DEVELOPED by Czechoslovakian engineering company ČKD as a replacement of the earlier LT vz.35, production on what was then designated the LT vz. 38 was interrupted by Germany's annexation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939. Impressed by the design, the Germans introduced some small alterations before continuing manufacture, rolling out almost five hundred Ausf.A-Ds between May 1939 and November 1940, although there were little visible differences between these variants. Initially re-designated the LTM 38, in January 1940 the Germans changed this again to Panzerkampfwagen 38(t). Boasting as main armament a 3,7cm ÚV vz. 38 gun, it was both better-armed and armoured than German Panzer I and IIs and had a reputation for reliability, so-much-so that its chassis was later used for the famous Jagdpanzer 38/Hetzer tank destroyer. Some 57 Panzer 38(t)s were used in the invasion of Poland and 237 during the invasion of France and the Low Countries, with 91 of these serving in Rommel's 7th Panzer Division. It's undoing was in the east, where it was no match for the increasing number of T-34s and by 1942 it had been removed from front-line service. Models are from Pendraken Miniatures.
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