ESCI – 8025 – German Tank 35T Skoda

Description:

German Tank 35T Skoda

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a Czechoslovak LT vz. 35 light tank, that Germany seized and pressed into German service as Panzer 35(t).

Originally tooled in 1976 by ESCI, was keep in catalogue with same number all the time, with a last update of the box layout in the mid 80s. The same kit was released during late 70s and early 80s under brands like Hasegawa, Revell-ESCI or Polistil.

The kit has a very detailed road wheels and suspension system, up for the most exigents, the old molding technologies means no single piece turret or hulls that need to be assembled too. In general detail is very good as well as engineering, the build process in our opinion is not for beginners, total number of parts is above 100 which are pretty much for a small light tank like the Pz 35(t). And all of this, happens while the kit includes an awful pair of single piece vinyl tracks, which are not only a pain to glue but poorly detailed compared to the rest of the kit.

The kit also included a commander figure, in hard plastic, split in three parts (arms separated). The quality of the figure is bit beyond the usual soft plastic figures but still can be acceptable.

Decal sheet was quite generic, with generic numerals with a pair of specific numerals. As curiosity, the decal sheet included full printed nazi swastika flag (for Air identification over the engine deck), something that can’t happen in more modern times for distribution in Europe at least. The decals are intended for East Front 1941, Barbarossa operation.

For a later release by Italeri of the same kit with update decals see Italeri – 7084 – Pz. Kpfw. 35(t). Sadly the Italeri re-release includes same tracks than original ESCI kit.

For Collectors the kit has a value as it is, for builders it’s recommended to replace tracks by some aftermarket, as well as decal sheet.