The Sd.kfz 222 is part of a family of light armored cars that started with the 221. Prototypes of this series were initially developed around 1937 and were produced until 1942. However these useful vehicles were used until the end of the war. The main difference between the 221 and the 222 was in the weapon carried. The 221 had a a seven sided open topped turret with a single 7.92mm machine gun. Later in the war, a 2.3 cm anti-tank rifle replaced the machine gun. The 222 (and subject of this kit) had a ten sided open topped turret with a 20mm anti-tank gun in addition to the machine gun.

All of these vehicles were based on a Horch/Auto Union chassis which had either a 3.5 liter, 75 hp engine (Ausf A) or later production had a 3.8 liter 81 hp engine (Ausf B). Both had the engine in the rear. The chassis had a four wheel drive, fully independent suspension. Initially, they also had four wheel steering, but this was removed later as it proved to be unnecessary. The differentials were full locking ensuring that all four wheels were able to provide traction.

The hull was welded steel plate with a door on either side. The open top was covered by a framework with steel mesh (obviously to prevent the odd hand grenade from being dropped inside). Elevation and azimuth of the turret were manually controlled via small hand wheels. 

I like the 222 and in the past have built both the 1/48 version by ICM and 1/35 version by Tamiya. This one was won in a raffle otherwise I probably would not have it. Overall, the tan parts look pretty good, thought not with the same finesse as the Tamiya version. Though marketed as 1/35, previous boxings and the instructions have 1/32 on the box and this J Lloyd release has that in the instructions. Is there much difference between the two scales. Well, not unless you put them side by side and then you'll see the 1/32 version is larger.

The kit provides a full lower hull into which all the interior bits are fitted. You'll be able to see some of this from the outside, but much will be practically unseen unless you remove the turret assembly later on. The kit provides a driver and one needs to attach the side mounted tire prior to adding the upper section.

Axles are provided for the four wheels and I'd like to think that all four will be able to touch the ground at the same time. Construction then moves to the turret which is very simple. A floor, the guns and ammo over which the single piece shield is fit. This all attaches to the upper body. There is also a floor for the turret along with a pair of figures (gunner and commander). The kit provides an unscreened frame, which looks a bit odd in the box art. One could easily adapt sections of plastic window screen to fill the openings. Though the frames are shown closed, I guess you could pose them open if you wish. The rest of the external bits like lights, fenders and rear section are then added.

Instructions are adequate and provide no color information, recommending you look at the box art for that. The lone marking option is what is on the box top and is a panzer yellow vehicle. Since it would have originally been painted panzer grey, any deteriorating yellow paint would show the underlying grey. The decal sheet is well printed, but I'm not sure if the markings are historically accurate. There are probably aftermarket ones if so interested. Some of these survived to be used post war by whatever country they were in when the war terminated.

So there you have it. A look in Google shows that they can be found in the $15-25.00 range so they do make an inexpensive alternative to the Tamiya kit. Thanks to the fairly low parts count, this would be a nice one for a newer modeler.