German Panzer I Ausf. A Early/Late ModelReviewed by Cookie Sewell
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Stock Number and Description | Tristar Limited Edition 1/35 Scale Kit No. 35028: German Panzer I Ausf. A Early/Late Model |
Scale: | 1/35 |
Media and Contents: | 574 parts (520 in tan styrene, 48 etched brass, 6 clear styrene) |
Price: | US $50.00 |
Review Type: | FirstLook |
Advantages: | Reworked and more complete kit, all parts now provided by Tristar; complete interior now provided with this kit |
Disadvantages: | Confusing number of variants now available for the same small early vehicle |
Recommendation: | Highly Recommended for all German and "Between the Wars" Third-World armor fans |
FirstLook
Tristar has now released what may be the most complete and
option-friendly version of the Pzkw. I Ausf. A tank. This kit
combines new parts from Tristar with elements of their previous kits
and now gives a full interior with the model. There are now nearly
triple the parts that came with earlier kits such as Kit No. 35008
(July 2006 review).
As I previously noted the tank is pretty small – about the size of a
Panther in 1/72 scale – and has a tremendous amount of detail
provided with it for its size. Tristar does not seem to be
interested in a "who can be tiniest parts molder?" competition with
other companies, and thus many small parts are molded into other
components, which makes assembly easier for the modeler. The
suspension is nicely detailed but still consists of parts that can
be seen when assembling them, and are not likely to be sacrificed to
the "carpet monster."
This version of the kit now comes with a choice of two sets of
wheels: the original one-piece wheels or a new set with separate
rims for the road wheels and idlers. Tristar now provides their own
one-piece track links which snap together vice the Model-Kasten ones
with separate hinge pins, something many modelers will be grateful
to see.
Instead of a one-piece hull pan there is a new pan with a belly,
sides, rear and bow section. This makes installation and painting of
the full interior easier so it should not be a distraction. The
transmission is made from nine parts and the engine is composed of
21 parts, and all primary accessories are included. All that appears
to be missing are the wires.
The lower hull also has many new details, including seats, ammo
racks and trays, and a radio set. Every single flap, hatch or filler
cap is provided as a separate part, and some come with hold-open
braces as well. The engine access hatch can be modeled as cracked
open, partially open or fully open.
The turret is nicely done with all view ports separate, and now has
a relatively complete interior with seat, gun breeches, and
telescopic sight. Controls are also provided.
Exterior details include outer-vehicle materials, pioneer tools,
smoke candles, and many other small bits.
Brass parts cover most of the major grilles, muffler shrouds and
other essential minor locks and clasps.
The instructions are oddly presented (using what appears to be
Japanese right-to-left printing vice more conventional
left-to-right) and come in two separate sections.
Decals and finishing instructions are provided for four early models
and two late models. Earlies include 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion
Agrupacion de Carros, Spain 1936; Pz.Abt. zBV 40, Norway 1940;
unidentified unit, Polish campaign 1939; and 5th Light Panzer
Division, Africa 1941. The first three are in Panzergrau and the
last one in desert brown. The Lates are: unknown unit, Polish
campaign 1939; and unknown unit, North Africa 1941 (one Panzergrau,
one desert brown.) Two separate "targeted" decal sheets are provided
along with the painting instructions.
Overall this is probably the best kit of this vehicle going, but the
fact that several variants have been released for such a small and
where only just over 800 were produced may cause pause to consider
how many kits are really needed.
Sprue breakdown
A 24 suspension details
B 26 turret
C 29 upper hull details
D 29x2 wheels
E 52 lower hull
G 21 upper hull
I 55 engine and interior
J 31 interior parts
K 16x2 optional wheels
T 64x3 Pzkw. I track
GP 6 clear styrene
48 etched brass
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Bob Lewen of MRC for the review sample