Full Product Description

Tamiya 1/35 German 5cm Anti-Tank Gun Pak 38

Introduced in 1940, the 5cm Panzerabwehrkanone 38 (Pak 38) was designed to defeat increasingly well-armored enemy tanks encountered during the early years of World War II.

The Pak 38 proved highly effective during Operation Barbarossa and the North African Campaign, where it could reliably engage most Soviet and Allied tanks at typical combat ranges. Its lightweight design allowed crews to reposition the weapon quickly while maintaining excellent battlefield mobility.

Although eventually replaced by larger anti-tank guns such as the Pak 40, the Pak 38 remained in service throughout the war and became one of the most widely used anti-tank weapons of the Wehrmacht.

Tamiya's modern tooling reproduces the gun with impressive detail, including the breech mechanism, gun shield, suspension system, and towing equipment. Four realistic crew figures and ammunition accessories allow builders to create a highly dynamic display.

Kit Features

✔ Scale: 1/35

✔ Kit Number: 35392

✔ German 5cm Pak 38 Anti-Tank Gun

✔ Detailed Breech Assembly

✔ Realistic Gun Shield

✔ Optional Firing or Towed Configuration

✔ Detailed Suspension System

✔ Solid Rubber Tire Representation

✔ Four Crew Figures Included

✔ Ammunition Cases and Shells Included

✔ MG34 Machine Gun Included

✔ Detailed Sighting Equipment

✔ Outstanding Tamiya Engineering

Historical Background

The Pak 38 entered service as German armored forces began encountering heavier enemy tanks that challenged earlier anti-tank weapons.

Capable of firing armor-piercing and high-explosive ammunition, the Pak 38 became a key component of German anti-tank defenses during campaigns in France, North Africa, and the Soviet Union.

Crews valued its mobility, reliability, and ability to quickly engage enemy armor from concealed positions. While later overshadowed by the larger Pak 40, the Pak 38 played a crucial role during some of Germany's most significant campaigns.

Today it remains one of the most recognizable anti-tank guns of World War II.

Review Summary

What Modelers Like

• Outstanding fit and engineering

• Excellent crew figures

• Highly detailed breech assembly

• Realistic gun shield and carriage

• Numerous display options

• Ideal for dioramas

• Excellent value

Reviews from the Modeling Community

IPMS/USA praised the kit's excellent molding quality and realistic crew figures, noting that the model captures the appearance of the original weapon exceptionally well.

Armorama highlighted the detailed breech mechanism, ammunition accessories, and the flexibility provided by firing and towing configurations.

Missing-Lynx builders noted the excellent engineering and praised the quality of the included figures, making the kit a complete diorama package straight from the box.

Many builders consider it one of the best anti-tank gun kits currently available due to its combination of detail, figures, and ease of assembly.

Things to Consider

• Small gun components require careful cleanup

• Figure painting is an important part of the finished display

• Advanced builders may add photo-etch details

• Weathering enhances the gun's realistic appearance

Working Title Models Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5

One of the finest anti-tank gun kits available in any scale. Excellent detail, outstanding crew figures, and multiple display possibilities make the Pak 38 an exceptional addition to any WWII collection.