Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B
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James CHave decided on my next victim, so pulled this one out of the stash this morning and gave the parts a rinse to clean off the mold release agents etc. Hope to make a start on it in the next day or so once dried. Similar to the Panzer 1A that I built previously, but this one is slightly longer due to having an extra road wheel, as well as a modified rear engine deck and exhaust due to having a different engine. Haven't decided if it will be based in France or Greece yet, but definitely leaning towards the grey and brown camouflage per the box art.
John HughesI'd recommend adding the superstructure from front to back as you can have alignment issues. You can get decals for the fire extinguisher, which are not in the kit.
James CThanks guys 🙂
Really enjoying the larger 1/16 scale, and finding them much easier on the eyes to assemble.
Thanks John and yeah, that's what I did with the "A" version I built previously.
James CI got quite a bit more done today with both track runs mounted for a test fit. They worked out quite well in the end, being much better than the plastic links that come in the kit. Far easier to assemble as well as only took a couple of hours versus several days for the stock plastic parts. Adds a nice bit of weight to the model as well. Still need to adjust the tension a little to get them sagging properly but pretty happy with how they turned out. Started to loose the natural lighting so will leave the turret assembly and smaller detail parts for tomorrow.
James CFinished off the assembly a little while ago. Just needs a little clean-up in a couple places before I tear it apart again to airbrush a coat of black primer on it. I'm hoping it will be a little warmer tomorrow which will help with drying times. Am also considering adding an extra link to both track runs as in hindsight the tracks look a little tight at present with 97 links.
James CI finished it off late yesterday afternoon, and have just been waiting for some better lighting to take some shots of the completed build.
This one represents a Panzerkampfwagen I, Ausf. B as deployed during the invasion of Poland in September of 1939 in the early stages of the second world war.
Both of these large 1/16 scale Takom kits have been fantastic to build.
Probably the weakest part of the kits are with the tracks, which while nicely molded... the plastic pins are very fragile and snap quite easily.
You only get approx. 12 spares, and I only had 1 spare left when I built the "A" version.
As a replacement set of metal links were roughly the same price as those for a Tiger 2 in 1/35 scale, it was a no brainer to purchase a set for this build of the "B" version. Much more durable, quicker and easier to assemble by far, and also adds a nice bit of extra weight to the completed model.
Being a smaller subject (but still quite large models) these Panzer I kits come in at the lower end of the price range of 1/16 scale kits making them much more affordable. I was fortunate to score this B version at 50% off, so was pretty chuffed about that.
All up, very nice kits and definitely recommended 😉👍
A walkaround both inside and out of the Panzer I
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The Panzer I (also known as PzKpfw I, Sd.Kfz. 101, or simply Pz I) was the first mass-produced tank of Nazi Germany, developed in the early 1930s as part of the German rearmament program. While modest in size and performance compared to the tanks that followed, the Panzer I played a critical role in laying the foundation for the Wehrmacht's armored forces (the Panzerwaffe) and establishing tactics that would be used in the Blitzkrieg campaigns during World War II.
The Panzer I project began under the veil of secrecy imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, which forbade Germany from producing or owning tanks. To circumvent these restrictions, Germany collaborated with the Soviet Union, setting up secret training and development facilities like the one in Kazan, Russia, where German engineers and officers gained experience with tanks and armored warfare during the late 1920s.
The development of a small, light tank intended primarily for training and reconnaissance began in 1932. The initial prototype, designated Kleintraktor (small tractor) to disguise its true purpose, was designed by several German companies, including Krupp, Daimler-Benz, and Rheinmetall. By 1934, a production model was ready, designated the Panzerkampfwagen I Ausführung A (PzKpfw I Ausf. A), and mass production began.
The Panzer I was never intended to be a frontline combat vehicle. Its primary purpose was to train the newly reformed German Army (the Wehrmacht) in the use of armored vehicles and to familiarize troops with basic tank operations and tactics. However, due to the rapid pace of rearmament and Germany's preparations for war, the Panzer I was pressed into combat service well beyond its original intended use.
The Panzer I had two main production variants: Ausf. A and Ausf. B.
Ausf. A: The first production model, Panzer I Ausf. A, was a small, lightly armored tankette weighing approximately 5.4 tons. It was powered by a Krupp M305 four-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 60 horsepower, giving it a top speed of around 37 km/h (23 mph) on roads and a range of 145 km (90 miles). The Ausf. A was armed with two 7.92 mm MG13 Dreyse machine guns in a small rotating turret, which provided only limited firepower.
The Ausf. A had relatively thin armor, with a maximum thickness of 13 mm, offering limited protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
It had a two-man crew: the commander, who also acted as the gunner, and the driver.
Ausf. B: In response to criticisms regarding the Ausf. A's underpowered engine, the Ausf. B was introduced with a more powerful Maybach NL 38 TR six-cylinder, water-cooled engine producing 100 horsepower. The Ausf. B also had a slightly larger chassis to accommodate the new engine, increasing its weight to around 5.8 tons. The increased engine power gave the Ausf. B a slightly higher top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) and improved off-road performance.
