02/19/2020
TAKOM’s 1/16 Pz.Kpfw.1 Ausf. A
Kit review and 99% build.
By Steve Chadbone
Let me start by saying this is a very nice kit, with lots of very nice details. The instructions are for the most part very clear and easy to follow, that being said, there is one or two little areas which leave you guessing a bit. One of the biggest frustrations was the strange need to spread the parts over every sprue, the best example of this is step 12, the rear hull, 7 parts, from sprue A, B, D and E. yep, every main sprue. :-)
I was a little disappointed with the bad fit of the upper hull to the body/fenders and the engine compartment, the upper hull does not fit, due to the length of the bracket next to the exhaust pipe, that same area causes issues with the engine desk. I had to cut the inlet hole and make a small grove in the exhaust pipe to move the engine deck back.
The screw heads really look great and with a slight wash applied really pop.
I would recommend you attach the fenders to the hull without the rear mud flaps, else it is a nightmare to get it on.
The seam lines are very pronounced on the tools etc. for a modern kit this is a little surprising.
The decals are really bad also, very thick carrier film.
The tracks are lovely and go together very well, but as the fit is tight, don’t paint them 1st on the sprue as I did ☹
Using a fine drill, and wire, I hinged most of the hatch hinges, adding small bolt heads to keep in the wire.