I recently picked up another Italeri Pz I and it did not have the kit tracks, but it did have some single link tracks included. They were Hotchkiss H-35/39 tracks, now they look like the same tracks as a Pz I, but are they?

Hi Rob.
I would be able to tell if their correct by a photo. I'm not familiar with the look of
the Hotchkiss tracks.
Although, the PzKpfw 1 was fitted with dry pin tracks, before it was issued to
combat units in 1943. The tracks are seen in the link to the photo below.
http://www.battletanks.com/images/PzKw__458x301.jpg
HOPE THIS HELPS
- ralph

Ralph, here is a scan of the Hotchkiss single length tracks next to the Italeri vinyl tracks. They look very similar to me, except the guide teeth are farther apart on the Hotchkiss track than the Pz I track. The Hotchkiss tracks may be representative of the tracks that were placed on captured Hotchkiss after Germany invaded.


The Germans must have changed the tracks though, the French would have had too hard a time doing it with their hands in the air.

Rob, the Hotchkiss seem to definitely be the tracks to go with. The look
of them seems to be a perfect match to the real dry pin tracks that were
used on the PzKpfw 1 and in the photo - " Wouldn't you think " ?
In regards to your last comment :
- The wheel and track arrangements underwent considerable
modification. Initially, the trial production series of 40 Pz kpfw I Ausf C were
to have been fitted with self-lubricating tracks, but the Germans dropped
these in favor of the dry-pin tracks.
- ralph

There are some differences to the track links. Depends on how picky you are and if they fit.

Discount Models ( http://www.discountmodels.com ) list Friulmodel Tracks ( http://www.discountmodels.com/fruil_tracks.htm ) with a link to a picture of each style of track link. Since I can’t insert graphics y’all with have to go look see.

ALT-68 Hotchkiss

ALT-20 Panzer I, Opel Maultier


Good luck and have fun.

Dave

Nice find Dave !

- Rob, I should have asked what
Pz.1 model is it ( Ausf ) ?

It is the ancient Italeri Panzer I Ausf. B (kit #222). Thanks guys, it looks close enough to me. I picked up the kit for $5 plus the 1/24 Italeri Fire Jeep (great kit of the Willys Jeep with extra sprue of fire fighting equipment) for $15. The seller had already gotten my money and just put the tracks in since he couldn't find the right ones. My original Pz IB kit was started over 11 years ago and did not travel well, so I went looking for a cheap one to help with parts. Looks like I got a bargan.

OK' - In that case these would be the correct tracks -
- that's if your up to spending the few extra $$, and
are going for accuracy.
[/url] http://www.discountmodels.com/images/atl20.jpg
- ralph