Sd.Kfz.121 Panzer II 6th Panzer Division, France, 1940 (1:72)

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.

In October 1939 because of its shortcomings during the invasion of Poland, the 1st Light Division was reorganized to become the 6th Panzer Division. In 1940 the 6th Panzer Division took part in the Battle of France and spent from May 1940 until July 1940 in that country. By June 14, 1940 Paris was about to fall so the French surrendered and on June 22, 1940 the French signed the terms of surrender. In July 1940 the 6th Panzer Division was transferred to East Prussia and took part in Operation Barbarossa.

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