Tamiya 35388 Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B (Sd.Kfz.101) 1/35

Tamiya 35388 Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B (Sd.Kfz.101) is a plastic model kit in the renowned 1/35 scale, intended for both ambitious beginner modelers and intermediate armored vehicle enthusiasts. The model replicates one of the characteristic German light tanks from the interwar period and the early stages of World War II – the Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B.

Model Features

• Highly detailed surface textures: realistically reproduced rivets, inspection hatches, armor plate textures, and turret elements.
• Segmented (link-and-length) tracks realistically depict natural sag on the return rollers, allowing for an authentic mass distribution effect.
• The set includes a German tank crewman figure and authentic decals featuring historical Wehrmacht markings from 1937–1941.
• The included Tamiya instructions are clear and guide you step by step through the assembly process, making the kit accessible even to less experienced builders.
• The kit components are made from high-quality plastic (polystyrene, injection molding technique), ensuring precise fitting and overall part quality.
• The kit DOES NOT include photo-etched parts or a metal barrel – these can be purchased separately as optional additions.

Historical Background

• User country: Germany (Wehrmacht), as well as Spain (Condor Legion during the civil war).
• Period of use: interwar period and World War II (1937–1941).
• Typical theaters: Poland 1939, France 1940, Balkans, North Africa (mainly in auxiliary and training roles after the introduction of newer armored models).
• Armament: two MG 13 machine guns, 7.92 mm caliber; two-man crew; armor up to 13 mm thick.

Painting and Markings

• Models from 1937–1939 were finished in a Dunkelgrau/Dunkelbraun combination, from 1940 onwards in uniform Dunkelgrau RAL 7021.
• The included decals allow you to choose from several types of armored unit markings, faithfully reflecting historical patterns.

Target Audience and Difficulty

• Difficulty level: 2/5. The model is accessible even for less experienced modelers, although precise assembly of the tracks is required.
• An ideal choice for learning weathering techniques: washes, filters, chipping, and pigments.
• Recommended for all 1/35 military modeling enthusiasts, especially those interested in the early stages of World War II or historical realism in dioramas.

Why choose this kit?

Tamiya 35388 Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B (Sd.Kfz.101) 1/35 combines high-quality molds, the assembly comfort known from Tamiya products, and accurate historical reproduction in a compact model. The kit guarantees satisfaction during construction and serves as an excellent starting point for your own projects, dioramas, or as a valuable addition to an armored vehicle collection. A great base for both classic "out of the box" display and complex, realistic battle scenes.