Panzer BFWG.38(T) AUSF.B

Hobby Boss's 38(t) is a great kit with lots of detail and fairly simple construction. This is an early version of this tank, and it features a curved front driver's plate with machine gun. This kit offers several variations of the B version of the tank. The builder can choose the standard tank, or a command tank with optional radio antenna structure. The builder can also choose between two types of fenders; one type holds more tool boxes while the other holds more tools. There is some internal detail in the turret, including gun breech details and crew seats. Most of the hatches can be built open or closed, and they have internal details as well. Several pieces of clear plastic can be used for optics/periscope glass. A small fret of photo-etched brass is included and used for visors, exhaust mounts and covers, chains on the rear transmission cover, brackets, locks, etc. Some of the photo-etched parts are extremely small - to the point of being useless, in my opinion, and I chose not to use them. Builders with more dexterity and superb vision may have better luck. I still thought the p.e. parts added to the realism, however. No figures come with the kit, even though the box art shows a commander in an open turret hatch. Decals were good, if few in number. Markings are included for four different tanks: A German command tank and a German standard tank from the French campaign, a Slovakian tank, and a German tank from the Russian front. The German tanks are painted in German Grey, the Slovakian tank in a three color camouflage. I would rate the difficulty of this kit as medium, since the suspension is somewhat finicky to assemble, and the tracks are composed of single piece links that require a bit of patience. This is an interesting Czech built, early WWII tank that I'm happy to have in my collection. Highly recommended