Panzerkampfwagen I (PzKw I)

In the course of the First World War, tanks are used for the first time in the western theatre of war. With the defeat of the Kaiserreich, Germany is banned from owning and developing battle tanks under the Treaty of Versailles. Only the Wehrmacht overrode these regulations and reintroduced tanks into the German army. During the Spanish Civil War, the PzKw I was used in combat for the first time. However, its insufficient armour and armour plating compared to the Soviet tanks became apparent. Nevertheless, it was still used by the Wehrmacht at the beginning of World War II until it was finally decommissioned in 1941. The remaining PzKw I were subsequently converted into weapon carriers and ammunition transporters and thus found another use.

Of course, the toy manufacturers also produce vehicles accordingly for the existing figures. While initial models only resembled the original vehicles to a limited extent, amazingly detailed models were produced with the introduction of the Panzerkampfwagen I.

Development

The PzKw I (Sd. Kfz. 101) was introduced to the Wehrmacht primarily as a training vehicle to serve as a training object for the mechanised German units until the follow-on models PzKw II, III and IV were available. Krupp began mass production of the A version from 1934.

The PzKw I was first used in the Spanish Civil War. At the beginning of the Second World War, the Wehrmacht used over 1500 PzKw I in the campaign against Poland. In the following years of the war, the number of PzKfw I deployed steadily decreased due to the considerable losses. Eventually, the PzKfw I was withdrawn from service due to its inadequate armament and armour. However, the chassis continued to be used in a variety of Wehrmacht vehicles, such as self-propelled guns and tank destroyers.

Technical Data Version A

The version A of the PzKw I was the first version introduced into the Wehrmacht. Characteristic for this version were the four rollers for the track. All later versions have a fifth roller.

crew:	commander and driver
Arms:	2 x MG13 (7.92 x 57mm)
Length:	4.02 m
Width:	2.06 m
Height:	1.72 m
Weight:	5.4 ton
Max. Speed:	39 km/h
Range:	145 km road
	97 km off-road
engine:	4 cylinder Krupp M304, 57 hp
Year of construction:	1934-1936

Lineol Models

In the Lineol catalogue of 1937 a model of the PzKw I (Ausf. A) is presented for the first time. It was powered by a strong clockwork engine, which allowed the vehicle to overcome obstacles in the 'nursery'. Remarkable is the functioning fogging system, which allowed fogging while driving. For this purpose, small 'fog pills' were placed in a funnel under the hinged front armour. With the help of a flinestone, these were then ignited while driving. The corresponding instruction manual can be found here: "The Lineol Tank".

The initial development of the Lineol tank differs from the final models if you look closely at the first illustration. This model still has wheels with spokes. Another variant is known which has a 2cm gun and a perforated exhaust muffler to the MG. The visible steering levers and the smoke unit are missing. The former is also shown on the cover of the Lineol catalogue of 1937/1938.

Besides this so-called "original model" by Lineol, which can only be traced in picture archives and catalogues, the Lineol company eventually delivered this tank in four different versions:

1. mimikri camouflage paint
2. mimikri camouflage paint, smoke system
3. grey camouflage paint
4. grey camouflage paint, fog system

Lineol Proofs

The corresponding manufacturer's proofs can be found at " Lineol, KatNr. 1280".

Original Lineol Tank Man

The Lineol tank man has evolved from the standing tank man figure. It is permanently mounted in a seat pan at the factory and could be positioned in the tank turret. Contrary to the figure shown in the original model with visible arms resting on the turret, the final delivered figure is only a torso.

Hausser Model

In the Hausser/Elastolin price list of 1938 a new large tank is offered under the number 737/2. Unfortunately, this model is not shown in any of the catalogues, so that only assumptions can be made about the appearance of this vehicle. It is certain, however, that the Hausser documents contained pictures of a PkKw I model. This model occasionally appears in the trade and is known in collector circles as the 'Hausser tank'. It should be noted, however, that this model was most likely not produced by Hausser, but by one of the numerous suppliers.

Original Hausser tank man

The tank commander included in the tank number 737/2 is the Elastolin Panzersoldat number 19/50/19. He is also called the saluting standing still soldier as a single figure. The figure can also be found in the classic Gama tanks from this period.

TippCo Model

Tipp&Co was the third well-known manufacturer to produce a PzKw I in about 1939. This one, however, is a bit too big for the 7.5 cm soldiers in terms of scale. However, it is an elaborately crafted model. A strong clockwork motor provides the necessary drive and the operation of the Amorces firing of the MGs. Unfortunately the turret is rigidly mounted on the chassis so that it is not possible to aim at targets.

Two variants of this model are known for the colour scheme. The colours were always printed on the sheet metal.

1. mimikri camouflage print
2. grey camouflage print

Lehmann Model

Another manufacturer worth mentioning is the Gebrüder Lehmann, who also produced a PzKw I. The scale is a bit too small. It is a bit too small in scale. According to the workmanship and painting there are many similarities and even similarities in comparison with the Lineol model. Some evidence would even suggest that Lineol's model could even have been made by Lehmann. However, this cannot yet be proven with manufacturer's documents.

Literature

• Schmitt Günter, Publisher Mebanol:'' ... eine dokumentarische Hymne, gewidmet dem nostalgischen Blech, Erstes Buch, Panzer, artverwandte Vollkettenfahrzeuge,...

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