German WWII era light tank kit featuring highly detailed exterior with optional position hatches, photo-etch details and individual link track; decals for 3 tanks: Pz.Rgt.5, 5.leichte Div., Libya, 1941; 3./Pz.Abt.z.b.V.40, Norway 1940 and unidentified unit, Nuremberg 1935. Dragon offers this significant vehicle as the second kit in our popular 'Smart Kit' series.

No detail has been sacrificed in creating the design of this exemplary kit. The tiny armored vehicle is bursting with detail. The kit features a great many new parts particular to this early Panzer I model. While it may not have been a potent combat vehicle, it was Germany's first mass-produced tank, and the Panzer I made up the numerical bulk of the Panzer fleet at the commencement of WWII.

Another smart design in our 'Smart Kit' is that the magic tracks are newly tooled. The new design allows the kit to be packaged in a smaller box!!

Features: Turret & Gun

• Multi-directional slide-molded turret with accurate bolt detail NEW TOOLING
• Turret vision port covers can be assembled open/closed
• Turret access hatch can be assembled open/closed
• Gun assembly is movable

Upper Hull & Engine Deck

• Newly tooled upper hull in great detail NEW TOOLING
• Driver's vision port covers can be assembled open/closed
• Antenna assembly can be modeled in upright or stowed position
• Fighting compartment access hatch can be positioned open/closed
• Newly tooled front exhaust pipe NEW TOOLING
• Newly tooled siren NEW TOOLING
• Accurate tiny bolt details countersunk bolts are flush with hull surface
• Accurately modeled glacis plate w/ removable transmission inspection covers and accurate bolt detail
• Engine deck hatches can be assembled open/closed
• Brand new multi-directional slide-molded rear engine deck modeled in extreme detail
• Side fenders with detailed tread pattern
• New OVM NEW
• Photo-etched exhaust cover is a new design

Chassis

• Front transmission drive covers have detailed weld seams and bolt detail
• Newly designed idler wheel NEW
• Suspension assemblies recreated in fine detail
• Lower hull formed from multiple parts for greater detail
• Newly tooled magic tracks NEW TOOLING

Other

• Cartograf decals with multiple markings options

About the Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A:

The first production model of the Pz.Kpfw. I was the Ausf. A. From July 1934 to June 1936, a total of 818 were produced, and though it was intended as a training vehicle, it eventually saw combat with a wide range of panzer units early in WWII. It also served in the Spanish Civil War, and fifteen vehicles were even purchased by Nationalist China and fought against Japanese forces in 1937. The Panzer IA differed from the more numerous IB in a number of aspects. It had only four road wheels and was shorter than its successor. The 57hp engine was less powerful, offering a top speed of 37km/h and a range of 145km.

The saying, "Work hard or work smart" definitely applies here, with Dragon's engineers having cleverly developed a kit that will make the modeler's life a lot simpler. We call this series the Smart Kit, because it is a customized solution especially engineered to make building easier and more fun, without sacrificing any quality in the end product!