Hobby Boss 1/35 Sd.Kfz 222 Leichter Panserspahwagen 2 cm, previewed by Scott Van Aken

HISTORY

The Leichter Panzerspähwagen (German: roughly "Light Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle") were a series of light four-wheel drive armoured cars produced by Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1944.

They were developed by Eisenwerk Weserhütte of Bad Oeynhausen. Chassis were built by Auto Union in Zwickau and assembled by F. Schichau of Elbing andMaschinenfabrik Niedersachsen in Hanover-Linden.

It used the standard sPkw I Horch 801 (heavy car) chassis with an angled armoured body and turret.

The rear mounted engine was a 67 kW (90 hp) Horch 3.5 petrol engine, giving it a road speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). It had a maximum range of 300 km (186 mi).

Used by the reconnaissance battalions (Aufklärungs-Abteilung) of the Panzer divisions, the type performed well enough in countries with good road networks, like those in Western Europe. However, on the Eastern Front and North Africa, this class of vehicle was hampered by its relatively poor off-road performance. In those theaters, it gradually found itself replaced in the reconnaissance role by the Sdkfz 250 half-track. The Sdkfz 250/9 was the Sdkfz 250 with the same turret as the Sdfkz 222.

The Sdkfz 222 was examined by Soviet designers before they created the similar BA-64 light armoured car.

Front and sides were made of 8 mm (0.3 in) steel; thinner 5 mm (0.2 in) plates protected the top, rear, and bottom. Cast vision ports later replaced ports cut into the armour. The open topped turret was fitted with wire mesh anti-grenade screens.

Molded in Hobby Boss' typical light grey plastic, the kit is packaged with one sprue per poly bag. The exceptions to this are the upper and lower hull which are in one bag and the four rubber tires which are in another. The kit's three photo etch sprues are packaged with a section of thick card to keep them unbent.

The detailing on the parts is first rate. There is no flash, I found no sink marks and while many parts have ejector pin marks on them, assembly will determine how many, if any will be visible in the finished product. The kit includes a full chassis complete with frame rails, cross members, differentials and suspension parts. There is also a complete transaxle assembly and what appears to be a full motor as well. Unlike many other 222 kits, this one comes with a full interior as well, complete with weapons stowage.

The photo etch is an integral part of the building of this kit so one cannot really leave anyof it off. Of course, much of the p.e. is used for the anti-grenade screens, but there are a myriad of other places where it is used, both inside and outside the vehicle. One of the highlights of the build is the 20mm cannon and its mount. The detailing is superb and one has the option for three different guns; a Flak 38, KWK 30 and KWK 38. Even the rubber tires are superbly done and add a bit more realism to the finished kit.

Instructions are on two large fold-out pages that include painting information during the build in generic and Gunze colors. The overall painting guide is full color and offers more paint choices. You basically have a choice between panzer grey and desert tan vehicles that differ only in license plates and unit badges. Both are with North African units. The decal sheet is well printed and provides basic insignia and license numbers.

All in all it is a superlative kit that should make into an equally impressive mode. While the price may seem high, considering all the detail that you are getting, it is reasonable. About my only wish would have been for crew figures, but you can easily get these from stand-alone figure sets.

My thanks to Squadron Products for the review kit. Get yours at your local shop or on-line retailer.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

KIT:	A
KIT #:	82442
PRICE:	$48.99 MSRP
DECALS:	Two options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	New mold kit