The kits produced by the Czech company Attack are well-known (and sometimes feared) as typical short-runs with soft details and poor fit. Nevertheless, the Skoda LT vz. 35 was the main tank of the pre-war Czechoslovak army and this kit was eagerly awaited by Czech and Slovak modelers. In the end, Attack really outdid itself and these are their best kits so far.

After the occupation of the Czech territory in 1939, most of the tanks were used by Germany as the Pz.Kpfw. 35(t). Some of the LT vz. 35 remained in Slovakia and these saw service on the Eastern Front in 1941. A few of them survived long enough to take part in the Slovak uprising against the Germans in 1944. Other users were Romania and Bulgaria. Romanian tanks were designated as R-2 and they had slightly different rear plates on the turret and hull.

2. Attack's Pz.Kpfw.35(t) series

At present the series consists of

72832 Pz.Kpfw.35(t) / LT vz. 35
72837 Mörserzugmittel 35(t) (mortar towing vehicle / ammo carrier)
72838 Pz.Bef.Wg.35(t) (command vehicle)
72839 Panzerjäger 35(t) with 4.7cm PaK(t) (apparently a prototype vehicle resembling the Panzerjäger I)
72840 Pz.Kpfw.35(t) A8 / Skoda T-11 Bulagrian version.

All of these kits, except for the Panzerjäger, are available as basic kits or "Special Editions" (see Attack Kit List) with resin parts for the interior. (72835 Panzer Jag R-2 Tacam is to be released soon.)

Besides the basic kits and Special Editions, Attack produces three resins sets for their range of PzKpfw 35(t):

72342 Exterior set for Pz.Kpfw.35(t), France 1940 (extra stowage)
72343 Exterior set for Pz.Kpfw.35(t), Russia 1941 (extra stowage)
72344 Resin tracks for Pz.Kpfw.35(t).

3. Kit No. 72832 – PzKpfw 35(t) / LT vz. 35 – Basic Kit

This kit contains one sprue with plastic parts and one casting block with tiny resin bits (return rollers, towing hook and MGs). While the level of detail is good, care must be taken when fitting the parts. In particular, the suspension seems to be quite complicated with myriads of small wheels. Beware of the tracks: they are made from several straight sections and you must bend them around the idler wheels and drive sprockets.

There are four marking options in this kit, one in the Czechoslovak 3-color scheme and three German tanks in overall Grey.

1. Czechoslovak Army 1938 (Tank No. 13.900)
2. France 1940 (Tank No.335, Pz. Regiment 11, 6th Panzer Division)
3. Russia 1941 (Tank No. 715, Pz. Regiment 11, 6th Panzer Division)
4. Poland 1939 (Tank No. II05, Pz. Regiment 11, 1st Light Division)

4. Kit No. 72832 – PzKpfw 35(t) / LT vz. 35 – Special Edition No. 72SE01

Plastic parts, basic resin bits and decals are the same as in the previous kit. What really makes the difference are the new resin parts. You get a complete hull tub with interior, engine, gun breach and new parts for the commander's cupola. However, to see all of these interior parts, you must cut holes in the original plastic hull. Don't worry about the driver's hatch or engine deck covers – these are also supplied in resin. There are also bended parts for the tracks, so you don't need to adjust the original plastic parts.

5. Kit No. 72838 – PzBefWg 35(t)

The command version had a large frame antenna above the engine deck. In this kit the antenna is supplied in resin, so you must carefully clean it. There are also return rollers, MGs and bended parts for the tracks in the basic version of this kit. The "Special Edition" (No. 72SE03) also has resin parts for the interior. The remaining plastic parts are identical to those of kit 72832.

There are two marking options for German tanks, both in overall Grey.

1. Poland 1939
2. France 1940 (Tank No. A03, Pz. Abteilung 65, 6th Panzer Division, Oblt. Marquart)

6. Kit No. 72840 – PzKpfw 35(t) A8 / Skoda T-11

The Bulgarian Army had 36 „Skoda“ tanks, ten of which were in version T-11 with a new gun (identical to the one in the PzKpfw 38(t) tanks). A new turret front plate and a new gun is supplied in resin. There are also return rollers, MGs and bended parts for the tracks in the basic version of this kit. The "Special Edition" (No. 72SE04) also ha sresin parts for the interior. The remaining plastic parts are identical to those of kit 72832.

There are two marking options for Bulgarian tanks.

1. Bulgarian Army 1941 (Tank No. 60, Panzer Grey)
2. Bulgarian Army 1944 (Tank No. 56, Dark Green)

Both of these options are problematic. Bulgarian Skoda tanks were numbered up to 58. Bulgarian tank No. 60 was in fact a "Praga" PzKpfw 38(t). Most of the Skoda tanks retained their original Grey color, only a few were repainted Green in 1945. So, tank No. 56 from 1944 was almost certainly still painted Grey. All Bulgarian Skoda tanks had a white X on their engine decks, which is not mentioned in the instructions.

7. References

• Armored Vehicles 1935-1945, Kaloyan Matev, Knigomania (English language)
• Skoda LT vz. 35, Vladimir Francev and Charles Kliment, MBI (bilingual Czech and English)
• Panzerkampfwagen 35(t), John Rue, Heiner Duske, Tony Greenland, Frank Schulz, Nuts & Bolts (bilingual English and German)
• Befehlspanzer, Steel Masters Hors-serie No. 3 (French with English captions)