Tamiya 35388 – Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B (Sd.Kfz.101)

The Tamiya 35388 Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B is a 1/35 scale model kit of the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf.B, an early German light tank used during the pre-war period and the initial stages of WWII. An evolution of the Ausf.A, the Ausf.B featured a more powerful engine and an extended chassis, making it more versatile and reliable. This kit from Tamiya combines precision engineering with ease of assembly, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced modelers.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1/35, perfect for standalone displays or integration into dioramas.
• Highly Accurate Design:
• Faithful reproduction of the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf.B, including its extended hull and rear engine compartment.
• Realistic surface textures, such as rivets, weld seams, and access hatches.
• Detailed Tracks and Suspension:
• Includes finely molded link-and-length tracks for a realistic appearance.
• The running gear captures the intricate details of the suspension system.
• Optional Open or Closed Hatches:
• The commander’s hatch and other access panels can be posed open or closed, offering flexibility for customization.
• Interior and Machine Gun Details:
• Features a detailed MG13 twin machine gun setup in the turret.
• Includes accurate sighting and mounting mechanisms.
• Crew Figure Included:
• A well-sculpted German tank crew figure is provided, adding life to the model.
• The figure is posed inspecting the tank, ideal for diorama settings.
• Decals and Marking Options:
• Multiple marking options for vehicles deployed during early WWII campaigns, such as Poland or France.
• High-quality decals ensure precise and authentic markings.
• Instruction Manual:
• Tamiya’s clear and detailed instructions guide modelers through the assembly and painting process.
• Includes a suggested color scheme for achieving historically accurate finishes.

The Tamiya 35388 Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B is a superbly detailed and historically accurate kit. It offers a straightforward and enjoyable building experience while providing plenty of options for customization. It’s a perfect choice for enthusiasts of early WWII German armor.

The Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. B (Sd.Kfz. 101) was an upgraded version of the original Panzer I light tank, developed in the early 1930s to train the German military in modern armored warfare tactics. Though initially intended as a training vehicle, the Panzer I Ausf. B was deployed in combat during the early stages of World War II, where it played a vital role despite its limitations.

Design and Features

The Ausf. B addressed several shortcomings of the earlier Ausf. A model. The most significant change was the replacement of the 4-cylinder Krupp M305 engine with a more powerful 6-cylinder Maybach NL 38 TR engine, which produced 100 horsepower. To accommodate this larger engine, the hull was lengthened, and an additional road wheel was added to each side, improving stability and mobility. This gave the Ausf. B a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) and a range of approximately 170 km (106 miles).

The Ausf. B retained the two-man crew layout, with the commander doubling as the gunner and the driver handling both navigation and radio communication. Its armament consisted of two 7.92mm MG 13 machine guns mounted in a fully traversable turret. While effective against infantry and unarmored vehicles, the lack of a cannon severely limited its combat effectiveness against other tanks.

The tank’s armor ranged from 7 to 13 mm, providing protection against small arms fire but making it vulnerable to anti-tank weapons and even heavy machine guns. The compact design and light weight of 5.8 tons allowed for easy transportation and quick deployment, but it also meant the Panzer I was not intended to engage in prolonged combat.

Operational Use

The Panzer I Ausf. B was first deployed during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), where it served as a key platform for testing armored tactics. By the start of World War II, it was heavily used in the invasions of Poland (1939) and France (1940). Despite being outclassed by enemy tanks, the Panzer I Ausf. B was effective in a supporting role, using its speed and maneuverability to exploit breakthroughs or suppress enemy infantry.

As the war progressed and better-armed tanks were introduced, the Panzer I Ausf. B was gradually phased out of frontline service, finding use instead as a reconnaissance vehicle, command tank, or converted into specialized roles like ammunition carriers or flame tanks.

Legacy

Although the Panzer I Ausf. B was not a formidable combat vehicle, it was critical in training the German military and proving the concept of armored warfare. Its role in the early successes of the Blitzkrieg tactics ensured its place in the history of modern tank warfare.