Sd.Kfz. 233/–
s.Pz.Spähwg. (Pakwagen)
Airfix 1:76 Scale Vehicle Review

Outwardly similar to the Sd.Kfz. 234/4, this may be an unauthorized Pakwagen conversion of the Sd.Kfz. 233, mounting a 7.5 cm PaK 40. The Sd.Kfz 231 series of armoured cars, from which the Sd.Kfz. 233 descended, had less powerful engines, and thinner armour, compared to the improved 234 series. Airfix seems to have produced this model in error. Only 98 Pakwagen were built, and they should have been made from 234 series vehicles, not the earlier 231 series of 8×8 armoured cars. However, considering the significant equipment shortages encountered by the Wehrmacht, there is a possibility that the instructions were not carried out to the letter, and that the odd surviving 233 was indeed converted to the Pakwagen configuration.
Contents
Sd.Kfz. 233/– Pakwagen Conversion
- Type: Heavy Armoured Car, 8×8
- Wheelbase: 2.75 m (1.35 m bogie)
- Length: 5.85 m
- Width: 2.20 m
- Height: 2.50 m
- Weight: 7.9 t
- Armament: 7.5 cm L.46 PaK 40
- Commander, Driver, Gunner, Loader
- Note: Rear driving position removed
Evaluation
Scale model with much raised detail.
Few parts, easy to assemble. The angle of the gun shield must be carefully adjusted and monitored while the adhesive dries.
High quality kit. Parts fit well and there is minimal flash.
Compatible with Fujimi, Matchbox, Nitto, and VAC-U-CAST.
The vehicle probably did not exist in this configuration (see our tutorial: “Sd.Kfz.234/not!”), unless it was an unauthorized one-off field conversion, modelled on the Pakwagen Sd.Kfz. 234/4.
The reverse driving position is modelled in the open gun compartment, but this variant of the 233 would not have had a rear driver!
Historical Employment
- Pz. Aufklärungsabteilung (Armoured Recon Detachment), January 1945
- 3 Pakwagen in the Panzerjäger Platoon, Stabskompanie (HQ coy)
Possible Conversions
- Sd.Kfz. 234/4 Pakwagen with 7,5 cm PaK 40, January 1945
- Sd.Kfz. 231 schwerer Panzerspähwagen (8×8) with 2 cm L/55, 1939–1945
- Sd.Kfz. 232 schwerer Panzerspähwagen (8×8, Funk) – radio vehicle, July 1942–1945
- Sd.Kfz. 233 s. Pz.Spähwg. (8×8) with 7.5 cm L/24 StuK 37, January 1943–1945
Airfix’s Sd.Kfz. 233 is an unauthorized variant of a well designed armoured vehicle. The distinctive 8-wheeled chassis was used for a variety of armoured cars, it combined excellent cross-country mobility and speed. Heavy armoured cars served on all fronts and they were camouflaged in a number of different seasonal or regional patterns. The vehicle is a very useful anti-tank platform for wargamers, it’s cheap, fast, and effective.