At left is the CROMWELL MODELS 1/76 resin kit of the first version of
the Panzerkampfwagen, the PzKpfw I A. 818 were produced between 1934
and 1936, and they saw action in the early years of the war in Poland, France,
Finland, and even North Africa.
"Combat Ready" may be a more apt description for CROMWELL MODELS' line of war gaming miniatures, than for the vehicle that this particular kit represents. The PzKpfw II Ausf. b was initially employed as a main battle tank in the Poland campaign, but relegated to a reconnaissance role in later operations. The vehicle was similar to the Aus a/1, a/2, and a/3 models, and only 25 were built, all in 1937. The markings on this kit are vehicle numbers on both the turret and small rhomboid plates, and white crosses on the turret, with the forward crosses being partially obscured by having their centers painted in yellow. Noteworthy is the early suspension, similar to that of the PzKpfw I.
The kits in the Combat Ready range are more simple than Cromwell's regular range. The hull and undercarriage in this kit were one piece, and the other parts were the turret, main gun, and MG. The detail of the casting of the hull was surprisingly well done for such a large single part. The modelor will have to remove a large chunk of resin from the hull bottom between the tracks. The kit is mostly assembled as is; I only added a siren, a stowed length of cable, and the decals.
This PzKwII Ausf. A bears markings of the 2nd Panzer Regiment, 1st Panzer Division, and has been coated with a liberal amount of dust during its travels in France, 1940. 1,113 of the c, A, B, and C production models of the PzkwII were completed, and served on all major fronts, although being phased out of front-line service in 1943.
This little gem of a metal model is produced by MMS. It went together nicely with minimal flash cleanup, and contained a total of 15 parts.
The REVELL-GERMANY kit of the Panzerkampfwagen
IIIM is much nicer than the old Nitto-Kagaku model of the same vehicle,
and I believe is more accurate than the old ESCI kit, too. Assembly was
problem free, and the details are nice and crisp. The sideskirts are optional
and can be ommitted. All I added was an antenna (lying flat on the antenna
rack, not visible in these shots) and an MMS metal 1/76 figure (looks good
even though the kit is 1/72). I also cut the commander's hatch into two
parts to allow an open position.
The M model of the PzkwIII was introduced in 1942, and 250 were produced. One major modification over earlier marks was deep-wading equipment, evident on the model as sealing devices over the discharge louvres and a muffler with a closure valve. This kit can easily be converted to the IIIN armed with a short barrel 75mm gun. Vehicles with the armor skirts were primarily used on the Russian Front.
The J version of the PzKpfw IV was the final production model of this tank. 1,758 vehicles were produced in 1944/45. It saw action on all European fronts, being in service until war's end.
The model is from NITTO KAGAKU (now Fujimi) built straight out of the box. The side skirts appear to represent the wire mesh type, and could be replaced by scratchbuilt units for accuracy.
Initially designated "Neubaufahrzeug" (to obscure its real purpose; using the name "Panzerkampfwagen" would betray the violation of the Versailles Treaty inherent in the development of a tank) this German design of the mid 1930s was the first true German heavy tank (20 tons at the time). Only three full-armor prototypes were built, each armed with two guns (37 and 74mm) and three MGs. They were eventually given the designation PzKw V, and used in action in Norway in 1940. When the type was not adopted for full production, the "PzKw V" identification was of course given to the Panther tanks.
SHQ (available from Brookhurst Hobbies) makes this 1/76 scale white metal kit, which includes 13 pieces. The model is nicely detailed, with minor flash and slightly raised seamlines on some parts. I added a figure from MMS models, and stowage and decals from the spare parts box. Although an unimportant vehicle, this makes an interesting addition to any collection; you may have seen propaganda pictures of these tanks in the streets of Oslo. It is also possible that two of the tanks saw action on the Eastern front.
Questions? You can e-mail me at Contact the Curator.
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