Roden 1/72 Sd.Kfz.263 (8 Rad) Schwerer Panzerfunkwagen

By Michael Benolkin

Background

The Sd.Kfz.263 eight-wheeled armored car was developed in the late 1930s as the mobile communications post that could interoperate with other armor and/or AFV units. The Sd.Kfz.263 carried a crew of 5, two of which were radio operators. In spite of the increased size of the interior that the additional axle provided, the radio equipment more than consumed that space. The vehicle was originally slated to carry heavier weapons but the lack of space for a larger gun and its ammo kept the main gun limited to a single MG34 machine gun.

The vehicle saw extensive service in most theaters of operation, especially with the forces of General Erwin Rommel. Despite its popularity, only some 240 examples were ever built due to their high production costs. Toward the end of the war, many of the Sd.Kfz.263s were converted to the Sd.Kfz.233 configuration exchanging its radio equipment for a fixed cannon installation.

The Kit

The Sd.Kfz.263 is provided on five parts trees, three molded in light grey styrene containing the hull, turret and antenna, whilst the remaining two are molded in dark grey styrene and contain the wheels, suspension and other details.

Assembly of the kit is straightforward with the initial steps focused on building up the suspension and drive train. Next comes the fenders with all of the stowage boxes and Jerry cans. The hull comes together next, with the suspension, fenders and antenna rounding out the assembly. There is no provision for positioning any of the doors or hatches open as there is no interior inside the hull.

Markings are provided for three examples:

  • Sd.Kfz.263 of the 37 Panzer Grenandier Division, Poland 1939

  • Sd.Kfz.263 of the 7 Panzer Division, France 1940

  • Sd.Kfz.263 of the 5 Panzer Division/Afrika Korps, Libya 1941

Conclusions

Small-scale armor and AFV modelers will be happy with the release of this kit as it fills a void in the scale Panzer Division order of battle by providing essential communications to the forward area commanders. You've got to wonder how often the unique towel-rack antenna was actually used to dry clothing in the field.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for these review samples!

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