting-sheed I saw a couple of decays blacked-out. As if it was a mistake? or as if those decays are not longer manifactured? Do you knw the reason behind this? Its the top left one deacy and the last bottom one

[@JuergenGDB]

There actually is an Ausf G version. photographed in 1941 by Wa Pruf 6. It was photographed in a two-tone "Tropen" camouflage pattern which was Gelbbrawn Ral 8000 2/3 and 1/3 of Graugrun RAL 7008. The Green stripes would have been I believe 100% Graugrun RAL 7008. You can check it out on Tank's encyclopedia.. or an easy search of the sort under Pz II Ausf G. The Ausf G version was intended to be sent to North Africa. Only around 45 G versions were produced by the end of 1942. as they opted to build the Pz II L, "Luchs" instead, of which only about 100 were produced. Production of the Ausf G was halted and MAN then used that production line to build the Panther instead.

[@JuergenGDB]

Oh yeah, the G version Two unusual features of the Ausf.G are clearly shown in this photograph: the exhaust pipe for the steering brake fumes protruding from the glacis plate, and the fake visor installed in the front of the superstructure between the driver’s and radio operator’s visors, which was intended to draw enemy fire away from the other vision ports. The superstructure displays the triangular-shaped splash guard installed in front of the driver’s and radio operator’s hatches, which would protect against bullet and shrapnel fragments.

[@howardsly6174]

Good vid

[@JohnJRambo-zi5fi]

im wokring on a halftrack right now then this one

[@aftertheheadlines]

I wish you had an Amazon affiliate page to source the paints and items.

[@therealswedishmike]

Thanks for a great video - got the kit here and will try to follow as much as I can. I'm sure this will have saved me lots of frustration! ;) One quick question though - I've looked through a number of times but I'm either losing concentration at the same time or something else is happening... Did I completely miss when you painted the muffler/exhaust? It seems to be in a different colour already?

[@TheYoungDiver-i1v]

Hello, I know I am a bit late but I was wondering about painting the rims, is it neccesary for the thinner mixed with the paint or can you use the regular paint on it, if so then how do you mix the thinner and the paint. what thinner is it called: example x-20 0r x-22

[@ChampionScaleModelling]

For acrylic (the Tamiya XF range of paints) you would use X20a from the Tamiya line, you could also use acrylics from Vallejo, Citadel, Ammo etc. and use their own brand of thinners. Thinning the paint helps you get a smooth finish and keep control of the flow, if you paint straight from the bottle you’ll find the finish is not smooth and you’ll struggle to keep in the lines of what you’re trying to paint

[@TheYoungDiver-i1v]

@@ChampionScaleModelling thank you! what ratio or how would you mix them togethor

[@declan1278]

Great job but much speed did you have slow down mate

[@julianlucerobruno495]

hello, nice model and good video! What color do you use for this model? tell me the name or code of the colors and your brand