Sdkfz 251 in "28mm" - A comparison

Sdkfz 251/10 B in Ukraine circa 1942.

The iconic "Hanomag Sdkfz 251" SPW (Schützenpanzerwagen) is a near essential purchase for anyone wanting to build a Panzergrenadier force.  Until a few years back (well a decade or so!) your options were largely limited to the venerable Solido diecast.  Things are now quite different.

In the following article I will show four different models available to the wargamer.  It may surprise some to see just how much the size of these vehicles varies - although all are marketed toward the "25/28mm" gamer.

In order of size (biggest to smallest) here goes:

Second City's 251 B.

First up, the offering from Second City. Priced at £7.00 it is clearly a "budget" option.  This is sadly apparent when it comes to quality - the resin casting is full of flaws - looking almost hand-poured!  The vehicle looks to be based upon a late "Ausf B" model and is thus usable for the duration of the Eastern War.

This kit comes in five parts (body, tracks and wheels)  No machine guns are supplied.  The vehicle is large being near to 1:48 scale (In fact I suspect it is a cast of a commercial kit)  That said, if your funds are limited and you are prepared to do a fair bit of work, this may be an option to consider.  Personally, I am tempted to take a crack at one and see if I can make it look acceptable - that is if it doesn't dwarf my Marder III!

BAM/Warlord's 251 D.

Next we move to Bolt Action Miniatures' ausf D (very late 1943 onwards) priced around £18.00.  My samples were bought  (4 years ago) before Warlord Games acquired BAM and they prompted a mixed reaction.  The kit comprises five parts (Hull, track and wheels on a base plus MGs and shield) and apart from the base they are well cast.  The latter was a real mess on both examples.

The track details had been chipped off before packaging and unless these were covered in scale "mud" they would disfigure an otherwise fine model.  I remember asking BAM for replacements and getting these only after a few less than pleasant exchanges.  If Warlord has rectified these casting and service problems I would wholeheartedly recommend the model, if not I would be wary.  Sold as 1:56 scale the height appears spot-on, although they look a little narrow compared to an Artizan figure.

AGNM excellent 251 B.

Third is an Army Group North model (£20.00 in the UK from The Wargames Command Post)  Again, this is an early variant (ausf A according to "Ditto" at TMP) this time with three rifle/vision ports on each of side of the hull.  It is a three piece model with only the MGs to add to a large resin moulding.

This hunk of resin is beautifully cast with no flaws present.  Like the BAM/Warlord model, this 1:56 beastie looks to be of correct height.  However, this time the width looks a little better.  The one problem is the length, I think it is slightly shorter than it should be.  I haven't measured it but my ageing eyeballs suggest that an extra 5mm or so would improve things.  This is a fairly minor niggle considering the overall excellence of this model - recommended.

The diminutive Westwind version.

Finally, we have an Sdkfz 251/9 from Westwind Productions priced at £14.00.  This is the only 100% metal kit and is thus a pretty heavy item.  The detail on the kit is good (this is an ausf C) but my examples (I had two) were of variable quality.  The first had large areas that were missing due to poor casting!  Westwind replaced this promptly and the replacement was fine - so I guess I was just unlucky - again!

The model is formed from hull halves that, for some weird reason, join vertically passing through the front, deck and rear of the vehicle.  This is a very poor design feature as the resulting seam is extremely hard to fill.  Additionally, the joining of two large hunks of metal is not for the faint-hearted.  When it comes to scale these are 1:60 and therefore very small compared to modern "heroic" 28s.  Westwind produce their own range of "25mm"  miniatures that work well with this model but I doubt many would wish to mix these little fellas with the more modern style of figure.

As an incidental note, I have seen Westwinds SPW used to great effect with Valiant Miniature's supposedly 20mm figures!

There are other options nowadays, Tamiya (1:48) and JTFM/Die Waffenkammer (1:56) spring to mind.  Sadly I don't have these to hand for comparison.  Both look to be of great quality albeit in different scales.

Comparative sizes of the four models.

To summarise, much will depend upon your choice of figures and your other vehicles.  As I have said before, the weird and unrealistic proportions of most 28mm miniatures make choosing appropriate vehicles difficult.

