Dragon Armor Sd. Kfz. 251/10 Ausf D "Schutzenpanzerwagen" - Eastern Front 1943

No. 60301, Vintage year - 2007, Scale - 1:72

Unit - Unidentified Unit

Campaign -Eastern Front 1943 

Markings - Whitewash over tan camouflage with cross on side panel 

Model - Sd.Kfz. 251/10 Ausf D. this halftrack was the standard early AT support version for the panzergrenadiers, equipped with the 37mm (1.46 in) Pak 36 gun, which had an effective range of about only 1,200m. Many photos show that the removable upper panels of the shield were discarded, as the crew was well-protected inside the hull, and in order to fool observers, as it thus resembled the MG shield of the standard transport version. The Ausf D was introduced in the spring of 1943 as the "Neue" vs. the previous "Alte" version. The modifications included many changes in production design. The number of armored panels was reduced from 19 to 9, permanent stowage boxes with padlocked access traps were added, replacing the rear mufflers. Simple vision slits, simple flat engine hood panels with relocated air intakes under the hull, simplified reverse sloping rear end with flat door panels and many other modifications allowed the simplification of construction while offering the same protection, and it was far less labor-intensive. The Ausf D was more and more required for ad hoc modifications and conversions due to a dramatic increase in the need of fire support platforms of all kind. 

Role - this infantry support/special purpose vehicle played an integral role to the Blitzkreig thesis as the Sd.Kfz.251 replaced the Sd.Kfz.11 (prime mover for the 105 mm Howitzer and 37 mm Flak). The Waffenamt requested an armored vehicle that would carry a platoon of Panzergrenadiers and their equipment that could keep up with the Panzer Divisions. Each mechanized infantry corp. would require 100 of these vehicles which should offer protection from small arms fire and artillery shrapnel. Armament included two MG-34 machine guns for defense and direct support. It was technically a "Medium Assault Armored Vehicle" that possessed off-road ability. Its top speed was 53 km/h. As per above, later in the war, the anti-tank role became ever more critical due to the increased limitations in quantity of available German armor as well as fuel.

Condition - new with minor wear on box. 

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