HobbyBoss 1/35 Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.F (VK 18.01)
I'm finally up to date on my posts here.
The Versuchskampffahrzeug (abbreviated to VK or Vs.Kfz.) is a German term meaning "research/experimental fighting vehicle". Used in the names of some German experimental or prototype tanks produced before and during World War II. The "VK" term was also referred to as "Vollketten" (meaning "fully tracked").
The Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.F aka VK 18.01 was a light tank. Although designated as a modification of the Panzer I, the Ausf.F was a completely new vehicle. Intended as a heavily armoured infantry support tank, the Ausf. F had a maximum armour thickness of 80mm (3.15 in) and weighed between 18 and 21 tonnes. In comparison, the Panzer I Ausf.A and Ausf.B had a maximum armour thickness of 15mm and weighed under 6 tonnes. The Ausf. F was armed with two 7.92mm MG-34s. Thirty were produced in 1942, and a second order of 100 was later canceled. In order to compensate for the increased weight, a new 150 hp Maybach HL45 P engine was used, allowing a maximum road speed of 25 kph (15.5 mph) and used five overlapping road wheels per side. In 1943, some Ausf.F's saw service with the 1st and 12th Panzer Divisions. Additional Ausf.F's were also sent to Yugoslavia to fight against partisan units.
I purchased this HobbyBoss Panzer I simply because it looked interesting. The wide tracks and overlapping roadwheels gave the tank a baby tiger look. The twin MG was definitely Panzer I but looked out of place on a heavy “light” tank. This particular kit is marked as an “Early” model and was not the “Late” version that eventually saw service.
This HobbyBoss kit went together well. Quality of plastic & fit was great. The link & length tracks were easy to assemble. Even with four sprue points on the individual links, the relatively large tracks made cleanup way easier than typical 1/35 Panzer I & II links.
Finished in Tamiya acrylics (German Grey XF-63) and weathered with enamels. Completed October 2022.
Panzer I Ausf.F (VK 18.01) prototype, early 1942.
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- 1. The jack did not have any brackets or clamps so I made my own from my spares box.
Another superb result, DJ! Fantastic painting and weathering, great research!
Thanks Spiros!
Really excellent build, Juan @juan2six
Thanks for the history background.
Thank you John!
An interesting vehicle that makes a slightly different model, good choice.
Thank you George.
When I bought the kit, I didn't know the history of it. I've become quite interested in the variety of tanks ww2 Germany actually produced, however limited in numbers they were. And that's to say nothing about all the paper panzers they came up with.