Military Model Scene

Along with a Polish language magazine, 'First to Fight' combines it with a very neat 1/72 model.  In this instance it is number 65 in the series and features the Sdkfz 231 8-rad armoured car.

The 8-rad (8-wheeled) armoured car followed and replaced the earlier 6-rad series. It had 8-wheel drive and all wheel steering. A successful and adaptable heavy armoured car, this basic chassis served throughout the war, on all fronts.  This early one has a turret mounted 20mm and 7.72 MG34. They were used in campaigns in Poland, France, the Balkans, North Africa, Russia and Italy.

The kit itself is moulded in a dark grey plastic and is quick and easy to assemble.  The main hull is moulded in 3 main parts.  These are the upper and lower armoured hull parts and then the star of the show, the lower chassis.  This includes the chassis frame, drive train, drive shafts and suspension for all 8 wheel yet beautifully moulded as a single part. A tine bit of flash to clean off the suspension arms but once on the underside of the hull, just the 8 wheels to add.  This is by far the simplest way I can remember seeing this be tackled in a plastic kit and my it works so well.  One of the best bits of injection part moulding I can recall seeing I think. Very impressed yet with assembly so simple.  Fit of parts is excellent and transfers are included. I have mine built and a base coat of panzer grey, next step will be to paint the details and weathering.

​

I bought mine through Tiger Hobbies here in the UK.

​

Robin