Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf.B

ALTHOUGH initially conceived as a Reichswehr training vehicle, the Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B saw action in the Spanish Civil War and during the opening years of WWII. During Fall Weiss it made up about thirty-five percent of the total panzers available to the Heer and in Fall Gelb about twenty percent. It was quickly found to be woefully under-armoured and gunned (maximum armour was 13mm, and armament was turret-mounted twin MG13s), with even the maligned French 25 mm Hotchkiss anti-tank gun presenting a lethal threat, and certainly it was no match for the majority of period Allied tanks. However, when used in coordination with other panzers, against unsupported infantry or in reconnaissance roles it could perform well and its high speed (about 30mph on road) was an undoubted asset. Ultimately, like many early war tanks, it was fast rendered obsolete by the realities of modern armoured warfare, and was soon superseded by better-armed and armoured tanks like the Pz.Kpfw. III and IV. 

These models are from Miniature Figurines and, despite what I had heard about problems with flash, were a joy to assemble and paint, so-much-so that I currently have three Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf.Cs on order. Expect much more Jerry AFVs over the coming week!