Tamiya 35268 - 1:35 Sd.Kfz.223

Plastic model kit of the German Sd.Kfz.223 light radio armoured car in 1:35 scale

The Sd.Kfz.223 was not built to fight — its job was to spot the enemy and pass the word on at once. The distinctive frame antenna stretched above the hull is one of the most recognisable details of German reconnaissance vehicles. Tamiya 35268 depicts the Ausf.A version of this four-wheeled armoured radio car (Funkwagen).

The kit comprises 129 parts; the 2003 release is a reissue of the 1975 boxing. Tamiya includes photo-etched parts for the turret screens — an element that never looks as convincing in plastic. The frame antenna is reproduced in the raised position. Accessories such as jerry cans, a camouflage net and canteens, plus a commander figure in tropical uniform, allow the vehicle to be shown in field conditions.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues (129 parts) with hull, turret and chassis
• Photo-etched parts: turret screens
• Frame antenna (reproduced in the raised position)
• Accessories: jerry cans, camouflage net, canteens
• Commander figure in tropical uniform
• Waterslide decal sheet: Afrika Korps units, Waffen-SS and the "Grossdeutschland" division
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35268
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 137 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (photo-etched parts, frame antenna)

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

The modest part count keeps the build itself brisk. Two stages call for patience: working with the photo-etched turret screens, which are bent to shape and fixed with cyanoacrylate glue, and fitting the frame antenna — best left until the end, once the rest of the model is painted, as it is a delicate part that is easy to catch.

Paint colours depend on the option chosen: sand yellow typical of Afrika Korps vehicles (e.g. Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow) or dark Panzergrau grey (XF-63 German Grey) for vehicles on the European front. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps to avoid decal silvering, with a matt varnish as the final finish. A wash brings out the rivets and hull detail, while pigments on the wheels and fenders capture the character of a reconnaissance vehicle in the field.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust effects

About the vehicle – Sd.Kfz.223:

The Sd.Kfz.223 was a light 4×4 armoured car, the radio variant of the Wehrmacht's family of light reconnaissance vehicles. Its task was not to fight but to scout and maintain communications, which is why it carried a long-range radio set and the characteristic frame antenna stretched above the hull.

Armament was limited to an MG34 machine gun in a small turret, protected from above by folding anti-grenade screens. The three-man crew relied on light armour proof against small-arms fire and splinters — the vehicle was meant to withdraw from danger rather than engage it.

The Sd.Kfz.223 served with the reconnaissance battalions of panzer divisions on every front, from North Africa, where it operated with the Afrika Korps, to the Eastern Front. Its ability to send reports quickly over long distances was crucial to the tempo of German armoured operations.

Original vehicle specifications (Sd.Kfz.223 Ausf.A):

• Type: light radio armoured car (Funkwagen)
• Drive layout: 4×4
• Crew: 3
• Armament: MG34 machine gun
• Special equipment: long-range radio set with frame antenna
• Protection: folding anti-grenade screens above the turret
• Service: reconnaissance battalions of panzer divisions, including the Afrika Korps and the "Grossdeutschland" division

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. It began in the timber trade and wooden models, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came a 1:35 tank kit that established the scale as the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for exceptionally precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. For selected kits Tamiya includes photo-etched parts, allowing screens and other thin elements to be reproduced more accurately than would be possible in plastic. Alongside plastic kits the company offers a full range of paints, cements, tools and brushes. It is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.