Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/48 Ground Power Series HG1402 SdKfz 222. Leichter Panzerspahwagen (4X4) 1st Company, 3rd Recon. Battalion 5th Light Division, North Africa March 1941

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.

On February 14, 1941 lead elements of the 5th Light Division arrived in Tripoli, Libya. The 5th Light Division was a makeshift unit comprised of two machine gun battalions, half an artillery regiment and the 3rd Panzer Division provided the 5th Panzer Regiment, the 33rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment as well as the 3rd Recon Battalion. After defeating the Italian 10th Army in February 1941 the British underestimated the German capabilities. On March 31st the small British occupation force was routed and driven eastward.

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)