Bolt Action – SdKfz 250/1 250/3 and 250/10 variants Ausf. A

The German motor pool receives another addition. Warlord Games picks up the Sd.Kfz. 250 "Alte" again, and adds further variants for the Ausführung A.

The Sd.Kfz 250/1 is the leichter Schützenpanzerwagen, the standard troop carrier. Build straight from the sprues, no additional parts or conversion needed. There is already a multi-option box available, giving you access to the /9 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (2 cm), a Reconnaissance variant with a 2 cm KwK 38 autocannon and a small turret, identical with the one of the Sd.Kfz. 222 armoured cars, and the /11 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (schwere Panzerbüchse 41), with a heavy anti-tank rifle and an MG 34. This new set, covers two additional sprues, adding the /3 leichter Funkpanzerwagen, command variant, equipped with radio equipment and /10 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (3.7 cm PaK), another reconnaissance variant with the 3.7 cm PaK 35/36, variants.

Sd.Kfz. 250 plastic kit has replaced the standard resin kit and the variants now covered in plastic replaced the remaining resin kits, that were still available. Thus, moving these kits from partially Made-to-Order range to a broader Warlord Games trade network, as it is easier to stock and replaces 3 / 5 older kits.

The Sd.Kfz. 250s are available as a single kit at a RRP 21 GBP or a bundle covering three of them for 55 GBP.

Sd.Kfz. stands for Sonderkraftfahrzeug ("special motor vehicle") and was the denomination pre-fix for all kind of military vehicles with a number following up, identifying the actual model. In this case Sd.Kfz. 250 designates a light armoured half-track, used as a troop carrier and baser for many variants and alterations. It is very similar in design to the larger Sd.Kfz. 251, and came in different design patterns, Ausführungen (shortened Ausf.), as an earlier mark Ausf. A and later mark Ausf. B with a boxier, simplified design. The Ausf. A is often called "Alte", as it is promoted on this packaging.

The Sd.Kfz. 250 had different names in 1939, from 1 to Mannschaftstransportwagen gepanzert (Kfz. 250) (1t armoured personal carrier), to leichter gepanzerter Mannschaftstransportwagen (Sd.Kfz. 250) (light armoured personal carrier) towards the end of the year as gepanzerter Zugkraftwagen (Sd.Kfz. 250) (armoured towing vehicle). Yet it was not before 1941 until it went into production and the first units were delivered to the troops. The initial production run of the Ausf. A lasted until May 1943, with the following Ausf. B produced until April 1945. A total of 6.628 units of both variants were manufactured, of which around 4.200 units were Ausf. A.

Of the multiple variants, covering command and observation variants, some up armoured variants were in there as well - included in this kit. Beside the standard troop carrier (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) you can build the command variant, equipped with radio equipment (Sd.Kfz. 250/3 leichter Funkpanzerwagen) and a third variant, the Sd.Kfz. 250/10, a recon variant armed with a 3,7 cm PaK 35.

The kit covers four sprues in total, two medium sized for the base kit and two smaller ones with the parts for the variants. We have a coloured multipage instruction booklet, which covers painting information as well, and we have the stat-cards, decals and some damage markers.

This is a UK produced plastic kit, we have the hard plastic bulky frames, as we know from the infantry kits. This is not an Italeri re-sized kit. Casting is proper, minor mould lines, which are due to the non-organic shapes easy to clean and the space within the frames was properly used.

A nice touch are the different crews, covering regular and winter uniform, so you can really use these from Northern Africa, over Europe towards Eastern Front or the Ardennes.

The main parts of the chassis are larger single pieces, to which smaller details are added. We begin as usual with the track section. The Sd.Kfz. 250 is a smaller variant of the Sd.Kfz. 251 and a half-track as well, with track sections in the back and regular wheels in the front.

The driver compartment is the same for all of them, but the seated section has different build ups depending on the variant. Assembly goes quickly, yet not all information is properly seen due to the point of view angle in the instructions.

Once the "cabin" is done, it is assembled to the track section.

Now the front wheels are added, along with a small armour plate for the underbody. You could angle the wheels if you want to, as they have a little play. Beyond that, make sure to align them properly.

Now we continue to add the outer parts, like armour panels, boxes and especially tools. If you want to recreate battle damage, it is now a perfect time. You can damage some of these parts or leave them off all together. Once again make sure, that you have the right bit for the right spot and maybe use a pair of tweezers for easier appliance.

From here we have the options to build the variants. Depending on how variable you want to be, you could probably magnetize them, but for gaming purposes and stability (and because they are not that expensive), I recommend you choose one and stay with it - at least with the bigger differences like the radio cars, as the regular Sd.Kfz. with heavier guns are easier to keep modular.

We assemble the radio equipment, which replaces part of the ammunition / seating area inside, and then add the "bedstead" aerial frame. As I already have a Sd.Kfz. 250/3, as Greif, Rommel's personal command vehicle, I went for the /10 variant with this kit. The last picture shows a side-by-side with the Rubicon kit.

The variant we're going for is the /10 with a 3,7 cm PaK 35. A third seat is added to the back area, along with a cabin and rack for the rifles. The PaK 35 is assembled, you don't need to glue it in place, you could easily stick it or magnetise it and for example, keep it swap-able for a regular 250/1 or /11 with the 2,8-cm-schweren Panzerbüchse 41, as you can see side-by-side in the last picture.

The last step is the addition of stowage, like cans and gear. You're quite flexible on this. As you can see, I kept the guns in a way that I can swap between 250/1 and 250/10.

Now for the crew, as mentioned above, you have various options. As a special with this, covering the 250/3, you even have a plastic Rommel and not just winter and regular gear to choose from.

And a comparison of the 250/10 with the 250/1 and 251/1, for a better understand of the longer variant.

The Sd.Kfz. 250/10 without crew from the side and back.

Conclusion

I like that Warlord Games replaces the remaining resin kits with further plastics. It makes proper use of the core and that's just what plastic model kits are strong at. When you're playing a mobilized for Bolt Action, these are great to bulk up, especially the platoon bundles and if you're going for something very vehicle intensive like an Afrikakorps army.

Building was overall quick and easy, especially if you already built one or two of these. One some steps, especially with the interior, the angle in the instructions is a bit blurry, where exactly the pieces go. I had no problems with miscast or something, but if you should come across an error or mispack, just get in touch with the customer service. Warlord Games' customer service is well known for their high quality and were awarded multiple times over the last few years.

In direct comparison, the RRP of these are higher compared to the prices by Rubicon. Yet, the availability is far better with Warlord and most FLGS will give you discount on the RRP.

With the Ausf. A being dominantly around until mid-1943, it is something mostly for early to mid-war projects. A good fit for the early to mid-Eastern campaigns, and absolutely along with the Sd.Kfz. 251 platoon bundle for North Africa. As these kits do not come with that much stowage, I suggest you get your hands on one of these.

Bolt Action is a brand of Warlord Games.

The reviewed product item was provided by the manufacturer.