German Light Tank PzKpfw 35(t) 1:72 First To Fight PL038

Plastic model kit: German Light Tank PzKpfw 35(t) 1:72 First To Fight PL038

The plastic model of the German light tank PzKpfw 35(t) in 1:72 scale is an excellent proposition for enthusiasts of World War II history and modeling. This detailed set allows for the recreation of one of the lesser-known but significant armored vehicles used by the Wehrmacht in the early years of the conflict.

Model characteristics:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: First To Fight
• Catalog number: PL038

History and technical background:

The Panzerkampfwagen 35(t), also known as Pz.Kpfw. 35(t), was a Czechoslovak light tank that, after the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Germany in March 1939, was incorporated into the German armed forces. The letter "(t)" in the name stands for "tschechisch," which means "Czech" in German. A total of 434 units of this tank were produced, of which 244 were taken over by the Germans, and 52 went to Slovakia.

This tank was used by the Germans during the invasion of Poland, the Battle of France, and the invasion of the Soviet Union. In 1942, it was withdrawn from the front and sold to Romania, where it served until the end of the war. It was also used as a training tank in Bulgaria until the 1950s.

The PzKpfw 35(t) was used as a substitute for the medium tanks Panzerkampfwagen III. During the September campaign in Poland, these tanks were part of the 1st Light Division and the independent 11th Armored Regiment. During the invasion of France in 1940, the 6th Panzer Division, equipped with these tanks, participated in the attack through the Ardennes. During Operation Barbarossa, these tanks supported the 4th Panzer Group in the attack on Leningrad.

The PzKpfw 35(t) tank had several advantages, such as good mobility and relatively strong armament for a light tank. However, its thin armor and reliability issues, especially in harsh winter conditions on the Eastern Front, limited its combat effectiveness. After production ended and spare parts became unavailable, these tanks were withdrawn from the front and replaced by more modern German designs.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.