Preview: The Panzer IB in two boxings from Takom.
Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B
Kit No #1010 & 1010X
1/16th scale
Continuing with their popular 16th scale series fo kits, takom's new offering of the Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B comes in two boxing. We have already seen a successful launch of the Ausf.A model in the same scale, now it's more recent sibling gets a go - but what is the difference between them you say?
Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B in history:
The Ausf.B was an improved version of the first model. It appeared in 1936 and was built until 1938, with around 675 machines produced. The main difference was a longer chassis (by 40 cm) with one more road wheel, in order to accommodate a much more reliable and powerful water-cooled, six-cylinder Maybach NL 38 TR delivering 90 bhp, along with a new gearbox. The suspension was also largely improved.
The weight rose to 5.8 tons, but neither the armament nor armour was modified. During the war, the ‘main’ version of the Panzer I was the Ausf.A. Soon, both Ausf.A and B served as the basis for sub-versions and adaptations, such as the Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen, or light command tanks, which had their turret replaced by a larger superstructure.
In 1940, several Panzer I Ausf.Bs were rearmed with the Czech 47 mm (1.85 in) gun, resulting in the Panzerjäger I tank hunter. Other were equipped the 15cm sIG and became the heavy artillery carrier 15 cm sIG 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B, which was designed to destroy fortifications with its 150 mm (5.9 in) howitzer. The resulting tank had a very high profile, only partial crew protection, and both the chassis and propulsion were highly overloaded.
This new kit from Takom:
There are two boxes in this release - the only difference between kit no 1010 & 1010X being the X-tra inclusion of the tanker in 16th scale in the kit. There are four different markings from the team at AMMO included as well as Photo-etched parts inside replicating the thinner items in 16th scale. Workable tracks are included and all hatches can be opened or closed. The kit does not have an interior so it will be an easy kit to build.
These two kits will be available in July from Takom's Suppliers Worldwide...