Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.F (VK18.01) 1:35 Bronco CB35143

Plastic military model kit: Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.F (VK18.01) 1:35 Bronco CB35143

The Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.F (VK18.01) model kit in 1:35 scale from Bronco (CB35143) is an excellent choice for enthusiasts of World War II history and modelers interested in German armored vehicles. This detailed set allows you to build a replica of one of the lesser-known but fascinating light tanks used by the Wehrmacht.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Bronco
• Catalog number: CB35143

History and historical background:

The Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. F, also known as VK 18.01, was a German light tank from the World War II era. Although formally classified as a modification of the Panzer I tank, the VK 18.01 was in fact a completely new vehicle that had little in common with earlier variants of the Panzer I. Its design began in the late 1930s when the German command realized that the Panzer I no longer met the requirements of the contemporary battlefield.

The Panzer I Ausf. F was designed as a light assault tank with heavy and thick armor, intended to support infantry during offensive operations. This vehicle featured impressive armor up to 80 mm thick at the front, making it practically impervious to contemporary anti-tank weapons. However, due to the increased weight, its maximum speed was only 24 km/h.

Production of the Panzer I Ausf. F began in 1942, and by December of the same year, 30 units had been produced. These tanks were primarily used for anti-partisan operations on the Eastern Front and in Yugoslavia. In 1943, eight of them were sent to the Eastern Front for combat evaluation. Unfortunately, their performance was limited, and most of them were destroyed by the end of 1943.

The Panzer I Ausf. F was equipped with a Maybach HL 45P engine with a power output of 150 HP, which drove a four-speed transmission with one reverse gear. A special suspension with overlapping wheels and a bogie suspension was developed for this model, allowing for the use of larger wheels and low-quality rubber, which was a scarce resource in Germany at the time.

The tank was armed with two MG 34 machine guns in 7.92 mm caliber. For the commander, five periscopes were installed, providing a view to the front and sides of the vehicle, as well as a sight for the machine guns. The driver had a folding visor at the front and one periscope on the left side.

The first Panzer I Ausf. F tanks were sent to the Eastern Front in May 1942, where they served in the 66th Special Tank Battalion near Leningrad. By September 1942, this battalion had been assigned to the 12th Panzer Division. The performance of the tanks was limited as they were used in situations for which they were not designed. Most of them were destroyed by the end of 1943.

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