Panzer I Ausf. A (DAK Early Version)

The reference photo shows a Panzer I Ausf. A from DAK’s 5 Light Division in April 1941. 

This reference photo provided me an idea for diorama, but I eventually gave up the idea after checking the price of Stuka (Ju-87) kit. 

Same moment as previous photo. We could compare the size between Panzer I and Stuka. 

Due to the lack of Pz. IV and other medium armored vehicles in 1940 to 1941, Pz. I could still not retire at this period.

In the early stage of African campaign, more than 20 Pz. I A’s were in active service. All of them were affiliated to HQ, 4th and 8th Kp. of 5 light Div.. 

The vehicle ‘R 8’ attached to HQ in parade of Tripoli. Smoke discharge was mounted and insignia of 3rd Pz. Div. was painted on mudguard. 

Another Pz. I Ausf. A belonged to HQ of 2nd Battalion. 

The vehicle 833 followed a Pz. II C.

The Dragon reproduced this vehicle. Recently, Takom also introduced Pz. I Ausf. A for African campaign, but the decal for vehcle number was mistakenly provided (At least I did not find any reference to support the evidence of vehicle 825). 

A destroyed Panzer I from 21st Panzer Division (former 5 Light Div.) stayed in a shallow river. The formation of 21st Pz. Div. was set up in Oct. 1941 and division’s insignia was finalized & printed on armored vehicles even later, so it was pretty interesting that Panzer I was still equipped by German armies in late 1941. Honestly speaking, I do not believe Panzer I could take any duty after 1940. 

The wreck of Panzer I outside the city of Tobruk in April 1941. The left mudguard was missing and the right one was entirely fell off. 

Another fully destroyed Panzer I inspected by British soldiers. It seems this Panzer I was a late or modified version, as we can clearly see the Boch light was installed on the left side of front deck and the horn on the right side has been replaced. 

The wreck of vehicle ‘I 25’ checked by British. Again, this vehicle was lost in first Siege of Tobruk. 

The box art of Dragon 6289, however, this kit was no longer available in today’s marketplace. 

 

I realized the size of this cute vehicle was really small after I finished all constructions. So take care of yourself, because of any enemy’s armored vehicle could easy ‘bully’ you on battlefield ?. 

 

Base coat was typical German Gray plus Red Brown, this type of camouflage painting was applied until 1940. 

 

 

 

Top coat for DAK’s vehicles in early stage was mostly RAL8000, I used Tamiya XF-92 Yellow Brown to simulate this color. 

 

 

 

The tactical NO. 825 was hypothetical, at least I did not find any Panzer I numbered 825 from 5 light division on reference photos. 

 

 

Tools and spare road wheels 

 

 

 

Just partially finish the tracks. A serious problem should be noted that total length of track will be a little bit shorter if you follow the instruction booklet. 

Both metal silencers on exhaust pipes are bent, brushed and installed. 

Hmm…… still have some works to do; some of chips need to be fixed; cables, spare tracks & road wheels should be placed, also the back fenders will be attached after the track assembly. 

One more piece of track is needed to finish the whole track assembly. As I have mentioned that instruction manual is not very accurate for tracks part. 

 

Eventually completed this small kit ～  

Spare tracks, road wheels and cables were all added to highlight the details. 

 

Tour to Afrika ～  

 

 

 

Time to craft a lovely crew member for my panzer Korps. 

 

 

 

The next objective is to prepare the base for diorama. 

Finished and documented! 

 

 

 

 

 

Tour to Libya ?