1:35 15cm s.IG.33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. B - DRAGON

The Panzer I formed the nucleus of Germany's embryonic tank formations, but its light armor and light armament meant it was outdated by the start of WWII. Despite being made redundant as a gun tank, the chassis of the Panzer I was utilized in a number of alternative roles, including that of a self-propelled howitzer. It was recognized early on that mobile artillery could provide invaluable fire support to tank units, so the mounting of a 150mm s.IG.33 infantry gun resulted in a vehicle known as an s.IG.33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. B. The gun was mounted in a tall, boxy superstructure, though the chassis of the Panzer I was overstressed by the extra weight. The armored shield was only 10mm thick and could only offer front and side protection, plus there was no space for spare ammunition to be carried. Ultimately, this ungainly and top-heavy artillery piece wasn't a great success and only 38 were converted in February 1940 by Alkett. These guns served in the Battle of France and beyond, though as the war progressed, the 150mm s.IG.33 gun would be mounted on alternative chassis too.

THE KIT:

• Ultra-slim injection-molded fighting-compartment armor plates
• Fighting compartment armor plates made by 4-directional slide molds
• Nut and bolt detail on armor plates realistically rendered
• Two types of fighting-compartment armor plates had different angle as option
• Side armor plates can be assembled in different angles
• Periscope armor plate can be positioned open/closed
• New photo-etched spare-road wheels brackets on frontal armor plate included as option
• Protective wicker cases for rounds placed on side fender
• Aluminium gun barrel with rifling is finely reproduced
• Gun recoils like the real one
• Gun carriage molded with authentic details
• Scale-thickness gun shield rendered with delicate detail on both sides
• Realistic elevation mechanism allows gun to elevate
• Reproduced muzzle cover with photo-etched belt
• Detailed hydraulic system for gun elevation system
• Periscope can be assembled in different styles
• Periscope made from clear plastic
• Realistic reproduced steel wheels
• Highly detailed brake and axle assembly finely represented
• Recoil system rendered with bolt detail
• Axle reproduced in fine detail
• OVM specific to s.IG.33 are included
• Bonus ammunition included
•  Highly detailed reinforcement elements for gun trails fixed on engine deck
• Multi-piece upper hull and engine deck for authentic detail
• Engine deck hatches can be modeled open/closed
• Detailed hollowed exhaust pipe with photo-etched exhaust cover
• Side fenders with detailed tread pattern
• Driver's compartment interior details such as instrument panel and transmission battery and driver's seat included
• Lower hull formed from multiple parts for greater detail
• Realistically reproduced road wheels with photo-etched rings
• Detailed suspension with finely detailed coil spring
• Idler wheels accurately reproduced
• External suspension structure for Pz.Kpfw. I has sharp detail
• Fully detailed Magic Tracks