Hobby Boss 83812 - 1/35 German Sd.Kfz.221 Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle (3rd Series) - Veteran Recon Car Replica  [HB-83812]

Hobby Boss 1/35 Sd.Kfz.221 Leichter Panzerspahwagen Kit

The Sd.Kfz.221 Leichter Panzerspähwagen was a light armoured reconnaissance car produced from 1935 to 1944. Built on the sPkw I Horch 801 chassis, it features an angular armoured hull and a compact turret, driven by a 67 kW (90 hp) Horch 3.5 petrol engine with a road speed up to 80 km/h, though it was less capable off-road.

Historical Role and Use

Primarily assigned to reconnaissance battalions within armoured divisions, the Sd.Kfz.221 was well suited to operations on established roads. Its restricted off-road ability became a liability in demanding theatres like the Eastern Front and North Africa, encouraging use of more adaptable vehicles such as the Sdkfz 250 half-track.

Kit Features and Construction

The Hobby Boss 1/35 scale kit reproduces the vehicle with careful attention to both exterior and interior detail. It contains over 320 plastic parts across 13 sprues and includes two photo-etched items to enhance small-scale features. The kit uses multi-directional slide-moulded upper hull elements and a two-directional slide-moulded lower hull for accurate panel shapes.

Modelling and Display Notes

Thanks to its interior detail, rubber tyres and etched components, this kit works well in museum-style displays or battlefield dioramas. Careful painting and weathering will bring out the intricate details and historical character of the vehicle.