Sd.Kfz. 231 6 Rad
Early WW II German Armoured Car

Italeri 1/72 Scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

Summary

FirstLook

The Sd Kfz 231 was not much more than a lightly armoured truck first issued to the German Arny in the early 1930s and replaced by better and more modern 4 and 8 wheeled vehicles just after the start of the Second World War. Although is was not very successful, it led to the design and manufacture of a whole host of highly useful vehicles.

This is a modified re-issue of the original Sd Kfz 232 6 Rad released by Italeri about 12 months ago. The difference is, the 232 6 Rad had an extra piece of sprue on the right-hand end which carried the frame aerial and mounts while this one has an extra piece on the left-hand which carries a turret mounted MG and some other small bits. The main part of the sprue frame is identical in both cases. A review of the 232 6 Rad can be found by following this link http://misc.kitreview.com/armourreviews/italeri7032reviewgp_1.htm

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

All the parts are on the one sprue including the extra bits for this vehicle. There are no sink marks or ejector pin marks anywhere that will show after the kit is assembled although there is a small amount of flash - nothing to cause any concern. Of the three pioneer tools, two are moulded on one of the guards (fenders) but the pick is a separate part. Care will need to be taken as many parts are extremely fine. Italeri has no qualms about moulding very small slim parts unlike some other kit makers. My only criticism of the plastic is that all the hatches are closed but it should not be too much of a task to open them if required.

Decals by Zanchetti Buccinasco are very good as usual with markings for four vehicles, all in the early war Panzer Grey. All are naturally German Army, three from unknown units, Germany 1938 and 39 and Poland 1939 plus the fourth from the 2nd Panzer Division, France 1940. Here is the only other fault I could find in this kit. The colour recommended for these vehicle is RLM 70.

Now, as far as I know, RLM 70, a Luftwaffe colour, is known as Dark Green with I believe a slight Grey tinge. I think these should be in Panzer Grey which is a Dark Grey with a slight Blue tings and this is backed up by the box artwork and by the Schwatrzgrau recommendation on the back of the box. Never mind, the plastic and decals are very good and you can paint it any colour you want, as long as it's Grey. Ahem!

It is good to see Italeri adding some more of their own moulding to the older but still very welcome Ex-Esci kits and what they have done so far is excellent in both detail and mould quality. It will be interesting to see what they will come up with next.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Italeri for the review sample.