Roden 704 Sd.Kfz 232 Schwerer Panzerspahwagen 1:72

The Sd.Kfz 232 (Fu) (8-Rad) was first used during the annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia, and its first combat experience was obtained in the Polish campaign in autumn 1939 where radio communication cars proved their ability in infantry support, especially during intense street fighting.

War against the Soviet Union was a severe test for eight-wheeled armored vehicles - in autumn Russia's vast territory was a total mash of mud and heavy cars of the 8-Rad type turned out to be especially vulnerable in this environment. During the first half year of operations about 150 eight-wheeled cars were destroyed. In North Africa the Sd.Kfz. 232 (Fu) (8-Rad) served as a part of the African Corps under the command of Erwin Rommel. High air temperature was one of the most significant problems for armored cars and tanks, since due to tough climatic conditions technical failures were frequent. Eight-wheeled cars turned out to be the best vehicles for long raids in wide desert territory and were in service almost until the last days of DAK existence.

Sd.Kfz 232 (Fu) (8-Rad) production was stopped in 1943 when the Sd.Kfz 234 appeared, the glorious "Puma", the best armored car of WWII, which surpassed the Sd.Kfz 232 (Fu) (8-Rad) in every aspect of performance.