Panzer IV F2 - Cyrenaica 1942 - 1/72 scale


“This F2 doesn't fly, and it's not a Mirage!”

1/72-scale Panzer IV Ausf. F2 "Dragon" model kit with detailed parts

Gray parts from the Panzer IV F2 model kit with a metal gun on a blue background

Assembly of the 1/72-scale Panzer IV from Dragon. The main parts, plus a turned aluminum gun barrel...

Assembled hull and superstructure of the Panzer IV F2 model on a blue background

German World War II IRH Panzer IV Ausf. F2 tank, viewed from a three-quarter angle

This new 1/72-scale line features the brand's signature high-quality engraving...

Model of the Panzer IV F2 in gray; hull and turret assembled, without the turret ring or gun

When mounting the wheels, make sure they are properly aligned...

Unpainted gray turret from the Panzer IV F2 model with open hatches against a blue background

You can see the periscopes in the tank commander's turret and the detailed hatches. A first at this scale!

Unpainted gray model of the Panzer IV F2 with a long gun, on a blue background

The assembly is complete, but... Big mistake! The tracks are on the wrong way around! (Something to double-check when assembling an armored vehicle...) So, I’ll have to correct that before painting, and I’ll need to apply a little putty and sand it down at the seam between the two parts of the turret. Thanks to JPV for the aluminum gun barrel...

Gray Panzer IV F2 chassis model with tracks mounted on a blue background

Now that the tracks are oriented correctly, we proceed to glue them in place. Pieces of sprue are used to create the "sagging" (curvature) that gives the tracks a natural, weighty appearance...

Painting

Unpainted, assembled model of the Panzer IV F2, viewed from the front three-quarter angle against a blue background

The medium used is Humbrol oil paint. The painting process begins with two thin layers of dark yellow 83 applied with a brush...

Model of the Panzer IV F2 chassis in sand-colored paint scheme, turret removed, side view

Apply the decals using Micro Set and Micro Sol products... Apply a wash to the entire tank using Sienna-colored oil from a tube...

Model of a sand-colored Panzer IV F2 tank, viewed from the front three-quarters angle; turret number 8 with a weathered finish

The tracks and rubber wheel bands are painted black, the exhaust pipe is rust brown, and there are some early signs of wear in Panzer Gray 67... which is the original color of this Panzer!

Model of a Panzer IV F2 tank painted sand yellow, three-quarter front view

The turret is treated the same way as the hull. Oil filter: Sienna and Panzer Gray 67... The details (periscopes) are treated the same way...

Completed model of the Panzer IV F2 in sand yellow, three-quarter front view showing the turret and long gun

The tools in the onboard kit are weathered with Gray 67 and Metallic Gray 53. The tracks are given a thick wash of Color 29, and after they are completely dry, a dry-brush application of Dust 72... On the teeth of the sprockets and the contact surfaces of the tension pulleys, I apply a little Metal 53 to simulate wear caused by friction...

The Setting

The diorama, which is very simple (it’s just meant to showcase the tank) while bringing the scene to life and establishing its setting, is made from a thin, square piece of plywood measuring about 20 centimeters, onto which a generous layer of white glue is spread. Then, fine sand and exterior stucco aggregate are sprinkled over it...

Desert diorama base with tracks, tufts of grass, and a small wooden cross

We make tracks from various caterpillars in the fresh soil along the road... A few lichens are planted here and there to represent the sparse vegetation of the region...

The finished diorama...

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