Panda-Hobby 1/16 Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E/F Kit Build Review

By Dave Manter

Build Review

First, let me say that this kit is packed with detail and is molded to very high standards. Seam lines and flash are minimal. For a look at this kit straight out of the box, look here.

Steps 1 thru 4 have you construct the road wheels, drive sprockets and idler wheels. The fit is great here and no problems were encountered. The kit features details on the inside of the drive sprockets and idler wheels as well as the inside face of the main road wheels. As this is a pre-production kit, I discovered numerous numbering errors in the instructions during the build. The first of which is in step 2. You will need to use part C4 instead of C12 as the instructions call for. I would also suggest leaving part G6 out of the main road wheel during assembly. It is not needed and makes attaching the road wheels more difficult.

Step 5 is the construction of the suspension units. These can be built to articulate and will remain moveable after assembly. No problems were encountered.

Steps 6 and 7 have you build the lower hull. Fit here is near perfect and this step goes quick. You have the option of building an E or F version and 2 different rear plates are included. There are several numbering problems in the instructions. They are:

• Use part C12 instead of C6
• Use part C7 instead of C13
• Use part C6 instead of C4

Step 8 has you attach all of the running gear to the lower hull. No problems here.

Step 9 has you construct the front visor plate. The kit provides clear molded parts for all of the vision ports and gives you the option of building the drivers view ports open or closed. All of the interior detail parts for the visors are provided should you wish to build yours open. Use part H3 instead of H5 and part H1 instead of H3 as called out in the instructions.

Step 10 has you attach the fenders to the hull. All of the fender brackets are provided as photo etch parts and are very well detailed. Fit is great here as well.

Steps 11 thru 14 have you adding the remaining detail parts to the hull. Fit here again is excellent. You have a choice of 2 different engine covers and rear access plates.

Steps 15 thru 17 have you construct the main gun with a complete breech assembly and the main turret. The commander cupola is made up of several parts, but fit is great so no problems were encountered. You also get a choice of a styrene main gun barrel or a superb aluminum one.  You will need to substitute a few different part numbers. They are:

• Use B4 instead of B8
• Use B8 instead of B4
• Use F30 instead of F29

There are also 2 parts that are used that are not numbered in the instructions. They are E22 (gunners sight) and E45 (breech part).

Step 18 has you finish up assembly. It also has you construct the individual track links. These are very detailed and the fit is great!

This is a great kit! Highly detailed and with the great fit, it should be a nice build for anyone interested in the 38(t) series. Now on to the paint…

My sincere thanks to Panda-Hobby for the review sample.