Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/48 Ground Power Series HG1401 SdKfz 222. Leichter Panzerspahwagen (4X4) 1st Company, 4th Kradschutzen Bttn. 24th Panzer Div., Soviet Union August 1942

True 1/48 scale.

Professionally painted.

Weathered finish.

Great attention to detail.

All markings are Tampoed (pad applied).

Rubber tracks roll.

Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.

Highly collectable.

The Leichter Panzerspahwagen (loosely translated - “Light Armoured Scout Car”) four- wheel drive armoured cars based on the standard sPkw Horch 801 chassis. There are three main types of German four-wheeled armored cars, Sd.Kfz. 221, 222 and 223 with the 222 being most common. Germany produced approximately 989 Sd.Kfz 222 from 1935- 1944. The main differences between the types are weight, armament and turret construction. Early models had an anti-grenade screen on top of the turret but later models had re-designed turrets which allowed for better elevation of the guns.

Kradschutzen Battalions (Motorcycle Rifle Battalions) were equipped with various machine guns. Late in 1941 these Kradschutzen became part of the Panzer Reconnaissance Battalions and gradually converted from motorcycles to light armoured cars and half- tracks. In August 1942 the 24th Panzer-Division was assigned to the 4th Panzer Army South and at first was held in reserve. In January 1943 the Division was virtually destroyed at Stalingrad and was reformed from scratch in April 1943 in France. In 1943 the Kradschutzen Battalions were abolished and reformed into Panzersufklarungs- Abteilungen.

Specifications for the Sd.Kfz. 222 Crew - 3 Performance Engine - Horch 3.5L or 3.8L V-8 producing 85 - 90 BHP Range On Road - 175 miles Off Road - 125 miles Speed On Road - 30 mph Off Road - 25 mph Weight - 4.7 tons

Dimensions Length - 15 ft 9 ins Width - 6 ft 5 ins Height - 6 ft 7 ins Ground Clearance - 10 ins Armament Main - 2 cm Kw.K. 30 or 38 (100 rounds. A.P. / 120 rounds. H.E. Secondary - 7.92 mm MG 34 (coaxial) (2,000 rounds)