The Sonderkraftfahrzeug (Sd. Kfz.) 251 half-track had its origins in the same requirement as the smaller and lighter Sd. Kfz. 250. Intended as an armored personnel carrier, the Sd. Kfz. 251 entered service in 1939, and quickly became the standard means of transport for the panzergrenadiers. As it turned out, the Sd. Kfz. 251 was an especially useful vehicle, not only capable of keeping up with the newly formed panzer divisions but also providing invaluable support as well. All told, there were 22 special-purpose variants built, including the menacing-looking Stukavoss ("infantry Stuka"), which mounted a series of rocket launchers on the outer sides of the vehicle. Other variants included a flame-thrower, anti-tank, and communications vehicle, as well as an observation post, ambulance, and infra-red searchlight carrier. Despite suffering from early reliability problems, the Sd. Kfz. 251 was produced by the thousands, eventually becoming a trademark of the German panzertruppe on all fronts.

Dragon releasied a new 1/72 model of Sd.Kfz.251/7 Ausf.D Pionierpanzerwagen, the first one of this particular variant in Dragon Armor range. This specialist vehicle carries twin bridge sections atop the hull for crossing small obstacles such as anti-tank ditches. A metal chassis is included for added durability. It is painted in camouflage scheme with accurate markings. Interior of fighting compartment is fully rendered. This sophisticated vehicle is the perfect companion to the standard Sd.Kfz.251/1 half-tracks that have been released previously, and pioneering model collectors will most certainly need one in their collection. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-inches
Width: 1-inch

Release Date: June 2007

Historical Account: "The Uprising" - The Warsaw Uprising (Powstanie Warszawskie) was an armed struggle during the Second World War by the Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa) to liberate Warsaw from German occupation and Nazi rule. It started on August 1st, 1944, as part of a nationwide uprising called Operation Tempest. The Polish troops resisted the German-led forces until October 2nd (63 days in total). Losses on the Polish side amounted to 18,000 soldiers killed, 25,000 wounded and over 250,000 civilians killed, mostly in mass executions conducted by advancing German troops. Casualties on the German side amounted to over 17,000 soldiers killed and 9,000 wounded. During the urban combat - and after the end of hostilities, when German forces acting on Hitler's orders burned the city systematically, block by block - an estimated 85% of the city was destroyed.

The Uprising started at a crucial point in the war as the Soviet army approached Warsaw. The Soviet army had reached a point within a few hundred meters from the city across the Vistula River on September 16th, but failed to make further headway in the course of the Uprising, leading to accusations that Stalin did not want the Uprising to succeed.

There is no evidence that the Home Army coordinated its struggle with the Soviet army. According to Russian memoirs (for example Konstantin Rokossovsky who led the Warsaw liberation) the Home Army tried to liberate the city before (and without) the Soviet army. (courtesy: Wikipedia)