WhilThe Panzerkampfwagen 35(t), commonly shortened to Panzer 35(t) or abbreviated as Pz.Kpfw. 35(t), was a Czechoslovak-designed light tank used mainly by Nazi Germany during World War II. The letter (t) stood for tschechisch (German: "Czech"). In Czechoslovak service, it had the formal designation Lehký tank vzor 35 (Light Tank Model 35), but was commonly referred to as the LT vz. 35 or LT-35. Four hundred and thirty-four were built; of these, the Germans seized two hundred and forty-four when they occupied Bohemia-Moravia in March 1939 and the Slovaks acquired fifty-two when they declared independence from Czechoslovakia at the same time. Others were exported to Bulgaria and Romania. In German service, it saw combat during the early years of World War II, notably the Invasion of Poland, the Battle of France and the invasion of the Soviet Union before being retired or sold off in 1942. It was used for the remainder of the war by other countries and as a training tank in Bulgaria into the 1950s.

Many were converted to an artillery tractor (Artillerie Schlepper 35(t) by removing the turret and upper hull and covering the gap with canvas (49 converted from March 42 onwards).

In today's world of plastic models, a company cannot survive for long unless it has smart planning when t comes to kits and the ability to do variants. It is particularly true when dealing with AFVs due to the large parts count. This sort of thing becomes easier when dealing with German armor as the Germans not only produced vehicles in a wide range of variants, but were adept at repurposing obsolete equipment to fill a need. Such is the case with this one.

The kit comes with a lot of sprues and some of these sprues are not totally used so you'll have quite a few spare bits when done with the build. While it looks like there are enough bits to do the gun tank, I think there are enough bits missing to make that unlikely. Besides, why get a special variant and then not build it?

In line with other Bronco kits, this one is quite parts intensive and makes quite a bit of use of photo etch for some of the smaller detail bits. The etched fret is nicely detailed and will add quite a bit to the build. The kit provides a fully detailed interior with a full driver's position and it also includes interior racks to hold spare jerry cans. While there is no engine, there is an engine accessory section that peers through the aft wall.

The kit's suspension is very nicely detailed and comes with individual track links. I know that some folks do not like these, but really, nothing looks quite a good as individual links. This is a kit for more advanced modelers so it is only natural that you'd get this feature. The instructions state they are cement free so assembly should not be too onerous and they'll provide the look you want.

The upper hull consumes most of the photo etch and can be built in three ways. One is with just the upper framework for the cover, another is with the cover rolled up, and the third is with the cover deployed. Of course, the latter will hide that nice interior. For the outside of the hull, there are yet more jerry cans and the usual pioneer tools.

Instructions are superbly done with very nicely drawn construction sequences and color used to show details and where p.e. parts are to be used. There are three markings options, though these didn't carry all that much. All three options are in overall panzer grey and from the Soviet Union in 1942. Color information is provided using a number of paint brands and the small decal sheet is nicely printed.  

The end result is another interesting and very detailed kit. This may not be the norm for some modelers, but those who are into artillery will find it to be a great addition to their shelf.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_35%28t%29

January 2016

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