Dragon 1/35 Flakpanzer I

Even before WWII broke out, the lightly armed and thinly armored Panzer I tank was considered obsolete. Although the Pz.Kpfw.I didn't have a long combat history, its chassis proved suitable for uses other than those of a tank. One such use was the Flakpanzer I, a self-propelled antiaircraft cannon. It had the advantage of being armored and possessing cross-country mobility. The Sd.Kfz.101 Flakpanzer I was modified from Panzer I Ausf.A tanks by removing the gun turret and installing a single-barreled 2cm FlaK 38 gun. The engine deck and hull were modified as well. Only 24 such Flakpanzer vehicles were produced, and they were subsequently assigned to Fla.Bataillon 614(mot) in May 1941. However, all had met their demise by the end of the Battle of Stalingrad in 1943.

There are those of us who really like light tanks and one of the nicest kits of a light tank is the one by Dragon. This is not a curbside, but one that includes a full driver's position and transmission. There is also the great Smart Tracks individual track links as well as a goodly supply of photo etch parts. These later include some preformed screening for the 20mm cannon spent shell baskets. A neat addition is the trailer for the 20mm gun that has a large storage box attached to it for shells and other items. There are a couple of ways of doing this one to add some interest to the build. There is a ton of stuff including some newly tooled bits so I'll let the Dragon PR info fill you in on that.

- New Flakpanzer I w/trailer realistically presented
- New frontal armor slide-molded parts w/greater detail
- Driver's visor can be assembled open or closed
- Newly tooled instrument panel w/crisp detail
- Trailer w/well defined details
- Newly tooled large storage box can be assembled open or closed
- Trailer can be portrayed in transport or 'at rest' modes
- Slide-molded one piece gun barrel w/hollow muzzle opening
- Hole positions and shape of flash suppressor & muzzle brake subtly represented
- Three types of barrel (standard model, late model and Schwebelafette version) can be assembled
- New driver's seat and controls designed w/intricate detail
- Cannon can be elevated in different positions
- 2cm gun shield for Flakpanzer
- Optional spent shell case frame w/photo-etched net and pre-formed photo-etched spent shell case
- Gun cradle offers great definition of detail-even weld seams are present
- Gun sight w/well defined details
- Battery case w/interior details
- Case lid w/photo-etched parts can be assembled open or closed
- Highly detailed towing assembly made from separate parts
- Tool box with lock details made form slide molds
- Side and reat armor panels can be assembled in transport or combat mode
- Authentic tread plate pattern on platform
- Suspension assembly w/great detail
- Photo-etched exhaust cover
- Lower hull formed from multiple parts for greater detail
- Fenders w/detailed tread pattern
- Transmission assembly made from multiple slide-molded parts for superb detail
- Round base plate w/authentic details
- Accurate weld seams on the sides of gun platform
- Magic Tracks w/great detail
- Floor layout w/authentic patterning
- Engine deck accurately produced
- Removable transmission inspection cover
- Engine room front panel w/molded details
- Slide-molded spare barrel case w/spare barrel molded inside
- Road wheels featuring Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A Modified Version
- Sprocket and idler reproduced in great detail
- Tightening hand wheels around the platform base have sharp detail
- OVM w/molded-on clasps
- Detailed slide-molded ammo boxes
- Slide-molded ammo clips

The kit provides five different options. All are Panzer Grey for the base coat. All are with various units of Flak Abt. 614 on the Eastern Front where all of these were used. One option has a disruptive pattern over the upper surfaces and another has a coat of winter white-wash.

An excellent kit of a little known vehicle and a real bargain for the money. With over 500 pieces, it will not only make into a fine model, but help wile away those cold Winter nights.

Dragon USA PR release.

December 2009

Thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours at your local shop or on-line retailer