Introduction
Tancik Tc.Vz.33 was the Czechoslovak answer to the new fashion wave
of tankettes (tancik actually means tankette). 70 vehicles based on
the Carden-Lloyd Mk VI tankette were produced in 1933 and 1934. The
Czechoslovak Army soon realised that tankettes were the wrong way
to go, and no more vehicles were ordered. After the occupation of
the Czech territory, 40 Tc.Vz.33 were captured by the Germans and
were used for training. The remaining 30 were used by the Slovak army,
also for training. During the Slovak uprising against the Germans
in 1944 some of the tankettes soldiered on as ammo carriers, guardians,
tow-vehicles and even in their original role as recon vehicles.
Contents
As far as I know, this vehicle is produced only by the Czech company
HR model. The hull is bubble-free, but unfortunately, it is also rivet-free.
The real vehicle was covered by zillions of rivets and none of them
is reproduced. Other parts are presented on resin carrier film. It
will be quite difficult to clean them, especially the toothed drive
sprockets. The most delicate parts are provided on a PE fret. Here
you can find the tracks, cooling louvres, suspension leaf springs
and various tools.
Instructions are very elaborate; one of the best I saw in a resin
kit.
The vehicle is very small and with a lot of tiny parts it will be
very difficult to assemble it. Therefore, this kit can be recommended
only to those, who really want this tankette in their collection.
Markings
There are camouflage schemes for two Czechoslovak vehicles –
one overall khaki from trials and one in a three color scheme.
Decals are provided for Czechoslovak, Slovak and German vehicles,
but their placement is mentioned only in the text. License plates
13.421, 13.496 and 13.530 are for Czechoslovak tankettes, vehicle
13.480 was later used by the Slovak Army. There are also German crosses
and Slovak double-crosses. However, as far as I know, no national
markings were used on Slovak tankettes.
Note that the translation for Barva Pasu is "track color"
rather than "truck color" as given in the instructions.
 
References
You can find some photos and plans on this Czech discussion forum:
http://www.modelforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=6279
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