Panzer I Ausf. A (DAK Early Version)

The reference photo shows a Panzer I Ausf. A from DAK’s 5 Light Division in April 1941. 

This reference photo provided me an idea for diorama, but I eventually gave up the idea after checking the price of Stuka (Ju-87) which introduced by Border. 

A destroyed Panzer I from 21st Panzer Division (former 5 Light Div.) stayed in a shallow river. The formation of 21st Pz. Div. was set up in Oct. 1941 and division’s insignia was finalized & printed on armored vehicles even later, so it was pretty interesting that Panzer I was still equipped by German armies in late 1941. Honestly speaking, I do not believe Panzer I could take any duty after 1940. 

The wreck of Panzer I outside the city of Tobruk in April 1941. The fender on the right track was entirely fell off. 

Another fully destroyed Panzer I that inspected by British soldiers. It seems this Panzer I was a late or modified version, as we can clearly see the Boch light was installed on the left side of front deck and the horn on the right side has been replaced. 

The box art of Dragon 6289, however, this kit was no longer available in today’s marketplace. 

I realized the size of this cute vehicle was really small after I finished all constructions. So take care of yourself, because of any enemy’s armored vehicle could easy ‘bully’ you on battlefield ?. 

Base coat was typical German Gray plus Red Brown, this type of camouflage painting was applied until 1940. 

Top coat for DAK’s vehicles in early stage was mostly RAL8000, I used Tamiya XF-92 Yellow Brown to simulate this color. 

The tactical NO. 825 was hypothetical, at least I did not find any Panzer I numbered 825 from 5 light division on reference photos. 

Tools and spare road wheels 

Just partially finish the tracks. A serious problem should be noted that total length of track will be a little bit shorter if you follow the instruction booklet. 

Both metal silencers on exhaust pipes are bent, brushed and installed. 

Hmm…… still have some works to do; some of chips need to be fixed; cables, spare tracks & road wheels should be placed, also the back fenders will be attached after the track assembly. 

One more piece of track is needed to finish the whole track assembly. As I have mentioned that instruction manual is not very accurate for tracks part. 

Eventually completed this small kit ～  

Spare tracks, road wheels and cables were all added to highlight the details. 

Tour to Afrika ～  

Time to build some lovely crews for my panzer Korps. 

The next objective is to prepare the basis for diorama. 

“Tobruk is appearing on horizon”