Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. B

Italeri 1/72 Scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

Summary

FirstLook

The Panzer I, first of the WWII German tanks, was designed as a training tank but was deployed operationally in both Poland and France. Its chassis was also later put to other uses such as ammunition carrier and Panzerjager.

This 1/72 scale kit, by Italeri, is another of the ex Esci releases that has not been seen for quite some time. It is also the only one in Braille Scale and considering its age is a very good kit.

With a parts count of 115 for such a small vehicle, even though it has link and length tracks, means it has plenty of detail. Upper and lower hull, suspension and all ancillary parts are on the main sprue. Fighting compartment, turret and all associated parts are on the second sprue. The link and length tracks are on the third.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The kit is not without its faults however. The tracks are a bit over scale resulting in the drive sprocket having 12 instead of 20 teeth. I think this is probably as a result of the scale – at the time of the kit’s original release any smaller would have been to hard to handle or mould. Also, the sides of the engine deck should slope towards the centre instead of being vertical which means the deck itself is too wide. Where it meets the fighting compartment, they have put a small chamfer on each side to narrow it. I wouldn't bother to correct this but if you wanted to know more, follow this link to see Doug Chaultry review of the kit.

The decals by Zanchetti Buccinasco are typically well printed and cover four vehicles. A Legion Condor, Spain, 1937 in dark green, Poland, 1939 in dark grey with broad white crosses, France, 1940 also in dark grey and a DAK vehicle in sand, 1942.

Considering the importance of this tank, it's strange that no other manufacturer has produced it in 1/72 scale but considering that until recently Esci was the leader in Braille, and their range of subjects was enormous, it is really no surprise that it is such a good kit.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Italeri for the review sample.