1:72 Kfz 14 German armored radio car

First to Fight 1:72 Kfz.14: the German armored radio car

A plastic kit of the German Kfz.14 armored radio car (Funkkraftwagen) in 1:72 scale from the Polish maker First to Fight. The model captures an early German armored reconnaissance vehicle with its characteristic frame antenna above the fighting compartment. The set is laid out for a quick build, as is typical of this series of small vehicles.

The real subject

The Kfz.14 was the radio variant of the Kfz.13 light armored car built on the chassis of the civilian Adler passenger car. Unlike the Kfz.13, which carried a machine gun, the Kfz.14 was fitted with a powerful radio set and a conspicuous frame antenna carried above the open fighting compartment, which had no cover from above; the crew numbered three men. The vehicles served with the motorized reconnaissance detachments, saw use in the campaigns in Poland in 1939 and in France in 1940 and were withdrawn from service by 1941. Their thin armor, around 8 mm thick, gave only limited protection.

Building and painting tips

Clean and glue the small parts and the fine frame antenna carefully, as the antenna is the visual centerpiece of the model. Paint the interior of the open fighting compartment before you close it in. For the early period a uniform gray base (Panzergrau) suits well, with the edges picked out by a dry brush, washes in the recesses and pigments for dust on the wheels. Given the small size of the vehicle, take care over clean joints.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of early German reconnaissance vehicles in 1:72.
• For lovers of armored cars and signals vehicles.
• For builders of dioramas of the campaigns of 1939-1940.
• For modelers who will appreciate a quick build of a small vehicle.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.