Military Model Scene

...a new kit from Bronco Models, set for July 2017

Due for July release from Bronco Models is for an unusual armoured version of the Krupp Protze truck.  Their information tells us - 

Krupp L2H143 Kfz.69
Armored Krupp Protze Kfz.69 with 3.7cm Pak 36 (late version)
 
The Krupp Protze was a 1.5 ton 6x4 military truck built for the German army from 1934 to 1941. It was powered by the 60 bhp Krupp Boxer 3.3 Litre gasoline engine giving a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and a road range of 450 kilometers. The most common variant was the Kfz.69 used to tow the 3.7cm PaK.36 anti-tank gun and carry the crew and ammunition. It was an advanced design but suffered from poor fuel consumption, using almost twice the fuel of the similar Opel Blitz. But it was rugged and reliable and served on all fronts during WWII, Some trucks mounted the 3.7cm Pak.36 on the rear cargo bed as a simple self-propelled gun which could quickly be brought into action. The Pak 36 was the standard anti-tank gun as Germany began the war in 1939. It was good against light tanks but could not penetrate heavier tanks such as the British Matilda and the French Somua S35. Some of the "Protze SPG's" were given plate armour over the front of the truck to protect against small arms fire. However this increased the weight of the vehicle and performance was degraded. These improvised vehicles were quickly replaced by heavier SPG's built on tank hulls after 1942. Production of the Krupp Protze reached over 7,000 vehicles of all variants.

Thanks to Bronco Models for the news.

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Robin