When huib posts such a beautiful build, I want to post one too. My 263 has just been completed.
I built an eight-wheel Sdkfz 263 from the old ARK series. Here, less experienced modelers can clearly see the differences between the two vehicle types.
I would like to introduce you to my latest project. Again, it's an 8-wheeler, but from the early ARK series. It's the SdKfz 263, also known as the heavy radio armored vehicle. It had powerful radio equipment, as can be seen from the 9-meter crank mast and the frame radio antenna.
It was used to relay reconnaissance results to the command staff. Since it was not designed for enemy contact, it only had an MG 34 for self-defense. The crew consisted of 5 men. The vehicle belongs to the 20th Panzer Division in Russia in 1942/43.
My kit is from Firrst to Fight. It is designed more for tabletop use, but with a little effort, it can also be built into a display piece.
I made about 12 changes, not all of which were absolutely necessary to achieve an appealing result.
1. Roof hatches opened, 2. Rear hatch opened, 3. 2 viewing hatches opened, 4. Pistol opening
5. Both rear engine covers opened. 6. Tow hook from the scrap box, 7. The radiator grille was drilled out and redesigned with etching scraps. It also has a black box to prevent people from seeing into the vehicle through the slats. 8. The so-called Zescheller plate attached to the front. For this, I took the last parts from an old etching sheet. 9. Additional gas can, wooden block, and a small homemade jack. 10. Dipsticks with mirrors on the fenders (not in the BS).
It was used to relay reconnaissance findings to the command posts. Since it was not designed for enemy contact, it only had an MG 34 for self-defense. The crew consisted of five men. The vehicle belonged to the 20th Panzer Division in Russia in 1942/43.
My kit is from Firrst to Fight. It is more suited for tabletop use. But
11. A tarpaulin made of wood glue and 12. The lamp guards on the sides. Old etched parts were also used here. However, these were flat. I thickened them up a bit with liquid filler so that they look more like round iron.
Enough words, here are my actions.
The slightly incorrect radiator grille is drilled out.
The gun opening was removed and the hole drilled. The arrow marks the turn signal
(direction indicator), which was later removed and replaced with an old etched part.
The drilled-out radiator grille and frame are filed down.
The roof hatch is cut through at the crossbars using a mini drill and a dental drill bit.
Attach the pistol flap with rain protection, remove the engine flaps and viewing hatches, leave the hinges in place, and glue the new flaps under the hinges. Later, shadow painting will follow, because there is no hole. All hatches were rebuilt with stops and handles.
At the front, you can see the splinter plate as an etched part. It is from an old etched part sheet of an
SdKfz 232 radio. All etched parts from the sheet were used.
The interior was painted with tinted white. To prevent the bright interior of the 263 from being visible through the cooling fins, a small black box is glued under the fins.
So, that was the first part of my report. I hope you like it and that the explanation of the steps didn't try your patience too much.
The second part will be posted as soon as it's finished. Part 3 will finally be about the figures.
Part 4 will cover the construction of the base, which I am currently working on.
Jürgen
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