Tamiya 35388 | 1/35 German Tank Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.B (Sd.Kfz.101) – 1/35 Scale Military Miniature (Copy)

The Tamiya 35388 is a highly detailed 1/35 scale plastic assembly kit of the German Panzer I Ausf.B, the upgraded mass-produced variant of Germany’s first major tank design. This kit features precise assembly-type tracks, photo-etched details, and multiple marking options for the invasions of Poland, France, and the Eastern Front.

What is the historical significance of the Panzer I Ausf.B?

Developed under the deceptive name “agricultural tractor” to bypass post-WWI rearmament restrictions, the Panzerkampfwagen I was originally intended for training but became a frontline staple in the early stages of WWII. The Ausf.B variant featured a significant 100hp engine upgrade—nearly double that of the Ausf.A—and a hull extended by 40cm to accommodate the larger power plant and its dual 7.92mm MG13 machine guns. It saw extensive service in the Spanish Civil War, Poland, France, and Russia.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer:Tamiya
• Model Series:1/35 Military Miniature Series (No. 388)
• Product Number:35388
• Scale:1/35
• Model Dimensions:Length: 123mm, Width: 60mm
• Box Dimensions:11.9” L x 7.5” W x 2.0” D
• Track Type:Assembly-type tracks with one-piece straight sections for realistic “sag”
• Special Details:Includes photo-etched exhaust cover and one-piece fenders with anti-slip patterns
• Figures:1 commander torso figure with optional head sections (beret or side cap)
• Markings:3 options (Poland 1939, France 1940, Russia 1941)

Key Kit Features

• Advanced Track Design:The assembly-type tracks include long straight sections to make construction easier while perfectly capturing the natural weight and sag of the real vehicle’s tracks.
• Enhanced Realism:Left and right fenders are recreated as a single piece to ensure structural alignment and feature accurate anti-slip textures.
• Mixed-Media Details:An included photo-etched (PE) part provides an authentically thin and detailed mesh cover for the exhaust system.
• Customizable Figure:The provided commander torso can be customized with two different head options, allowing builders to depict the crew in either a beret or a side cap.