Bandai
DIORAMA SET - Wehrmacht Light Armoured Vehicles
Item Number:
ICMDS7207
ICMDS7207
Manufacturer
ICM
ICM
Scale:
1:72
1:72
The history of German light four-wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicles began in the mid-1930s, when the need arose to replace the obsolete Sd.Kfz. 13 and Sd.Kfz. 14 models. The new series was developed on a specialized, standardized chassis (the *Einheitsfahrgestell*), manufactured by Horch, which featured all-wheel drive, independent suspension, and a rear-mounted engine.
Within this new series, several variants of light armored reconnaissance vehicles were produced. The most numerous variant was the Sd.Kfz. 222, of which a total of 989 units were manufactured between 1935 and 1943. This armored reconnaissance vehicle was intended for reconnaissance missions and was armed with a 20mm autocannon (KwK 30 or KwK 38), paired with an MG 34 machine gun. A distinctive feature of the Sd.Kfz. 222 was its open-topped, ten-sided turret, which was protected against hand grenades by hinged wire mesh screens. The crew consisted of three men: commander/gunner, loader, and driver.
Another model, the Sd.Kfz. 223, served as a radio and reconnaissance vehicle, ensuring communication links between reconnaissance units and headquarters. Its most striking feature was a powerful radio system equipped with a large, collapsible frame antenna. A total of 550 vehicles of this type were produced.
The Sd.Kfz. 260 and Sd.Kfz. 261 variants (classified as *Kleine Panzerfunkwagen*—"Small Armored Radio Vehicles") were developed as specialized armored radio vehicles for higher-echelon staffs and signals units. They utilized the same armored hull as the reconnaissance variants but dispensed with a turret and main armament; the crew carried only a submachine gun for self-defense. The omission of the turret created sufficient interior space for a four-man crew and extensive radio equipment. In total, 493 vehicles of these variants were produced.
All these armored reconnaissance vehicles proved to be extremely effective under combat conditions and, thanks to their reliability, remained in service until the end of the war in 1945.
Four plastic model kits
Scale 1:72
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
Within this new series, several variants of light armored reconnaissance vehicles were produced. The most numerous variant was the Sd.Kfz. 222, of which a total of 989 units were manufactured between 1935 and 1943. This armored reconnaissance vehicle was intended for reconnaissance missions and was armed with a 20mm autocannon (KwK 30 or KwK 38), paired with an MG 34 machine gun. A distinctive feature of the Sd.Kfz. 222 was its open-topped, ten-sided turret, which was protected against hand grenades by hinged wire mesh screens. The crew consisted of three men: commander/gunner, loader, and driver.
Another model, the Sd.Kfz. 223, served as a radio and reconnaissance vehicle, ensuring communication links between reconnaissance units and headquarters. Its most striking feature was a powerful radio system equipped with a large, collapsible frame antenna. A total of 550 vehicles of this type were produced.
The Sd.Kfz. 260 and Sd.Kfz. 261 variants (classified as *Kleine Panzerfunkwagen*—"Small Armored Radio Vehicles") were developed as specialized armored radio vehicles for higher-echelon staffs and signals units. They utilized the same armored hull as the reconnaissance variants but dispensed with a turret and main armament; the crew carried only a submachine gun for self-defense. The omission of the turret created sufficient interior space for a four-man crew and extensive radio equipment. In total, 493 vehicles of these variants were produced.
All these armored reconnaissance vehicles proved to be extremely effective under combat conditions and, thanks to their reliability, remained in service until the end of the war in 1945.
Four plastic model kits
Scale 1:72
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
Customer Reviews 0
Write now your personal experience with this article and help others with their purchase decision.
