Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. B (Sd.Kfz.101)

Tamiya 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

B a c k g r o u n d

The Panzer I was a light tank produced by Germany in the 1930s.

Design of the Panzer I began in 1932 and mass production began in 1934. Intended only as a training tank to introduce the concept of armoured warfare to the German Army, the Panzer I saw combat in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, in Poland, France, the Soviet Union and North Africa during the Second World War, and in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Experiences with the Panzer I during the Spanish Civil War helped shape the German Panzerwaffe's invasion of Poland in 1939 and France in 1940.

F i r s t L o o k

Tamiya's 1:35 scale Panzer I Ausf. B completes its German tank journey all the way from I to VI.

This all new kit comprises 139 parts in dark grey coloured plastic, three parts in clear plastic,  a photo-etched grille for the engine deck, four small polythene caps, markings for three vehicles and instructions.

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Thumbnail panels:

As we have come to expect from Tamiya, moulding quality is superb. There are no ejector pin circles, sink marks or flash on any of the exterior surfaces. The only clean-up required may be a centreline join around each road wheel.

The lower hull is a flat pack made up from separate sides, front, rear and bottom. Additional rigidity is provided by a separate reinforcement panel that attaches to each lower hull side.

Tracks are link and length with two straight lengths along the bottom, a long upper run with shallow sag moulded in place, plus short lengths and pairs of track links to complete the runs.

Each road wheel is made up of three parts – a central six-spoked hub and a tyre section on both sides.

139 is a relatively small parts count in this day of uber-detailed mega kits, but authenticity is not compromised. Exterior detail is very good indeed, with separate on-vehicle equipment, boxed-in sponsons, separate suspension units and link-and-length tracks. I particularly like the woodgrain effect on the antenna cases, the jack and the machine guns with their crisply hollowed-out cooling jackets.

The hull entry hatch is two separate parts.

The turret is quite simple with a separate base and upper shell. The only detail inside the turret are the co-axial machine guns and their mounts.

The Commander's hatch may be posed open. A Commander figure is supplied. He is given the option of a beret or a side cap to wear. Detail is excellent as we have noted with Tamiya’s 1:35 scale figures over the last decade or more.

A photo-etched fret supplies the perforated exhaust heat shield. A folding jig is also included. This is a nice touch.

Headlight and the front fender lights have clear lenses.

Instructions are clearly called out in 22 illustrated steps.

Markings are supplied for three vehicles that participated in the Polish (1939) French (1940) and Operation Barbarossa (1941) campaigns, and it is a case of "any colour you want as long as it is Panzer Grey". Some relief is provided by yellow markings on two of the options.

If you would prefer a little more variety, Star Deecals has already released decal sets with options for several Panzer Is featuring disruptive brown camouflage over Panzer Grey and toned down national markings.

C o n c l u s i o n

In these days of the 1,000+ part uber-kit, it is a relief to find a new 1:35 scale armour model that is well detailed but might still be built in a weekend.

Tamiya's new 1:35 scale Panzer I Ausf. B will be ideal for the new modeller or one who feels a little jaded after a massive super detailing project.

This new kit will also be an ideal basis for more detailing if the modeller desires.

Tamiya's all-new 1:35 Panzer I really hits the sweet spot!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample

Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited for the sample.