Aside from the engine and chassis changes, the Ausf. B was nearly identical to the Ausf. A in terms of armament, armor, and crew layout.
Performance Specifications:
Weight: 5.4 tons (Ausf. A)
5.8 tons (Ausf. B)
Crew: 2 (Commander/Gunner and Driver)
Length: 4.02 meters (13 ft 2 in)
Width: 2.06 meters (6 ft 9 in)
Height: 1.72 meters (5 ft 8 in)
Armor: 6-13 mm (0.24-0.51 in)
Primary Armament: 2 × 7.92 mm MG13 machine guns
Engine:
Ausf. A: Krupp M305, 60 hp
Ausf. B: Maybach NL 38 TR, 100 hp
Speed:
Ausf. A: 37 km/h (23 mph)
Ausf. B: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Range:
Ausf. A: 145 km (90 miles)
Ausf. B: 170 km (105 miles)
While the Panzer I had relatively good mobility for its size, it was severely under-armed and under-armored for combat against enemy tanks or even well-equipped infantry units. Its machine guns were ineffective against armored vehicles, and its thin armor made it vulnerable to even light anti-tank weapons.
Operational History
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The Panzer I saw its first combat during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), where it was used by the Nationalist forces under General Francisco Franco, who received military aid from Nazi Germany. A total of 122 Panzer I tanks were sent to Spain as part of Germany's "Condor Legion," an expeditionary force meant to support Franco's forces and test new German weapons and tactics.
The Panzer I performed poorly in Spain when faced with Soviet-supplied T-26 and BT-5 tanks, which were better armed and armored. The inadequacies of the Panzer I were highlighted during these engagements, leading German military planners to recognize the need for more heavily armed and armored tanks. However, the Spanish Civil War provided valuable lessons in tank tactics and combined arms warfare, which would later be refined and employed by the Wehrmacht in World War II.
Invasion of Poland (1939)
At the outbreak of World War II, the Panzer I was still the most numerous tank in the German Panzerwaffe. During the invasion of Poland in September 1939, nearly 1,500 Panzer I tanks were used by German forces. The tank was highly vulnerable to Polish anti-tank weapons and tanks like the 7TP. Despite its shortcomings, the Panzer I played a significant role in the Blitzkrieg tactics that overwhelmed the Polish forces through speed, maneuverability, and combined arms operations with infantry and air support.
Battle of France (1940)
By the time of the Battle of France in May 1940, the Panzer I was largely obsolete. Nevertheless, approximately 500 Panzer I tanks participated in the invasion, comprising about 15% of the total German tank force. As in Poland, the Panzer I was vulnerable to French and British tanks, such as the Renault R35, Hotchkiss H35, and Matilda II, all of which were far superior in armor and firepower. Many Panzer I tanks were destroyed in combat, but their contribution to the overall German success was significant, particularly in recon and infantry support roles.
North Africa (1941-42)
A small number of Panzer I variants were used in North Africa, particularly in reconnaissance roles, due to their mobility and light weight.
These early tanks were mostly phased out by 1941–1942, replaced by more capable tanks like the Panzer III and Panzer IV, which were better suited to the desert warfare environment.
Operation Barbarossa (1941)
By the time of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the Panzer I had been mostly phased out of frontline service, with only a few units still using the tank for reconnaissance or in rear-echelon roles. The Panzer I was completely outclassed by Soviet tanks like the T-34 and KV-1, which had thicker armor and more powerful guns. The few Panzer I tanks that remained in service were quickly withdrawn or relegated to secondary duties.
Later Use and Modifications
Despite being obsolete as a combat tank by 1941, the Panzer I chassis continued to be used in various roles throughout the war. Some were converted into command tanks (Panzerbefehlswagen), which had extra radio equipment and were used to coordinate armored operations. Others were converted into ammunition carriers or used for training purposes.
One of the most notable conversions was the Panzerjäger I, a tank destroyer variant that mounted a Czech 4.7 cm PaK 36(t) anti-tank gun on a Panzer I chassis. This vehicle saw service in North Africa and on the Eastern Front, where its improved firepower allowed it to be more effective against enemy armor.
Post-War Legacy
After World War II, the Panzer I had little lasting impact on armored warfare, as it was quickly overshadowed by more advanced tanks like the Panzer III, Panzer IV, and Panther. However, its role as the first tank of the modern German army cannot be understated. The Panzer I helped lay the groundwork for the development of Germany's Panzerwaffe and armored tactics that would dominate the early years of World War II.
Conclusion
In summary, the Panzer I was a small, lightly armed, and lightly armored tank that was designed primarily for training purposes but saw extensive combat during the early years of World War II. While it was quickly rendered obsolete by more powerful tanks, it played a critical role in the development of German armored forces and tactics. Its operational history in the Spanish Civil War, Poland, France, and the early stages of Operation Barbarossa highlighted both its limitations and its contribution to the early successes of Blitzkrieg warfare. Despite its shortcomings, the Panzer I remains a significant vehicle in the history of armored warfare.
Panzerkampfwagen 1 Ausf.B
Panzer Regiment 31, 5th Panzer Division
Pszczyna, Poland - September 1939
Completed 16th September 2024