Whilst spot-on in terms of height, both the AGNM and BAM/Warlord models are not really big enough for an heroic 28 crew.  If you tried to seat ten miniatures in the rear you would soon see that it just won't happen.  Even if you imagine that your little men are suddenly rendered malleable, it is readily apparent that they are too broad and squat.  The vehicle was cramped - but not that tiny.

Reenactors and their mount.

Then again the Second City vehicle is enormous and your PzGrens would be riding in luxury!  The over-scale problem is most obvious when you look at the drive wheels - they are monstrous.  However, if you are using 1:48 diecasts or plastic models, the over-sized problem is redundant.



Personally, I would say that any of the first three can work with heroic 28s - just don't mix and match.

Review: Armourfast's Hanomag SPW Sdkfz 251/1

Armourfast Sdkfz 251/1 box art.

I have decided that  Frontkämpfer reviews will follow the same format as those at my Beimbach-Schönau blog - I hope the WW2 version will be as well received!


Armourfast produces a selection of simple injection moulded plastic kits in 1:72 scale.  These are priced at £7.50 (April 2011) for a box of two identical models.  This line was started by HäT Industrie but now appears to be autonomous.  Due to the simplification of components, the models are aimed toward wargamers rather than the scale modelling fraternity.

The box contains two of these sprues.

Today I received the Sdkfz 251 box, purchased directly from the Armourfast website.  The model depicts a riveted "C" variant  (there were also some welded vehicles) suitable for the entire 1941-45 period.  Out of the box I am pretty impressed.  The first thing that struck me was the relatively high number of parts compared to some of their earlier offerings - each kit comprises 26 pieces.  These are moulded in high density styrene and are suited to assembly with liquid polystyrene cement.  I would advise against super/crazy glue or tube cement - neither work as well as the liquid.

Upper hull and track units.

The quality of moulding and the level of detail are very good.  The upper hull sports some very subtle rivet detail that will reward careful use of the brush or airbrush.  The location of moulding "gates" is well thought out and will necessitate minimal clean-up.  I was especially pleased with the front wheels and MG42s - these are very well realised.  I have not yet assembled the models but they certainly appear to have captured the look of the original.  The track units are less impressive but thoroughly acceptable.  Many people complain about the greatly simplified track patterns.  To me these are not of great concern especially when covered by the long mudguards.  Interior detail is limited to four cushion bench seats and a rudimentary floor plate.  Both moulded with minimal texturing.  No front seats are provided.

Front Wheels and MG42s.

When it comes to negatives, a few areas stand out.  Firstly, the view ports are supplied as separate parts.  This is plain silly.  All the Sdkfz 251/1 C variants are going to need these so why not mould them attached to the hull?  It is just "making work" for the customer.  Although headlamps are provided, for some strange reason the ever-present "Notek" light is missing.  The exhaust muffler and indicator lights are also AWOL.  Some people will find these major niggles.  Additionally, the lack of drivers' area details may gall some people wanting to cram the compartment with detail.

To summarise, these models earn an unequivocal "thumbs up".  They are nicely detailed, easy to convert and CHEAP!  To decide between these models at £3.75 each or an over-scale resin and metal hybrid at twice the price is a no-brainer.

Finally, apologies for the photos, typically overcast day with 60w lighting.

Postscript: "Number4" at TMP has pointed out that whilst the half-track is suitable for the entire 41-45 period, the MG42 is not.  This is quite correct.  Source replacements if you intend using this in Barbarossa or Blau! 

Scores out of 10 - thoroughly personal ratings explained:

Sculpting - Quality of detail and accuracy

Casting - Mismoulds and flashing

Variety - How comprehensive is the range

Service - Was the seller easy to reach, polite and helpful

Delivery - How long did they take to get to me

Value - Are they a good deal overall

Delivery time based upon my experience.

Sculpting:                        8.5/10 

Casting:                            10/10 No sinkholes no flash.

Variety of Subject:    6/10  Relatively small selection but expanding.

Customer Service:    */10  Dealings automated, therefore no rating.

Delivery Time:            9/10 Six days UK-UK.

Value:                                10/10