ICM Sd.Kfz. 260 German Radio Communication Vehicle - 1:48 ICM

[Paul A H]

Sd.Kfz. 260 German Radio Communication Vehicle

1:48 ICM

 

 

The Sd.Kfz. 260 was part of the Leichter Panzerspähwagen (light armoured reconnaissance vehicle) series of armoured cars. Unlike the Sd.Kfz. 221, 222 ans 223, the Sd.Kfz. 260 Kleiner Panzerfunkwagen was unarmed but featured a radio set and roof-mounted antenna dedicated to communication with aircraft. It was powered by the same Horch 3.8 litre V8 petrol engine, coupled to a four-wheel system for off-road performance. Almost 500 examples of the Sd.Kfz. 260 and the similar 261 were produced by the end of the War.

 

1:48 is still rather a niche scale for AFV modellers, but it has been around for a lot longer than you might think.  The scale was first popularised by Bandai, who developed a fairly good range of vehicles and figures in the 1970s and 80s, before pulling out of the market some time in the 1990s. Tamiya picked up the mantle in 2006, and have steadily built up a good range of kits, focussing mainly on WWII subjects, but adding more modern subjects such as the recently announced M1A1 Abrams. Other manufacturers such as Ace, AFV Club, Airfix, Italeri and ICM have also released kits along the way. It is the latter manufacturer  with which we are concerned here, as they have just released the first Sd.Kfz 260 in this scale. Inside ICM's typically robust box are five frames of grey plastic, as well as a set of rubber tyres and a small fret of photo etched brass. Full colour instructions and decals complete the package. Moulding is clean and crisp, with plenty of fine detail. Just like the Sd.Kfz. 223 released last year, this kit borrows the moulds from ICM's earlier Sd.Kfz. 222 and adds parts for the 260's radio gear, as well as the option of rubber tyres.

 

 

 

There is no interior to speak of, so construction kicks off by joining the upper and lower sections of the hull together. A quick dry fit of the parts suggests the fit might not be world-class, but I'm sure it can be made to go together well enough with the application of pressure (and a bit of shouting) in the right places). Crew access doors are moulded seperately, but the lack of intereior means most modellers will simply glue them shut. The axles, drive shaft and transfer box are all moulded as one part, which is good for ease of assembly. 

 

 

 

As mentioned previously, there is a choice of plastic or rubber tyres provided, which is a smart move on ICM's part as it caters for all tastes. Small details such as headlights, mud guards, and stowage bins are next. As this is one of the unarmed variants of the Leichter Panzerspähwagen, there is no turret to assemble. Instead, the semi-open crew compartment is covered by a mesh roof constructed from three parts which need to be carefully folded in order to create the correct shape. You can finish the model with the two mesh hatches in the open position, as depicted on the box artwork, although the instructions don't reflect this. If you don't have a dedicated etch folding tool, it might be a good idea to invest in one prior to begining work on this kit. The vertical radio antenna provides the finishing touch, along with a few tools which have been moulded seperately to the rest of the kit. 

 

 

 

Decal options include:

• Sd.Kfz. 260, Ukraine, Summer 1941 (finished in overall grey);
• Sd.Kfz. 260, "Grossdeautschland" Division, Don area, Summer 1942 (finished in overall grey);
• Sd.Kfz. 260, Russia, Winter 1942 (finished in overall grey with a worn, temporary white camouflage); and
• Sd.Kfz. 260, 5th Panzer Division, DAK, Libya, Summer 1942 (finished in overall dark yellow).

 

The decals, such as they are, look nicely printed.

 

Conclusion

 

Any new 1:48 AFV kit is welcome as far as I am concerned, and this is no exception. It is small, fairly simple, yet well-detailed and goes together without any major problems. Even though it is based on the older Sd.Kfz.222 kit, it shows that ICM are keeping the faith with the scale. Recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of