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Munitionschlepper auf PzKpfw 1 Ausf A with Ammo Trailer


Shar2

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Munitionschlepper auf PzKpfw 1 Ausf A with Ammo Trailer

HobbyBoss 1:35

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The Model

This is the fourth ex-Tristar kit, (originally released in 2011), to be reviewed on BM and it follows the same pattern as those of the Panzer IV Tauch,  and the Panzer 38(T) in that the box art is the same as the Tristar packaging with the colour artists impression surrounded by a yellow boarder. As with the other kits, all the parts are beautifully moulded, with the sprues and separate lower hull and turret in a sandy yellow styrene.  There are nine sprues in the yellow styrene, one of clear styrene. There are also three sprues of dark grey styrene for the track links, one sheet of etched brass, two small springs and a smallish decal sheets.  There is no sign of flash or other imperfections, but there are quite a few moulding pips that will need to be cleaned up. Looking at the parts count and layout, it doesn’t appear to be a complicated build, with perhaps the exception of the individual track links, which look like they will need careful removal from the sprues and I know some modellers still don’t like.

 

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Construction begins with the interior which is made up of the fighting compartment floor, transmission tunnel, rear bulkhead, transmission outtake, nine piece transmission, stowage boxes, and torsion beams. The hull is then built up around the fighting compartment, which is further detailed with the drivers seat, transfer shafts and inner gearbox covers, along with more stowage boxes, and other equipment which I cannot identify.

 

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The road wheels consist of the inner wheel section, with tyre and two separate inner and outer rims. These are then attached to the two piece leaf suspension units. The idler wheel is fitted to its separate suspension unit, whilst the sprocket is a three piece assembly attached to the outer gearbox cover. The wheel assemblies are then attached to the hull and the two road wheel sets joined by a connecting beam. The task of fitting the tracks comes next, but it may be better to leave until nearer the end of the build.

 

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The upper and lower glacis plates are fitted, as are the two fuel tanks in the engine compartment. The engine itself is made up from no less than twenty one parts before being fitted into the compartment and connected up. The track guards are then attached and the right hand one fitted with a stowage box and bracket. Before fitting the working compartment the radio sets need to be fitted to the inside of the roof, along with a hatch lock and a couple of other brackets. The assembly is then attached to the hull, along with the radiator and supports in the engine bay.

 

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The five piece engine bay cover is then attached along with the optionally positioned hatches. The two exhausts are fitted, one either side of the engine bay on the rear track guards, as is the transmission hatch, “turret” side and top hatches, which can all be posed open to show off the lovely interior. The three piece PE mudflaps are then attached to the front of the track guards, whilst the rear mud flaps are all styrene.  To the rear bulkhead the external telephone box is attached as is the five piece towing arm. The tank is then fitted out with the various pioneer tools and PE exhaust covers.

 

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Assembly of the trailer begins with the ammunition. There are four rows of shells, sixteen armour-piercing and sixteen high explosive. These are fitted into racks vertically, and surrounded with the trailer sides and the bottom. The hatches on top can be posed open for diorama use and are fitted with latches and a locking bar.  The trailer itself is made up from the chassis, axle, suspension arms, and ten other parts. The metal springs form part of the suspension system and are locked off with end caps. The single piece wheels are then fited to the axle and finished off with a locking cap. The ammunition box is then attached and the completed trailer attached to the tanks towing system.

 

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Decals

The small decal sheet contains to types of national markings and two id plates. Whilst small it is nicely printed and in register, and, fortunately very opaque, being mostly white.

 

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Conclusion

I was pleasantly surprised with this kit having a full interior, excellent news for those who like to have all the hatches open or for use in a diorama. It’s only small, but they have packed a lot into it, and it builds into something less run of the mill for your collection.

 

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Review sample courtesy of
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