Dragon 1/35 Pz Kpfw II Ausf B Discc

The Panzer II, conceived by Germany in the 1930s, represented an advancement over the Panzer I, yet it remained a temporary solution in Germany's pursuit of establishing a formidable tank force. Widely employed in the early stages of WWII, including the invasions of Poland, the Low Countries, and France, production of the Panzer II ceased in 1943. The chassis found new roles as the inadequacies of the early tanks' 16mm thick steel armor became apparent. Armed primarily with the 2cm Kw.K30 L/55 cannon and a coaxial MG34, the Panzer II's main gun was largely ineffective in an anti-tank role. Operated by a crew of three, the Panzer II featured a 140hp six-cylinder Maybach HL 62 TRM engine propelling it to a maximum speed of 40km/h. The initial production model, Ausf.A, gave way to the Ausf.B in December 1937, retaining similar features with superficial changes.

The latest addition to Dragon's 1/35 plastic kit series is the Panzer II Ausf.B. This kit introduces a new turret designed for the Ausf.B, complete with interior details such as visors, a full cannon, and breech. The 2cm cannon, featuring a hollow muzzle, is slide-molded, and a new tooling provides the mount for the 7.92mm MG34 used for anti-aircraft duties. Despite its size, the kit boasts an abundance of intricate details. It includes two sets of on-vehicle tools, one with clasps and brackets, and a spare set of OVM without clasps, accommodating modelers who prefer using photo-etched clasps.