1:72 Hobby Master German Panzer II Ausf. F 6th Pz. Div., Zitadelle 1943

In 1934 there were delays in design and production for what would be the Panzer III and IV tanks. The temporary solution was the Panzer II or Panzerkampfwagen II (PzKpfw). It was a larger version of the Panzer I but with a 20 mm anti-tank gun. The Panzer II was in production from 1937 to 1943 and remained in service until 1945. The Ausf. C was the most produced variant of the Panzer II. The Panzer II chassis was used to produce several other types of tanks.

Beginning July 4, 1943 the German forces launched an offensive known as Operation Zitadelle (Citadel) against Soviet forces in the region of Kursk. The Germans anticipated a Soviet offensive and hoped Zitadelle would encircle large numbers of Soviet troops and equipment weakening their enemy enough to shift the balance of power in their favor. Instead of a great German success Operation Zitadelle started what became the Battle of Kursk with heavy German losses they couldn’t afford. The Soviets had received prior information about the attack and were prepared. That was the last German offensive in Eastern Europe.

F improvements over the C
Number Produced - 524

Single-piece frontal glacis and gun mantlet increased to 30mm.
Side and rear armor increased to 15mm.
New Commander’s cupola added.
New KwK 38 20mm gun.
Weight rose to 95,250 kg

Specifications for the Panzer II Ausf. C (PzKpfw IIC)

In Service – 1936 to 1945

Type – Light Tank

Manufacturer – Alkett, Daimler-Benz, FAMO, Henschel, M.A.N, MIAG, Wegmann

Crew – 3 x (Commander/Gunner, Driver, Loader)

Power Plant – 1 x Maybach HL62TR, straight 6 cylinder, liquid cooled, gasoline engine,
produces 140 hp @2,600 rpm
Fuel – 170 liters

Performance
Gears Box – 6 x forward, 1 x reverse
Road Speed – 40 km/h
Range on Road – 200 km

Dimensions
Length – 4.81 m
Width – 2.22 m
Height – 1.99 m

Weight – 8,900 kg

Armament
1 x 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 main gun – 180 rounds
1 x 7.92 mm MG34 Machine Gun – 2,250 rounds

Armor – 10 mm to 14.5 mm