German light tank Panzer 38 (t) Ausf. A COBI 2664 - Limited Edition WW II 1:28

Did you know?

• The development of a new Czechoslovak light tank began in 1937 to replace the outdated LT vz. 35, which suffered from frequent mechanical issues.
• The project was led by the brilliant engineer Alexej Surin from ČKD, Prague’s leading armored vehicle manufacturer.
  
• Early field tests revealed exceptional performance, making it one of the best light tanks of its time. In 1939, it was regarded as the finest tank in the world.
• The design impressed military officials so much that 150 units were ordered immediately.
• However, before delivery could take place, Germany occupied Czechoslovakia and the Wehrmacht seized all 150 tanks directly from the factory.
• In German service, it was designated as Panzer 38 (PzKpfw 38(t)).
• Initially, the Germans halted production, but they soon realized that the LT-38 outperformed their own models. Production was quickly resumed, and 1,396 additional tanks were ordered.
• The versatile chassis of the Panzer 38 was later used for many variants, including the Flakpanzer 38, Marder III, Grille self-propelled gun, and the famous Hetzer tank destroyer. 
• Sadly, Czechoslovak-built machines in German service contributed to the early victories over Poland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
• The tank was also exported to Axis allies such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.
• In 1941, Panzer 38(t) tanks of the 3rd Panzer Division under Walter Model took part in Operation Barbarossa.
• As World War II progressed, the rapid development of armored warfare made the Panzer 38 increasingly obsolete. 
• Against newer tanks like the Soviet T-34 or British Matilda, its 37 mm gun became insufficient. Germany responded by upgrading the armament and armor, but production ended in 1942.
• That same year, the Wehrmacht suffered a devastating defeat at Stalingrad, where 429 Panzer 38(t) tanks were destroyed.
• In total, 1,414 units were built in several versions.
• Only three original tanks have survived to the present day.

Technical specifications – Panzer 38(t) light tank:

• Dimensions: length 4.54 m, width 2.13 m, height 2.31 m
• Weight: 9,700 kg
• Armor thickness: 15–20 mm
• Engine: 6-cylinder Praga EPA gasoline engine, 112 kW output
• Top road speed: 42 km/h
• Off-road speed: 20 km/h
• Transmission: 6 forward gears + 1 reverse
• Operational range: 200 km on road, 132 km off-road
• Fuel capacity: 220 liters
• Fording depth: 0.92 m
• Crew: 3–4
• Main armament: Škoda A7 37 mm gun – 90 rounds
• Secondary armament: 2× ZB-37 7.92 mm machine guns – 2,000 rounds

General Heinz Guderian on the Panzer 38(t):

“It is a machine whose importance we all underestimated. The Panzer 38 is exactly what our army needs, but new weapons require new tactics. Never pour new wine into old bottles.”

About the COBI building set:

• The COBI 2664 Panzer 38(t) set includes 738 high-quality ABS bricks
• Part of the World War II LIMITED EDITION collection
• Pad printed elements – no stickers
• Historically accurate and highly detailed tank model
• Made in the EU