Saturday November 09, 2024

Sd.Kfz.234/3 - 3.Pz.Div

Item number: 88016

Status: Available

Scale: 1/72

About the model:
* true to scale model made from plastic for highest detail and metal parts
* fully assembled
* markings pad printed for ultimate realistic effect
* historically accurate painted and marked
* including protective case for display
* package comes with open window display
* limited production!

 

The Sd.Kfz.234 is the successor of the eight wheeled armored cars Sd.Kfz.231 which were developed in the 30's. These new armored cars had a new design and a powerful engine. All axles are driven and steerable. The most advantage was the feature of two drivers - one for normal driving and one for backward driving. So they could drive back within seconds without turning, which was an important feature for a recon vehicle that the 234 initially was supposed to be. The weight of slightly below 12 tons and the 220hp engine allowed a top speed of around 90km/h!
The Sd.Kfz.234/3 was armed with the 7,5cm K51 L/24 Stummelkanone alongside with a MG42 as AA defense. There were 50 rounds of ammo for the main gun plus 1950 rounds for the MG. From June 1944 to December 1944 around 90 of these vehicles were produced. They were mainly issued to Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilungen of eight Panzer-Divisions.

The 3.Panzerdivision was raised in October 1935 in Wünsdorf. It was 1939 in action with the invasion of Poland  and 1940 in Holland, Belgium and France. In June 1941 is was under the command of Heeresgruppe Mitte while the start of operation Barbarossa. There it fought at Smolensk, kiew and Tula. In December 1941 it changed to Heeresgruppe Süd and lasted in the battles of Charkow and Kursk the whole year 1942. In April 1943 it changed under the command of Heeresgruppe "Nordukraine" and was in action in Belgorod, Charkow and Kiew. After that the Division fought 1944 under the command of several Heeresgruppen and fought at Tscherkassy, Dnjestr Kischinew and Narew. In 1945 it was pulled back to the fights in Hungary and Austria in the very end where it surrendered to US troops near Steyr.


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