1:72 Sd. Kfz 234/1

Sd.Kfz.234/1 1:72 (Roden)

An injection-molded plastic model of the German heavy armored reconnaissance car Sd.Kfz.234/1 in 1:72 scale from the brand Roden. It is an eight-wheeled car (8-Rad) with an open hexagonal turret housing a 2 cm KwK automatic cannon with a coaxial machine gun. The box contains injection-molded plastic parts and a decal sheet; it builds up as a classic plastic kit.

The real subject

The Sd.Kfz.234/1 belonged to the schwerer Panzerspähwagen family of heavy eight-wheeled cars. The design used a load-bearing hull, an air-cooled Tatra diesel engine and drive and steering on all wheels, including a second driver's position at the rear for moving fast in reverse. The 234/1 version carried light quick-firing armament in an open turret and served for reconnaissance. It was committed in the closing stage of the Second World War on the Eastern as well as the Western Front.

Building and painting tips

With armored vehicles it pays to assemble and paint the running gear and the fittings of the open turret first, and to close the hull only afterwards. Glue the plastic parts with thin modeling cement for plastic, fill the seams and sand them smooth. Apply primer before painting and lay the color on with an airbrush in thin coats. For a convincing look use a dark wash into the recesses and engraved lines and pigments for mud and dust effects on the wheels and the fenders.

Who the model is for

• Modelers interested in German armor of the Second World War
• Collectors of wheeled reconnaissance cars in 1:72 scale
• Builders who will appreciate a smaller armor subject with room for weathering
• Makers of dioramas from the late stage of the war

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