Dragon’s Panzer I Ausf B is generally recognized as the best 1/35 model of this pre-war German light tank. Its overall standard is high, although like all kits there is scope for enhancement, particularly with regard to the fenders, which are noticeably too thick, and the profile of the rear idler. This Voyager Model photo etch set is designed for experienced modelers who wish top add further refinement, including in-scale fenders, to the Dragon Panzer IB.

This set is intended for the two versions (to date) of the Panzer IB, namely kit 6186 which a later production 6a.Series/La.S and is sold with two crew figures and markings for several tanks serving in Europe; and also Panzer I Ausf.B DAK Version (Kit 6207) which contains 4 Afrika Korp figures at rest, additional visor and “tropen” engine vent parts, 6 x 20 litre jerry cans and DAK markings. Voyager offers a separate PE set for the command version Sd.Kfz.265 kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen (kits 6218 and 6222 of which the later promises a corrected rear idler). Comparison with the Italeri/Zvezda Panzer 1B indicates the Voyager detail set suggests will also work on this classic kit.

This set contains 1 large, 2 medium and 5 small PE frets in varying thickness to reflect their intended uses. A double-sided A4 instruction sheet with clear diagrams is provided and the set comes in the fold out Voyager cardboard folder.

The overall level of detail is comprehensive, but not excessive. Key features of the Voyager set are:

• Full side fenders which like the real fenders are made from a structural fender with the anti-skid plate being applied on top as appliqué. The PE used for the fenders is thin and the fenders include separate parts for the front and rear flaps which can be positioned up, down or, as is often seen in photos, missing. The set requires the modeler to cut off the fenders of the Dragon kit and offers flexibility in how the fenders are used to add finesse due to their thin profile, or a battle worn look with bent fenders. As the bolt heads are integrated into the main fender parts these fenders will be easier to use than those in another range where separate bolt heads have to be added by hand. It would be possible to only use the front and rear fenders from the Voyager set should you wish the get much of the effect without too much effort.
• Small parts to replace the tool clamps and tie down hooks (with spares included), which are made from a thicker gauge PE. The tool clamps are made from 3 parts and the petite handle pieces can be added to the Dragon kit clamps if you prefer this easier option.
• Mesh for under the vent on the rear of the engine deck. The mesh has four bolt heads missing on the equivalent PE part in the Dragon kit. A PE frame for the vent louvers is included but being flat lacks the angled effect of the Dragon kit, which matches photos (the louvers were metal strips set at 45 degrees to the engine deck).
• Mesh for the rear muffler which has smaller holes than the Dragon PE part. Counting of holes in photos indicates that the Dragon PE while not perfect is quite accurate, and that the Voyager set has too many holes.
• Other exterior photo etch detail including replacement spade head, brackets for the fire extinguisher, jack and jack block and replacement metal strips for the vents on the upper hull beneath the turret rear.

Summary

With the inclusion of both full fenders and small detail to enhance the on vehicle equipment, this set will allow experienced modelers to add noticeable finesse and scale effect to the Dragon Panzer IB using only one photo etch set. Recommended.

Voyager Model PE is available from Puma Models, the Irish and UK distributor.

Reference

Panzertracts No 1-1 “Panzerkampfwagen I Kleintraktor to Ausf. B”, T. Jentz and H Doyle, USA 2002

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