German - Panzerkampfwagen 35(t)

The German Panzerkampfwagen 35(t) was originally a Czech design—the LT vz. 35—acquired by Germany after the occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939. Adopted into the Wehrmacht as the Panzer 35(t), it became an important early-war light tank, valued for its good mobility, reliable Škoda 8-cylinder engine, and efficient suspension system that handled rough terrain well. Armed with a 3.7cm KwK 34(t) gun and two 7.92mm machine guns, it offered firepower comparable to the early Panzer III and was well-suited for infantry support and reconnaissance roles. Armour thickness ranged from 12–25mm, providing protection against small-arms fire but leaving it vulnerable to dedicated anti-tank weapons.

The Panzer 35(t) saw extensive service during the invasion of Poland (1939) and the Battle of France (1940), where its speed and decent firepower proved useful in the fast-moving Blitzkrieg operations. However, the harsh climate and poor logistics of the Eastern Front exposed mechanical weaknesses, especially in cold weather, leading to its gradual withdrawal from frontline service by 1941–42. Many surviving vehicles were reassigned to training, occupation, or secondary duties. Despite its short frontline career, the Panzerkampfwagen 35(t) played a notable role in Germany’s early-war armoured successes and demonstrated the high quality of pre-war Czech tank engineering.

Multi part resin model.

Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.