Model Car Military Vehicle SdKfz 251/3
Echelle: 1/43ème
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Discover this faithful reproduction of the SdKfz 251/3, one of the most iconic armored vehicles of World War II. This military miniature accurately captures the details of this armored troop transport that marked the history of 20th-century conflicts.
This collector's item is aimed at military history enthusiasts and vintage vehicle collectors, offering an authentic testimony of a pivotal period in European history.
Miniature Features
- Model: SdKfz 251/3
- Type: Armored military vehicle
- Era: World War II (1940-1945)
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Period military camouflage
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the Original Vehicle
The SdKfz 251/3 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 251/3) was developed in the early 1940s as a specialized version of the famous German half-track SdKfz 251. This variant was specifically designed to serve as a mobile command post and communication vehicle, equipped with advanced radio facilities for the time.
With 14.5 mm of front armor and 8 mm of side armor, this half-track vehicle could transport up to 12 men at a maximum speed of 52 km/h. Its hybrid design, combining front steering wheels and rear-driving tracks, gave it exceptional mobility across all types of terrain, from paved roads to muddy battlefields.
More than 15,000 units of the SdKfz 251 family were produced during the conflict, making this series one of the most widespread armored vehicles in the German army. The 251/3 model represented a major tactical evolution, allowing units to maintain effective communications even on the front lines.
Historical Context and Use
During World War II, the SdKfz 251/3 was mainly used by the German armored and motorized divisions. Its role as a mobile command post made it a crucial component of the blitzkrieg doctrine, allowing officers to coordinate operations directly from the field.
The design of this vehicle addressed specific communication needs on the battlefield, a major challenge of modern conflicts. Equipped with distinctive radio antennas and sophisticated transmission equipment, it allowed for maintaining links between advanced units and headquarters, thereby revolutionizing military tactics of the time.
These vehicles were deployed on all European fronts, from the campaign in France to the Russian steppes, demonstrating their robustness and versatility. Their presence often marked the focal points of military operations, making them prime targets but also symbols of German organizational efficiency.
A Coveted Piece by Collectors
One of the most fascinating anecdotes about the SdKfz 251/3 lies in its post-war rediscovery. Many abandoned examples were recovered by Allied forces and civilian populations, with some even being converted into agricultural vehicles in European countryside.
In the 1960s, a French farmer discovered a perfectly preserved SdKfz 251/3 in his barn, used for twenty years to transport hay. This vehicle, originally abandoned by a retreating unit in 1944, had been camouflaged and forgotten for decades. Its restoration revealed intact radio equipment, providing historians with a unique insight into the communication technologies of the time.
This discovery perfectly illustrates how these witnesses of history continue to fascinate, far beyond their original military use. Today, the few preserved examples in museums attract thousands of visitors, eager to understand the technological and tactical evolution of this troubled period.
This exceptional historical dimension explains why miniatures of the SdKfz 251/3 are so sought after by collectors, who see in them much more than just a collectible object, but a true fragment of European history.
Complete Your Collection of Historical Miniatures
This reproduction of the SdKfz 251/3 naturally finds its place alongside other iconic military vehicles. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to the military history of the 20th century, especially complementing other military vehicles of the same era.
History enthusiasts will particularly appreciate being able to display it alongside 1940s miniatures, thus creating a true panorama of this crucial decade. This piece appeals to both experienced collectors and novices eager to discover history through miniatures.
With its 1/43rd scale, it harmonizes perfectly with most existing collections, allowing for the creation of strikingly realistic and authentic historical dioramas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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