Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A Modified w/Interior

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Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A Modified w/Interior
Ref. # 6356
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Dragon
Price: Unknown
Material: Styrene, PE

Introduction

Another early-war variant from Dragon, and this time up it's the turn of the Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.A (Early Production), the second in the 'Smart Kit' series from Dragon. This light tank had it's prototype delivered to the German Army, way back in 1933, and was a result of a Krupp design, based around examination of the British Carden Loyd chassis. It was officially given the designation Pz.Kpfw I Ausf.A, once Hitler had stopped worrying about breeching the terms of the Versailles treaty.

Although previously released as kit # 6289, another in the 'Smart Series' range, this one has now been updated and come complete with an interior,

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The Kit

This time around the kit is supplied in a slightly larger box than before, but since the other one was only around £14, then the price will probably be slightly larger as well! You do of course, get more for your money this time though. There's a the interior for a start.

So how is it different from the original release? Well, it's not just the fact of an interior being included. All the road wheels are replaced in this one to represent modified ones, the new ones having a much better profile, and finer detail, and each has two fine PE rings to add to it too. The old ones are still supplied though, so careful not to get them mixed up! There are also new suspension springs, which are much narrower than the ones in the original kit, and new idler adjustment mechanisms, again with more and finer detail.

In addition to the interior, and those parts mentioned above, we also get a new superstructure front with one vision port deleted, a new rear-deck plate with extended mudguards already moulded in place, and a new side-section attached to the transparent sprue with visors on it.

Sprue-wise, we get a new 'F' onto which that new rear-deck is attached, and this also holds anew Notek light, various small brackets, a smoke candle rack etc. Sprue L contains the new Road wheels as mentioned earlier, but the main new sprues are J and G which hold all the internal goodies. Just how much of this will be seen through open hatches is anybody's guess? What we get is a full crew compartment, including firewall, transmission, driver's seat and controls etc., but there's no engine, although we do get lots of parts such as visor mechanisms etc., for inside the turret too, including full breeches for the twin machine guns, and sighting devices etc.

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The photo-etch included with this one is similar to the original, i.e. exhaust screens, straps, etc. but we are also given a new smaller fret which holds a radio rack which should look great once folded up correctly. Have a really good look at it before you install it though, because once you do you probably won't see it again!

The Glacis plate included in this kit is supposed to be different to represent the Ausf. A Modified version, but I'm at a loss to explain the difference, so if anybody knows, please tell - and I'll look again! Whatever the difference is, it comes with a separate access hatch, so that it can be left off to display that lovely transmission..........I can see a lot of thee being used in maintenance dio's! Although we'll have to wait for an aftermarket engine, although of course, the engine hatches can be modelled fully open on this kit.

Marking Options

Three options are provided in this one, and as you would expect, all three are in panzer grey.
6.Pz.Div.(HQ), Western Front 1939-1940
3./Pz.Abt.z.b.V.40, Norway 1940
1.Abt., 15.Pz.Rgt., 5. Pz.Div., Sandomierz, Pland 1940

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Conclusion

I'm looking forward to building this one! As a 'Smart Series' kit, it has just the right amount of PE, perhaps with the addition of some PE clamps for the OV tools? But I always like a good interior! Recommended.

My Thanks to Dragon for the review sample

For full information on all Dragon products, please see their website, Dragon Models Ltd.