Armoured wheeled vehicles were developed early in Germany after the end of World War I, since they were not subject to the restrictions of the Versailles Treaty. The Sd.Kfz. 234 belonged to the ARK series of chassis and was the successor to the earlier Sd.Kfz. 231/232/233 8-Rad, which belonged to the GS chassis series.
The combat experience of fast-moving, hard-hitting wheeled reconnaissance vehicles during the Wehrmacht's early invasions of Poland and France impressed German military officials, but indicated some deficiencies in existing designs. A new armored car project was thus undertaken in August 1940. The Sd.Kfz. 234 was designed later that year, It was to have a single chassis with eight wheels, and an air-cooled engine for use in North Afrika.
Chassis were built by Büssing-NAG in Leipzig-Wahren, while armored bodies were provided by Deutsche Edelstahlwerke of Krefeld and turrets by Daimler Benz in Berlin-Marienfelde and Schichau of Elbing, with engines from Ringhoffer-Tatra-Werke AG of Nesselsdorf.
The first trials with the prototype started around July of 1942. Due to problems with the excessive noise of the first engine, a second model was developed, the Tatra 103. The vehicle had eight-wheel steering and was able to quickly change direction thanks to a second, rear-facing, driver's seat.Tthe transmission had six forward and reverse gears, with traction over the eight wheels. Power was provided by an air-cooled Tatra 103 diesel engine. The Sd.Kfz. 234 was the first and only German armored vehicle to use an air cooled diesel engine. This was originally intended as a temporary solution until the engine could be redesigned to function better in harsher tropical climates, however, the war in North Afrika was over and thus the Tatra 103 was used until the end of production.
With the war in North Afrika over it nevertheless proved useful on the Eastern and Western Fronts. The Sd.Kfz. 234 was commonly used in pairs, one equipped with a long-range radio communications kit while the other possessed only a short-range radio. The long-range unit was identifiable by the large star antenna on the left side of the vehicle.
I had to start on something plastic since I've been working on my wooden longship. So much sanding to do on it, I've taken it to work with me and plan to work on all the sanding during my breaks since it's a messy job.
Started by removing and cleaning up the parts for the chassis and suspension.
You can make the steering workable by cutting the tabs of part B4 off
Then part D18 and D19 can move once trapped by the suspension.
Also will have to modify the linkage parts, I'll show that when I get to it. Once I have the wheels in the position I want I will glue them in place.
Here is the first 3 steps completed a total of 63 pieces the instructions are typical of Dragon and really have to study them to see where everything fits.
Thanks for looking in
SKOL!
