Pz Kpfw I ausf B

In 1935 after finding out the lack of power and the problems with the Krupp engine in the Panzer I.A light tank, it was decided to solve the problems by lengthening the chassis in 50cm and changing the engine for a more powerful Maybach, thus emerging the Panzer I.B. The lengthening of the chassis allowed the installation of a fifth road wheel along with 4 return rollers and the idler wheel was elevated and it was no longer a road wheel of the undercarriage. The turret and the superstructure were the same as in model A. A total of 675 units were manufactured between August 1935 and June 1937 and they participated extensively in the early stages of WWII, but were removed from combat units in early 1941, and when Operation Barbarossa was started, only 70 Panzer I.B remained in service with the Wehrmacht.

Panzer I.B gallery and more info