SdKfz 251/1 Ausf D - Project CLOSED!

[Rubicon Models]

Reviving a Shelved Project – SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D

The Hanomag was our first pilot project when Rubicon Models was created back in Nov 2013.  As it turned out, somebody else was also doing a similar vehicle, so we decided to shelf the project in goodwill and worked on the Panzer IV as our first kit.

A year had passed, and with the launch of our first six plastic kits, we are seriously thinking to revive our pet project back to life!  Some might question why?

Our Hanomag design is quite different in many ways:
- It is an SdKfz 251/1 Ausf D.
- Will be a 2 sprue kit (hopefully).
- A third sprue for options or variants.
- More details on the kit.
- More options for customization.
- Designed to be multi-variant… all in plastic, no resin, no white metal!

Here are some of the possibilities:













Other possibilities included:

SdKfz 251/2 – 80mm Mortar Carrier
SdKfz 251/3 – Communication Carrier
SdKfz 251/4 – Infantry Tractor for towing guns
SdKfz 251/6 – Command version
SdKfz 251/7 – Another version of the Assault Engineering vehicle
SdKfz 251/9 – with 75mm L/24 gun
SdKfz 251/10 – with 37mm PaK 36 anti-tank gun
SdKfz 251/16 – Flammpanzerwagen
SdKfz 251/18 – Armoured Artillery Observation
SdKfz 251/22 – with 75mm Pak 40 anti-tank gun
SdKfz 251/23 – Reconnaissance

What do you think?  Shall we proceed?  Comments and why?

That’s it for now, will keep you posted as we progress!

 

[Anfernee]

If you are able to make some of the options interchangable like your other kits, I think a Hanomag would be an amazing kit. It's such an iconic vehicle of WWII.

[ripley]

Another great idea for a kit . Some of the versions might work as combo kits , for example the 251 / 9 and 22. Both have the some seats removed for ammo storage and the gun mount , so a basic interior would work for both . If you make the rear  seat bases and backs as separate pieces it would make conversions easier . Might I suggest you check out some of Dragon's 2 in 1 - 1/35 scale 251 kits for ideas on how to combine versions . Just ignore their kit instruction , they are hopeless . I do hope , if possible that you can mold the rear doors as 2  separate parts and if there is room on the sprue include a spare road wheel  and some small lengths of spare track . Many 251 Ds were photographed with this type of stowage in the later years of WW 2. If you make , we buy it and build it

[Rubicon Models]

RIPLEY: We are doing exactly the things you are recommending!  Will post some WIP photos later after our 3D prototypes are done!

[Ballardian]

Would certainly be interested in a 'D', (the other plastic option being a 'C') as I play mostly late war & love the idea of Pioneer & ambulance options.

[Garga]

Great idea...

[Tony1955]

I for one would be very interested in the 251/6 command vehicle. No-one seems to produce one. The recon and Artillery Obs would also be a great addition to my German Army. Great idea all round.

[Rubicon Models]

The 3D print is back, we now have 55 parts altogether, will probably reduce it down to 45 or so!

Our SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D should feature:
- open or closed back door
- 2 side fenders and stowage options
- optional signal rods
- choice of MG34 or MG42 machine guns
- fully covered or half-open canvas top

[Andy]

I really like this project! Any chance that we will se a "neu" Sdkfz 250 in the future? Keep up the good work!

[Rubicon Models]

I really like this project! Any chance that we will se a "neu" Sdkfz 250 in the future? Keep up the good work!

Probably yes, but not right now! A lot of people is already yelling at us about making too many German vehicles... It just happened the 251 was something that we already had on file, and can be worked on right away!

[Preda]

Were not yelling

[OzzyUK]

You guys may bankrupt me.... Is the 3D print detail the final kit pending the parts reduction you mentioned? I was hoping for the standard transport layout with options for the Stuka Zu Fuss myself, or mortar, or pak.  Just to give better variety than the canvas coverings (as cool as they are). Although the quality appears damn high, seems even better than the italeri/warlord plastics coming out, it's really the variety/options you get per kit compared to other companies that sets you folks apart.

[Anfernee]

No yelling here either, keep the German vehicles coming

[Andy]

Im happy with the 251 ausf D as it is! I will buy that one too 

[Rubicon Models]

When we started Rubicon Models as a major project, we had already established ourselves with a mission - Need to set us apart from other miniature manufacturers - More choice, more options!  Thanks for all the support and encouragement!