Exact Z scale (1:220th) military models



Panzerzug (Armoured train) BP42 & BP44


My latest project is a fully working model of the German WWII train.

The BP42 and BP44 were the standardised armoured trains of the German Army in WW2, and almost 24 complete trains were built.
Firstly, I am modelling the BP42.
The trains were fully symmetrical in layout and consisted of:
  • (front of Train)
  • Abstosswagen (Control Flatcar)
  • Panzertragerwagen (Flat car with Pz 38t)
  • Kanonen und Flakwagen (AA Car with Flak vierling and 7.62cm gun)
  • Kommandowagen (Armoured Command/infantry Car)
  • Geschutzwagen (Artillery Car with 10.5cm gun)
  • Auxiliary tender
  • Armoured locomotive
  • Tender
  • Geschutzwagen (Artillery Car with 10.5cm gun)
  • Kommandowagen (Armoured Command/infantry Car)
  • Kanonen und Flakwagen (AA Car with Flak vierling and 7.62cm gun)
  • Panzertragerwagen (Flat car with Pz 38t)
  • Abstosswagen (Control Flatcar)
  • (rear of train)
The model locomotive is based upon a Marklin 2-10-0 chassis converted to 0-10-0 for the actual locomotive used was a Baureihe 57 (G10) which was of 0-10-0 configuration. The model is highly accurate; the prototype locomotive and tender bodies were first milled from alumium to an accuracy of less than 0.1mm, and with all angles accurate to less than 1 degree.

The tenders are based upon the correct Prussian 3T16.5 chassis. Close couplers join the tenders to the locomotive and normal Marklin couplers are fitted to the outside of the tenders.

The locomotive chassis is new and of course includes a 5-pole motor. These models will be sold fully painted as shown, complete as a ready-to-run model.
I also offer a conversion service whereby I can convert your own 2-10-0 Marklin chassis to 0-10-0 and supply the rest of the boxset.

The wagons run on Marklin chassis, and are fitted with Marklin coupler and blackened metal axles. The wagons have the prototypical buffer covers yet retain the ability to negotiate 195mm radius curves.


Click on any of the pictures to open a larger image in a separate window
and to read more details about each of the models.

This picture shows the completed BP42 armoured train.
Completed Panzerzug BP42

Starting at the front of the train, this photograph shows the Abstosswagen (Control car), the Panzertragerwagen (tank carrier car) and the
Kannonen und Flakwagen (Artillery and AA car). All turrets rotate. The Pz38(t) light tank is a separate model, again, totally accurate.
Front part of BP42 train

Working down towards the middle of the train, next we see the Kommandowagen (Command car),
the Geschutzwagen (Artillery car) and the auxiliary tender.
BP42 armoured train

The Panzerlok formed the centre of the train. It was normally run with 2 tenders in order to increase its
operational range. The overall length of the locomotive and tenders is 127mm over the buffers.
The model is cast in a mixture of urethane resin and bronze.
Panzerlok and tenders

Now working along the back half of the train, this photograph shows the Artillery and Command cars that followed the locomotive and tenders.
The artillery cars had their turrets pointing towards the ends of the train away from the locomotive.
Artillery and Command wagons

This shot focuses in on the Kannonen und Flakwagen. This sported a 7.62cm gun in a rotating turret
at one end (always at the end nearest the locomotive), and a 4-barrelled 2cm flak gun at the other end.
All guns and turrets on all the wagens rotate. The flak gun barrels are made from very hard metal.
Flak/Artillery wagon

Finally, now at the back of the train, we see again the Abstosswagen (Control car) and the Panzertragerwagen
(tank carrier car). The Pz38(t) light tank has a rotating turret. The 2 Abstosswagens have different loads (compare.
with the picture at the front of the train).
Tank carrier wagon (with Pz38t tank) and control wagon.


Below is the first of a couple of pictures showing the train from ground level.
BP42

In this picture you can see just how low I've managed to make the Panzertragerwagen (tank carrier car).
BP42


These pictures show close-ups of some of the details of the train
Special close coupling and detail. Highly detailed Flak gun with metal barrels. Pz38(t) light tank Pz38(t) light tank


Customer feedback

 "The model arrived today. WOW!!!! I am most impressed. It is even better
in person. Your painting and weathering is incredible. Good job! I can't wait
to get the next cars to the set. I want more!" - Rob Kluz Editor Ztrack magazine


"Also ich muss schon sagen, die Panzerlok, sowie die Tiger sehen einfach Klasse aus.
Lange schon habe ich Modelle aus der Zeit des WW II gesucht und auch gefunden.
Leider erreicht das Gefundene nicht annähernd das Niveau deiner Modelle"

"Totally satisfied, best model ever seen, absolut top,super Modell, immer wieder."


"Am Samstag ist dein Paket angekommen. Die Königstieger sind sehr gut gelungen.Die anderen Waggons sind
fabelhaft gearbeitet. Es ist schwer für mich einen der Waggons besonders hervorzuheben, alle sind super."


"Received the Panzer wagons today, absolutely perfect, I am very pleased with the whole set.
I know from our communications that this project was a labour of love, but the end result
is excellent and the quality and accuracy superb."