ESCI Panzer I Series

Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. B

ESCI # 8024 ; Aurora/ESCI # 6226; Revell/ESCI #H2321; ESCI/Ertl # 8368;

As of the date of thisarticle, no other manufacturer has given us this tank (or any ofthe following variants) in 1/72nd scale. With a few minor errors,these are excellent models, and I hope that Italeri plans onre-releasing them all in the near future.

The majority of the kit parts arethe same, which isn't saying much, considering their small size.All three versions share the same hull/wheel sprue, as well asthe tracks. Once again, ESCI astounds us with the finesse oftheir model making skills, considering how old these modelsreally are. The surface detail is superb, and overall accuracy isvery good. Pioneer tools are molded as separate parts, allhatches are open, including the engine and transmission accesshatches! What a remarkable idea. Too bad no interior detail isprovided. Even the visor covers are all molded separate, thoughyou will have to open a hole in the hull or turret parts, if youwant to pose the covers open. A tank commander figure isincluded, with the early-war style uniform and hat. His pose is alittle flat, but not too bad.

Some problems with the kitinclude an over-simplified engine exhaust pipe and cover, and twounidentified projections on the front glacis plate, which need tobe removed. The sprocket wheel has too few teeth on it,considering the large size of the individual track links,probably due to limitations in molding technology.

There is also an errorwith the shape of the rear superstructure. On this, and thefollowing two kits, a couple of "corners" have beenadded to the rear of the superstructure, where it should actuallybe smooth plate, continuous with the sides of the rear hull. Thefollowing scan shows the offending portion of the kit on theleft. On the right, I've done some photo-editing to showapproximately how the hull should really look. It was probablyeasier to do the fix in the photo than it will be to actually doit on the plastic, although with care, it shouldn't be toodifficult.

As is normal with the ESCImodels, this kit had its tracks changed from the early, belt-typevinyl tracks to hard plastic link ad length tracks in theESCI/Ertl release. The early tracks aren't as horrible as mostvinyl tracks, though it will be difficult to replicate track sag.The hard plastic tracks are nicely done, though a little thick,which makes the vehicles sit a little tall when complete.

The decals are variable,dependent upon which kit you have. My sample is very old, and nowuseless. It was nice to see four marking options included,primarily in single colors.

Panzerbefehlswagen IAusf. B (Sd.Kfz. 265)

ESCI # 8041; Revell/ESCI #H2341; ESCI/Ertl# 8370 ;

Based on the Panzer Ihull, this kit features a fixed superstructure and additionalradio antennas specific to the command version of this vehicle.

I have previously built anexample of this model and posted a constructionreview ,which highlighted a couple of weak spots, as well as shown what anice model this is.

Again, my decals are veryold and yellowed, but you can see that four marking options wereincluded, which is quite impressive, including two from theAfrika Korps.

Panzerjäger I Ausf. BPak L/43

ESCI # 8046 ; Revell/ESCI # H2346; ESCI/Ertl #8372;

This was one of Germany's firstself-propelled anti-tank guns, using captured Czech 4.7cm guns.Even though it was mounted in an open superstructure, this kitdoes not provide an interior, and the lower hull is actuallyclosed off from the superstructure, which is quite incorrect. Ifthe fighting compartment is heavily detailed, it may not benoticeable that you can't see into the lower hull and drivingcompartment, but if you're going to go through the trouble ofadding this other detail, you might as well also open up thehull, and detail the whole thing. Considering the small size ofthe tank, it shouldn't be too difficult.

The gun is very detailed, although thesuperstructure walls are quite thick, and few other details areincluded.

Four marking options were once againincluded. I sincerely hope that if Italeri re-releases thesekits, they continue with this practice of including severaloptions.

Too bad ESCI never released the PanzerI Ausf. A to add to this series, but that would entail redoingthe hull and suspension. Regardless, this is an excellent seriesof models.