Sd. Kfz. 251/3 Ausf. D „Starowka“ or „Szary Wilk” – the German/ Polish armored transporter

The multi-purpose armored transporter was designed to arm the armored mechanized units of the Wehrmacht. They were supposed to facilitate the infantry to get as close, as possible to the enemy's defensive lines and protect them from small arms fire and shrapnel. The chassis of the already produced Hanomag artillery tractor was used for the production of the transporter. Sd.Kfz.251 is based on the Sd.Kfz.11, but the installation of the armored transporter body required several changes to the chassis. The steering wheel was turned at an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the driver, the radiator was enlarged and relocated, a new fuel tank was installed and the exhaust system was rebuilt and replaced. These vehicles were a very advanced design and a number of special purpose devices were quickly built on their basis, which, like the transporters, were widely used by the Wehrmacht on all fronts and in the rear. Two transporters of the D version were taken from the Germans in the summer of 1944 by the Warsaw insurgents. On August 14, the transporter, captured from SS Division "Wiking", became the prey of Motorized Column "Wydra", led by Lieutenant V. Jastrzembowski "Aspira". On August 23 together with the “Kubusz” armored car, this transporter took part in the attack on the University of Warsaw. The assault group was led by Sergeant A. Devicz "Szary Wilk", who was killed during this attack. After returning from the attack, the transporter was named "Szary Wilk" in his honor. On September 2 he took part in the last unsuccessful attack to capture the University. Another transporter, which was seized by the rebels in the first days of August near the Castle Palace, is named "Starowka". At the end of the war, several intercepted transporters of this type were in the arsenal of the 1st Polish Army units.

A complex, well-detailed model, that requires care and attention for intermediate and advanced modelers. Model with full combat and engine compartment detailing, perfectly restored chassis, exterior details. The publication can be used to craft one of the two armored transporters, captured by the Warsaw insurgents, the “Szary Wilk” and the “Starowka”, to choose from. The publication has a rubbed cover, the details are intact and undamaged - that's why it is being sold at a lower price.