The Panzer I formed the nucleus of Germany's embryonic tank formations, but its light armour and light armament meant it was outdated by the start of WWII.

Despite being made redundant as a gun tank, the chassis of the Panzer I was utilized in a number of alternative roles, including that of a self-propelled howitzer.

It was recognized early on that mobile artillery could provide invaluable fire support to tank units, so the mounting of a 150mm s.IG.33 infantry gun resulted in a vehicle known as an s.IG.33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B.

The gun was mounted in a tall, boxy superstructure, though the chassis of the Panzer I was overstressed by the extra weight.

The armoured shield was only 10mm thick and could only offer front and side protection, plus there was no space for spare ammunition to be carried.

Ultimately, this ungainly and top-heavy artillery piece wasn't a great success and only 38 were converted in February 1940 by Alkett.

These guns served in the Battle of France and beyond, though as the war progressed, the 150mm s.IG.33 gun would be mounted on alternative chassis too.

Germany's first self-propelled howitzer has been recreated in miniature in Dragon's newest plastic kit.

The 1/35 scale kit is based on Dragon's popular Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B, but this latest model has a brand new gun shield and new s.IG.33 howitzer.

The boxy superstructure is injection moulded in order to achieve a true-to-scale thickness, and two different sets of side armour plates are offered for real versatility.

As per the real vehicle, the s.IG.33 gun is still fitted with its wheels and is mounted on the Panzer I chassis, while the gun carriage is finely reproduced with full detail.

The combination of an enormous gun shield and a diminutive chassis combines to create a unique-looking German subject.

This kit is ready to lend immediate fire support to a modeller's next project! Fighting Compartment: - Ultra-slim injection-molded fighting-compartment armour plates - Fighting compartment armour plates made by 4-directional slide moulds - Nut and bolt detail on armour plates realistically rendered - Two types of fighting-compartment armour plates had different angles as option - Side armour plates can be assembled in different angles - Periscope armour plate can be positioned open/closed - New photo-etched spare-road wheels brackets on frontal armour plate included as an option - Protective wicker cases for rounds placed on the side fender s.IG.33: - Aluminium gun barrel w/rifling is finely reproduced - Gun recoils like the real one - Gun carriage moulded w/t authentic details - Scale-thickness gun shield rendered w/t delicate detail on both sides - Realistic elevation mechanism allows the gun to elevate - Reproduced muzzle cover w/t photo-etched belt - Detailed hydraulic system for gun elevation system - Periscope can be assembled in different styles - Periscope made from clear plastic - Realistic reproduced steel wheels - Highly detailed brake and axle assembly finely rep

Key Specifications

• Scale: 1/35

Full Specifications