Academy- German Panzer I Ausf. B & Motorcycle

History

The Panzer I design was among the first clandestine projects that occurred post-WWI and classified as a Großtraktor (large tractor) to escape the true intent of the design-- Germany building up an armored force  in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Using the same hull, turret, and superstructure designs as the Ausf. A, its improvements featured a water-cooled Maybach 100 hp NL 38 Tr engine, an upgraded suspension, and a modified extended rear. It was crewed by two- a driver and a commander in the turret who operated the machine guns and radio, all while observing the battlefield and directing the driver. Mass production began in the mid-30s and it was intended as a training tank to get the armored corps ready- but it served in combat roles in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, and Poland, France, the Soviet Union and North Africa in WWII. Limited by thin armor and inadequate armament, it served as a basis for early tank destroyers and assault guns. 

The Zündapp KS 750 was a motorcycle and sidecar combination developed for the Wehrmacht in WWII and designed with a 751cc four-stroke flat-twin petrol engine that provided good maneuverability and great off-road capacity. It was used in reconnaissance, transporting military personnel and cargo, and for evacuation of the wounded. Production started in 1941 and eventually, over 18,000 were produced and they served in most fronts of the war where Germany was present.

The Kit

This is a completely new tooled kit by Academy and has dedicated sprues for both vehicles in tan plastic. There are 6 sprues- four dedicated to the tank and crew, one to the motorcycle, and the last to its riders and equipment. There is also a separate turret piece, decal sheet for 5 schemes, a length of what appears to be dental floss, and a small PE fret. The manual is split into two parts and there is a separate color section for the schemes and PE placements. 

Sprue A contains the hull top, engine deck, crew members, mantlet parts, machine guns, and assorted hatches. Detail is crisp and clear of sink marks on exterior-facing surfaces. The underside of the top hull near the track guards have a number of sink marks that may need to be filled if they are visible when building.

Sprue B holds the hull sides and bottom, transmission and final drive covers, springs and suspension parts, pioneer tools and jack and block, as well as other small bits.

Sprue C (x2) contain the link and length track pieces, road, sprocket, and idler wheels, return rollers, and suspension arms. Tracks are nicely detailed and free of sink marks.

Sprue Y is completely dedicated to all of the motorcycle parts- as well as the side bags and machine gun which is not slide-molded.

Sprue Z contains the two motorcycle crew and their equipment. The folds in their clothing is quite nice and these look to be some of the best figures from Academy I have seen.

The separate turret:

The decal sheet includes uniform insignia and the PE fret contains bits for the motorcycle crew, and parts for the tank engine grill and brackets...

As mentioned before, there are two parts to the manual-- with the first dedicated almost totally to the motorcycle. Only the last page of this part contains the first steps for the tank, which is continued on the second section. Each step includes large diagrams that make assembly easy to understand. I appreciate this with my eyesight becoming poorer by the year. There is a small errata sheet for steps 14 & 15 below that changes the labeling of the road wheel assemblies.

The color section illustrates the five schemes included in the kit as will be detailed below. Also the last page illustrates the placement of the PE bits and uniform decals-

Scheme Version 1 is for a Panzer I from 4 Panzer Division in Poland 1939:

Scheme Version 2 represents a 3 Panzer Division tank in France, 1940:

Version 3 refers to another 1939 Poland tank from an unknown unit:

Version 4 represents a Pz.Abt.z.b.V.40 tank in Denmark in April of 1940:

Lastly, version 5 is another 1939 Poland tank belonging to 1 Panzer Division as well as the scheme for the Zundapp:

Conclusion

This all new tooled kit looks to be a real treat from Academy. I was fortunate to be in between builds at present which is the perfect opportunity to take this one on and add some unique pieces to my display shelf. Parts are crisp and look very detailed and free of imperfections other than the underside of the track guards, but that should be an easy fix. Looking forward to this...

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders, pending full build.

Thanks goes out to Model Rectifier Corporation for this review kit.

Reviewed by Michael Reeves

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