1/35 German Tank Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B

Tamiya is proud to welcome the German Tank Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. B into our 1/35 Military Miniature Series, which means that the main German tanks of WWII are all in our line-up now.

Although Germany had been forbidden to develop tanks after the defeat of WWI, it developed the Panzerkampfwagen I under the name of 'agricultural tractor' to deflect suspicions of rearmament, and the Pz.Kpfw.I became a massproduced tank. The engine on the Ausf.B was upgraded to 100hp, nearly double the 57hp of the Ausf.A. Also, it had a 40cm longer hull, and a pair of 7.92mm MG13 machine guns were equipped. While the Pz.Kpfw.I was developed for training, it first saw live action in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, and was widely used in various situations such as the invasion of Poland and the Eastern Front. 

About the Model 
• This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 123mm, width: 60mm. 
• The compact, powerful form of the German Tank Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B is faithfully captured in style based on extensive research of the actual tank.
• Assembly type tracks have one-piece straight sections and realistic “sag”.
• Right and left fenders are recreated in a one-piece component featuring anti-slip patterns.
• Upper hull and turret are realistically rendered in detail. 
• Photo-etched part authentically depicts exhaust cover for realistic finish.
• Includes one torso figure which depicts a commander. Choose between head sections with beret and side cap.
• Comes with a choice of three marking options to recreate versions which were in service during the attacks in Poland, France and Russia.

Tamiya model kits are known for their high quality and attention to detail, offering a rewarding building experience for hobby enthusiasts. These kits typically require assembly and painting to achieve their full potential, allowing you to customize the model to your preference.

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• Sanding tools, such as sandpaper or files, to smooth out edges and remove mold lines.
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About the real German Tank Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B

The Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. B (often abbreviated as PzKpfw I Ausf. B or Panzer I Ausf. B) was an early German light tank used during the interwar period and World War II. Here are the key details about the Panzer I Ausf. B:

Development and Specifications

• Manufacturer: Various manufacturers, including Henschel, MAN, and Krupp.
• Production Period: 1936-1937
• Number Produced: Approximately 675 units of Ausf. B

Design and Features

• Weight: Around 5.8 tons
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 4.42 meters (14.5 feet)
  • Width: 2.06 meters (6.8 feet)
  • Height: 1.72 meters (5.6 feet)
• Armor:
  • Thickness: Ranged from 7 to 13 millimeters (0.28 to 0.51 inches)
• Armament:
  • Primary: Two 7.92 mm MG13 machine guns
• Crew: Two (commander/gunner and driver)

Engine and Performance

• Engine: Maybach NL 38 TR, 6-cylinder, water-cooled, gasoline engine
  • Power Output: 100 horsepower
• Transmission: ZF Aphon FG35, 5-speed manual
• Maximum Speed: Around 40 km/h (25 mph) on road
• Range: Approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles) on road

Historical Context and Use

• Development: The Panzer I was initially designed for training purposes and to familiarize the German army with tank operations. The Ausf. B was an improved version of the earlier Ausf. A, featuring a more powerful engine and an extended hull to accommodate it.
• Combat Use:
  • Spanish Civil War: The Panzer I saw combat for the first time during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), where it revealed its limitations in terms of armor and firepower.
  • World War II: Despite its initial purpose as a training tank, the Panzer I Ausf. B was used in the early stages of World War II, including the invasions of Poland (1939) and France (1940). Its light armor and armament made it vulnerable to anti-tank weapons and other tanks.
• Roles: Due to its limitations, the Panzer I Ausf. B was often used for reconnaissance, infantry support, and training purposes rather than frontline combat.

Legacy

• Historical Significance: The Panzer I Ausf. B played a crucial role in the early development of German armored forces and tactics. Its experiences in combat informed the design and deployment of later, more capable tanks.
• Limitations: The Panzer I's lack of heavy armor and armament quickly made it obsolete for frontline combat, but it remains an important part of the history of tank development.

The Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. B was a foundational vehicle for the German Panzer divisions, offering valuable lessons that would shape future tank designs and armored warfare strategies.