August 06, 2025

Tamiya's new surprise banger - the 5cm Pak38 in 1/35th scale

Making its debut today at the US IPMS, Tamiya's new 35th-scale German 5 cm anti-tank gun Pak38 looks like it fits in with any of their other quality releases. We look at the info so far in our preview...

 
 Tamiya's new surprise banger - the 5cm Pak38 in 1/35th scale

German 5cm anti-tank gun Pak38
From Tamiya 
Kit No #392
1/35th scale
Length 142mm
The Subject: The 5cm Pak 38 gun
The 5 cm Pak 38 (Panzerabwehrkanone 38) was a German anti-tank gun developed in the late 1930s and introduced into service in 1940. Designed by Rheinmetall, it represented a leap forward from the earlier 3.7 cm Pak 36, which had become ineffective against the newer generation of Allied tanks. The Pak 38 featured a 50 mm calibre barrel and a split-trail carriage, which provided greater stability and mobility on the battlefield. It had a semi-automatic breech mechanism, allowing for quicker reload and a sustained rate of fire, making it a highly efficient weapon against lightly armoured vehicles.

You can even rent your own restored version nowadays in America!
A wartime image of a PaK38 being towed.
During the early years of World War II, the Pak 38 proved to be a capable and reliable anti-tank weapon, especially during the invasion of the Soviet Union, where it was effective against medium tanks like the T-34. However, as tank armour improved—particularly with the emergence of the Soviet KV series and later Allied designs—the Pak 38 began to struggle against heavier armour. Despite this, it remained in service throughout the war, often being deployed in ambush positions or supplemented with high-velocity tungsten-core ammunition to increase penetration capabilities.
Though eventually overshadowed by the more powerful 7.5 cm Pak 40, the Pak 38 marked a critical transitional point in German anti-tank weapon development. Its relatively low weight allowed for easy concealment and movement, making it ideal for rapid deployment and defensive operations. Captured units were sometimes used by opposing forces due to their reliability. Today, surviving examples of the Pak 38 are displayed in military museums and collections worldwide, serving as a testament to the evolving technology and tactical demands of armoured warfare during WWII.

Looking like the picture below, this black and white one from wartime is a well-known image to PaK38 fans

The Kit: Tamiya's 1/35 scale, kit no. 392, the German 5cm anti-tank gun Pak38
Making its debut at the USA IPMS this year, Tamiya's new 5 cm Pak38 anti-tank gun model offers enthusiasts a highly detailed and realistic replica of the iconic WWII artillery piece.
Measuring 142 mm in total length, the kit masterfully reproduces mechanical elements such as the sight, loading section, gun barrel with muzzle brake, and the mantlet featuring dual armour layers. The solid tyres and intricately sculpted legs add dimensional authenticity.

The model can be assembled in either a firing or towing configuration, showcasing the gun’s versatility in action. The kit includes four meticulously crafted figures—a commander, gunner, and two loaders—captured mid-operation to bring dynamic realism to the scene. Accessory components like shells, spent cartridges, and shell cases round out the package.
The info we have on this model can be found on the Tamiya Website