Sd.Kfz. 265 kleine Panzerbefehlswagen I Initial Production 2-in1 kit - Smart Kit

Reviewed by Cookie Sewell

Summary

FirstLook

After a five year lull DML now returns to the tiny Pzkw. I based command vehicle with a new set of options that include the provision of a pre-bent wire “hand rail” antenna mount.

This kit modifies the parts from the last release (Kit No. 6222) but retains most of the evolved features of the earlier kits.

This kit still comes with single link tracks – granted, they are now the easier to use “Magic Track” variety – but this kit really should have DS single runs to make it easier on the modeler.

The only major option on this kit is whether or not the modeler wants a very early variant with a commander’s cupola or a later one with only the flat hatch covers. There are no other major option with this kit.

The “rail” antenna comes as a section of pre-bent wire that threads through post heads and then mounts onto posts made of styrene. This simplifies attaching the rear section as the joint will be inside the post but care will have to be taken as it will be an ACC cement joint and must be done quickly. This is probably the most “fiddly” part of assembly and may prove frustrating to some modelers.

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Thumbnail panels:

Technical consultants were Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson.

Seven different variants are provided in the finishing directions: Unidentified Unit, Germany 1936 (grey overall, white 7); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1938 (grey, white 601); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1936 (four color - brown/green/sand mottle over grey, white 7); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1936 (four color - brown/green/sand mottle over grey, white 1C); Unidentified Unit, Germany 1938 (grey and brown); and Unidentified Unit, Germany 1938 (four color - brown/green/sand mottle over grey). The last two have the commander’s cupola. A small sheet of Cartograf decals is provided for the kit.

Overall, this is a nice tip towards prewar German armor and the pre-bent antenna, if it can be neatly added, will be a nice touch.

Sprue Layout:

A 38 Pzkw. I upper hull, engine deck, details
B 25 Pzkw. I Ausf. A fenders, details
B 61 Pzkw. I hull details, tools, fender tips
E 6 Pzkw. I Ausf. A alternate commander’s cupola
H 13 Pzkw. I Ausf. A details, OVM
H 4 OVM tools
J 4 Pzkw. I alternate casemate roof
J 21x2 Pzkw. I road wheels, springs, return rollers
K 20 Pzkw. I casemate, machine gun barrels
L 12 Pzkw. I Ausf. A road wheels and spring units
R 18 Smoke candles
S 5 Antenna braces
W 38 Clear styrene
X 1 Lower hull
Z 192 “Magic Track” links
MA 29 Etched brass
MB 16 Brass rings
MC 2 Pre-bent antenna wire

Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.