FirstLook

In response to a request from the German Army, Henschel was given the job of developing a new lighter medium tank in 1938.

This new vehicle was completed in 1941, and the end result was a hybrid of the Panzer IV but with a new overlapping road wheel system.

In total four were produced, but by 1942 only two were delivered and the program was cancelled, due to the Tiger I being favoured.

Two of the prototypes were later used as 128mm Pak40 SPGs and the other two as recovery, training and test vehicles.

Trumpeter has now released the VK3001(H) PzKpfw VI (Ausf A) as a 1/35 scale kit.

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Thumbnail panels:

Inside the box are five sprues with 230 parts molded in light grey plastic, the lower hull, a set of vinyl tracks, well presented instructions, and a color sheet of drawings.

Clear parts are supplied for the vision blocks.

The vinyl tracks are provided in one full length for each side. The guide teeth are appropriately hollow.

There is also a set of decals though no markings were on this vehicle.

A nice feature is the turret interior and the full L/24 gun. Hatches may be posed in opened or closed positions.

The parts look very clean, and construction should be straightforward.

Camouflage is any colour you want as long as it is Panzer Grey, although weathering will really bring this to life.

This will be a great addition to those who love the Panzer IV, or who want to build something a little different.

Trumpeter has delivered a very nice kit of this interesting but rare vehicle.

Recommended.

Thanks to J.B. Wholesalers for the kit review sample