Building Tristar's 1/35 Panzer 38(t)
By Don Barry
Tristar Kit # 35022 Pz. Kpfw/ Pz. BfWg 38 (t) Ausf G. Can be built as a normal gun tank or as a command version.
Some time ago, I was sent the Tristar Panzer 38(t) ausf G and wrote an in-box review, where I stated that it appeared to be a fine kit and would make a handsome addition to any modeler's collection. I have finally gotten around to building it, and if anything, I was too stingy in my praise. The model is well engineered, fits together beautifully, and has the level of detail we expect now and enjoy getting. The lower hull is made up of separate bottom and side plates, which are easier to mold but which can pose a challenge in keeping things square. Not so here, where the sides positively mate to the bottom, and the front and rear plates ensure everything is true. I did deviate from the instructions in that I assembled the running gear, painted the lower hull, and then assembled and installed the tracks before moving on to the upper parts. The tracks have a tiny amount of flash on some of the guide teeth, but click together rather positively, much like Dragon's "MAGIC TRACKS". I built them in top and bottom runs on successive nights, then removed, painted, and reinstalled them with no problems. Adding the distinctive sag was easy, and there were plenty left for spares. Different fender options are available, with or without tool mounting holes, and provision for two styles of large stowage boxes. Since I already have a 38(t) with all the on-board tools, I opted for the two large boxes with the ventilated sections. I also omitted the frame aerial and its mounts, but saved it and the photo-etched details for later. The small photo-etched fret includes the screen for the engine air inlets, which are very hard to see, as well as the screen on top of the engine deck, which fits perfectly. Both machine guns can be made to move, and the main gun ( a slide-molded item) can elevate and depress. The commander's turret hatch features a nicely simulated head pad with riveted perimeter, so I decided to include a figure. I chose arms and a body from the Tamiya Otto Carius Crew Set, part # 35022, and a resin head from Warriors, I believe. His bent-from- the-waist pose dropped into the turret as if made for it. (Carius did serve in a 38(t) before his Tigers?...) The model was finished with Tamiya Acrylics, given a light pin wash with oil paints, and some pastel chalk for dust. The figure was likewise primed with Tamiya, with details and the face and hands done in oils. Markings were added for the 7th Panzer Division, Russia, 1941.
This kit was truly a joy to build, with no trouble spots, aside from dropping a few parts and having to hunt them down. The small photo-etched fret includes parts for the aerial mount, screens, rhomboid number plates, and some tool clamps, just enough to dress it up a little. The decals are thin and laid down nicely with one application of decal setting solution. I thoroughly enjoyed building this little kit, and it makes a fine addition to my collection. Once again, my sincere thanks to Stevens International for supplying this kit for review. Happy modeling.