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 Armor recently released a Kfz.70 6x4 truck towing a 3.7cm PaK 35/36 anti-tank gun. Now, this fantastic vehicle line offers something else of unique interest to collectors an Sd.Kfz.251 halftrack pulling the same small anti-tank weapon. The Sd.Kfz.251/1 Schtzenpanzerwagen armed with a 7.92mm machine gun was designed to transport panzer-grenadiers into battle, and more than 15,000 examples of all different variants were produced during WWII. This item depicts an Ausf.C type, which appeared in mid-1940. Production of the Ausf.C featured a simplified forward engine armored plate, although its many angled plates still made it difficult to manufacture efficiently.

This 1/72 scale model features a halftrack combination from the famous "Grossdeutschland" Division, an elite unit of the Wehrmacht supplied with the best equipment. In 1942, it became a motorized infantry division, supporting the fatal assault on Stalingrad and becoming a mobile reserve on the north bank of the Donets River. Its from this period that this Dragon Armor item emanates. The Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.C and PaK 35/36 are finished in a typical early-war panzer gray paint scheme. The halftrack possesses the recognizable German helmet marking of the division, as well as additional tactical markings. Here Dragon Armor has come up with an inspirational model for the enjoyment of WWII military vehicle collectors! Sold Out!

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

Release Date: August 2012

Historical Account: "Greater Germany" - On June 23rd, 1943, Infanterie Division "Grossdeutschland" was officially re-classified as a Panzergrenadier Division. The two infantry regiments became known as Panzer Grenadier Regiment Grossdeutschland and Panzer Fusilier Regiment Grossdeutschland. Interestingly, both units retained their white arm-of-service or branch color (waffenfarbe) rather than the new grassgreen piping adopted by the panzergrenadiers. Involved in Operation: Zitadelle, Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland was, in actuality, a full-fledged panzer division since it was one of only a handful of units equipped with a battalion of Tiger tanks.

After Kursk, the unit fought on the Dniepr Line, and by early 1944 was fighting in the north, retreating into East Prussia and Latvia as the Russian onslaught continue to gather momentum.

In November 1944, the Grossdeutschland Division was still regarded as a Panzergrenadier division, although other units within its 'sphere of influence' were expanded to form the Panzerkorps Grossdeutschland.