Introduction

The Munitionsschlepper auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf A with Ammo Trailer was a conversion of the Panzer I chassis by replacing the turret with two steel doors. They were used to transport ammunition to the front line tanks. The Munitionsschlepper was only used early in the Polish and French campaigns, as most were converted to FlakPanzers or other variants.

Contents

Tristar has been kind of enough to release this model in 1/35 plastic. It is something out of the ordinary, which is nice to see. Opening the box you find a box that is pack with 15 sprues molded in tan plastic, this includes the tracks, which need to be assembled, there is also one clear sprue. Also included is a sheet of photo etched, 2 springs, and a small sheet of decals. And two sheets of instructions. There are no figures included in the kit.

There are several parts on the sprues that are not used, these are shaded on the instruction sheet. And from the looks of it, when you are done you will be left with a Panzer I upper hull and turret. Thus I am presuming, as I have not built it, they have recycled most of it from the Tristar Panzer I Ausf. A.

The Review

The kit is very well molded, with very little flash. There are a few sink holes from the molding process, but most, if not all, look like they won’t be visible. (Stay tuned to Armorama as I will start a Build log once I start this kit). I was pleasantly surprised at how well the kit is molded to include the finer pieces, like the track and the thinness of the racks for the ammo trailer.

The kit includes a fully detailed interior, which includes the crew compartment and engine. From looking and the instructions and sprues, the interior should build up very well, would be a shame to close it up. All surface pieces are well detailed, I was really impressed with the molding on rivets on the inside that match the exterior mounted parts. As for the ammo trailer, the kit includes a full load of 75mm Short shells (I presume for the StuG III). Two different types of shells are include, molded in strips for easy mounting into the trailer, as well as some individual shells. The trailer suspension seems to be very well detailed. PE parts are included to detail the tools tie downs and the exhaust cover, as well as the clear pieces for the headlights.

The instructions are well laid out, and look easy to follow. There are paint color callouts, but not for all pieces. The instructions break down as follows:

Steps 1 & 2 - the lower hull and crew compartment
Steps 3 - 5 - wheels, track, and running boards
Steps 6 & 7 - engine and engine compartment
Steps 8 - 10 - upper hull
Steps 11 & 12 - Rear hull detail and tools
Steps 13 & 14 - Ammo Trailer

There is only one paint scheme and set of markings, for an Unknown Unit, Eastern Front, 1941.

Conclusion

Overall this looks to be a great kit. I can’t wait to start it, and this kit will build a great model to add to anyone’s collection of early German armor. That little odd-ball sitting on the shelf, or even better in a diorama somewhere in Poland or France, loading ammo into a StuG or Panzer III.