1/35 “Stuka zu Fuß” Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf.B

The Sd.Kfz. 251 was one of the most widely used German half-track armoured personnel carriers of the Second World War and became one of the symbols of the Wehrmacht’s mechanised units. The basic Ausf.B version was one of the early production variants, which differed from later models in a number of design details, such as the armour configuration and the hull’s equipment. The vehicle was primarily used to transport troops and their equipment to the immediate vicinity of the battlefield, combining off-road mobility with partial protection for the crew. It was precisely the versatility of the Sd.Kfz. 251 chassis that led to the development of many specialised variants.

This particular version, known as the ‘Stuka zu Fuß’, carried Wurfrahmen 40 launchers for heavy rocket projectiles on the sides of its hull. The nickname referred to the devastating effect of the fire, which German soldiers associated with the dive-bombing attacks of the Ju 87 Stuka. This design gave the armoured personnel carrier the capability to provide concentrated fire support without the need to deploy separate artillery units, and made the vehicle an interesting and distinctive subject for model-makers.

The ICM kit in this version offers a model comprising 425 parts, resulting in a richly detailed and faithful replica of the original, including the characteristic launch frames. The finished model, measuring 170 × 60 mm, is suitable both as a stand-alone display piece and as a striking element in a diorama with a ground combat theme. When painting, it is customary to highlight the panelling, apply operational soiling and depict edge wear consistent with intensive field use. The pack does not contain the paints or adhesives required for assembly.